FAQ

Natural stone refers to organic materials quarried directly from the earth. Unlike “engineered” stone (like quartz), which is man-made from crushed rock and resin, natural stone is sliced into slabs or tiles in its raw form. Common types include:

• Granite: Known for its speckled look and extreme durability.
• Marble: Famous for its elegant “veining” and classic white/gray tones.
• Quartzite: A very hard natural stone that often looks like marble but performs like granite.
• Soapstone and Travertine: Unique textures used for specific rustic or “old-world” aesthetics.

No. This is the most important thing to know. Because it’s a product of nature, every slab has unique colors and patterns. Even two slabs cut from the same block can look different.

Buyer Tip: Never buy natural stone based on a small 4×4 sample. Always visit the stone yard to view and “tag” the exact slab that will be installed in your home.

If you cook a lot and don’t want to worry about spills, Granite and Quartzite are your best bets. They are heat-resistant and very difficult to scratch. While Marble is stunning, it is much softer and more porous, making it better suited for bathrooms or “low-impact” areas.

Etching is a common point of confusion for new buyers. It isn’t a stain; it’s a chemical reaction. When acidic substances (like lemon juice, wine, or tomato sauce) come into contact with stones like marble or limestone, they eat away a tiny amount of the surface, leaving a dull, matte spot.

• Note: Sealing prevents stains (liquids soaking in), but it does NOT prevent etching (surface damage).

It’s mostly about building good habits. Because stone is porous, you should:

• Seal it: Apply a liquid sealer (usually a simple “wipe-on, wipe-off” process) once a year.
• Clean gently: Avoid Windex or vinegar. Use warm water and mild dish soap, or a stone-specific spray.

The price reflects the cost of quarrying from deep within the earth, shipping heavy slabs across the globe, and the rarity of the pattern. While the upfront cost is higher, natural stone is an investment that typically increases a home’s resale value more than synthetic alternatives.

You will likely see small lines that look like cracks; these are usually fissures. Fissures are naturally occurring microscopic gaps in the stone’s structure. They are a sign of authenticity, not structural defects. If you can feel a deep “catch” with your fingernail, it might be a true crack, which you should point out to your fabricator.

This depends on your kitchen layout and the size of the slabs (which vary). Your fabricator will take “templates” (precise measurements) of your cabinets.

• Waste Factor: Remember that you usually have to buy the whole slab, even if you only use 75% of it. The “leftovers” are called remnants, which are great for smaller projects like bathroom vanities.

While granite is hard enough to handle a knife, it’s not recommended for that purpose. Cutting on stone will dull your knives very quickly. Furthermore, if you have a softer stone like marble or soapstone, you will leave permanent scratch marks. Always use a cutting board!

If you are doing a large island or a full-wall backsplash, you might hear this term. Bookmatching is when two slabs are cut from the same block and polished on opposite sides. When placed side-by-side, the veining mirrors each other like an open book. It creates a stunning, high-end symmetrical look.

For the most part, yes. Natural stone is formed under intense heat and pressure. You can generally take a hot pot off the stove and set it on Granite or Quartzite without it melting or scorching (unlike laminate or some engineered stones).

• Caveat: While the stone won’t melt, “thermal shock” can occasionally cause a crack if a freezing-cold slab meets a boiling-hot pot. It’s always safer to use a trivet.

Unless your countertop is smaller than a single slab, you will have seams (where two pieces of stone meet). A skilled fabricator will use color-matched epoxy to make the seam as thin and inconspicuous as possible, but in natural stone with heavy veining, the pattern will rarely “line up” perfectly at the seam.

No, and this is the most common mistake buyers make.

• Quartz: A man-made, “engineered” product made of stone chips and resin. It is non-porous but can melt under high heat.
• Quartzite: A 100% natural stone. It is harder than granite and very heat-resistant, but it does require sealing.

Granite is excellent for outdoor kitchens because it handles UV rays and temperature changes well. Marble and Limestone, however, can fade or “sugar” (break down) over time if exposed to heavy rain and direct sunlight in certain climates. Always tell your supplier if the stone is going outside.

Some stones can.

• Oxidation: Some stones (like certain white marbles or granites) contain trace amounts of iron. If they are in a very damp environment, that iron can “rust,” leading to small yellow or orange spots over many years.
• Sunlight: Some exotic stones with heavy resin treatments can slightly darken or “amber” if they sit in direct, intense sunlight for a decade.

Don’t panic! One of the best things about natural stone is that it can be repaired. If you drop a heavy cast-iron skillet and chip the edge, a professional can fill the gap with a color-matched resin, buff it down, and make it virtually invisible. You can’t do that as easily with laminate or stainless steel.

Usually, no. In most stones, the veining is simply a different mineral that flowed into the rock millions of years ago. However, in “movement-heavy” stones, a very thick vein can sometimes be a natural point of cleavage. A good fabricator will reinforce these areas with “rodding” (metal or fiberglass bars hidden underneath) to ensure they never break.

If you see a dark stain appearing around the edges of your sink, it’s often because the silicone seal has failed, and water is soaking into the raw, unpolished underside of the stone. This is why a high-quality installation is just as important as the stone itself.

Yes! Using the same slab for your countertop and your “full-height backsplash” is a huge interior design trend. It creates a seamless, high-end look and—bonus—it means you have zero grout lines to scrub in the kitchen.

Founded in 1956, Bisazza is an Italian luxury brand and the world’s leading producer of glass mosaic. They are considered the “fashion house” of the tile world, treating their surfaces as art. Beyond mosaics, they also produce high-end marble, wood flooring, and designer bathroom furniture.

The price reflects an investment in heritage and quality. They use premium materials (including 24kt gold and platinum) and collaborate with world-famous designers to create patterns that are essentially custom-made art.

Yes. Because these tiles are high-end, never just start tiling. Authorized dealers can provide digital renderings or design consultations to show you exactly how a pattern will behave when it wraps around corners or meets the ceiling before you buy.

This is their signature application. Because the glass is non-porous and incredibly durable, it creates a jewel-like, shimmering depth in water that standard ceramic or plaster cannot replicate.

Not as much as you’d think. While glass mosaic is smooth, the thousands of grout lines provide excellent “grip,” making it a popular choice for shower floors and wet rooms.

It is surprisingly low-maintenance. Because it is glass, it does not absorb stains. Use a neutral detergent and avoid cleaners with hydrofluoric or phosphoric acid, which can etch the glass over time.

While glass is resilient, it is not indestructible. It can chip or crack if struck with a heavy, sharp object (like a falling tool). Always keep extra tiles on hand for potential repairs.

Yes. You should never hire a general contractor who hasn’t worked with Bisazza. It requires specific professional techniques, proprietary adhesives, and grouts to ensure the tiny tiles align perfectly.

The grout color is just as important as the tile. A matching grout makes the surface look like a solid, continuous sheet of glass, while a contrasting grout highlights the geometric pattern of the individual tiles.

It is one of Bisazza’s trademarks. They offer complex tile mixes that transition from one color to another, creating a painterly, “fading” effect on your walls.

Bisazza is often hand-cut or produced in unique batches. Subtle variations in tone and reflection are signs of authenticity. Always view a physical sample in your actual room lighting.

Most Bisazza products are not “off-the-shelf.” They are often produced upon order in Italy. Do not schedule your installation until the material has physically arrived.

Always order 10–15% more than your measured square footage. You need extra for cuts, and more importantly, you need a “safety stash” from the same production batch (dye lot) for future repairs. If you try to match a repair with a different batch, the color difference will be visible.

If you run out of tile and that specific production run is sold out or discontinued, you will be stuck. Always store a small amount of leftover tile, clearly labeled, in a safe place.

Yes. A significant portion of their glass mosaic is manufactured using recycled glass, and the company has invested heavily in sustainable manufacturing processes in Italy.

Unless you are a professional, no. The precision required to align thousands of tiny tiles is immense; even a one-millimeter error in the spacing between sheets will be immediately noticeable to the eye.

Always buy through an Authorized Bisazza Dealer. Buying from unauthorized sources risks receiving counterfeit, damaged, or obsolete stock, and you will have no manufacturer recourse.

While “glass” is the short answer, the reality is a mix of high-tech chemistry and ancient Venetian techniques.

• Vitreous Glass: Their standard mosaics are made from molten glass silica mixed with coloring oxides. This makes the color “through-body,” so it will never fade or wear off.
• Aventurina: A signature Bisazza material. It’s a synthetic stone created by adding copper or other metal crystals to molten glass, resulting in a distinct, sparkling metallic “vein.”
• Gold and Platinum: The Oro (Gold) collection features genuine 24kt gold leaf or platinum sandwiched between two protective layers of glass.
• Sustainable Core: Much of their glass range is eco-friendly, with many collections made from up to 93% recycled glass.
• Other Materials: Bisazza has expanded beyond glass to include Marmosaico (hand-cut marble), Cementiles (designer cement tiles), and even decorated oak wood flooring.

Yes. Bisazza is excellent for fireplaces and saunas. It is fire-resistant and handles thermal shock (moving from cold to hot) very well. This is why it is a favorite for high-end spa retreats and luxury “Turkish baths.”

Bisazza is one of the most versatile decorative materials available, suitable for almost any environment when installed correctly.

It is an engineered stone surface composed of roughly 90% natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, mixed with high-quality resins and pigments to create a solid, durable slab.

No. While it uses natural quartz stone, it is a manufactured (engineered) product. This makes it more consistent, stronger, and more flexible than natural stones like granite or marble.

Natural stones are porous and can soak up liquids and bacteria, often requiring periodic sealing. Quartz stone from Caesarstone, on the other hand,  is non-porous, meaning it is naturally resistant to stains and microbes without any extra treatments.

Yes. Unlike natural marble, which has slab patterns that vary widely, Caesarstone is manufactured for uniformity. The sample you see in the showroom will be a very close match to the slab installed in your home.

Yes. Caesarstone is NSF-certified (National Sanitation Foundation). This means it has passed rigorous testing to ensure it is safe for direct food contact and meets strict sanitation standards used in commercial kitchens and hospitals.

No. Because quartz stone’s surface is non-porous, it does not provide a place for bacteria, mold, or mildew to grow. It is an exceptionally hygienic choice for kitchen and bathroom environments.

Yes. Caesarstone is GREENGUARD-certified, which verifies that their products meet some of the world’s most stringent standards for low chemical emissions. You don’t have to worry about your countertops “off-gassing” harmful fumes into your home.

You may hear about silica in the news. It is important to note that the health risk is associated with dust generated during the fabrication process (cutting, sawing, polishing) when workers are not protected. Once a Caesarstone surface is finished and installed in your home, it is a stable, inert, and completely safe product.

Yes. Caesarstone now offers “Mineral” or low-silica collections. These are designed to be safer for the fabricators who work with them, providing the same high-end look and performance for you while reducing the amount of crystalline silica used in manufacturing.

It is highly scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Cutting directly on it with a knife won’t always leave a gouge, but it can leave “metal marks”—residue from the knife—and will dull your kitchen blades.

No. Since the quartz stone contains resin, a type of plastic binder, extreme heat can cause “thermal shock,” which may lead to discoloration or cracking. Always use a trivet or heat pad.

The quartz stone is highly stain-resistant because it is non-porous. Spills like coffee or wine won’t soak in, but you should still wipe them up promptly to maintain the surface’s finish.

Standard quartz stone from Caesarstone is for indoor use only. Prolonged exposure to direct UV rays (sunlight) can cause the pigments to fade or the resins to yellow over time.

You can choose from Polished (high shine), Honed (matte), Concrete (smooth but non-reflective), and Rough (textured).

Yes. “Honed” or “Concrete” finishes are more likely to show fingerprints, smudges, and water spots compared to a standard “Polished” finish.

Standard thicknesses are 20mm (3/4 inch) and 30mm (1 1/4 inch). The latter is the most popular choice for a substantial, luxury feel.

Caesarstone produces “Jumbo” sizes in many colors, which are larger slabs designed to cover large kitchen islands without seams.

Nexstone is an engineered stone, primarily composed of roughly 90–93% crushed natural quartz and 7–10% high-quality polymer resins and pigments. Unlike a slab of granite pulled straight from the earth, Nexstone is a manufactured product designed to be stronger and more consistent.

While natural stones are porous (meaning they have tiny pores that can absorb wine or oil), Nexstone is non-porous. It doesn’t require the periodic sealing that marble and granite do, making it much lower maintenance for a busy kitchen.

Not quite. Unlike a laminate or plastic countertop that just looks like stone, Nexstone is made of actual stone particles. It’s more accurate to call it Technological Marble—it has the weight, cold touch, and hardness of the real thing, but it’s been manufactured to be more consistent, whether used in slabs or stone tiles.

Natural marble is a bit of a “diva”—it’s porous, stains easily (red wine is its enemy), and can have hidden weak spots. Nexstone is engineered to be non-porous and much tougher. You get the luxury look without the “don’t-touch-that” anxiety, whether applied as countertops or large-format stone tiles.

Yes, it is resistant to heat, but it is not “heat-proof.” Because of the resins used to bind the stone together, extreme heat (like a pot straight off the stove) can cause thermal shock or discoloration. Pro tip: Always use a trivet or hot pad.

One of the biggest selling points for Nexstone is its stain resistance. Because it’s non-porous, liquids stay on the surface rather than sinking in. Most spills can be wiped away with just soap and water, making it suitable not only for countertops but also for stone tiles in kitchens and bathrooms.

Quartz is one of the hardest minerals on Earth. Nexstone is incredibly difficult to scratch or chip under normal household use. You can’t quite use it as a cutting board (it might actually dull your knives!), but it handles the “chaos” of a kitchen very well.

Because it is engineered, Nexstone offers visual consistency. If you pick a sample from a showroom, your installed slab will look almost exactly like that sample. This is a huge advantage over natural stone, where one end of a slab might look totally different from the other.

It’s perfect for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, backsplashes, and even flooring with stone tiles. However, it is not recommended for outdoor use, as prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the resins to fade or yellow over time.

1. It’s the “lazy homeowner’s dream.” No special oils, waxes, or sealants are required.

• Daily: Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild soap.
• Avoid: Harsh chemicals like bleach, oven cleaners, or abrasive scrubbing pads.

Generally, Nexstone sits in a “sweet spot.” It is usually more affordable than high-end, exotic natural marbles (like Calacatta), but it offers much better value and longevity than cheap synthetics. You’re paying for durability and consistent aesthetics, whether for slabs or stone tiles.

Coverlam is a premium brand of large-format porcelain slabs manufactured by Grespania. It is created using advanced lamination-pressing technology, which allows for extremely thin yet highly durable slabs.

Coverlam technical stone is composed of 100% natural raw materials—clays, silica, and natural pigments. These are compacted under extreme pressure and fired at temperatures exceeding 1200°C, resulting in an ultra-dense, non-porous material.

• Thickness: Ranges from 3.5mm (lightweight/cladding) to 20mm (heavy-duty countertops).
• Size: Slabs can reach massive dimensions, such as 1200 × 3600 mm, reducing the need for grout lines.

Yes. “Sintered stone” is the technical category for high-performance engineered surfaces made by fusing natural minerals with extreme heat and pressure. Coverlam is a top-tier example of this technology.

It is called “technical stone” because it is engineered to outperform the natural limitations of quarried stone (like porosity, cracking, or staining), offering a predictable, high-performance product.

Modern technology, such as 3D printing and surface carving, enables Coverlam technical stone to mimic the appearance of marble, granite, or travertine with stunning realism. However, it is a surface-printed material, whereas natural stone’s pattern runs through the entire thickness of the slab.

Coverlam is ideal for those who want the “look” of stone but require low maintenance. It is non-porous (no sealing required), acid-etch resistant (safe from lemon or vinegar), and significantly lighter, making it perfect for renovations over existing floors or walls.

Natural stone offers authentic, one-of-a-kind geological beauty that is impossible to replicate perfectly. If you value the uniqueness of a slab where the veins run through its entire depth and are willing to perform periodic maintenance (sealing), natural stone remains the choice for luxury, high-end aesthetics.

Because it is UV and frost-resistant, it is highly versatile:

• Indoor: Flooring, wall cladding, kitchen/bathroom countertops.
• Outdoor: Facades, patio cladding, and outdoor kitchens.

Not at all. Since it is non-porous, bacteria and mold cannot grow on it. The technical stone can be cleaned with simple household detergents and does not require the specialty sealers that marble or granite demand.