How to Choose the Right Stone

Factors to Consider in Selecting a Natural Stone

You have many options when it comes to beautiful, long-lasting natural stone for your home’s interior and exterior: Granite, Marble, Quartz-based stone and Travertine just to name a few. Choosing a natural stone for your home is a very personal decision, much like selecting wallpaper or artwork.

While there are scores of natural stone to consider, some are better suited than others to particular uses in and around the home. We can help you explore your options and offer guidance on the right stone for the right project.

COLOR

Natural stones are available in a beautiful spectrum of colors. Colors in granite and marble, for instance, can range from soft beiges to pinks, classic black and whites, to rich corals, greens and multi-colors.

Unlike the repetitive sameness of materials produced by machine or assembly line, natural stone’s naturally varied appearance has wonderful character and creates a one-of-a-kind effect anywhere it is used. These natural variations will appeal to some and not others. We highly suggest that you hand select your material and make it very clear prior to fabrication of any areas of the stone that concern you. In most cases, not all, we can accommodate this request.

FINISH

Natural stone can be ordered in many different finishes for a distinct appearance. This process in done at the quarry or factory prior to shipping of the stone. Some colors are limited to polished only but many are not.

A polished finish has a glossy surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and marking of the stone. This finish is typically used on countertops, walls, furniture tops and floor-tiles.

A honed finish is a satin-smooth surface with relatively little light reflection. It is generally preferred for floors, stair treads, thresholds and other areas where heavy traffic will wear off a polished finish.

A leathered, or satin finish adds texture to the surface. It closes the pores and retains the color better than honing. This finish offers a sheen to it but is not as reflective as a polished finish. The texture will vary from stone to stone and not all selections are available. We highly suggest that you hand select this finish in your material before purchasing.

THICKNESS

Slab materials come in two thicknesses.

2cm, or ¾” is most commonly used in smaller applications like bathroom or laundry countertops. If 2cm is used in the kitchen, it is usually fabricated with a laminated “glued together” edge which adds twice the thickness, bringing it to 1 ½” think at the edge. This edge detail allows for added edge design options.

3cm, or 1 ¼” is more common in kitchen applications and is become more popular through the home. The edge design options is more limited in this thickness of material but since it is thicker throughout, it tends to be more durable in the fabrication and installation process.