Countertops - Natural Stone Slab Information

The Basics

Types of Stone:

• Granite - Granite is the number one choice for high use areas, such as a kitchen countertop, because it is extremely dense and durable.
  
• Marble - Marble is a crystallized limestone that comes in many different color variations and usually displays a veining pattern that adds to its uniqueness. Marble is more porous than granite, therefore popular for bath applications rather than the more heavily used kitchen areas.
  
• Limestone/Travertine - Typically, these stones are honed with the matte finish although some of the harder types can be polished. As these stones are even more porous than marble, they may require more preventative maintenance over time.

Natural Stone Slab

• Slabs are solid pieces of stone that are used for countertops, backsplashes, wall and surrounds.
  
• More expensive than natural stone tile.
  
• Different stone types are better suited for different uses. Granite is the most popular slab for kitchen counters for hardness and durability.
  
• Seams in slabs are possible and can be visible depending upon the application and layout.
  
• Edge Treatments
  

  • You will have a choice of edge treatments for slab. Some edge details are simply the edge of the slab rounded or cut in different styles such as a bullnose, bevel edge, or ogee. The other type is called a laminated edge where there are two pieces of stone laminated together to form more of an overhang. With the laminated edges you will see a seam.