materials
Natural Stone
Granite
Granite is a rock that’s all around us, in nature and in things that we’ve made out of it for buildings, statues, decoration, etc.
In general, granite is a hard rock resistant to scratches and abrasions; it is usually heat resistant and has a low amount of porosity. We have to consider that it is a natural stone, so it needs some care and attention, as being resistant does not mean that it won’t get scratched, stained, or that direct heat application won’t damage it.
Granite is very durable, so you’ll likely be able to enjoy your tops for a long time. This stone is an excellent choice for any countertop, especially in kitchens and outdoor kitchens and grills. We apply a sealer to all our granite tops and recommend using soapy water to clean them.
Marble
Many people see marble regularly. Like granite, we use it in a variety of applications for indoor and outdoor use. Marble is generally softer and has a higher porosity than granite, so it is more vulnerable to scratches, chips, and stains.
One important thing to keep in mind is that marble can be easily etched with acidic substances such as juices, sauces, and even some types of vinegar and wine. This characteristic means using marble in kitchens can be tricky, and we do not generally recommend it. If you really like marble and still want to use it in your kitchen, we suggest using a honed marble as that finish can help hide etched spots if they were to happen.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a beautiful material gaining popularity thanks to its distinct look and the fact that its strength is similar to granite.
Different quartzites have different degrees of porosity, but in general, they’re stain and etch-resistant, and with proper sealing and care, there should be no issues. This stone is also heat resistant, but please remember to avoid direct heat applications.
One thing to keep in mind is that the inherent toughness and durability of this material make it harder for us to work with it. Working with quartzite usually takes more time, and there’s more wear and tear on machinery and supplies than working with marble or granite, so our fabrication cost is a bit higher for this product.
Working with quartzite usually takes more time, and there is more wear and tear on supplies and machinery than working with marble or granite, so our fabrication cost is a bit higher for this product.
We fabricate and install pieces with natural stone. Follow the links below to see the galleries of some of our natural stone partners. They have showrooms and carry a wide variety of materials and slabs in different colors for you to look through at their various locations.
There are so many options to choose from and so many details to consider; we invite you to contact us to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. We can help you figure out the quantity of material you need for your project and which material better suits your needs. When you go look at slabs, remember that you are looking at natural stone… make sure you love all the characteristics of the material you pick, for example, different veins, crystals, or even blotchy spots. Also, remember to inspect the slabs you are considering and make sure there are no chips or cracks that you don’t like.
Engineered Stone
Quartz
Quartz has become a popular choice for a variety of uses in indoor spaces. This stone is not solid quartz, the naturally occurring mineral, but rather a mixture of pieces of quartz and binders. An important characteristic is that the pattern goes all the way through the slabs, so when we cut them, the pattern on the side looks the same, so a variety of edges can be applied.
This material has excellent durability, but it still needs care as issues can arise. It is considerably less porous than natural stone, so it is highly stain-resistant. It is also more resistant to surface damage such as scratching, abrasions, cracks, and chipping, but direct impact with hard objects can still cause damage. Quartz is heat resistant, but you should avoid direct heat application. Please keep in mind that this material is for indoor use only; it is not recommended for outdoor applications.
We are certified to fabricate and install pieces with a variety of engineered stones. Below are the links for some quartz manufacturers such as Cambria, Caesarstone, Pompeii quartz, Silestone by Cosentino, Corian quartz, and One quartz by Daltile. These are the brands that we usually work with, but let us know if you want to find out about a color from a different brand name not included here. You can follow those links to visit their online galleries and see their various colors and patterns and get endless ideas for your projects. We have samples for most of the colors in our offices and will be happy to schedule an appointment for you to visit us and take a look. We can help you with your selections, figure out how much material you need, and the best options for your budget, style, and space.
porcelain
Porcelain slabs are an engineered material that’s usually made from a mixture of dense clays.
The manufacturing methods may vary slightly between the different brands, but in general, porcelain is a versatile material. It is resistant to heat, scratches, cracks, etching, and stains. It also has very low porosity, and it is UV resistant, which means this material can be used outdoors.
In general, the designs are achieved by applying the colors and patterns onto the slab surface. Once we make a cut, the raw edge that’s left does not look like the surface, so a mitered edge provides the best results for this material.
Also, although this is a durable material, chips might happen, which would reveal the slab’s patternless interior.
Slabs usually come in 6MM and 12MM thickness, which makes them lighter when compared to other engineered materials and as such a good option for large pieces such as high kitchen splashes and shower walls.
There are different brands of porcelain slabs available in the market. You can see the available patterns and colors of Daltile’s Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces by following the link below.
Compact sintered surfaces
Compact sintered surfaces are another class of engineered stone. This newer generation of materials has many of the attributes that make quartz desirable, and it presents improvements in its resistance to UV and heat. These surfaces have very low liquid absorption, are super durable, and they’re highly scratch, abrasion, stain, and heat resistant. They’re also made to withstand ultraviolet (UV) light, so colors and patterns will not degrade when used outdoors.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all the brands have colors and patterns that run all the way through the slabs, some of them print their patterns onto the surface, so the edge choices are limited, and in most cases with pattern designs, you might need a mitered edge.
Two of the leading brands of sintered compact surfaces in the market are Dekton and Neolith. We are certified and have experience fabricating and installing both of them. Follow the links below to see their online galleries and design ideas.
dekton
Dekton is manufactured by Cosentino, the makers of Silestone, a known quartz brand.
It comes in various thicknesses varying from 8mm to 30mm, which can be helpful in unique designs and big-scale installations.
Neolith
Neolith is made by TheSize.
This product is available in various finishes, from rough textures to shiny polish, which can help widen design possibilities. It comes in various thicknesses, 3mm, 6mm, 12mm and 20mm.
recycled glass
Recycled glass slabs are made by combining glass chips and other particulates such as quartz into a resin or cement base. The type of base (cement or resin) and the final ratio of materials vary by brand.
There is a limitation of edge selection with this material; we only offer a square edge when fabricating counters with it.
We invite you to follow the links below to see the color selections from two manufacturers that we work with.
