Stone Knowledge
Granite, Marble, Soapstone, and Quartzite are natural stone slabs. Granite has always been our most popular natural stone, due to its variety of styles; it also typically offers the best price and resistance to heat and scratches. Quartzite comes in a variety of beautiful and unique designs and is a popular choice for back-lit cabinets or statement areas; it contains natural fissures which can make fabrication challenging, so quartzite is among the higher-priced natural stone options. Marble and soapstone are naturally softer and more porous, so we recommend these slabs in areas with lower traffic to help minimize the risk of scratching or stains. All natural stone requires occasional sealing, due to its porous surface. We will seal the slab when we first install, but once water droplets begin to soak in rather than beading on the surface of the stone, the customer can stop by a home improvement store for a spray-bottle of natural stone sealant. Many customers choose natural stone for the classic and one-of-a-kind designs.
Quartz is an engineered (man-made) stone consisting of natural stone fragments in addition to resin, which acts as a binding and sealing agent. This recipe results in a stone that is very strong and resistant to breaking. In recent years quartz has become our most popular and cost-effective option, with thousands of designs in nearly every color and available in the stunning styles of many natural stone products. Most quartz designs are available in 3cm and 2cm thickness. Quartz countertops do not ever require sealing and are the most resistant to scratches and staining. Unlike natural stone, quartz manufacturers usually include a limited warranty. Due to the resin component, quartz is not warrantied/recommended for extremely high-heat areas or outdoor use.
Other engineered products like Dekton and Porcelain have recently grown in popularity. Dekton is a product by Cosentino which is warrantied for both outdoor use and extremely high-heat areas. It is available in a variety of designs that range from industrial to marble-reproduction and is often installed at fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. It is an extremely strong product that is resistant to breakage. Porcelain slabs are likewise resistant to sunlight, heat, and everyday wear-and-tear, making them another excellent choice for countertops, splashes, fireplaces, showers, statement walls, and other outdoor uses. The minimum slab thickness we fabricate is 2cm on countertops or 1.2cm for large vertical installations.