All Natural Stone FAQ’S
What is Natural Stone?
Natural stone is formed by geological processes over millions of years, and each type of stone
has unique properties that make it suitable for specific applications. This includes materials like
granite, marble, limestone, slate, sandstone, and travertine, among others.
Natural stone is valued for its durability, beauty, and timeless appeal. It can be used for a wide
range of purposes, including flooring, countertops, walls, outdoor landscaping, and decorative
accents. Natural stone is also environmentally friendly, as it is a renewable resource that is
quarried and processed without the use of harmful chemicals or synthetic materials. Overall,
natural stone is a versatile and long-lasting material that adds a touch of elegance and
sophistication to any space.
What is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. It is primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, with small amounts of other minerals such as hornblende and biotite. The exact composition of granite can vary depending on
the location and conditions in which it was formed, resulting in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Granite is a very hard and durable material, which makes it ideal for use in construction and as a
decorative stone. It is resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, and can withstand exposure to the
elements. Because of its durability, granite is often used for kitchen countertops, bathroom
vanities, and flooring.
Granite is also used for exterior applications such as building facades, monuments, and paving
stones. Its resistance to weathering and erosion makes it well-suited for outdoor use. Overall,
granite is a highly versatile and attractive stone that has been prized for its beauty and durability
for centuries.
What are Marble and Onyx?
Marble and onyx are both types of natural stone with unique characteristics.
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, typically
calcite or dolomite. It is characterized by its beautiful veining and swirling patterns, which make
it a popular choice for interior decoration and sculpture. Marble is relatively soft and porous,
which makes it susceptible to staining and scratching, but with proper care and maintenance, it
can last for many years.
Onyx is a type of calcite-based stone that is formed from dissolved limestone. It is characterized
by its striking banding, which ranges from white to black, with shades of red, orange, and yellow
in between. Onyx is typically translucent and can be backlit to create a stunning visual effect. It
is a relatively soft and brittle stone, which makes it more suitable for decorative purposes than
for use as a countertop or other high-traffic surface.
What is Slate?
Slate is a hard, dense, and fine-grained low-grade metamorphic rock that splits into thin slabs
along planar surfaces. The uneven texture of a slate is called clefting and is created when the
layers of slate are pried apart. This clefting makes slate a perfect material for any project where
its natural slip-resistance is a benefit—such as entries, mudrooms, and sun rooms. The color
variations in slate create a casual warmth that lends itself to areas such as wine cellars, fireplace
surrounds, and lower-level family entertainment rooms. Brazilian slates are very hard and dense
with a non-skid surface. These slates are resistant to both water and stains and can be used for
almost any application, including interior and exterior flooring, paving, stair treads, wall
cladding, tabletops, counter tops, bathroom vanities, showers, and more.
In addition to its slip-resistance and natural warmth, slate is also highly durable and resistant to
scratches and abrasions, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas. Its unique clefting and
natural color variations also make it a versatile material that can be used in a variety of design
styles, from rustic to contemporary. Slate is often used as a roofing material as well, due to its
durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions.
What is the difference between limestone and travertine?
In summary, while the mineral content, areas of application, and care for limestone and
travertine are similar, the difference lies in their appearance. Limestone tends to have a more
solid look with a particulate texture and possible inclusion of fossils, while travertine has more
variation within each piece and can show off its texture in both linear vein-cut materials or in
the whorls and clouds of the cross-cut varieties. Travertine also has small holes that were
created by escaping carbon dioxide when the stone was formed, which are typically filled at the
factory before the tile is sold. Travertine has an overall sense of warmth which makes it very
popular for residential and hospitality applications.
What is quartzite?
The hardness of quartzite is also a noteworthy characteristic. It is one of the hardest natural
stones, with a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it more scratch-resistant than other
popular natural stones such as marble and limestone. The high hardness of quartzite also means
that it is less likely to chip or crack under pressure. This makes it a popular choice for high-
traffic areas and commercial applications, where durability is essential. In addition to its
durability, quartzite is known for its unique patterns and veining. The stone can have a wide
range of colors and patterns, including shades of white, gray, beige, pink, green, blue, and even
purple. It is also available in a variety of finishes, such as polished, honed, leathered, and
brushed, allowing for versatility in design. Quartzite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops,
backsplashes, and flooring, as well as for bathroom vanities and walls.
What is Manufactured Stone / Quartz Stone?
Manufactured stone or quartz stone is a man-made material that is designed to mimic the look
and feel of natural stone. It is composed of a mixture of crushed natural stone and a resin or
cement binder, which is molded into various shapes and sizes. The use of natural stone chips in
the production of manufactured stone gives it a unique and natural appearance. The colors and
patterns in manufactured stone can be designed to mimic the appearance of various natural
stones such as granite, marble, and limestone.
One of the advantages of manufactured stone is that it is more affordable than natural stone,
making it a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of natural stone but are on a
budget. Additionally, it is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications,
such as countertops, flooring, walls.
Manufactured stone is also highly durable, resistant to stains and scratches, and requires minimal maintenance. However, it is important to note that manufactured stone may not have the same level of hardness as natural stone and may be prone to chipping or cracking if subjected to extreme force or impact.
What is the thickness and size of a floor tile?
Thin stone tiles, varying in thickness from 3/8" to 3/4", are available in modular sizes of 12" x
12", 16" x 16", 18" x 18", and other sizes, up to a maximum of 24" x 24”. Modular stone tiles
offer a good alternative to stone panels for walls and level floors. The proper tile thickness for
the installation will depend upon the stone type selected and the modular size of the tile
specified.
What is Polished Finish?
A polished finish is achieved by grinding and buffing the stone surface until it becomes glossy
and reflective. This finish creates a smooth, mirror-like surface with sharp reflections,
enhancing the natural beauty and color of the stone. A polished finish is commonly used for
indoor applications such as countertops, floors, and walls, but it can also be used for outdoor
applications such as wall cladding and paving.
What is Honed Finish?
A honed finish is achieved by grinding the surface of a stone with a series of abrasive heads to
create a smooth, flat, and consistent surface with a dull sheen. This process removes the top layer of the stone and any surface imperfections, leaving a satin-like finish without any shine or reflections. The degree of honing can vary from light to heavy, depending on the desired look
and the type of stone being honed. Honed finishes are commonly used for interior floors, walls, and countertops, as well as for exterior paving and cladding.
What is Flamed Finish?
Flamed Finish is a type of surface finish achieved by exposing the stone surface to a high
temperature flame, followed by rapid cooling. The heat causes the crystals in the stone to burst,
creating a rough, textured surface with a natural, weathered appearance. Flamed finish is
commonly used for outdoor applications, such as paving stones, as it provides a slip-resistant
surface. It is also used for wall cladding and other decorative applications. The color of flamed
finish varies depending on the type of stone and can range from light to dark shades of grey,
beige, or brown.
What is Tumbled Finish?
That's a common misconception. While tumbling tiles with sand or other abrasive materials can
create a tumbled look, the actual tumbled finish is achieved by placing the tiles in a large drum
or tumbler and adding abrasive materials like sand, gravel, or steel bearings. The drum is then
rotated, causing the tiles to rub against each other and the abrasives, which rounds and softens
the edges and corners, creating a worn and weathered look. The result is a tile with a rustic and
textured appearance that can work well in traditional or country-style spaces.
What is Natural Cleft mean?
Natural cleft is a finish that is created by splitting the stone along its natural cleavage lines. This
finish is achieved without the use of any machinery, as the stone is simply split by hand. The
result is a slightly uneven surface with a natural, rustic appearance that highlights the stone's
natural texture and character. Natural cleft is a popular finish for slate and some types of
sandstone.
What does Gauged mean?
Done by a In the context of natural stone, "gauged" refers to the process of cutting and grinding a tile to a specific thickness using machines, typically circular saws with diamond blades or other abrasive tools. The resulting tiles are called "gauged tiles" and are typically available in a range of standard thicknesses, such as 3/8”, ½”, and 5/8”. The gauging process allows for greater precision and consistency in the thickness of the tiles, making them easier to install and more efficient to transport.
What are Bullnose tiles?
Bullnose tiles are characterized by their rounded edges, which are created by grinding and
polishing the edge of a regular tile. This gives them a more finished and polished look, and
makes them safer for use on vertical surfaces such as walls or stair treads, as the bullnose edge
helps to prevent chipping or injury from sharp edges. Bullnose tiles can be finished on one or
both sides, and are often used for edging, trim work, or as a decorative element in tile
installations.
How will some heavy and/or oversized items be delivered?
Most heavy and/or oversized items will be shipped by Freight Curbside Delivery using air-ride
trucks to guarantee the least possible breakage. Freight Curbside Delivery means that the
delivery driver will bring the item(s) to the curbside or driveway of your home or business, but
they will not bring it inside or remove it from the pallet. It will be up to you to move the item(s)
inside and dispose of the pallet. This is a dependable and economical service with deliveries
being made Monday thru Friday during business hours. Deliveries are scheduled in a 4-hour time
window and a freight company representative will contact you by phone to arrange a delivery
appointment.
What are the transit times for curbside deliveries?
The transit times for curbside deliveries may vary from 2-7 business days depending on the
carrier and destination. It's best to check with the specific carrier for an estimate of delivery
time frames. Upon arrival, the delivery team will unload the item(s) from the delivery truck and
lower them to the curb outside your home. You will be responsible for further transport beyond
that point, so we recommend asking a family member or friend for an extra hand.
Do you price by the square foot or by the piece?
When buying tiles, the cost is typically calculated based on the total area required for your
project rather than the individual tile piece. For example, a 16 x 16 inch tile will cover
approximately 1.78 square feet, while an 18 x 18 inch tile will cover approximately 2.25 square
feet. Consequently, the price you will be charged will be determined by the overall square
footage of the tiles you require. It's worth noting that we have a minimum order of 50 square
feet and when adding items to your cart, the quantity should be in square feet, not pieces.
Why should I buy from you and why your prices are low?
When you purchase from us, you can be confident that you're getting top-quality
products at the most competitive prices. Our extensive experience in the stone industry
since 1990, coupled with our direct relationships with factories all over the world,
enables us to remove multiple intermediaries and offer our customers significant cost
savings. Moreover, we take pride in our exceptional customer service and an extensive
range of products that cater to your requirements.
How much extra material should I purchase for installation?
To ensure adequate material for your tile installation, it's recommended to purchase an
additional 10% to 15% more than what's required. Depending on the tile flooring style,
cuts may be necessary to maintain the design 's parallelism, leading to bisected tiles that
can't be used. For square settings, it's generally suggested to purchase 10% extra
material, while diagonal settings may require 15% more. If you plan on creating special
designs with the tile, it's advisable to purchase even more material. In case of tile
damage or breakage over time, having extra material will enable you to replace it easily.
Do you offer free samples of my products?
We understand that our customers may want to see and feel the products before making a
purchase, we do offer a flat rate for samples, and we are happy to assist with any questions or
concerns you may have regarding our products. Our team is available to provide additional
photos and even facilitate a facetime session if that would be helpful in your decision-making
process. We appreciate your consideration and hope to hear from you soon!
What’s your exchange/return policy?
We offer a 30-day exchange/return policy for all our products. If you're dissatisfied with
your purchase for any reason, you may return it within 30 days of delivery for a refund
or exchange. Please note that the buyer is responsible for covering all shipping costs,
including those associated with the back-and-forth transportation of the product.
Additionally, all returns must be in their original packaging and the same condition as
when they were received since our products are fragile. Credit won't be issued for any
items that are returned broken. We'll process your refund within two business days upon
receiving your return. Please keep in mind that no claims will be accepted after the
material is installed. Furthermore, material can't be returned for credit without prior
written authorization.