Materials

Granite is a natural stone that is extremely durable, heat and scratch resistant, and requires very minimal maintenance. These characteristics are what makes it very appealing for highly utilized surfaces. Also, because it is formed from the crystallization of a variety of minerals, there is a vast selection of colors and grain variations to choose from.

Marble is a classic natural stone, most known for its white color and grey veining. While it is mostly durable and heat resistant, its mineral composition makes it very susceptible to staining and etching from acidic liquids even when sealed.

Travertine is a natural stone that is a form of limestone and almost looks like marble. It is available in many earth colors, and has beautiful natural veining. It is less expensive than granite and some other marble types, but not the best suited for certain high traffic areas. Take note that it is highly reactive to acidic liquids (causes staining) and heat and is also prone to scratching.

Quartzite is a natural stone that has a similar look to marble, but is harder than granite. It has the same durability of granite as well–it withstands heat and scratching and requires minimal maintenance, thus making it a great option for kitchens and bathrooms. Quartzite material carries an additional fabrication cost as the composition of the stone makes it more labor-intensive to work with. Please be sure to advise our office if you are considering quartzite for your project so that we may adjust your estimate accordingly.

Limestone is another natural stone option. It looks similar to marble and has a unique origin as it is made over time from shells and fossils and is shaped by sand and aquatic life. It has a very high heat resistance; however, it also more fragile than granite and can become discolored and etched easily.

Onyx is a very elegant and rare natural stone that surely sets a home apart. Every slab is unique. However, it does require extra special care. It is extremely susceptible to scratching and staining. Also, because it is a soft stone, it is most suitable enhancing a surface that is highly visible, but not highly used.

Soapstone is a natural stone also known for its durability. Heat and acids won’t affect its surface, and its high density property makes it bacteria and stain resistant as well. However, some of its mineral composition does make it a bit softer, which will lead to edges and corners becoming eased over time.

Quartz is a man-made, highly durable stone. It is made up of natural silicon dioxide and synthetic materials, with approximately 93% consisting of loose quartz. It is then blended with a binder and pigment. As a result, it is available in a very wide range of colors and is formulated to give the appearance of natural stone such as granite or marble. Quartz is hard and less prone to denting and chipping than many other stones do to its flexible nature. However, high heat should be avoided since its resins can melt above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.