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Materials
Granite
Granite is a natural stone composed of a mixture of minerals that give each slab its own unique characteristics. Because it is very hard and durable, granite is perfect for high traffics areas such as kitchens and outdoors. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. Although granite does resist heat, it is not recommended that you place hot objects directly on any stone surface without the use of a trivet. Also, to increase its stain resistance, all granite should be properly sealed. At Gulf Coast Granite Fabricators, we seal all of our porous material to insure that your stone surfaces stay beautiful for years to come.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone that is made from a mixture of loose quartz, silicone dioxide and resin (synthetic material).It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns and stays relatively consistent between slabs. Quartz is harder and more durable than granite. It is non-porous so it resists stains and bacteria without the need to be sealed. Although quartz is very durable, it is not as heat resistant and extra precautions should be used to prevent damage from extreme heat. Quartz is only recommended for indoor use. It can be installed outdoors, but only if completely sheltered from the elements.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural metamorphic quartz stone that offers the best of both worlds in beauty and durability. Quartzite has gorgeous veining similar to marble, but is harder and more durable than granite. It is extremely scratch and heat resistant . Because it is a natural stone, the coloring and characteristics are unique to each slab. Quartzite must be sealed to prevent staining since the porosity varies between material.
Marble
Marble is an elegant natural stone that is known for it's unique, characteristic veining. This stone comes in a wide variety of colors ranging from pure white, to blues, greens, reds, black and more. Marble is one of the most delicate stones, and extra precautions are needed to prevent scratches, staining, and etching. Marble requires frequent sealing and you should always use a cutting board and coasters to protect your beautiful surfaces.
Large format porcelain
A newer option that is becoming widely popular in homes and offices is large format porcelain slabs. These large, thin tiles are ideal for installation in showers, walls, and even floors. They come in a wide variety of looks, ranging from natural stone, concrete, and even wood. This material is very difficult for fabricators to work with because it is thin and delicate. When looking for someone to complete your large format porcelain project, it is important be sure that they have experience working with this material. At Gulf Coast Granite Fabricators, we have fabricated and installed numerous porcelain projects, and we have the expertise to turn your next porcelain project into a work of art.
