We continue our story about how exotic granite, marble, and quartzite travel from the quarry to your kitchen. You can see Part 1 here.
In part 1, we explained how the natural stone is quarried. Here we will give you insides on how to get it to your kitchen.
If you have decided to use a natural stone in your kitchen, the first thing to do is to get accurate measurements in your home by creating a template so your countertop will fit perfectly. This process considers everything from sink location to imperfections in the walls. Some templates are created by documenting measurements manually or using thin wood or plastic strips that are glued together to produce a perfect replica of the area covered by the stone.
In the fabrication facility, the measurements are entered into the computer, or the templates are placed on the selected piece of natural stone and adjusted to get the desired results prior to cutting. With advancements in technology, many stone contractors are now producing templates digitally with increased efficiency and accuracy. The digital template is created electronically, with strategic mapping points on the countertop surface. This precise information is then downloaded into a laptop or tablet to create an electronic template. The digital data is made into an actual photograph of the selected stone slab for the job.
Whether a manual or electronic template system is used, the result is an ideal match of the material and the measurements of the countertop in your home. The stone is then cut with an automated sawing system, ensuring that the cutouts for stove tops, sinks, faucets, and other kitchen appliances are correct. The pieces of natural stone are then edged either with automated equipment or by hand. There are several standard edge profiles available. Consult DTK Stone Works’ friendly staff to choose the right edge for your project. Decorative edges are put only on the visible edge, not on the join edge. Most edging is done with powerful diamond routers using specific bits to profile the desired edges.
The final step is finishing the edge. When all the pieces are cut, edged, and finished to specification, the natural stone countertop has made its final trip to your home. DTK Stone Works’ skillful craftsmen install the countertop and other components, ensuring that all kitchen or bathroom elements are fitted perfectly. In the field, installers glue pieces of natural stone together using polyester resin in the joints. When finished, the resin has a polished look similar to the polish of the natural stone.
Sealing is a common step taken on some stones as an extra precaution against staining. In fact, sealing products used in the stone industry are impregnators that don’t seal the stone but act as a repellant. Sealing doesn’t make the stone stain-proof; rather, it makes it more stain-resistant. When consulting with DTK Stone Works, you may find that many stones don’t require sealing. However, applying an impregnating sealer is a common practice.
From the quarry to slabbing, templating, cutting, edging, finishing, and installation, DTK Stone Works strives to enhance the beauty of granite, marble, and quartzite through craftsmanship, perfection, and precision and achieving your ultimate satisfaction.
Call us now to arrange for your visit to our showroom and get a free quote!