We all love natural stone!
Anything from diamonds to quartzite sparkle in their own way. There are a myriad of different types of natural stone used for counter tops but some of the most popular are onyx, granite, quartzite, soapstone, limestone, and marble.
Anything from diamonds to quartzite sparkle in their own way. There are a myriad of different types of natural stone used for counter tops but some of the most popular are onyx, granite, quartzite, soapstone, limestone, and marble.
So which stone is right for you? Various aspects of each type should be considered when selecting your own. So let's discuss how counter tops go from natural formations in the earth to beautiful features in your home or office and how you can select the perfect stone for you.
Natural stone comes from the earth and there are quarries all over the world dedicated to safely removing it so that we can enjoy its beauty! The quarry uses dynamite and heavy machinery to cut out large blocks of stone; these blocks are then sold to stone companies for processing. I recently took a tour of a stone processing plant to see exactly how these blocks are turned into the giant slabs that you purchase at a slab yard.
Natural stone comes from the earth and there are quarries all over the world dedicated to safely removing it so that we can enjoy its beauty! The quarry uses dynamite and heavy machinery to cut out large blocks of stone; these blocks are then sold to stone companies for processing. I recently took a tour of a stone processing plant to see exactly how these blocks are turned into the giant slabs that you purchase at a slab yard.
Each stone block is marked so that the company knows what type of stone it is and when it will be processed. These blocks are safe to sit out in the elements because they are organic material which won't be affected by the weather. Their weight varies based on the stone's density but some can weigh up to 40,000 pounds. Large cranes are used to pick the blocks up and place them on carts that lie on tracks; the tracks help the carts move easily.
The block is then placed into a cutting machine to be sliced similar to bread. The machine uses thousands of pounds of force to draw diamond blades through the block slicing them into individual slabs. This step in the process can take many hours, with some facilities running the machine overnight to cut a single block. Once the slabs are cut they are placed back on the cart and transported to the finishing/drying area.
In the finishing/drying area each slab is coated with a resin to maintain the structure of the stone and seal it's surface. Once the resin has cured it is then fired in a kiln so that the slab and resin become one entity. This process is repeated a second time to ensure that each slab is fully sealed and protected.
Once the slabs complete the double kiln process it's time to polish and texture the surface. A long machine with multiple polishing heads take each slab down a conveyer belt while rubbing the surface to create the final finish seen on your slabs. Some popular finishes are honed, leathered, or polished. These textures are often done in large batches of different types of stone yet the same finish so that the factory can maximize it's output. Changing out the polishing heads takes a few hours so the company must run groups of honed material together, then a leathered batch, and so on. At the end of the conveyor belt a robot picks up each slab and stacks them vertically for transport to the slab yard where designers, builders, and clients come select their natural stone slabs.
So now that you know how they are made, How do you select the right one for you?
As I mentioned, there are inherent properties to each one that you should consider when selecting the perfect stone. However, you should first ask yourself how you use your space. Do you anticipate doing a lot of work on the surface which could cause small scratches? Will you be entertaining a good amount and run the risk of stains from food and drink? Do you seek to have a pristine surface that shines just like the space? Each of these answers could steer you toward a specific stone, so I'd start there. Of the most popular types of stone, here are a few considerations for each one:
1. Onyx - The biggest consideration with tis one is typically cost. It's considered a precious stone and typically lies on the higher end price wise. However, it's most popular installation type is to be backlit so that the beauty of the stone shines from within making it perfect for display.
2. Granite - The most popular of counter top surfaces, it's extremely durable due to it's density. The more gathered particles make if fairly resistant to stains and etching (tiny micro-scratches). It comes anywhere from dark black to a grey-white but doesn't come in a pure white.
3. Quartzite - This option is growing in popularity due to its various color options, while often times remaining more dense than marble. It also looks more like a precious stone without the same price tag.
4. Soapstone - Feels quite a bit softer than the other stones due to it's talc composition. This option would be good for the client who wants a pristine space that's not in heavy use.
5. Limestone - This surface is made up of marine organisms and calcite which can make it very hard but may erode over time. It's a great option for a client who seeks longevity out of their surface.
6. Marble - Another popular option for counter tops and most products come in a high polish or honed finish. If you think you'll be prone to stains, this option can still work for you so long as you are aware that they may retain their discoloration and etching caused by acidic liquids.
Choosing the right stone shouldn't be overwhelming or scary. We know that if you take the above into consideration you'll be able to select the perfect surface. Although if you feel more comfortable with assistance please reach out to us and we will help guide you through the selection process.
As I mentioned, there are inherent properties to each one that you should consider when selecting the perfect stone. However, you should first ask yourself how you use your space. Do you anticipate doing a lot of work on the surface which could cause small scratches? Will you be entertaining a good amount and run the risk of stains from food and drink? Do you seek to have a pristine surface that shines just like the space? Each of these answers could steer you toward a specific stone, so I'd start there. Of the most popular types of stone, here are a few considerations for each one:
1. Onyx - The biggest consideration with tis one is typically cost. It's considered a precious stone and typically lies on the higher end price wise. However, it's most popular installation type is to be backlit so that the beauty of the stone shines from within making it perfect for display.
2. Granite - The most popular of counter top surfaces, it's extremely durable due to it's density. The more gathered particles make if fairly resistant to stains and etching (tiny micro-scratches). It comes anywhere from dark black to a grey-white but doesn't come in a pure white.
3. Quartzite - This option is growing in popularity due to its various color options, while often times remaining more dense than marble. It also looks more like a precious stone without the same price tag.
4. Soapstone - Feels quite a bit softer than the other stones due to it's talc composition. This option would be good for the client who wants a pristine space that's not in heavy use.
5. Limestone - This surface is made up of marine organisms and calcite which can make it very hard but may erode over time. It's a great option for a client who seeks longevity out of their surface.
6. Marble - Another popular option for counter tops and most products come in a high polish or honed finish. If you think you'll be prone to stains, this option can still work for you so long as you are aware that they may retain their discoloration and etching caused by acidic liquids.
Choosing the right stone shouldn't be overwhelming or scary. We know that if you take the above into consideration you'll be able to select the perfect surface. Although if you feel more comfortable with assistance please reach out to us and we will help guide you through the selection process.
