Why In-Person Stone Selection is the Best Choice for Your Project
Did you know the iconic Washington Monument, located in our nation’s capital, is made completely of marble but also has three distinct colors? This is due to the stone coming from several different quarries over the course of 36 years, which is the amount of time it took to finish the obelisk. While it is highly unlikely your project will take that long, understanding the variations of natural stone is very important, and the best reason to do in-person selection.
Try This Test
Here is something to consider. Not everyone involved in your project envisions things exactly the way you do. You alone have an idea of the current and future aesthetics for the room. Therefore, the only way to know exactly what you’re getting is to see for yourself in-person, as photos online and in print are poor substitutions for the real thing. This is because cameras miss details the eyes can easily see. Example: open Blue Tones Gallery on your computer. Then go to the same page on your phone, and compare. Usually, images on one device appear darker. Even between electronics, variations occur. Imagine how much difference your own eyes can perceive.
A Worthwhile Experience
We understand that coming to our facility to hand select stone is an extra step which requires additional planning and time out of your day. This time is returned, however, when the project stays on track by avoiding costly re-selection, return, and restocking of unseen stone which didn’t meet expectations. Further, we strive to ensure in-person selection is an enjoyable experience. Our showroom features beautiful lighting and hundreds of samples, and is centered by a generous surface to compare multiple options at once. Staff is always available to answer questions and walk through materials. For added visitor comfort, TNT Countertops keeps a coffee and snack bar stocked in the front lobby!
What to Look For
Now that you know how important in-person selection is, let’s review three distinguishing features of stone. Veins are extended, flowing lines which vary in shade, direction, and width. These features develop when mineral deposits move through the stone during its formation. Veining ranges from slight, muted lines to intense and dramatic streaks. This aspect is one of the most sought-after patterns in natural stone. Marble and quartzite in particular are known for pronounced veining.
Swirling patterns form by the movement of molten rock or sedimentary layers during the stone’s creation. The result of this is a wave-like design often found in stone, like granite. Appearing in both subtle and bold varieties, swirling is most popular with those who are installing large slabs, as the pattern is most likely to stay congruous.
Small, dot-like patterns dispersed throughout the stone are referred to as speckling. This pattern’s presence can add a textured, lively appearance to the stone; it is created by the interlocking of various minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica. Think of speckling like freckles across a person’s face!
Common Characteristics
Do you know what kind of stone you want but are unsure of its typical features? Marble patterns are among the most recognizable. Bold veining found in marble can be highly dramatic and often serves as a focal point in the room. Granite offers a wide range of colors and patterns, including speckling and swirling. This option is endlessly versatile, as it suits both traditional and modern designs. Quartzite is known for its pronounced veining and swirling, along with durability and beauty. It can also be very similar in appearance to marble and granite.
Things to Remember
Below are a few tips for hand selecting stone for your project. We want you to be thrilled with your choice, from start to future!
- All stone will look different, from one cut to the next - even stone which comes from the same quarry and has the same name. No two pieces of stone are alike.
- The appearance of stone changes with lighting, paint, and other factors. As examples, bright white LED lighting can draw out hidden colors within, under-cabinet lighting can highlight specific areas of the pattern directly underneath, and certain paints can reflect natural light from nearby windows onto countertops.
- Countertop color and pattern should complement overall design. Balance design elements with one another by considering the color and style of cabinets, backsplash, and flooring. Countertop stone also has the ability to transform the space: light-colored stone such as white or beige marble can make a small room feel more open and brighter. Obversely, many modern styles lean towards boldly striking contrasts created by darker countertops, like black granite or quartzite, to establish coziness and romance.
- Consider the surface area and layout. Multiple slabs may not allow patterns to flow from one section to another. Seam placement is also crucial as, generally, fewer seams are better, so selecting a large piece for a large area will be quicker and less labor intensive.
- Seeing and feeling stone for yourself can lead to a quick choice or elimination! Interested in this aspect of choosing stone? Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post about different types of surface textures.
- Professional expertise can save money, time, and frustration. Working with a small business directly translates into direct answers, honest timelines, and clear budgeting – TNT specialties!
- Received stone will vary from showroom samples. There will be differences between the sample in our office and what is brought to your space for installation. You are always welcome to conduct a final check of your ordered stone before installation.
- Finally, and most importantly, you have the right to pick out your own slab! We proudly display our stone on-site and welcome visitors for in-person selection. Inventory rotates frequently so visit often!
Optimal Results
Consider this: would you buy a brand-new truck without taking it for a test drive, or a new home without a showing? Choosing your stone before purchase is something which also should be experienced directly. TNT’s beautifully designed showroom and full slabs are ready for your selection, make an appointment or stop by soon. We have so many options to show you!
