Stone Tabletops: FAQ's

What types of stone do you work with?
Granite, quartz, terrazzo, porcelain, marble 

What is the difference between them?

• Natural stones like granite and marble form naturally within the earth and are mined and cut into slabs.
• Porcelain is made from ceramic, a process that includes firing clay, minerals and other natural materials at high temperatures.
• Quartz is engineered stone consisting of crushed quartz pieces mixed with resin and pigments.
• Terrazzo is a composite material, made up of stone and/or glass chips and a composite binder like epoxy or concrete.
   

What is the typical thickness?
2cm (0.78 inches) and 3cm (1.18 inches)

Are there size limitations?
Yes. Size is dependent on the stone slab size. Common sizes range between 5- and 6-feet width and 9- and 10-feet length. Tabletops that are larger than this size can utilize multiple slabs (seaming will be required). 


How is stone priced? 
Stone and quartz are priced per slab. Keep this in mind when smaller tops are needed as the full slab will still need to be purchased regardless of your needed top size.


What are good budget options?
Certain quartz options from manufacturers such as MSI Surface, Daltile, Corian and Wilsonart. Solid surface can be an alternative option.  

Durability from most to least:
Granite, quartz, terrazzo, porcelain, marble  


Types of edge profile?
Eased edge is the most common and is included in our standard pricing. Others include thickened/mitered, bullnose, half bullnose, beveled and ogee. These other profiles are considered custom and have cost implications.

Types of finishes?  
Polished is the most common type of finish and is included in our standard pricing. Another common type is honed. This finish requires more steps to achieve a matte look. Other include leather, brushed and velvet. (NOTE: All natural stones such as granite and marble are sealed first for improved durability due to their porous nature)

Are stone tabletops fabricated in multiple pieces, requiring seaming?
This is handled on a case-by-case basis and we will advise. There are various reasons for seaming including: 

• The table requires more than one slab due to its size
• The table size will not fit into the elevator or doors as one piece during delivery and therefore needs to be fabricated in 2+ pieces

Who handles seaming and install?
The furniture dealer or purchaser handles installation. They typically have a seaming expert on staff or via a third-party installer.

Can the top be cut for microphone/power/lighting integration?
Yes.

Do you have a preferred stone supplier?
No, however, we source most stone from well-established local suppliers. If the stone cannot be sourced locally, we will reach out to other suppliers and have it shipped to a local shop for fabrication. Sourcing from out-of-state will impact pricing due to increased freight charges.

Any other advice? 
Know the properties and limitations of your stone spec:

Granite – A natural stone. Known for its hardness and scratch resistance, it is ideal for high-traffic areas. However, it is a porous material so needs proper sealing to maintain its resistance to stains and prevent bacterial growth. It is also more resistant to heat than other materials. 
 

Marble – A natural stone. While marble has high density and shine with unique veining patterns, it is porous by nature and will etch easily. Even the slightest acidity (including water) can leave marks. It will need to be sealed properly and well-maintained on a consistent basis to increase its longevity and reduce the risk of staining. For lighter color marbles, a honed finish is recommended to better hide etching marks.  

Porcelain – Made from ceramic. This material is non-porous so makes it resistant to stains and water penetration. However, it is brittle in nature so has a higher risk of chipping and cracking and is difficult to repair. It typically is not recommended by stone fabricators to be used as a tabletop in commercial environments.
 

Quartz – An engineered stone that is very durable for high traffic areas. Due to its non-porous nature, it is more resistant to scratches and stains than most other materials and is easy to clean and maintain. Most quartz products are not UV stable and will fade over time with constant UV exposure; quartz that is not UV stable is not recommended for the outdoors. 

Terrazzo – A composite material. If concrete is used as the binding agent (vs. epoxy resin), it can be more susceptible to stains if not properly sealed. It is highly durable, making it a great option for high-traffic areas. This material can also be easily repaired and has a long-life expectancy.