It’s important not to run around a waterfall – especially in your kitchen! The mitered waterfall panel has been growing in popularity these days. This is an absolutely stunning way to feature the movement in your natural stone or quartz, and adds a healthy dose of drama to your space. Interested in some more information about adding a waterfall panel to your countertop project? Let us know! Walk-don’t-run to the Exquisite Stone showroom for a free estimate today!
When renovating a kitchen or choosing fixtures for a new home, one of the decisions that might not seem major at first but has significant practical implications is the thickness of your stainless-steel kitchen sink’s metal. This is typically measured in gauge, with common options being 16-gauge and 18-gauge. Understanding the differences between these two can help you make an informed choice that balances durability, aesthetics, and cost. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of 16-gauge and 18-gauge kitchen sinks.
What does “Gauge” mean?
In metal, the gauge refers to the thickness. A lower gauge means thicker metal, so a 16-gauge sink is thicker than an 18-gauge sink. The thickness affects several aspects of the sink’s performance and durability.
16-gauge Kitchen Sinks
18-gauge Kitchen Sinks
Making the Right Choice
The decision between a 16-gauge and an 18-gauge kitchen sink often comes down to personal preference and practical considerations like your budget and kitchen usage. If durability and quality are your top concerns a 16-gauge sink might be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective option and are willing to compromise slightly on durability and noise, an 18-gauge sink would suffice.
Need more information about stainless-steel sinks? Exquisite Stone stocks many options to fit any space from the basement wetbar to the kitchen to the coffee nook in the study. Stop by today to check out our variety and get started on your next countertop project!
Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is renowned for its extraordinary preservation of daily life, art, and architecture. Among the well-preserved features are the splendid natural stone countertops that adorned the homes of Pompeii’s prosperous citizens. These countertops, crafted from materials like marble and granite, serve as a testament to the enduring allure and functionality of natural stone in interior design.
The ancient Romans were masters of engineering and design, and their choices in materials were a testament to their sophistication. Natural stone countertops were highly favored in Pompeii for several reasons:
1. Aesthetic Grandeur: Natural stone countertops in Pompeii were often crafted from marbles like Carrara, which boasted exquisite veining patterns and a luminous surface. These countertops added a touch of opulence to the homes and reflected the social status of their owners.
2. Durability: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii for centuries, and yet the natural stone countertops remained remarkably intact. This enduring quality testifies to the robust nature of these materials, which can withstand the test of time and the rigors of daily life.
3. Hygienic Properties: Natural stone easier to clean and maintain than other materials available at the time, making it an ideal choice for countertops. In an era where hygiene was of utmost importance, natural stone surfaces contributed to a healthier living environment.
Natural stone countertops have a long history throughout the world, and our own modern selection choices are made with the same priorities as ancient peoples. The durability, aesthetic features, and timeless elegance of natural stone endures through time all the way from 79 AD to today.
Contact Exquisite Stone today for timeless countertop options!
Granite, known for its durability, natural beauty, and versatile applications, is a widely used stone in construction and interior design. But have you ever wondered about the journey granite takes from the depths of the earth to your kitchen countertop or the facades of iconic buildings? In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of granite quarry processes, shedding light on the intricate steps involved in extracting, processing, and bringing this stunning natural resource to life.
Step 1: Geological Exploration
Experts study the earth’s crust to identify areas with granite deposits. These areas are meticulously surveyed, and once a suitable deposit is located, the quarrying process can commence.
Step 2: Site Preparation
Preparation involves clearing vegetation and the layer of soil and rock that covers the granite deposits. This process ensures access to the desired granite bedrock.
Step 3: Drilling and Blasting
Once the site is prepared, the next step involves drilling holes into the granite using specialized equipment. Explosive charges are then strategically placed in these holes to blast apart the granite. This process breaks the granite into manageable pieces that can be extracted.
Step 4: Extraction
The granite blocks created through blasting are extracted using cranes and loaders.
Step 5: Transport
The extracted granite blocks are loaded onto trucks and transported to processing facilities or storage yards.
Step 6: Cutting and Shaping
At the processing facility, the granite blocks are cut and shaped into various products. This step is a combination of art and science, with skilled craftsmen using diamond-tipped saws and other precision tools to create slabs, tiles, and custom pieces according to specifications.
Step 7: Polishing
After cutting, the granite surfaces are polished to reveal their natural luster and rich colors. This enhances the stone’s aesthetic appeal, making it ready for use in a variety of architectural and design applications.
Step 8: Quality Control
Before the granite products are shipped to their final destinations, they undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure the stone meets industry standards for strength, color consistency, and appearance.
Step 9: Distribution
Once the granite has passed quality control, it is distributed to suppliers, manufacturers, and construction projects worldwide.
The journey of granite from quarry to its final destination is a fascinating process that combines science, artistry, and precision. Granite quarry processes involve geological exploration, site preparation, drilling, blasting, extraction, transport, cutting, shaping, polishing, quality control, and distribution. This natural stone’s journey reflects the skill and dedication of those involved in the granite industry and its enduring appeal in architecture and design. The next time you admire a granite countertop or the exterior of a grand building, you can appreciate the incredible journey the stone has undertaken to become a part of our lives.
