Category Archives: Quartz Composite

Benefits of digital templating

Posted by ExquisiteStone on June 5, 2014

We are living in a world that appears to become more entwined with technology by the minute.  This reliance on phones and tablets seems to make life both easier and more complicated as we move away from phone books, the #2 pencil, and even desktop computers.

In working towards incorporating more digital technology into the countertop production process, Exquisite Stone has set aside the glue gun and graph paper, and is now using a digital templating machine for every project. Instead of manually building a pattern of the countertops or creating a drawing using a tape measure and a notepad, Exquisite Stone now uses a state-of-the-art templating machine to gather all the information that is needed to build the countertops.  This computer enables the template technician to quickly and accurately collect all the relevant data for the project, including not only the locations and dimensions of each cabinet but also sink and cooktop centerlines, subtle inconsistencies in elevation and many other details that can be easily missed.  This step towards a more digital process has allowed Exquisite Stone to become faster, more efficient and more accurate with the way that countertops are made.  While conversion to digital production has its challenges, every day it makes our jobs easier, our work better, and our customers happier.

There are still a few #2 pencils and graph pads floating around the shop, but not many!

The look of…St Paul

Posted by ExquisiteStone on June 1, 2014

Maintaining “the look” is very important to any remodeling project. Many projects in the St Paul, MN, neighborhood are attempting to revamp the original look of these older homes. Many have existing combinations of white subway tile, white cabinets, and white marble countertops. White Carrara marble is the traditional material that is found in many of these older homes, but the sensitive nature of this marble makes it impractical for some families. Quartz alternatives are a great option where marble may fall short. Caesarstone has a great “carrara-look” color that is a very realistic duplication of the classic marble. Quantra, Silestone and Hanstone also have some good options in a more economical price range. These quartz alternatives that strive to replicate the classic White Carrara look are gaining in popularity, and make creating turn of the century look easier and more user friendly.

The Quartz Corner – Modern Flair, Low Care!

Posted by ExquisiteStone on May 30, 2014

Even though granite is still our most popular seller, sometimes it is just not the right “flavor” for every project. With its busy patterns, unpredictable coloring and veining, and natural variation, granite can steal the show from other featured areas in the home. Quartz is the perfect option when a space calls for solid colors, quieter patterns, and cleaner lines than natural stone can offer. Particularly in modern or more simple design schemes, quartz is able to offer more control over color and pattern, allowing other features to shine. Visit our favorite brands.

The Quartz Corner – Quartz as a Marble Alternative

Posted by ExquisiteStone on April 25, 2014

Marble is one of the most classic looks in countertops. Unfortunately it leaves much to be desired when it comes to durability and maintenance. Quartz countertops are an alternative option that offer the looks of marble and the easy care properties of a manmade material. Now marbles like Crema Marfil, White Carrara and Emperador have manmade alternatives that overcome the undesirable aspects that make marble installations difficult to justify. Particularly in kitchens, these quartz options relieve a lot of the stress that accompanies caring for marble in a high traffic cooking area.