Slabs are "slices" of stone blocks that are cut and finished to size into countertops, vanity tops, wall and floor panels. The standard commercial thickness of the slabs are 3/4" (2.0cm) and 1 1/4" (3.0cm) but other thicknesses may be specially ordered.

We at Stone Trend International sell only first quality slabs. First quality slabs present:

  • exceptional polish.
  • are cut from the largest available blocks produced by each quarry.
  • consistent thickness from end to end of the piece.
  • leveled, plane surface.
  • absence of natural and manufactured flaws such as cracks, fissures, holes and scratches
  • presence of markings and patterns uncharacteristic of the standard stone such as black spots, rust spots, quartz crystals and black lines, when they "break" the natural flow of its pattern and design

     

Selecting slabs can be extremely easy or very demanding, depending on the type of stone the customer is looking for:


1. In the case of the traditional speckled granites, of the regular and cross-cut Travertines and of the limestones, the selection is simple because the slabs are very consitent and uniform all over. If a slab of a particular lot pleases a customer, most probably the whole lot will, since all the slabs will look exactly or almost exactly the same. However, some cross cut Limestones present slight shade variations that are unavoidable.

2. In the case of a variegated stones, like veined granites and marbles, the selection may be more difficult since some pattern variations may occur from slab to slab, and there is a chance that some slabs within the same lot will not please the customer.


In order to minimize the chances of a wrongful choice, we at Stone Trend offer our customers the possibility of selecting their slabs piece by piece. Since all our slabs are individually numbered, this guarantees that what is chosen is exactly what the customer will be receiving. However, it is important to mention again, in case of veined granites and marbles, that in order to achieve a perfect result, the craftsman cutting the stone has to carefully plan its cutting, matching the veining and design of the various pieces in order to assure a natural and uninterrupted flow; and also by reducing the number of seams to a minimum.

NOTE:It is always important to mention that all countertops of Granite, Marble, Travertine and Limestone should be sealed with a silicone impregnator (there are many quality brands in the market) in order to minimize the chances of staining. The silicone impregnator does not create a film and usually does not change the color or the texture of the material. When the stone absorbs the sealant, it creates an impervious layer that reduces considerably the possibilities of liquids and greases penetrating.






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Stone Selection
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STONE FINiSH

The surface of stones may be finished in a number of different ways. In general, smooth surfaces tend to emphasize color and veining, while rough finishes tend to subdue the veignings and markings. Polished, Honed, Flamed and Bush-hammered are the most common finishes available.

  1. Polished: The finest and smoothest finish available, resulting in a high luster (gloss) appearance.

  2. Honed: A satin smooth with little or no gloss.

  3. Flamed: A rough finish that is developed through intense heat.

  4. Bush-Hammered: A pounding action that develops a textured surface.