Frequently Asked Questions

In the stone industry, “prefab” refers to prefabricated stone. Prefabricated stone has already been cut to standard dimensions before arriving at the distributor. Because prefab stone is made with a limited and standardized range of options, it’s more affordable than slab granite. Care for prefab stone is generally the same as it is for a custom slab.

In the stone industry, a slab is a big stone that is flat and relatively thin, often of rectangular or almost rectangular form. They can be used in their original size for paving floors, covering walls, or as headstones, and can be used to fabricate custom-made pieces as countertops or backsplashes.

Marble, granite, quartz, and other stunning-looking material slabs are heavy and must be moved carefully and with specialized tools. In addition to being extremely heavy, stone slabs are highly delicate and easily broken during transit if not handled appropriately.

SS Transporting is a stone-specialized shipping company you can trust on.

CONTACT

SS TRANSPORTING
rj@sstransporting.net
https://sstransporting.net
Ordering Contact: Robert Jonathan

Marble and granite are natural stones, and the most obvious difference is their appearance. Let’s mention some of their pros and cons:

 

MARBLE

– Is a metamorphic rock derived from limestone, tends to have a timeless, elegant look with beautiful veining and a unique design for each slab.

– Offers the widest variety of looks of any natural stone.

– Highly durable yet delicate surface.

– Vulnerable to scratches, chipping, and staining.

– Better for low-traffic areas.

– Daily cleaning and consistent maintenance are needed.

 

GRANITE

– Is an igneous rock formed from cooled magma.

– Looks more like true natural stone, with a large variety of colors, hues, and styles marked by flecks of minerals.

– Is stronger, harder, and less porous than marble.

– More durable and easier to keep clean than marble.

– Withstands heavy wear and tear.

– Less likely to crack or chip.

– Easy to clean.

– Less daily cleaning and maintenance are required.

Quartz and quartzite are two different materials, so let’s talk about their pros and cons:

 

QUARTZ

– Engineered stone made in a factory from stone chips, resins, and pigments.

– Comes in many colors and patterns because pigments can be added to achieve a broad spectrum of colors.

– Highly commoditized.

– Readily available in a variety of colors and patterns.

– Available in virtually any color or pattern, mimicking natural stones like marble.

– No pre-sealing is required.

– No annual resealing is required.

– Stain resistant and durable.

 

QUARTZITE

– Is a natural stone formed due to massive heat and pressure over millions of years.

– Considered rare and exclusive.

– Each slab is unique.

– Some pieces are translucent so that they can be backlit.

– Requires wax, poly, or acrylic sealant pre-treatment.

– Must be resealed annually.

– Susceptible to staining due to the high porosity of natural stone.

Granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite are just a few of the materials that can be utilized to create countertops. The most widely adopted trends among them are quartz and quartzite.

The fabrication process for a stone countertop can take around 10 to 14 days. This process involves inspecting the slab, laying out the templates on the stone, cutting the stone to size, and polishing it to achieve a flawless finish. The time it takes to fabricate a stone countertop can vary depending on the project’s complexity and the fabricator’s workload.

In the stone industry, “bookmatching” refers to the practice of matching two or more slabs of stone so that the two adjoining surfaces mirror each other, giving the impression of an opened book. This is achieved by cutting a single block of stone into two or more slabs and arranging them to match their patterns. Bookmatching is often used to create a dramatic effect on walls, floors, and countertops.