July 2014

Slim profiled countertops have been all the rage in Europe for some time. But the trend is just beginning to take root in U.S. soil. It’s a clean-lined look that’s a great fit in modern, high-end kitchen and bath designs. And, these days, ultra-thin slabs are not just available in manmade materials. The availability of these ultra-slim slabs is increasing with granite getting in on the game.

So often, when we talk about natural stone and surfacing, we reference countertops. But we know that you have more on your design plate, so to speak, than bathrooms and kitchens. We pride ourselves on our ability to bring you the very latest products and style ideas. One of these products, in particular, is Neolith. And while Neolith does make an incredibly durable, functional, and attractive countertop material, what you may not know is that it’s useful for so much more.

Quartzite is a decorative stone that makes an exceptional countertop material. Noted for its resistance to abrasions, heat, and stains, quartzite is a pretty popular material. It’s marble-like in appearance but has many of the properties of granite. However, since most consumers hear more about granite and marble than they do about quartzite, we get a lot of questions about this particular material. Here are answers to some of the most prevalent questions we hear— a primer for anyone unfamiliar with the attributes of quartzite:

Though it may look like cross-sectioned rings of wood, Stonewood granite is a natural stone that commands attention!

This residential property located in the heart of the Eixample area of Barcelona, Spain serves as a shining example of how modern technology can produce timeless design. The floors in this 100-year-old Modernist style home were recently renovated with state-of-the-art Neolith ultra compact surfacing—a product that stands out not only for its design but also for its versatility, durability, and sustainability.

Made with 93-percent real quartz, ColorQuartz is a modern collection of surfacing material, which offers many unique advantages. Though ColorQuartz may be relatively new to the New England area, the company has been a leader in the stone business for nearly 20 years. Its unique advantages have made it a universal choice for unique commercial and residential applications. 

There are plenty of places in the home to show off beautiful natural stone besides a kitchen or bath countertop. One area that is experiencing a lot of new, creative twists is the fireplace surround. Here, the material you choose can make a strong design statement, add interest, and reflect your individual design style. The hearth can serve as a dramatic focal point or a subtle design that blends into the surrounding décor. The possibilities are endless!

Still researching outdoor kitchens and living spaces? Afraid to pull the trigger on your project because you’re still just not sure which materials will stand up to the elements?

Used since Ancient times by the Romans, Carrara Marble was first quarried by the Cybo and Malaspina families, who ruled over Massa and Carrara, the northernmost tip of modern-day Tuscany. They were the first to regulate the marble mining industry by creating the Office of Marble in 1564. The rich history of this magnificent stone helps make it one of today’s most popular choices when it comes to marble.

Q: ColorQuartz is made in China. Given the questionable track record of some manufacturing practices there, why would I want to choose ColorQuartz?