What Are Stone Slabs Used For?

Stone slabs are large stones used in home remodeling projects. These slabs can be cut to form countertops, backsplashes, or vanity tops.

The 40,000-pound blocks of granite or other natural stone are carefully separated from the ground by team members using drills, cutting tools, and explosives to break them loose from their earthy home. Once the blocks are freed, they are then cut into smaller pieces with a gang saw.

Crushed stone, also called riprap or fill stone, can range from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inches in size. It can be used for landscaping, drainage systems, edging paths and walkways, and even railroad ballast.

Book matching is a technique that uses two or more natural or engineered stone slabs to mirror the color, pattern, movement, and veining of one another. It can be a great way to create a unique design in your kitchen or bathroom.

Slabs are generally 1.25 inches thick or 3 cm, but there are some applications where a thinner slab is appropriate. For example, prefab countertops typically use slabs that are only 1-2 cm in thickness.

Identifying the right granite or marble slab for your project can be a challenge. There is a wide variety of colors, patterns, and veining to choose from.

The best slabs for a specific application are typically the first quality, or "best." Lower grades of granite can have imperfections such as cracks and scratches. These can detract from the beauty of your stone counters.

Corian sheets, a man-made countertop material made by DuPont, are durable, easy to clean, and usually less expensive than quartz or natural stone. However, there are some important things you should know about this type of surface before you choose to install it in your kitchen.

Unlike other types of countertops, Corian can be fabricated into virtually any shape thanks to thermoforming, allowing you to make almost anything your heart desires. This is a great advantage if you’re looking to create something truly unique for your home, or if your space is unusual in its size or shape.

Thermoforming allows for a wide range of designs and shapes, from linear to organic. This makes it a versatile option for many design projects, from curved sinks to unique counter shapes.

No seams means no grout to maintain, and no place for bacteria to hide. This is particularly helpful for those who like to cook or bake on their kitchen countertops, as it’s a lot easier to keep them clean and free of germs.

Durable and long-lasting, Corian can handle a variety of normal household damages and routine use, such as heat from hot pots and pans. It is also resistant to common stains, such as those caused by vinegar or bleach.

A wide array of colors and patterns resembling travertine, granite, and marble are available. New Corian pattern designs include varying textures, grains, and color shading that are much more natural and pleasing to the eye.

The best solid surface countertops are resistant to stains, scratches and elemental damages like wear from excess sunlight.

A top choice for kitchens and bathrooms, solid surface corian is durable enough for even the busiest homes. It can withstand repeated cleaning and is easy to repair, if it does get scratched or discolored.

Its strength and versatility make it the ideal choice for public spaces, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, schools and offices. And its innovative coatings, colors and patterns provide unlimited design possibilities for interior spaces.

Corian is made from a polymer mix of 33 percent binding resins and 66 percent natural minerals including alumina trihydrate, which is derived from bauxite ore. This mixture provides the uniform color and particulate patterning that gives rise to the term “Solid Surface”.

The material’s consistency also ensures a seamless look from countertop to backsplash, sink, drainboard and more. It’s available in a wide range of hues and tones, many resembling stone for a more rustic effect.

Corian’s unique blend of a synthetic resin and natural minerals creates a highly durable and versatile kitchen surface that’s virtually maintenance free. It resists stains, scratches and wear from humidity better than wood or other non-porous materials. Accidental nicks and scratches can be easily repaired with ordinary abrasive cleaner or sandpaper. If you do spot a stain, it can be cleaned up with water and a mild detergent or pH-neutral cleanser. It can also be resurfaced to remove scratches and small dents, which can be done in your home or by a professional.