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About Natural Stone
Why natural stone versus one of the new synthetics?
There is nothing more beautiful than natural stone. While many man-made materials try to imitate stone appearance with their finishes, nothing can compare to the real thing. Even the finest synthetics can't match natural stone's:
• Versatility
• Durability
• Lasting value
• Beautiful range of colors and textures
Initially marble and granite may cost more than other solid surfaces, but price must be weighed against performance. The durability and longevity of marble and granite will make any additional cost average out over time.
Marble and granite are far more valuable than synthetics in much the same way that diamonds are more valuable than rhinestones. The natural depth and character cannot be matched by any man-made surface. Natural stone does not depreciate with time and adds value to your home. |
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What is the difference between marble and granite?
Although both were created deep within the earth millions of years ago, the processes that formed them were quite different.
Marble is a metamorphic rock. It was once limestone, but over time, the combination of intense heat and pressure caused the limestone to re-crystallize. Foreign substances often entered the stone during this process, creating an infinite variety of colors, asters, and veining. Marble is a lot like snowflakes; no two pieces are exactly alike.
Granite is an igneous rock, which means that at one time during its development, it was melted like volcanic lava. Unlike lava, however, this melted (or molten) rock never reached the surface. It remained trapped inside, where it slowly cooled and crystallized, resulting in a very uniform, speckled stone that ranges in color from black and gray tones to pinks, browns, and reds.
Marble and Granite is quarried throughout the world with a large portion of it shipped to Italy, the hub of the world for the natural stone industry. Once in Italy, a gang saw is used to slice the large blocks into 3/4" and 1-1/4" thick slabs. The faces of these slabs are then polished to a high gloss finish. The slabs then get crated in the original order in which they were cut from. Each crated bundle contains approximately 8-12 slabs. Once they are crated they await shipment to fabricators around the world.
Marble and granite are easier to maintain then you'd expect. Warm water and a soft cloth clean up most spills on both surfaces. Marble isn't quite as worry-free as granite. It has a softer, less stain-resistant surface than granite and should be treated like a fine piece of wood. Spills should be wiped up immediately, coasters should be placed under beverages to avoid staining and etching. Marble is especially susceptible to damage from citric acids, alcohols, and oils. With proper care its beauty will last for generations. Granite is a worry-free surface, requiring few special precautions. It is extremely durable, stain resistant and easy to care for. Hot pots and pans won't damage it. It won't chip, crack, or scratch under normal use. Cutting boards are recommended when slicing bread, meats, or vegetables to protect your knifes from becoming dull!
We often hear that the most fun part of the process is selecting the individual slabs of stone. With so many to choose from, customers can purchase the slabs that most reflect their own characteristics as well as those of their home. We have a few premier stone yards we send our customers to – please refer to our partner list for one nearest you.
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So what makes one stone fabricator different than another?
Seams, seams – it’s all about the seams. In general, the fewer the seams, the better the job. In addition, where the seams are placed are a sure-tell sign of the quality and experience of the fabricator himself. One way to tell an expert fabricator is if you can see the seams with the naked eye. An expert fabricator will leave very little traces of himself behind, allowing the natural beauty of the stone to stand out. Bert’s work is notorious for appearing literally seamless.
A lesser-known factor is the type of glue used by the fabricator when installing the final product. Your granite or marble tops are meant to last a lifetime, and keeping them solid and secure is critical. Bert uses only the finest, most expensive glue imported from Germany and Italy. Other inferior glue products can cause your countertops to eventually crack and or shift. |
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Polished or honed – what’s the difference?
There are two ways to finish the product; by polishing the stone, brightening the surface and increasing the reflective quality and luster, which gives a shiny appearance, or by honing, which removes the shine and creates a muted, more natural stone finish. Ultimately it is customer choice and preference, as different people prefer different looks.
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Why do edge details matter?
Edge details vary greatly and are critical to the overall price of your project. Basically, the more detailed the finished edge, the more expensive the product. In addition, the more intricate the edge and more layers added, the weaker the overall material becomes. We usually tell customers, “If you intend to use your kitchen a lot, then you want to stay with the simpler edge details. However, if your intention is to showcase your stone and house with dramatic, visual interests, then the intricate details are definitely impressive”.
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