Authentic Nature Stone Brand Flooring Adds Beauty, Warmth ...€¦ · 5 NATURE STONE flooring...

Authentic Nature Stone® Brand Flooring Adds Beauty, Warmth and Value to Your Home.

© 2013 NATURE STONE. NATURE STONE is a Registered Trademark of O.C.R. Products, Inc. Patent Pending. All Rights Reserved. NSTN2214 01.13

Lead paint certified

After 23 years in business it is

humbling that the name NATURE

STONE has become synonymous

with stone and epoxy flooring

throughout the United States and

Canada. Amazingly, despite our

popularity, the most common

questions our customers have

remain the same …1) Who is

NATURE STONE; 2) What is

NATURE STONE flooring; 3) Where

is NATURE STONE flooring used, 4)

Why do homeowners use NATURE

STONE flooring, and 5) How much

does NATURE STONE flooring cost?

Authentic NATURE STONE brand

flooring is a custom blend of fine

stone and our specially formulated,

patent-pending epoxy expertly

applied over your existing concrete,

designed to add striking beauty and

long-lasting durability, and to solve

your difficult concrete floor covering

problems. In fact, NATURE STONE

flooring is often used as a solution

where moisture, water, and even

flooding has caused ongoing floor

covering problems.

Of particular interest to many of

our customers is the fact that

authentic NATURE STONE brand

flooring can actually improve the

air quality throughout a home. On

page eight and nine of this Buyer’s

Guide you’ll learn how a NATURE

STONE floor can provide this

benefit, making customers’ homes

more comfortable, more enjoyable

and more livable. In many cases

homeowners aren’t even aware

of the mold and mildew growing

beneath their basement floor

coverings. With NATURE STONE

flooring, that problem is eliminated,

providing customers with peace of

mind and a healthier home.

While an authentic NATURE STONE

brand floor may look expensive, in

reality, you will actually save money

over the long term. When you

consider its problem-solving benefits,

longevity and unmatched warranty,

NATURE STONE flooring, all of a

sudden, becomes very affordable.

We have made many changes and

improvements over the years to the

NATURE STONE flooring product,

not the least of which is our special

epoxy, designed specifically for

stone and epoxy flooring. In this

Buyer’s Guide you’ll find out how

our Hydrostatic PortsSM technology

has revolutionized the basement and

flooring industry by allowing your

concrete floors to breathe naturally,

instead of sealing the concrete,

which provides a breeding ground

for mold and mildew in basements

and peeling and lifting of coatings

in garages. The Hydrostatic

PortsSM technology also translates

to higher insulation “R” values and

drier basements as well, keeping

basements warmer and more

comfortable!

What has not changed is the

excitement of our customers

as they experience the magical

transformation of an authentic

NATURE STONE brand floor and

our commitment to satisfy each

and every one of our customers.

I hope you find this Buyer’s Guide

educational and inspirational. We

look forward to the opportunity

to serve you and add you to our

growing list of more than 35,000

satisfied customers who have made

the investment in authentic NATURE

STONE brand flooring. Currently,

more than 12 million square feet of

NATURE STONE flooring is being

enjoyed by homeowners who take

pride in their home and

appreciate quality!

Russell Masetta

Owner/Founder

The Nature Stone Story. Table of Contents2 The NATURE STONE story

4 NATURE STONE flooring around the home

5 NATURE STONE flooring benefits

6-7 Why NATURE STONE flooring for concrete floors

8-9 Why traditional floor coverings are not appropriate for basements

10 Transform your basement into a beautiful, healthy environment

11 Product specifications and comparisons

12-13 Create a beautiful, durable, safe garage entrance

14-15 Transform your outdoor areas into something special

16-17 Choose from a wide selection of designer colors

18-19 The secret behind a quality NATURE STONE floor

20 Maintaining your NATURE STONE floor is easy

21 Committed to being green friendly

22 Determining the cost of a NATURE STONE floor

23 Reasons to schedule an appointment / How to schedule your appointment

24 NATURE STONE’s success

25 Giving back to the community

26 The value of a true warranty

27 Mission and Value statement

3

Schedule Your FREE In-Home Estimate Today!Learn More. Schedule Your FREE

In-Home Estimate Today! Learn More.

Use Nature Stone Flooring All Around the Home. Nature Stone Flooring Benefits.Rec Room• Warmer than carpet, tile and

laminate flooring• Eliminates the growth of

mold and mildew• Stain-resistant, easy to clean

Family Room•� Comfortable to walk on,

even with bare feet• High insulation value• Helps reduce noise

Garage• Slip- and stain-resistant• Twice as strong as concrete• Cleans easily, reduces

tracked-in dirt

Laundry Room• Comfortable to stand on, even

with bare feet• Spills and overflows clean easily• Eliminates growth of

mold and mildew

Pool• Slip-resistant, no puddling• Cooler than concrete• Revives the appearance

of pool area

Sunroom• Strong and durable• Water, even flooding, will

not damage• Easy to clean

NATURE STONE Flooring Facts

•��NATURE STONE flooring is the #1 stone and epoxy flooring company in the United States

•��NATURE STONE flooring has been installed for more than 30,000 customers covering more than 12 million sq. ft.

•��NATURE STONE formulates and produces its own specially formulated, patent-pending epoxy

•��NATURE STONE flooring has been independently tested and meets the toughest industry flooring standards

• NATURE STONE flooring is environmentally friendly and uses only FDA-approved materials

•��NATURE STONE flooring products and services are proprietary and are only available through NATURE STONE or its licensed dealers and franchisees

•��NATURE STONE is sincerely dedicated to the highest quality products, service and customer satisfaction

•��NATURE STONE is singularly committed to the stone and epoxy flooring business

•��NATURE STONE is dedicated to helping customers add value to their home or business property

•��NATURE STONE provides the best warranty in the industry on its flooring

A Beautiful and Healthier Home•�Adds�beauty�and�value�to�your�home•�Eliminates�the�growth�of�mold�and�mildew•�Improves�the�air�quality�in�your�home•�Comfortable�and�warmer�than�carpet

Permanently Solve Concrete Flooring Problems•�Covers�cracks,�chips�and�stains•�Corrects�uneven�concrete�floors•�Twice�as�strong�and�durable�as�concrete•�Never�has�to�be�replaced

An authentic NATURE STONE® brand floor is well-known for its beauty and durability. When applied over concrete garage

and basement floors, no other flooring outperforms a NATURE STONE floor. Day after day, year after year, NATURE STONE

flooring looks new and withstands heavy traffic, moisture, temperature changes and everyday wear and tear. With its

natural beauty, matchless durability and low maintenance, a NATURE STONE floor provides homeowners peace of mind

and a sense of pride in their home.

Before AfterBefore

Painted or sealed concrete cannot breathe, causing blistering and peeling

Continuous airflow allows moisture to evaporate naturally

Mold and mildew can grow when floor coverings can’t breathe

Air circulates throughout NATURE STONE flooring

After

NATURE STONE flooring adds beauty

and value to your home; it can

even make your home healthier by

improving the air quality in your home.

With many designer colors to choose from you can transform drab concrete into beautiful living spaces throughout your home.

54

Why Nature Stone Flooring for Concrete Floors?

76

Proprietary Stone and Epoxy Formula. Not all stone and epoxy mixtures provide the same level of performance over concrete. For a beautiful floor that eliminates concrete problems permanently, NATURE STONE uses a blend of the finest natural stones and a specially formulated, patent-pending epoxy developed by and used exclusively by NATURE STONE. The strength of the epoxy is enhanced by a proven stone-to-epoxy mix ratio developed by NATURE STONE. This combination creates HYDROSTATIC PORTSSM that permit concrete to breathe naturally, preventing the growth of mold and mildew by allowing moisture to evaporate.

NATURE STONE’s Protective Top Coat. Our research indicates that a stone and epoxy floor must have a protective top coat applied at the time of installation. Every NATURE STONE floor includes this top coat to ensure that the top surface is protected from daily wear and tear. Other stone and epoxy companies omit this step as a way to reduce the initial cost of the floor for the homeowner and to ensure frequent callbacks to return the floor to its like-new appearance, all of which is not covered under their warranties.

A NATURE STONE floor eliminates frequent maintenance common with other stone and epoxy flooring companies:

1 Many installation companies improperly use a lubricant to prevent the epoxy from sticking to the trowel. This lubricant can dilute and weaken the characteristics of the epoxy.

2 Unlike other stone and epoxy companies, NATURE STONE ensures through their installation techniques that the top surface of the stones do not lose their tough, epoxy covering, which is critical to maintaining the beautiful showroom appearance of the stone floor.

The addition of the protective top coat ensures a quality, long-lasting floor that will require minimal maintenance during its lifetime.

This is why NATURE STONE is the only company to unconditionally warranty against the loss of the surface gloss appearance for 10 years.

Water migrates upward from the ground through basement concrete, becoming

trapped beneath floor coverings.

ward from the gro

NATURE STONE flooring makes for a healthier home by preventing the growth of mold usually

found beneath carpet, tiles and laminate.

NE flooring makes for

Carpet, Tile and Coatings Trap in Moisture, Promoting Mold/Mildew.

NATURE STONE Flooring’s HYDROSTATIC PORTSSM Allow for Natural Evaporation, Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth.

Carpet, Coatings andTile Mold

Trap

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Water migrates upw

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evaporationevaporation

BasementConcrete Floor






Water migrates upward from the ground through basement concrete, becoming

trapped beneath floor coverings.

ward from the gro

NATURE STONE flooring makes for a healthier home by preventing the growth of mold usually

found beneath carpet, tiles and laminate.

NE flooring makes for

Carpet, Tile and Coatings Trap in Moisture, Promoting Mold/Mildew.

NATURE STONE Flooring’s HYDROSTATIC PORTSSM Allow for Natural Evaporation, Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth.

Carpet, Coatings andTile Mold

Trap

ped

Mo

istu

re

Water migrates upw

CarpetCCCCaaarrrpppeeetett, Cott,, CCCCoooCCCaa

Trap

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evaporationevaporation







• Will not peel, blister, chip or crack

• Relieves hydrostatic pressure – allowing concrete to breathe naturally

• Allows water to drain or run off, preventing moisture, mold and mildew

• Floors stay safe, slip-resistant and dry

• Withstands moderate to severe temperature changes

• Delivers permanent durability – never has to be replaced

Before After

Before

Before

After

After

Painted or sealed concrete cannot breathe, causing blistering and peeling

Epoxy coatings lift and peel

Improve air quality by eliminating the growth of mold and mildew

NATURE STONE flooring is permanent, durable and strong.

Continuous airflow allows moisture to evaporate naturally

Mold and mildew can grow beneath floor coverings

1 2 3



98

With NATURE STONE you will never replace your basement flooring again

NATURE STONE flooring has twice the insulation “R” value of carpeting and helps eliminate the growth of mold and mildew

Turn drab basement areas into an inviting living space for the entire family

Make your unused basement your family’s favorite room

A NATURE STONE floor is comfortable, even therapeutic to walk on, even with bare feet

Why Traditional Floor Coverings Are Not Appropriate for Use in Basements.

THE PROBLEM:

You don’t typically see it, but below most traditional basement floor coverings is a world of mold and

mildew. Carpet, tile, laminates and coatings applied over concrete often promote the growth of mold

and mildew beneath the surface. As mold spores grow and contaminate the air, imagine what you and

your family are breathing while working or playing in your basement. Each time your furnace kicks on,

it draws in the moldy, spore-filled air and distributes it throughout your entire home.

THE SOLUTION:

Only the authentic NATURE STONE brand flooring system, with its patent-pending formulation, is designed

to allow concrete to breathe, moisture to evaporate and actually prevent the growth of mold and mildew,

thereby promoting a healthier and cleaner environment inside your home.

HERE’S WHY:

There is a world of difference between covering plywood sub-flooring that’s used throughout your home versus

covering the concrete floor in your basement. Unlike plywood, which is dry, concrete is porous and moisture

naturally migrates upward through the concrete from the cold, damp ground below. Your basement may appear

dry but when the concrete surface is covered with products like carpet, tile, or coatings, the moisture becomes

trapped between those floor coverings and the concrete surface. Just look at the dampness under your front

door mat on a hot, dry day. The concrete cannot breathe. Moisture has nowhere to go.

Many governmental studies recommend that carpeting and tile should not be installed on a basement floor because it is

susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew, which promotes unhealthy air quality in your home.

Mold under carpeting caused by no air circulation

Mildew under linoleum as a result of no air circulation

Moisture seeping through tile, promoting the growth of mold and mildew

NATURE STONE flooring helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew



Product Specifications and Comparisons

1110

Insulation (“R”) Value Comparison

Flooring Type “R” Value

NATURE STONE 4.02 - 4.45

Urethane Coatings 1.35 - 2.10

Carpet 0.70 - 2.10

Linoleum 0.20 - 0.40

VCT (Vinyl) 0.20

Ceramic Tiles 0.25

Wood 0.20 - 0.75

Liquid Effect on NATURE STONE

Motor Oil No Change

Ammonia No Change

Battery Acid No Change

Bleach Minor reduction of gloss

Antifreeze No change

Rock Salt No change

Salt No change

Common Cleaning Agent No change

Stain Resistance

Authentic NATURE STONE® Brand Flooring vs. Traditional Floor Coverings

Flooring Thickness “R” ValueResistance to Moisture

PROS CONS

1/2 inch 4.02 - 4.45

ExcellentMoisture, water, even

flooding, will not damage

- Corrects uneven and cracked concrete

- Easy to clean - Stain-resistant

- Excellent warranty

- Should not be used over wood floors or asphalt

Urethane Coatings

10-24 mils 1.35 - 2.10 Fair- Easy application - Low initial cost - Temporary fix

- Deteriorates due to salt, heat from tires and

hydrostatic pressure- Limited or no warranty

Carpet Varies 0.70 - 2.10 Poor - Low initial cost- Replaced more often - Breeds mold/mildew

- Stains easily

Linoleum 1/8 inch 0.20 - 0.40 Poor- Low initial cost - Easy to clean

- Replaced more often - Traps moisture and can

breed mold/mildew - Slippery when wet

- Limited or no warranty

VCT (Vinyl) 1/8 inch 0.20 Poor- Low initial cost - Easy to clean

Breeds mold/mildew- Limited or no warranty

Ceramic Tiles

3/8 inch 0.25 Good- Easy to clean

- Looks beautiful

- Very fragile- Breeds mold/mildew

- On-going maintenance- Limited or no warranty

Wood1/8 -

3/4 inch0.20 - 0.75 Poor

- Easy to clean - Looks beautiful

- Natural and attractive

- Breeds mold/mildew- Warps when wet- Scratches easily

- Limited or no warranty

Source: National Terrazo Association and other independent sources

Transform Your Basement Into a Beautiful, Healthy Environment.

Authentic NATURE STONE brand flooring is your

best choice for covering basement concrete floors.

Not only will a NATURE STONE floor look beautiful

for years and years, but it will be the last floor

covering you’ll install in your basement.

NATURE STONE is incredibly strong and cannot

be damaged by moisture, water, even flooding.

And, unlike carpeting, tile and coatings often used

in basements with disappointing results, NATURE

STONE flooring breathes naturally, allowing your

flooring to stay dry and resist the growth of mold

and mildew even in damp or wet conditions.

An authentic NATURE STONE® brand floor will not breed mold or mildew, and can actually promote healthier air quality and a cleaner environment in your home!

• Comfortable to walk on, even with bare feet

• Promotes healthier air quality

• Insulation “R” value 2x carpet/10x tile

• Reduces noise/acoustical properties

• Stain-resistant

• Water, moisture, even flooding will not damage

• Will not breed mold and mildew

• Environmentally friendly

• Easy to clean with vacuum or mop

An authentic

NATURE STONE®

brand floor comes

with the best

warranty in the

industry!



Create a Beautiful, Durable, Safe Garage Entrance!

1312

One of the hottest trends in home decorating

focuses on upgrading the garage. Many

homeowners have come to use their garage as a

main entrance or foyer to their home and want it to

reflect the quality of their home while others simply

need to cover up old, cracked, stained and

salt-pitted concrete.

NATURE STONE’s specially formulated, patent-

pending epoxy, used only in NATURE STONE

flooring, is the secret to its strength and longevity

for garage floor applications where a beautiful,

durable and easy-maintenance floor is desired.

Unlike paint, which doesn’t allow concrete to

breathe, causing premature peeling and chipping,

a NATURE STONE floor applied directly over the

existing concrete is permanent, allows your

concrete floor to breathe and will never need to

be replaced.

Test NATURE STONE Concrete

PSI 8,000 + 2,400 - 4,000

Salt-Resistant Yes No

Stain-Resistant Yes No

Slip-Resistant Yes No

NATURE STONE Flooring vs. Garage Concrete (4” thick)

• Dramatically add beauty to the appearance of your garage

• Safe and slip-resistant

• Eliminates puddling/standing water/slipping hazards

• Reduces tracked-in dirt

• Easy to clean – just hose off

• Covers uneven, cracked and stained concrete

• Eliminates salt damage and surface deterioration


• Variety of colors and design choices

• Outperforms and outlasts paint and other coatings

Liquid Effect on NATURE STONE

10W-30 Motor Oil No Change

Ammonia No Change

Battery Acid No Change

Bleach Minor reduction of gloss

Antifreeze No change

Rock Salt No change

Salt No change

Common Cleaning Agent No change

ASTM Fluid Immersion Testing Results

Keep your garage looking new year after year.

Create a beautiful, clean entrance into your home

Before

After



Transform Your Outdoor Areas Into Something Special!

1514

Add A Touch Of Class All Around Your Home.

NATURE STONE is the best decorative covering

for outdoor concrete areas. For patios, walkways,

entryways and around swimming pools, NATURE

STONE is designed to be strong and durable,

adding beauty to the outside areas of your home.

In fact, NATURE STONE flooring is often used to

cover up cracks and stained concrete, which

avoids costly and messy concrete tear-outs. With

many popular colors to choose from, you can

create a unique look that complements the rest

of your home!

NATURE STONE’s specially formulated, patent-

pending epoxy, used only by NATURE STONE, is

the secret to its durability, beauty and longevity.

Best of all, a NATURE STONE outdoor floor is

easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a hose.

• Dramatically add beauty to outdoor living areas

• Water, moisture, and even flooding will not damage

• Covers cracked, chipped, ugly concrete

• Safe and slip-resistant

• Withstands moderate to severe temperature changes

• Comfortable to walk on – even with bare feet

• Easy to clean with mop or hose


• Variety of colors and design choices

Beautiful, long-lasting and slip-resistant.Dramatically improve the appearance of your home and add to its value

Easy to clean and will not be damaged by water. Elegant walkways

Upgrade the appearance of your patioNATURE STONE flooring is cooler than concrete, safe and slip-resistant



Choose from a Wide Selection of Designer Colors!

1716

Pick a color! NATURE STONE flooring is available in a

wide variety of popular colors, from Apache and Roan

River to Mini Pearl and Coral…so you can very easily

complement the overall design theme of your home.

Create your own unique look! With NATURE STONE

flooring, you can customize your stone mix to better

match your home’s decor. For more creative designs,

choose borders and inlays in contrasting colors to add

depth and interest to any concrete floor.

NOTE: Smaller and lighter stones are recommended for indoor applications, while larger, darker and more rounded stones are recommended for outdoor applications.

Availability of certain stones may vary — consult your local NATURE STONE representative.

All stones are a product of nature and natural in color and size. Color variations are inherent to the beauty of natural stone. Color variations should be anticipated.

Large Mocha

Apache

Large Erie Shore

Small Coral

Standard Stones

Blue Grey

Black Pearl

Multi-Color Flint

Washington Natural

Grey Brown Blend

Large Pearl

Mini Pearl

Small Mocha Cantina Pink

Roan River

Texas Rainbow

White Rose

Small Erie Shore

Premium Stones

Select Stones

Add a distinctive design or border with a complementary color.

Schedule Your FREE In-Home Estimate Today!Learn More.

The Secret Behind a Quality Nature Stone Floor.

1918

1 The process of mixing the stone and epoxy

together is a critical step. One size does not

fit all. Some stones are larger and rounded,

others are smaller and more compact, while

still others are flat cut with more surface to

cover with epoxy. To accommodate these

differences, the amount of epoxy used to

properly bond the different types and sizes

of stone together must vary accordingly.

Improper mix ratios may cut costs but are a

recipe for disaster.

2 Quality and performance of epoxy can

vary dramatically. An inexpensive, general

purpose epoxy will help lower costs but will

result in a poor-performing floor with issues

such as rapid loss of gloss, degrading of

the epoxy, discoloring, stone shedding and,

most certainly, costly ongoing service and

maintenance. To illustrate, you can buy a

gallon of epoxy for as low as $20 or up to

$100 or more. There are definitive reasons for

the varying costs. Common sense dictates

the cheaper the epoxy…the poorer the

performance. NATURE STONE formulates

and manufactures (in-house) its own state-

of-the-art, patent-pending epoxy specifically

engineered for stone and epoxy flooring and

optimum performance.

3 For a strong, durable, long-lasting floor, the

application should be a minimum of ½ to

¾ inch in thickness for optimum results.

Applying the stone and epoxy mixture too thin

can gain more coverage and further reduce

costs, but can severely degrade the durability

and expected longevity of your stone and

epoxy floor.

4 A high-quality, non-yellowing and UV-

resistant protective top coat is critical to

long-term performance and should be

applied immediately after the installation.

The top coat reinforces the integrity of the

top surface, which is typically weakened and

diluted by the installation process. Failure

to immediately apply a top coat allows for

a cheaper initial cost but will result in costly

ongoing service and maintenance. NATURE

STONE recognized this issue years ago and

incorporated our high-quality protective top

coat into our exclusive NATURE STONE

flooring system.

NATURE STONE has studied and perfected the mix ratios for the proper amount of epoxy with the different types and sizes of stone to achieve optimum performance.

Do not prime the concrete. Have you ever looked under your front door mat on a dry day and seen the moisture on the concrete, while the concrete around it is dry? That’s because concrete itself is porous and water migrates upward through concrete. That is commonly referred to as hydrostatic pressure. Covering or sealing concrete with a primer, paint, tile, carpet or other coating will trap moisture between the surface of the concrete and the covering. This will create pressure and ultimately cause damage such as damp, mildewed carpet, peeling paints, tiles popping off, and will most certainly breed mold and mildew and that musty odor common in basements.



Maintaining Your Nature Stone Floor Is Easy. Committed to Being Green-Friendly

2120

As with any floor covering, there is some periodic cleaning required to keep the floor looking new. To clean your indoor NATURE STONE floor, simply use a vacuum, damp mop, household carpet cleaner or steam cleaner.

For NATURE STONE floors installed in the garage or outdoors, it is easy to clean with a hose, pressure washer or shop vac.

NATURE STONE maintains a full-time customer service department to provide any maintenance service you may need. NATURE STONE also provides do-it-yourself maintenance service kits.

Hose or Power WasherSponge MopVacuum

Wet/Dry VacSteam Cleaner or Household Carpet Cleaner

Green-friendly attributes include:

• 100% solids—epoxy binders, elastomeric sealants, and polymer top coats that are FDA compliant

• No volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Chemicals are monitored under the International Council of Chemical Associations’ Responsible Care® program

• Anti-microbial agent in NATURE STONE flooring prohibits growth of mold and mildew and safeguards indoor air quality

• Does not require chemicals or waxes to maintain

• Reduces waste stream through recycling and proper disposal

•� Manufactured locally to reduce pollution generated by transporting products

• NATURE STONE is dedicated to protecting the health of your family and our community by manufacturing safe, environmentally friendly floor covering products. NATURE STONE ensures that our products are safe for our employees to handle and install and safe for you to own and care for.



How to Determine the Cost of a Nature Stone Floor.

How to Schedule Your Appointment.

Reasons to Schedule an Appointment for a Physical Site Inspection.

2322

We wish there was a simple answer. In reality, it’s like

calling a builder and asking how much it will be to

upgrade or renovate your kitchen. Obviously, a cost

estimate has to be given in person when the many

options can be considered and the existing kitchen

conditions can be thoroughly examined.

The same holds true for NATURE STONE flooring

because NATURE STONE flooring is not just a beautiful

concrete floor covering, but in many cases is a perfect

solution for ongoing, nagging concrete flooring problems.

Therefore, a physical inspection of the existing condition

of the concrete floor and surrounding areas is necessary

to provide an accurate and reliable cost estimate. Not

doing so would be irresponsible and, quite simply,

a wild guess.

At NATURE STONE, we believe it is irresponsible to

offer pricing without first knowing and understanding

what is required to provide a proper installation.

1 An on-site inspection is critical to

determining the condition of your

existing concrete. Stone and epoxy

flooring should not be used to

cover severely damaged, shifting

or structurally unstable concrete.

This should be disclosed at the

time of the site inspection and

cost estimate.

2 NATURE STONE flooring is not

intended to build up sunken concrete

areas to redirect water away from the

home. NATURE STONE flooring is

a porous product designed to allow

water to pass through it. A physical

site inspection can address these

types of issues and concerns.

3 The amount of prep work required for

the existing concrete will need to be

determined. This is critical to a proper

installation. Such preparation may

include light grinding of the concrete,

pressure washing or removal of carpet,

tile, paint or other coatings and sealers.

The proper bond to the concrete is

the most important step.

4 The type and number of expansion

and control joints will need to

be determined at the time of the

inspection. Covering those joints

(especially outdoor) is risky. If the

concrete “moves,” as designed, then

the same movement can crack the

stone and epoxy flooring. NATURE

STONE offers a special expansion

strip that “bridges” over the existing

joints and dramatically reduces the

potential for cracking.

An easy way to determine the cost of your Nature Stone floor.

An in-home site inspection is required to provide an accurate price. Too many variables affect the pricing of a stone and epoxy floor. That is why we do not quote prices over the phone.

Call to schedule an appointment for a free, no obligation presentation, site inspection and accurate cost proposal.

We will provide you with a written cost proposal and explain our 10-year unconditional warranty. No other company or product can match the features, benefits and warranty

of authentic NATURE STONE brand flooring.

Having all interested parties attend helps to:

• Simplify the education process

• Provide for a safe and comfortable experience for everyone

• Eliminate the possibility of feeling obligated or pressured to buy

• Assure that all questions and concerns can be addressed at that time

Who Should Attend the Appointment and Why.We ask that all interested parties (spouse, adult children, significant other) be present for our representative’s scheduled appointment.



Nature Stone’s Success, It’s All in the Logo.

2524

Several years ago, NATURE

STONE adopted the term

“YaYa” and incorporated

it into its logo. If you look

closely you will see it under

the “e” in the word STONE.

Since then we have been

asked by those perceptive

enough to notice – and

curious enough to ask, what

“YaYa” meant. Many have

speculated that it might be some kind of code or related to

the movies, e.g., “The Sisterhood of the YaYa” or “Sandlot”

in which one of the kids was named YaYa. I am told that in

Greek, yaya is an affectionate term for grandmother.

In light of the question and speculation, I thought it might be

time to tell the story.

YaYa is the enduring nickname of a real person who was

born and raised in a small, close-knit community on the east

side of Cleveland, Ohio. As the story goes, a young sister

couldn’t pronounce his name and called him YaYa.

His family affectionately copied her and the name stuck.

As a young boy, he excelled at sports, but especially

at baseball. As a young man he had a one-in-a-million

opportunity to play professional baseball. He was invited

to spring training by the Philadelphia Athletics, but as fate

would have it, broke his arm just before spring training

camp was to begin.

However, YaYa was not deterred. His love of the game, his

hard work and his commitment to excellence propelled him

to a career as one of Cleveland’s premier sports figures.

YaYa became an “All World Player” who starred in 16 world

softball championships. He had been called “The Star

Among Stars” and “Probably the Greatest Slo-Pitch Softball

Player in Cleveland History.” A Cleveland newspaper referred

to him as a local legend and many agreed. YaYa was named

to the Greater Cleveland Slo-Pitch Hall of Fame in

its inaugural class of 1985 and to the Greater Cleveland

Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

That was the public side of YaYa. Privately, he was a family

man with a heart as big as the city he came from. His love

and support for his family were beyond limits.

He toiled as a cement finisher and, like his baseball career,

he gave it his all. With his work ethic, commitment to

excellence and many friends, YaYa went on to become a

successful cement contractor.

As in any small business, there were always ups and downs.

But as YaYa had done many times in the game of softball

and life…he would simply get back up, dust himself off,

move forward and become better for it.

YaYa was also a generous man to all who knew him and

believed in giving. YaYa offered a helping hand to anyone

who asked. Whether it was a small favor, a job, or some

financial support, he never refused and always found a

way to help.

YaYa played through numerous

knee, arm and ankle injuries

— which he overcame by his

knowledge and instincts about

batters and where they would

hit. “He could field, throw, run,

hit, hit for power – everything,”

says Buddy Langdon, director

of the Greater Cleveland Slo-

Pitch Softball Museum and Hall

of Fame.

I was extremely fortunate to

know him. He was the one

who taught me the cement

finishing trade. He helped me

out more times than I can

remember. When I was down

and struggling, at the lowest time of my life, he gave me a

job and pointed me in the right direction. And when I had

nothing more than a trowel and an idea, he encouraged

me and helped me to start the business that evolved

into NATURE STONE. He was and continues to be the

inspiration for me and for NATURE STONE.

Andrew “YaYa” Masetta

Luke Wilson, Russell Masetta, and Michael MasettaSerena Masetta Wilson, Antonia Masetta, and Audra Masetta

As NATURE STONE celebrates more than 23 years in

business, having served more than 30,000 customers, I

am humbled that the name NATURE STONE has become

synonymous with stone and epoxy flooring and proud

that it stands for quality and integrity.

Many people perceive NATURE STONE as a large national

corporation and are not aware that we are actually a family-

run business that was started and remains deeply rooted

in Cleveland, Ohio. It was YaYa who instilled in us his work

ethic and commitment to excellence. It is by the standards

and the examples he set throughout his life that we continue

to overcome our own ups and downs and strive to be the

best. Like YaYa, we are proud to be not just from Cleveland,

but of Cleveland.

YaYa passed away September 30, 2004. I was there at his

side with his family all around him and I remember thinking

that this is a great man. The day of his funeral, his friends

and family gathered together in a tribute of deep respect

and love for him. I hoped people would remember him after

his death as they did in his life – as the Best of the Best.

I am glad he had the chance to see my accomplishments

and the growth of NATURE STONE. I think he knew that he

played a major role in it. I know he was proud.

A business logo is a symbol that acts as an identification of

the company it represents. YaYa had a tremendous influence

on me and was always an inspiration.

That’s why, shortly after his passing, I incorporated his name

into the NATURE STONE logo as a symbol of how I will

always strive to be like him. He will always be an important

part of my life and of NATURE STONE.

That is how I continue to honor my father…

Andrew “YaYa” Masetta.

Russell Masetta, Owner/Founder

NATURE STONE

Giving Back To The Community.It has been almost 23 years since NATURE STONE began its Charitable

Donation Program. NATURE STONE adopted a policy of donating a percentage

of each contract (or $10 minimum) to a charity of our customer’s choice.

Throughout the years, the donations have continued always on behalf of and in

the individual names of our customers. Those individual donations have contributed,

collectively, well over $700,000, benefiting more than 200 different charitable

organizations within the communities NATURE STONE serves.

This giving tree represents a sampling of the many charitable organizations that have received donations on behalf of our NATURE STONE customers.

AmericanCancer Society

Habitat for Humanity

Rainbow Babies& Children’s Hosp.

AmericanHeart Assn.Salvation

Army

St. Jude Children’s

Hospital

Ronald McDonald

House

Multiple Sclerosis

Society

Susan G. Komen

Alzheimer’s

Association

Wigs for Kids

United Way

Nationwide Children's Hosp.

March of Dimes

Red Cross

Humane SocietyThe Food Bank

Make-A-WishFoundation

Disabled AmericanVeterans

NATURE STONE, in the spirit of our state motto, “With God, All Things Are Possible,” simply wishes to thank its valued customers for their patronage and share our success with the community.

The Value of a True Warranty.

2726

Warranties are important but are only as good

as the company behind them. Many companies

“talk” about their warranty but what they put in

writing is often very different.

The old adage, “read the fine print,” could not be

more appropriate.

Most, if not every, competitors’ warranties I have

ever seen are actually hidden, long-term service

agreements that can cost a customer thousands

of dollars over the years…especially those that

offer or require an annual inspection. The purpose

of those inspections is to SELL YOU SERVICE

WORK. Some warranties may actually require you

to buy the service or lose your warranty.

Typically, “loss of gloss” is never covered and

companies make a living by charging customers

for topcoat applications year after year.

Because of our proven performance for more

than 23 years, we have continually improved

our warranty. In fact, only an authentic NATURE

STONE brand floor comes with the best warranty

in the industry. Consult with your local authorized

dealer or franchisee for details.

Russell Masetta

Owner/Founder

From my father, I learned the undeviating

steadiness of character and integrity and

the significance of building a company of

value. Over the passage of time, due to his

influence, NATURE STONE has become

one of the most admired and respected

companies in America.

Our product strengths come from

NATURE STONE flooring’s specially

formulated, patent-pending epoxy and our

overwhelming commitment to workmanship

and excellence.

Our personal strengths come from the

principled moral and ethical behavior of all

of our employees. I adopted the motto from

the State of Ohio, “With God, All Things Are

Possible,” as a hallmark for our Charitable

Donation Program that donates a percentage

of each NATURE STONE flooring sale to the

customer’s charity of choice.

I make sure we begin each business day

with a specially designated objective: ensure

every NATURE STONE customer finds

magic in their NATURE STONE floor and is

greeted warmly and treated respectfully by

all of our employees. We are bound to an

idealism that defines the delicate balance

of not only a fully satisfied customer but a

company whose unchangeable resolution

is based on the goals for which my father

set in me.

At NATURE STONE, we live to the beat of

one heart. Our goal is to affect the beat of

thousands of hearts.

Russell MasettaOwner/Founder

Mission and Value Statement



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