The sequence of events which brings natural stone from the quarry to the home has not changed much since stone entered the homes of the ancient Greeks. Large blocks of stone are cut from the quarry. From those blocks, thin pieces of stone are cut called slabs. The slabs are then shaped and polished and shipped for installation.
We hear a lot these days about marble and granite, but you probably didn’t know that travertine is one of the most frequently used stones in modern architecture. It’s neutral and exotic coloring makes it a great partner with other stones like marble, granite and limestone.
When most people think of adding words to stone, the first concept is monuments. These testaments to stone’s durability are certainly part of` the mix, and a launching pad for some now doing stone signage.
Granite is another durable but expensive countertop option that’s also pretty much beyond the realm of do-it-yourselfers. Like solid surface materials, granite stone is cut and polished off-site, including cut outs for sink openings. That demands a lot of accuracy and coordination to make sure measurements and templates are correct.
Natural stone is as timeless as the universe. A design of creation’s own architecture frozen in time and space, it speaks a sensuous and evocative language; one of color and textures, of feelings and richness, of its passage from its geological beginnings through 4 billion years to the present day.
When it comes to a natural material, it’s hard to find something that fits the bill better than stone — but does it fit in with a growing new trend of socially responsible construction? The idea of environmentally friendly construction dates back to at least the early 1970s, reappearing in the nation’s conscious every time energy prices take a bump.
According to market sources, industry analysts expect the phenomenal growth in the natural stone industry to continue. Fueled by a revival in the demand for natural stone in the last decade or so, the industry has seen sharp rises in output production.
Natural stone emits a tangible energy that no man-made material has ever been able to rival. Once upon a time, long ago, the only way to truly experience these architectural examples was to pack your bags, grab your passport and hop aboard the next transatlantic flight. Now you need only to pick up your car keys and drive to the nearest luxury home development, most likely just down the road.
An interesting trend is developing in the natural stone business and it signals a return in interest to some classic stones. More and more, homeowners and kitchen designers are calling for the use of white marble, a stone that has been used in this setting for centuries, but recently saw a decrease in interest due to the explosion of the granite market.
WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck and Luke Morton requires Flash Player 9 or better.
Danbury, CT