Granite
Granite products are durable. They are ideal for flooring, countertop, vanities, and decorative exterior applications. Granite is stronger than marble. For maintenance-free elegance and durability, granite is unmatched. Its incredible strength and density makes granite the perfect choice for massive structural work – walls, monuments and supports. Though it is the hardest of structural stones, the amazing variety of mineral-rich colors and natural patterns gives it ornamental value as well.
Marble
Marble is known for its timeless style, texture and high-gloss polish along with a rich palette of beautiful colors, marble has a place anywhere in the home. Available in solids or dramatic veined varieties, marble may be carved or sculpted in many ways, making it one of the most versatile decorative stones. Often seen as a symbol of luxury, modern technology brings beautiful marble products even to budget-conscious homeowners.
Slate
Slate has been formed for over thousands of years. Slate splits naturally into beautiful textured layers. The various shades of slate products – brown, yellow, dark gray, pink, lavender and more – may even occur within the same piece of stone. Durable and stain-resistant, slate products are often used for flooring, cladding and landscaping.
Travertine
Travertine is formed by hot spring water percolating through underground limestone to make its patterns and veining effects. Travertine has been valued for its banded, pitted “distressed” appearance. It adds rich, distinctive character to a variety of indoor and outdoor building projects. When used for interior applications, travertine is often filled with cement, grout or resin and sealed to create a smooth, stain-resistant surface.
There are several different stone finishes. The most common finishes are polished, flamed, honed, and tumbled.
Polished
Smooth, shinning, grinding, sanding, and buffing. It produces a high gloss, mirror-like surface.
Flamed
Rough. It is achieved by subjecting the stone to the high temperature flame of a torch and burning most of the carbon content, leaving textured quartzites with gentle coloration.
Honed
Similar to polished finish with grinding and sanding that is smooth but not glossy. This is best for low maintenance, high traffic applications.
Tumbled
Little bit rough with chiseled finished. Tumbling stones in a solution of sand, water and mild acid creates an old world, weathered look.