Stone. How do you select your stone? How did we become so fortunate to have so many choices? So many that we “take it for granted” or with a bit of stone humor, “for granite!!”

I’ve previously noted that trends come about as a result of changes in technology, availability, or the mere on-going need to keep creating and to keep the economy moving forward with the insatiable need for the newest – whatever.

In the early last century, plastic laminate – commonly known as Formica by both brand and composition – was invented and, over the ensuing decades, grew in color, pattern and application. It was THE counter-top material for cost and availability for generations and is still widely used today expanding its reach with quite remarkable textures, colors and faux finishes.

Stone – natural and timeless has been the luxury material – an alternative for only the rich and famous or those fortunate enough to live next door to a quarry. Stone has been the heart and the natural art of the world’s structure – the fantastic geology of our earth since the beginning and has formed with astonishing beauty and variety with the evolution of the planet. Quarried for centuries, ancient civilizations installed magnificent structures in close proximity to the source – natural resources with monetary resources at hand resulted in everything from edifices to interior finishes and furniture.

Voila – then technology and supply chain logistics made the cost and availability more accessible bringing stone into modern kitchens everywhere. Stone transported from Brazil, China, Italy and nearly every pocket of the planet offers a world of choices for YOUR counter-tops (and more). But with so many choices, how do you chose?

This will be a focal point of your kitchen. It is either the neutral against other lively patterns and textures or it is a matrix of color or perhaps a bold prominent swirling, sweeping statement of fantasy and magical movement. It is valuable to remind yourself that you are studying geology. Nature formed this. It is nature’s art.

Even in a tight matrix stone, irregular surprises of deposits can occur. The choice is to capture those statements adding character in your countertop or dodge them in favor of a more uniform, expected appearance. You either appreciate the wild nature of the seeming imperfections and regard them as fortunate finds or your prefer the expected uniformity of the overall look of the stone you have selected.  To accomplish this one way or another is to select your slab.

When ordering from a big box store, you often do not have that opportunity – they draw from an assortment of stocking sources and you won’t have the chance to pick your slab – just your variety. This can result in happy or not so happy surprises. Stone is a natural material.

Stone can be finished in a variety of textures from very highly polished to honed and even rough leather-like textures. These features are further details and enhancements that will make a significant difference in the overall style and impression of your design decisions. It’s a big investment – study your options and combinations of adjacent materials.

Samples of stone are just that – samples – cuttings from a slab – but no two slabs are alike. The sample you hold in your hand and place against cabinet and tile options might have a streak running trough it or be primarily one color that you picked because you loved – but the actual slab might not be that same composition.

The closet thing you can get is to have consecutive slabs cut allowing amazing pattern matching and anticipated designs. But it will slowly morph away from the specific design as the slabs are sliced illustrating the natural evolution of the stone’s formation.

When you have the opportunity, pick your slab. You can then see the actual details of the stone and more specifically you can layout your countertop template directly on the stone to know exactly what will occur where and how the finished countertop will look. In any case, a natural stone surface is a unique work of art!

Here, a unique warehouse of pre-cut slabs all 2, 3 or 4 x9 feet. The cost is reduced due to bulk fabrication. Field cutting handles most installs while other fabrications shop can be engaged to create custom installations.

Every piece of rock extracted from the earth has its own character. From color, pattern, and mineral specks, enhanced by the process of cutting and polishing. Like a stone washed by rain, the colors are more rich and brilliant…that same stone dried has a softer dull appearance. This distinction between shiny or mat, polished or honed is another choice depending upon the context and look of the intended design.  Knowing what a natural thing can become either used in its raw state or enhanced to modify its appearance is the key to more choices.

BONUS offer!!! You can have your island in a different stone for contrast or complimentary reasons!!!

Once you’ve selected your stone, you then pick the edge detail. A few options are – square for a clean modern look,

radius for a more durable edge and softer statement. Notice the seam that results from laminating two thin slabs for a larger bullnose  subtle and if done well, not noticeable without close inspection.

Broken edge for the rough natural look – granite (the tough choice) and also shown here, sandstone (not the best choice for a working counter-top, but rustic and great for wall caps, benches, mantles and hearths.

An ogee edge for a more formal detail.

Natural stone is durable and easy to maintain. Have no fear! It tolerates heat and is terrific for transferring hot baking pans or dishes from the stove or oven. You can chip the edge with a strong blow – but otherwise will not be easily damaged. The stain issues are nearly non-existent. While some stones are more prone to staining, others are more imperious and with improved sealants, most are warranted for anti-stain. Furthermore, stains – IF they occur, can be usually be removed/restored/refinished on-site. The only other concern might be susceptibility to acid etching which varies with differing stones. As is true with staining, these areas can often be repaired on-site in your home.

If you want to be certain of your stone’s properties prior to purchasing, use a sample and apply the dealer’s suggested sealer. Put test patches on it with things like tomato paste, citrus juice, oil and wait a few hours…wipe the sample clean and you’ll know how it responded. Each stone’s resistance to staining, scratching or etching varies with the source, composition, color and finish.

Now natural stone has a lot of competition from man-made materials, solid surfaces, engineered stone, concrete…they vary according to their fabrication, composition and finish, but most do not possess the same durability and impervious properties of natural stone. Investigate each on its own merits. There are often times when design decisions favor the aesthetic of a man-made material. As always, make your decision weighing the pros and cons.

With so many choices…how will YOU decide?

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