exotic COUNTERTOPS
marble, quartzite, soapstone & onyx
marble
Marble is a natural material of great variety with a really lovely natural pattern which you don’t get with a lot of artificial materials. When it comes to selecting kitchen or bathroom countertops, marble remains the top choice for many homeowners. It’s no surprise that marble countertops and backsplashes are so popular—the material has been attracting fans for millennia. Marble is a rock resulting from metamorphism of limestone or dolomite. Metamorphism causes variable recrystallization of the original carbonate mineral grains. The resulting marble rock is typically composed of a mosaic of carbonate crystals. Pure white marble is the result of metamorphism of a very pure limestone or dolomite. The characteristic swirls and veins of many-colored marble varieties are usually due to various mineral impurities such as clay, silt, sand, iron oxides, or chert which were originally present as grains or layers in the limestone. The low index of refraction of calcite allows light to penetrate several millimeters into the stone before being scattered out, resulting in the characteristic waxy look which brings a lifelike luster to marble of any kind. In marble production Turkey is the world leader in marble export, followed by Italy and Greece. Acids damage marble, because the calcium carbonate in marble reacts with them. Thus, vinegar or other acidic solutions should never be used on marble. But if you’re baking in the middle of a heat wave, you can rely on marble countertops to stay as icy as central air. The stone is also heat-resistant, making it a good option if your kitchen sees a lot of bake-offs. Despite its ability to withstand high temps, you never want to place a piping hot pot on marble for risk of discoloring. There are countless edge profiles to choose from, but a simple eased edge is preferred. This takes the sharpness off a straight 90-degree corner. Half bull’s nose, which has the profile of a half circle, is also a timeless favorite and functional winner. Hard stones like marble are brittle, so if you hit sharp corner with something hard, it will chip. But with a curved edge, it’s highly unlikely that it’s going to chip. As long as you know what to expect, and care for marble countertops, they can be a beautiful, functional choice for your kitchen and bathroom that lasts a lifetime.
QUARTZITE
Quartzite is a hard rock which was originally pure quartz sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure usually related to tectonic compression. Pure quartzite is usually white to grey, though quartzites often occur in various shades of pink and red due to varying amounts of iron oxide. Other colors, such as yellow, green, blue and orange, are due to other minerals. When sandstone is cemented to quartzite, the individual quartz grains recrystallize along with the former cementing material to form an interlocking mosaic of quartz crystals. The grainy, sandpaper-like surface becomes glassy in appearance. Minor amounts of former cementing materials, iron oxide, silica, carbonate and clay, often migrate during recrystallization and metamorphosis. This causes streaks and lenses to form within the quartzite. Quartzite is very resistant to chemicals and is a decorative stone as flooring, and stair steps. Its use for countertops in kitchens is expanding rapidly. It is harder and more resistant to stains than granite.
Quartzite is very heat resistant, doesn’t scratch like other surfaces can, and being a natural product, each slab offers exquisite one-of-a-kind looks to give your countertop a unique design. In an impressive array of colors, and veining that runs soft and subtle to bold and beautiful.
onyx
The largest advantage of an onyx countertop is the unique appearance that makes it stand out from other natural stone alternatives. Similar to other materials, onyx countertops are available in a wide range of colors, from blue and green to yellow and red. It’s also available in neutral tones such as beige and cream. There are also many exceptional patterns and variations such as specks similar to quartz, veins seen on marble, and swirls just like in granite. Being made from a natural stone, onyx countertops can last up to 100 years when cared for and maintained properly. So, you might not have to replace it in your lifetime. Unlike other natural stone countertops forged deep within the earth’s crust, onyx is formed on the surface from ground or spring water with an abundance of calcite dissolved in it. When the water emerges at the spring’s mouth, the mineral precipitates and gradually builds a crust of calcite crystals. Over time, more water flows by, allowing more minerals to settle. The many variations present in the layers are caused by the different amounts and flow rates of the water, along with the impurities present. This process is what creates the unique aesthetic quality of onyx slabs. This makes it ideal for those who want a countertop that stands out. An exceptional benefit of onyx is its translucence which makes it seem delicate to the touch. This property allows light to shine through when placed behind the stone, allowing you to have a backlit bar countertop. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the uneven distribution of light. Depending on the spectrum of the light source used for the backlighting, the colors present in the stone can appear warmer and more vibrant. This feature is something you will not find with other materials. It is an exotic natural stone that can make a breathtaking impression when used as a bar countertop. The varieties available offer a chance to create a visual masterpiece wherever you want to install it. Your onyx bar countertop will easily become the centerpiece of the space, especially if you incorporate backlighting.
advanced fabrication technology
Our fabricators utilize brand new, state-of-the-art stone fabrication machines, which feature CNC precision while cutting and polishing.
direct pricing
Factory-direct pricing means you can take advantage of amazingly low prices since there is no middle man. Working directly with the manufacturer removes some of the links in the supply chain (and their overhead), so you can enjoy a bargain price without sacrificing quality.
LARGEST INVENTORY
We have the largest slab inventory in Coastal Virginia and we work with all major stone suppliers. In addition to we attend the popular stone exhibits around the world to purchase the newest colors on the market. Our Hampton location maintains a constantly rotating inventory of 1,600 slabs.
It’s our attention to the small stuff, scheduling of timelines, and keen project management that makes us stand out from the rest. We are creative while keeping a close eye on the calendar and your budget. Our prices are competitive and fair. There are no surprise bills. Any unexpected or additional expenses must be pre-approved by you and your company. That’s how we would like to be treated, and that is how our clients are treated. Work with us, and you’ll work with professionals – vigilant of deadlines, and committed to exceeding expectations.
