Natural Stone
Natural stone slabs are a classic choice for adding elegance and character to any space. With their unique veining and color variations, each slab offers a one-of-a-kind beauty that cannot be replicated. From granite to marble and everything in between, natural stone slabs are available in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit any design aesthetic.
Whether used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, or as a statement piece in a living room or foyer, natural stone slabs offer a timeless appeal that will never go out of style. And with so many options available, there is a natural stone slab that is perfect for every project.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Stone
Natural stone countertops are made from genuine stone that has been quarried from the earth and cut into slabs. These slabs are then shaped, polished, and installed as countertops in residential and commercial spaces. There are several types of natural stones commonly used for countertops including granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone. We have a helpful video that explains more about where natural stone comes from, types of stone, and best uses.
Each type of stone has its own unique characteristics in terms of color, pattern and durability. We can help you find the natural stone that best fits your aesthetics, design, and lifestyle. Refer to our Choose the Perfect Material page to learn more.
Natural stone is available at a wide range of price points. There are very affordable granites, extremely expensive marbles, and everything in between! The ideal stone for you all depends on your budget, aesthetics, and lifestyle.
Because natural stone is quarried from the earth, each block may have slightly different sizes. It’s best to select natural stone slabs in person to be sure you have enough slabs to complete your project. The standard slab thicknesses are 2cm and 3cm.
Natural stone slabs are quarried in blocks directly from the earth and then cut into slabs, not unlike slicing a loaf of bread.
Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:
Quarrying: Large blocks of natural stone are extracted from the earth.
Block cutting: The extracted stone blocks are further cut into slabs.
Surface finishing: A series of abrasive techniques such as grinding, honing, or polishing are done to refine the surface of the stone slabs.
Quality control: The slabs are inspected for defects, imperfections, or inconsistencies in color, pattern, or thickness.
Selecting the perfect surface
Discover the fundamental properties of different materials through this compact guide. For a more comprehensive and detailed approach to selecting the perfect material, please click here.
Read About Choosing the Perfect Material or Watch a Video to Learn All About Quartz or Natural Stone
Granite is most commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas because of its durability and low maintenance requirements. Granites typically show small flecks or grains of minerals uniformly distributed throughout the stone. Some “exotic granites” will have veining patterns similar to marbles.
Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed from limestone. It is known for its beautiful veining and luxurious appearance. Marble is a softer material than granite and is susceptible to scratches and stains. It is commonly used in bathrooms, foyers, and other areas where a luxurious aesthetic is desired.
Quartzite is generally harder and more dense than granites with patterns that can resemble the veining found in many marbles. Quartzite is resistant to chemicals, stains and scratches and is remarkably resiliant. It’s an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and floors. Note: Quartzite should not be confused with manufactured quartz-based materials.
Quartz is a man-made material that is comprised of crushed quartz crystals, resins and binders that are compressed and then baked into a slab. Quartz is non-porous and does not need to be sealed. It’s very durable – stain, scratch and heat resistant – and is great for high traffic areas. Note: Quartz should not be confused with natural quartzite.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is made up of calcium carbonate. It is a softer material than granite and is susceptible to scratches and stains. Limestone is commonly used in bathrooms and other low-traffic areas because it is not as durable as other natural stone materials.
Travertine is formed in mineral springs, and is a form of limestone that is less dense and softer
than traditional limestone. Because travertine is softer and more sensitive to acids than granite, marble, and limestone, many people opt to use it for areas such as bathroom vanities, residential flooring, shower walls, and wall applications.
Other natural stones available – check your local branch for details.
