Posted on by — Leave a comment

Stone Products & Suppliers

Natural Stone

Granite: Granite has been valued for millennia for its beauty and durability. It was used in ancient Egypt to build pyramids and continues to grace today’s kitchen designs. It is a unique stone in both appearance and structure that continues to meet the demands of discerning homeowners. With minimal maintenance and hundreds of colors granite is one of the most popular countertop materials used to date.

Marble:  Marble is an excellent material for bathrooms and kitchens. It offers a warm, classic look unparalleled by other stones. From modern to country-casual, marble can bring your room to another level.  There are important factors when considering marble which include finish, texture, hardness and patina.  Our professional staff can guide you through the process of deciding whether or not, marble is right for your project.

Soapstone:  Soapstone has been used as a countertop material for centuries and continues to be a desired medium.  Soapstone’s rich color and veining and non-porous surface makes it a natural pick.  Farm sinks are fabricated from the same slab material as the counters, with pitched bottoms and recessed drains. Soapstone can be left natural, treated with mineral oil or a soapstone wax.  There are approximately 6 different types of soapstone on display at all times, ranging from black to light shades of green and varying degrees of veining.

Travertine: Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs.  It tends to be neutral grey, tan or white making it a great choice to pair with tile for vanities and shower shelves, seats and caps.  Travertine is available in vein-cut which shows a defined linear pattern or in cross-cut which gives the stone a soft swirl with slight color transition.

Serpentine:  Serpentine has a look of marble yet is harder and less porous than many types of granite.  It is a favorite of architects, designers and fabricators, and has been specified for interior and exterior use on numerous domestic and international projects since the early 1900s.  Serpentine is available in honed, antiqued and polished finish.

Slate:  Slate countertops can be used in kitchens and bathrooms.  This versatile stone can be used as landscape material as well. With an extremely low absorption rate, slate is stain resistant and anti-bacterial.  Scratches are easily rubbed out.

Quartzite: Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone.   With a marble-like appearance and hardness similar to granite this material makes a good choice for any countertop.  Quartzite will etch like a marble so considerations should be made regarding wear and patina.

Bluestone: Most commonly used for exterior caps, treads and steps, bluestone has a neutral blue-grey coloration that pairs well with many designs.  Inside your home, bluestone can be used for hearths, mantels and other decorative tops.

Natural Stone Wholesale Partners:

mglogo1623611_641283522600693_273922146_n ohm-intelboston-granite-logohome_logo

 

pmilogo1373482379sheldon-slate-products-co-logo
Engineered stone
Quartz: Engineered stone is a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive, (most commonly polymer resin, with some newer versions using cement mix). The two common stones used in producing these products are marble and quartz.

Partner Links:

caesarstonelogonav-logo-mainvt-176x15logo-400x70colorquartzlogohanstone2logowa_logospectrumquartz-logo-webcambria

Neolith – NeoLith is a revolutionary compact surface that combines high performance specs, trendy colors, large format and variable thicknesses that will provide solutions for every possible application (counter tops, flooring, bathrooms, paneling, cladding, facades).
NeoLith does not scratch, does not stain, is heat and fire resistant, and, thanks to the extremely low absorption rate of technical porcelain, ideal for food contact and processing.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Stone FAQs

Q? Will I get to see the actual slabs my counters will be cut from?
Yes, you have the opportunity to see the entire slab(s) and voice your opinion of what you like best about the slab so that we may accentuate the best characteristics for you.

Q? Do you sub out any portion of your work?
No, our professionals complete the entire process from quoting and selection of slabs, to template, fabrication and installation.

Q? Who will template my job?
One of our two highly skilled and experienced installers actually templates your counters. That same gentleman returns to install your tops, giving you a familiar face and personality as well as bringing a familiarity of your project to the installation. We find that this sets us apart from other companies.

Q? Do you have slabs in your yard to look at or just samples?
We have over 60 different colors of marble, granite, soapstone, travertine, slate and quartz that can be viewed in slab form in our yard. We also have a full array of samples in our showroom for color selections.

Q? Will I have a seam in my kitchen?
Seams are common in many kitchens. We strive for the largest pieces a slab can yield without seams wherever possible. Access into the home and transporting the pieces for your project will be taken into consideration when deciding if you will have a seam.

Q? Will I see the seam?
Yes, when butting two pieces of slab material together you have a visible joint. The material color is matched with a resin to bond the seam together and the counters will be leveled and flat to ensure the seam is inconspicuous. You will be able to see and fell the joint, however our talented installers produce high quality color matches and tight joints between the two pieces of stone.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Template & Installation Procedures

Prior to templating we need:

  • all cabinets permanently installed
  • cabinets must be leveled and shimmed to provide a flat surface for your stone
  • When using existing cabinets, old tops must be removed to complete an accurate template. If you need assistance we can recommend qualified contractors.
  • Stoves, refrigerators, and other appliances must be on site so that we can template accordingly.
  • Kitchen or bathroom areas must be cleared of debris and clutter.
  • Sink and faucet on site for us to bring back to our shop

All templates must be reviewed by the homeowner or contractor and then a signoff provided to acknowledge approval of design and layout. Seam locations, Material, Edge Profiles, Overhangs, as well as other fine details are important to take note of.

If our template technician deems it necessary to use additional equipment or manpower to complete your install due to abnormal conditions, i.e. 2nd floor install, we would notify you of any changes in pricing promptly following your template.

You will be notified when your slabs arrive at our facility. At that time you will be asked to come down and approve your material. If you do not like the slabs brought in for your job we can send them back. At that time we may ask that you go to the distributor to pick out your slabs to cut down on shipping costs.

If you have picked your slabs out at one of our distributors and then decide to have us return the material for any reason a 30% restocking charge applies.

Installation dates will be based upon template dates. On average installs takes place 1 week after template.

We ask that a clear route is left for our installers. Your finished product is very heavy and requires sure footing for the safety of our installers.

During the winter months driveways, walkways and other paths must be cleared and sanded.

We here at Creations in Stone are all dog lovers but it is best to keep them in a separate room or outside so that we do not trip over them while completing your install.

Any additional trips to the job site for reasons out of our control may be subject to additional charges. A trip charge of $85.00 plus $55.00/hour/man could result from issues such as unprepared job site, missing components (sinks, faucets, cooktops, bathtubs, etc.) to name a few.

After completing your install we will apply a sealer to your tops (with exception of quartz surfaces) which will add protection against stains. We will also leave a care sheet listing the do’s and don’ts of caring for your stone.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Countertop Materials

Granite: Granite has been valued for millennia for its beauty and durability. It was used in ancient Egypt to build pyramids and continues to grace today's kitchen designs. It is a unique stone in both appearance and structure that continues to meet the demands of discerning homeowners. With minimal maintenance and hundreds of colors granite is one of the most popular countertop materials used to date.

Marble: Marble is an excellent material for bathrooms and kitchens. It offers a warm, classic look unparalleled by other stones. From modern to country-casual, marble can bring your room to another level. There are important factors when considering marble which include finish, texture, hardness and patina. Our professional staff can guide you through the process of deciding whether or not, marble is right for your project.

Soapstone: Soapstone has been used as a countertop material for centuries and continues to be a desired medium. Soapstone’s rich color and veining and non-porous surface makes it a natural pick. Farm sinks are fabricated from the same slab material as the counters, with pitched bottoms and recessed drains. Soapstone can be left natural, treated with mineral oil or a soapstone wax. There are approximately 6 different types of soapstone on display at all times, ranging from black to light shades of green and varying degrees of veining.

Travertine: Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs. It tends to be neutral grey, tan or white making it a great choice to pair with tile for vanities and shower shelves, seats and caps. Travertine is available in vein-cut which shows a defined linear pattern or in cross-cut which gives the stone a soft swirl with slight color transition.

Serpentine: Serpentine has a look of marble yet is harder and less porous than many types of granite. It is a favorite of architects, designers and fabricators, and has been specified for interior and exterior use on numerous domestic and international projects since the early 1900s. Serpentine is available in honed, antiqued and polished finish.

Slate: Slate countertops can be used in kitchens and bathrooms. This versatile stone can be used as landscape material as well. With an extremely low absorption rate, slate is stain resistant and anti-bacterial. Scratches are easily rubbed out.

Quartzite: Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. With a marble-like appearance and hardness similar to granite this material makes a good choice for any countertop. Quartzite will etch like a marble so considerations should be made regarding wear and patina.

Bluestone: Most commonly used for exterior caps, treads and steps, bluestone has a neutral blue-grey coloration that pairs well with many designs. Inside your home, bluestone can be used for hearths, mantels and other decorative tops.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Natural Stone Cleaners & Sealers

Like any other surface in your home, natural stone also needs to be cleaned to maintain its beauty. However, natural stone requires cleaning products specifically designed for stone's unique mineral composition.

Most popular general-purpose cleaners will etch or damage the stone, or degrade the sealer, therefore removing protective properties and allowing the stone to become susceptible to stains. Cleaning products containing too much acids or alkalines will etch the stone, and scouring powders and abrasives will scratch the surface.

Maintenance cleaning with a PH-balanced, neutral cleaner will help remove soils that normal dusting or damp mopping leave behind. It also helps keep your stone free of dust and dry, sandy soil to minimize wear patterns from everyday use on some softer stones. Specially designed cleaners for stone will also never break down the protective sealer. In fact, some cleaners contain protective properties which reinforce the sealer and prolong stain resistance.

The best way to prevent stains is to treat the surface with a protective sealer. The sealer fills in the pores and repels spills on the surface, allowing you time to completely wipe it all away.

Dry Treat: http://www.drytreat.com/

Video: How to apply STONETECH BulletProof Sealer

How to remove a stain: Stains can occur in some instances, leaving a discolored mark on your counter. Follow this link http://www.marble-institute.com/consumers/stains/ (can link be highlighted word?) for helpful guidelines to remove your stain and eliminate the cost of paying a professional to make a site visit. If further attention is needed contact Creations In Stone for a consultation. We can walk you through the process and save you time and money.