With its exceptional durability and endless variation in color and pattern, natural stone is a unique choice for surfaces in your home. We fabricate slabs of natural stone for various interior and exterior applications, including kitchen & bath countertops, showers, furniture tops, and more. Different types of stones are more suited for specific applications. Below is a brief overview of the characteristics of various common stones:
Granite is a hard natural stone well suited for kitchens and other high-use areas. It is very durable, and resistant to high heat and scratching. Properly cared for, granite countertops can last a lifetime.
Marble is a softer natural stone and more care must be taken to keep it looking new. Since marble is softer than steel, knives and other kitchen utensils can scratch its surface. Marble reacts to acids, so any acidic cleaner or food item left on the countertop will leave an etch mark. Some aging is to be expected over time, and many consider this to be the mark of home well lived in.
Soapstone is another soft natural stone, but ideal for kitchen applications due to its ability to hide wear marks. Soapstone is usually sealed by liberally applying mineral oil to the surface, until it is no longer able to absorb any more. Mineral oil serves to not only protect the stone from stains, but also to enhance its color and hide small scratches than inevitably occur.
Quartzite is even harder and more stain resistant than granite, and makes an ideal countertop surface.
Limestone has been a common building material for millennia. The Great Pyramids, as well as many medieval cathedrals, are constructed of limestone. It is a relatively soft stone that requires sealing, and will show wear over time
Travertine is a form of limestone, formed near mineral springs. Travertine is very porous, like a sponge, and its pores must be filled before being installed in a countertop application.
Onyx is a stunning semi-precious stone that can act as a stand-alone painting within a room. This semi-transparent stone can be back-lit for a dramatic effect.
Slate is a very heat resistant and almost completely impervious to water. A relatively hard stone, slate will hold up much like granite.
