PROCESS
Granite and Marble
Granite and marble were formed through different geological processes deep inside the earth over millions of years. It is no wonder that they are timeless in both durability and in aesthetic appeal. It is their igneous and metamorphic natures, respectively, that distinguish them.
Granite is an igneous rock, having at one point in its development been melted down like volcanic lava. But its melted, or molten, state never reached the surface of the earth, as lava does. Instead it remained trapped inside the earth, cooling and crystallizing slowly over time. The result is its prized surface appearance—a uniformly speckled stone ranging in colors from black and gray to brown, pink, red, green and white.
Granite is perfect for kitchen countertops, bar tops, accent islands, dining tables, and more. It is striking in appearance, yet highly functional and durable.
Marble is metamorphic rock, meaning it was once limestone that recrystalized under intense heat and pressure. As foreign substances entered the stone during these changeable stages, they became part of its structure, and therefore its appearance. Each piece of marble is unique in color, texture and veining.
Marble is ideal for fireplace facings, walls, windowsills, ornamental furnishings, and in the bathroom, for use as flooring, shower walls, tub decking, and vanity tops. Marble makes a statement of luxury and elegance, and offers a timeless yet versatile beauty.
Marble and granite are quarried as huge blocks from all over the world, often times weighing as much as twenty tons. The blocks are cut down into slabs 2-3 cm thick, and each is polished to a standard finish. The slabs are crated and shipped to us to further cut and finish according to our customer's specifications.
Limestone and Slate
Limestone consists of organic materials such as shells, coral, and calcium carbonate, accumulated naturally over time, creating a density of texture and colored rock. Limestone offers a soft and neutral palate with its calming tones of gray and beige. A delicate stone, it is unable to withstand a high polish so its pores are penetrated with an impregnating sealer for protection. It is mostly chosen for use as flooring or in baths.
Slate is fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the compression of sediments such as clay and shale. Slate offers a less polished, more rough-hewn look for floors and for fireplace surrounds. Because of its wide pattern and color variance, you will want to see and feel a few samples before selecting a color and texture. Slate's key features are its vibrant color palette and its variance of textural expressions.
How Much Wear And Tear Will It Need To Endure, If It Is A Countertop Or Vanity?
Your first step in choosing a stone is to consider the following: Where do you want the stone, and how heavily trafficked is that area? How much wear and tear will it need to endure, if a countertop or vanity? What effect are you hoping to achieve in the room's décor? What will best match the style of the home, whether contemporary or traditional in theme?
The Stone Resource invites you to come into the showroom and see and feel the many types of stones available. Bringing in other samples for the project such as cabinetry, flooring and paint swatches is helpful, so that our consultants can help you streamline your personal vision. You can also take stone samples home to view in the light and atmosphere particular to your space. No matter what stage you are in, be it dreaming of a renovation or ready for installation, our consultants are prepared to help.
Once you have made your aesthetic selections, our turnkey package ensures that every detail will be considered in producing your customized order. We supply design and layout services, field templating and installation. We also educate you, the home owner, with ways to care for and maintain your stone, making the experience a pleasure from start to finish. If you are a homeowner simply replacing a countertop, or a builder with multiple projects underway, The Stone Resource is available to help you measure, design and complete any project successfully.
Your Customized Order
We start by providing you with a rough estimate based upon drawings and measurements that you provide. Once the rough estimate is approved we will come to your location and create a field template and finalize the quote. Providing specific information about your sink, faucet, cook top or stove choices is helpful.
We then produce a customized template necessary for your project, confirm the suitability and availability of your choice of stone, and send the completed order to our fabrication facility.
Fabrication, Delivery and Installation
Fabrication entails drilling, edging, sawing, polishing, and custom cutouts—and ultimately a finished product delivered to you as precisely as it was ordered. Our certified professional installers carefully transport the materials at the promised appointment time—and do so in a timely manner, from 2-3 weeks after the site is templated.
