Engineered & Natural Stone
Getting the Right Countertop Stone
The Path to Getting to the Right Stone
Picking the Right Stone Begins by Getting the Facts
Countertops by Nathan are personally designed for each client based on their requirements and by incorporating the stone characteristics and vein pattern into the final detailed design. Hence, Nathan doesn’t take the selection of your stone slab lightly. During his in-home Free Design Session and Quote, Nathan will provide his personalized education, consultation, and guidance to help you make an informed decision about the right stone for your needs. Once you determine the stone category (Quartz, Granite, Quartzite or Marble), color, vein pattern, and flow that suit you, your aesthetic judgment, lifestyle, needed countertop care and budget will dictate the stone slab(s) you select. Nathan will take you to the slab inventory yard and stay with you until you select the right slab(s).
Many of Nathan’s competitors start by picking out the stone slab before they know anything about the client, and when the client is confused, they spend a lot of time showing photos and samples of stones in a hit-or-miss fashion to choose the stone slab for their countertop.
With over 25 years of experience working directly with clients, Nathan’s approach is simple and methodical. The first thing he does is to learn about your lifestyle, taste, style and your countertop concepts. Then, through discussion with you and showing pictures and touching samples, he narrows down to the stone that not only best appeals to you, but will also meet your needs as a functional countertop for your lifestyle. Nathan has developed the Concierge Design Service process to create the countertop you want.
Nathan ensures your input and requirements are included in the detailed design and the finished product.
Nathan's Way of Getting the Stone Attributes You Like
When Nathan arrives at your home for a free Design Session and Quote, he will bring with him his catalogs, books of photos and stone samples that show the raw stone and finished countertops. All the stones he shows you come from his Marquee Stone Suppliers, and he shows pictures of actual countertops he made. He will help you decide on the stone category (Quartz, Granite, Quartzite or Marble) as part of your in-home comfortable shopping experience. Nathan has developed a technique to find the preference and stone attributes his client’s value; click here to learn more.
After looking at photos, samples and reviewing your needs, Nathan will help you narrow down and identify the stone type or category as the priority, next is the color, and grain characteristics that are the best fit for your project. Nathan will help you specify about 90% of all the stone attributes you want.
But there is nothing like the real thing. To ensure complete customer satisfaction, Nathan requires his clients to accompany him to the slab inventory wearhouse to see, inspect, and touch the stone slab(s) used to fabricate their countertop system.
Shopping Nathan's Vast Slab Inventory in Tampa Bay
Nathan doesn’t have a warehouse or an outside yard of stone slabs. What he does have is a viable supply network of Marquee Stone Suppliers. Nathan’s Marquee Stone Suppliers carries hundreds of stone slabs in various types, colors, textures, and vein patterns. Nathan’s Marquee Stone Suppliers are well established companies with track records of delivering high quality stone stabs and excellent customer service. He has been doing business with his supplier for more than 25 years in his career. He has a trusted business relationship with them that will ensure the best quality. To learn more about Nathan’s Marquee Stone Suppliers and the name-brand stone products he is authorized to sell, click on Nathan’s Stone Suppliers. His suppliers are conveniently located within the Tampa Bay area. Nathan believes the client must be able to physically see, inspect and touch the stone slab(s) in person before making a purchase.
Hence, Nathan has access to a massive inventory and assortment of different Engineered and Natural Stones that he can provide to his clients in a variety of colors, stone characteristics and vein patterns. His Marquee Stone Suppliers allow him to take his clients to the slab inventory yards with his guidance to select the stone slab(s) most appropriate for their countertop system.
Selecting and Reserving Your Stone Slab
While at one of the Marquee Stone Suppliers, Nathan will personally accompany the client to the slab inventory yard and provide advice, suggestions and guidance to allow his client to make their decision on the best slab for their countertop surfaces. If the client doesn’t like the selection, then they’re off to another Marquee Stone Supplier’s slab inventory yard. Nathan’s approach was developed to ensure the client gets the countertop they want; it’s their decision, not the decision of a salesperson. This is one of the reasons why Nathan’s client reviews are consistently five stars. This approach takes more time and effort, but it’s worth it. The stone slab(s) you select are reserved in your name to prevent them being sold to another customer. The stone slab(s) you selected are from inventory yard will be delivered to the fabrication shop, where the slab(s) is converted into a countertop system that will be sent to your home for installation.
Your slab selection will allow Nathan to complete his detailed design and the final layout of your countertop system. The choice of the stab(s) is crucial to the detailed design, where Nathan will capture the vein flow and grain patterns in the surface of each countertop component. The detailed design and layout are more of an art that takes creative talent and skill.
Which Stone Do You Like?
It’s okay for you to change your mind before you select your slab.
Engineered and Natural Stone Overview
Engineered stone and natural stone are two unique countertop materials with distinct compositions, appearances, and characteristics that have been valued for thousands of years. Natural stone, such as granite, quartzite and marble, is extracted directly from the earth, showcasing exquisite, one-of-a-kind patterns that reflect nature’s beauty. In contrast, engineered stone, like quartz, is a man-made product that blends natural stone aggregates with resins and pigments, resulting in a more uniform and consistent look, making it a popular choice for modern designs. Over 95% of the Countertops by Nathan are produce from these four types of stones: quartz, granite, marble and quartzite and the other 5% are made from dolomite, calacite, soapstone,dekton, agate, onyx, etc.
Because of the popularity of the top 4 stone, Nathan specializes in the design and implementation of Countertop Systems made from quartz, granite, quartzite and marble.
The following is a summary of the top 4 stones that Nathan recommends for your countertop needs depending requirements, preferences and the stone appeal you desire.
Quartz Countertops Tampa Bay
Quartz countertops are made by combining natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments in a vacuum compression process that will result in a durable, beautiful material. It’s a top choice for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. Nathan has installed more quartz countertops in Tampa Bay than any of the other types of stone. Quartz can be made in a vast variety of colors and patterns.
Quartz can be used to transform your living space with the stunning, clean elegance of the look of natural stone countertops, where beauty meets durability in perfect harmony. For the layperson, quartz is easily mistaken for marble at times.
This engineered stone boasts a sensational array of colors and patterns, allowing you to effortlessly find the stone slab to customize your home’s aesthetic. Quartz offers a surface that stands firm against daily wear and tear. With its nonporous nature, quartz not only enhances a kitchen or bathroom with a sleek, modern look but also prioritizes your health by preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Busy and active families will appreciate the low-maintenance aspect, as spills wipe away without a trace, even if the spill remains on the surface for a while. Quartz can treat your home to a polished appearance that stays pristine through the busiest of days. It can elevate the interior design of a large kitchen, bringing a luxurious beauty and functionality that create an inviting atmosphere reflecting your unique style. Nathan’s design will enhance your everyday life.
Quartz Properties
Scale of 1 to 10, where 1 represents the lowest resistance or highest cost, and 10 represents the highest resistance or lowest cost.
- Stain Resistance 100%
- Stone Density 80%
- Non-Porous Surface & Micro-organisms Resistance 100%
- Heat Resistance 60%
- Scratch Resistance 80%
- Acid Resistance 100%
- Fading Due to UV Light 50%
- Impact & Chip Resistance 90%
- Discoloring Due to Aging 90%
- Inventory Size, Variety & Popularity 100%
- Price Attractiveness 80%
Quartz Summary: An engineered stone made from crushed quartz crystals and resins. Its non-porous nature makes it incredibly resistant to stains, acids, and bacteria. However, the resin binders can be damaged by high heat, which is its main drawback.
Samples of Quartz Slabs
Viewing the Vast Quartz Slab Inventory in Tampa Bay
The Quartz Slab Inventory is through Nathan’s Marquee Stone Suppliers. To view the live stone slab inventory online from his Marquee Stone Supplier network, click on Nathan’s Stone Supplier Webpage. Then, refer to Nathan’s Marquee Stone Supplier List and click the link on the right for each partner to view their live inventory, Please note, each Marquee Stone Supplier vendor may arrange and organize their inventory differently. There is usual a search function that requires you to set the criteria on the left; for example for quartz stone inventory set the category to quartz to view the slabs available.
Nathan’s clients really don’t have to do any searching for the stone slab they want. Nathan will guide them every step of way with advice, recommendations, suggestions and provide the best candidates short list of stone slabs to inspect through his Marquee Stone Suppliers. Nathan provides his Concierge Design Service process, so his clients can relax, while he does all the work.
Granite Countertops Tampa Bay
Granite is considered the most durable of all the natural stones. It’s synonymous with luxury and timeless beauty. Granite Countertops are not just a functional choice for kitchens and bathrooms, but they are a celebration of nature’s artistry. In Tampa Bay where entertaining around poolside is important, outdoor granite countertops fits the bill because granite can weather the outside element.
Each granite slab has a unique vein pattern, stone grain and coloring that showcase a distinct composition of minerals, including quartz, mica, and feldspar, which contribute to its exceptional grain patterns and color variations. This natural stone offers an array of hues, from deep blacks and vibrant reds to soft whites and grays, ensuring that every countertop is a one-of-a-kind piece that tells its own story.
It’s as beautiful as it is durable and a leading choice for countertops, especially for hardscape. The durability of granite is unmatched, providing a robust surface that resists heat and scratches, making it ideal for busy kitchens and outdoor spaces. Its natural resilience against everyday wear and tear, paired with the luxurious aesthetic it brings to any home, elevates your space while offering a timeless appeal that complements various design styles.
When properly sealed, granite not only enhances your kitchen’s visual appeal but also provides a low-maintenance surface that can withstand the rigors of daily life, ensuring that your investment remains as stunning as the day it was installed. Because granite is porous, it needs periodic sealing to prevent staining and discoloring due to oils or acidic liquids such as olive oil, lemon juice and wine. Many companies, such as Constantino, offer pre-sealed slabs with a manufacturer’s stain guard warranty.
Granite can be polished to a much glossier finish than other natural stone materials, including quartz. It is priced competitively with quartz slabs. In the past, it was very popular, then lost popularity, but is now making a comeback.
Granite Properties
Scale of 1 to 10, where 1 represents the lowest resistance or highest cost, and 10 represents the highest resistance or lowest cost.
- Stain Resistance 70%
- Stone Density 90%
- Non-Porous Surface & Micro-organisms Resistance 70%
- Heat Resistance 90%
- Scratch Resistance 90%
- Acid Resistance 80%
- Fading Due to UV Light 90%
- Impact & Chip Resistance 80%
- Discoloring Due to Aging 90%
- Inventory Size, Variety & Popularity 90%
- Price Attractiveness 80%
Samples of Granite Slabs
Viewing the Vast Granite Slab Inventory in Tampa Bay
The Granite Slab Inventory is through Nathan’s Marquee Stone Suppliers. To view the live stone slab inventory online from his Marquee Stone Supplier network, click on Nathan’s Stone Supplier Webpage. Then, refer to Nathan’s Marquee Stone Supplier List and click the link on the right for each partner to view their live inventory, Please note, each Marquee Stone Supplier vendor may arrange and organize their inventory differently. There is usual a search function that requires you to set the criteria on the left; for example for granite stone inventory set the category to granite to view the slabs available.
Nathan’s clients really don’t have to do any searching for the stone slab they want. Nathan will guide them every step of way with advice, recommendations, suggestions and provide the best candidates short list of stone slabs to inspect through his Marquee Stone Suppliers. Nathan provides his Concierge Design Service process, so his clients can relax, while he does all the work.
Quartzite Countertops Tampa Bay
Quartzite is a natural stone and metamorphic rock that was originally pure quartz sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and very high pressure, usually related to tectonic compression, making it a unique material for countertops. It offers the beauty of marble with more durability. It can look like marble without the high maintenance. It provides one of the strongest surfaces for countertops, being even harder and denser than granite. Like granite, quartzite’s surface properties allow it to be polished to a high gloss.
Discover the enchanting allure of quartzite, a stone that embodies the striking beauty of marble with its captivating veining and rich textures. It can have the dominant vein pattern you find in high-end marble. Quartzite can surpass the finest marbles, providing an exquisite aesthetic for your countertops without the constant worry of discoloring due to putting a hot pan on its surface or scratches. Unlike marble, which can succumb to the wear of everyday life, quartzite stands strong against the rigors of heat and scratches, making it an ideal choice for busy kitchens and elegant bathrooms alike. Quartzite will create a stunning focal point in your home that requires little upkeep and offers lasting beauty for years to come.
Quartzite is UV stable, meaning it will not fade due to sunlight. Even though quartzite has a very tough surface strength, it’s porous and susceptible to staining and discoloring. It’s recommended that the surface be periodically sealed to avoid staining. It may come pre-sealed from a stone slab supplier.
Mis-marking or mislabeling of quartzite is prevalent in Florida as a common issue. Quartzite is a desirable stone, leading to instances where other stones like marble or dolomitic marble are incorrectly sold as quartzite. This mislabeling can affect the expectations of how the surface performs and its maintenance. For example, marble is much softer and more susceptible to etching and scratching. Fortunately, Nathan can verify the authenticity of a stone labeled as quartzite by using the glass test.
Quartzite Properties
Scale of 1 to 10, where 1 represents the lowest resistance or highest cost, and 10 represents the highest resistance or lowest cost.
- Stain Resistance 80%
- Stone Density 100%
- Non-Porous Surface & Micro-organisms Resistance 80%
- Heat Resistance 90%
- Scratch Resistance 100%
- Acid Resistance 50%
- Fading Due to UV Light 90%
- Impact & Chip Resistance 70%
- Discoloring Due to Aging 90%
- Inventory Size, Variety & Popularity 67%
- Price Attractiveness 70%
Quartzite Summary: A natural stone that has a similar look to marble but with the durability of granite. It is extremely hard and resistant to scratches, heat, and acids. It can be more porous than granite, so it may still need sealing.
Samples of Quartzite Slabs
Viewing the Vast Quartzite Slab Inventory in Tampa Bay
The Quartzite Slab Inventory is through Nathan’s Marquee Stone Suppliers. To view the live stone slab inventory online from his Marquee Stone Supplier network, click on Nathan’s Stone Supplier Webpage. Then, refer to Nathan’s Marquee Stone Supplier List and click the link on the right for each partner to view their live inventory, Please note, each Marquee Stone Supplier vendor may arrange and organize their inventory differently. There is usual a search function that requires you to set the criteria on the left; for example for quartzite stone inventory set the category to quartzite to view the slabs available.
Nathan’s clients really don’t have to do any searching for the stone slab they want. Nathan will guide them every step of way with advice, recommendations, suggestions and provide the best candidates short list of stone slabs to inspect through his Marquee Stone Suppliers. Nathan provides his Concierge Design Service process, so his clients can relax, while he does all the work.
Marble Countertops Tampa Bay
Marble is a metamorphic rock that starts as calcite (a form of calcium carbonate) that’s transformed by re-crystallization from intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth to form an interlocking crystal structure of marble. Marble has a classic, soft, elegant, and natural appearance that has many variations. Each marble slab has its unique vein pattern and is never the same. Embracing the allure of marble for your countertops is more than just a design choice; it’s a celebration of nature’s artistry infused with timeless elegance. Each slab of marble tells its own story through striking vein patterns and unique swirls, creating a stunning focal point in your kitchen or bathroom.
The cool touch of marble not only enhances the aesthetic of your kitchen but also serves practical purposes, making it a favorite among bakers for rolling dough and crafting pastries. With origins dating back to ancient Rome, marble exudes a sense of history and luxury that transforms any room into a sophisticated haven. While its stunning beauty can require a bit of care, the reward is a surface that matures gracefully over time, developing character and charm. By choosing marble, you’re not just investing in a premium countertop; you’re bringing a piece of the natural world into your home, enriching your daily life with its opulent presence and enduring style.
Marble is an excellent choice for the kitchen and bathroom, but it has some drawbacks. Marble is a porous stone that soaks up liquids and can be easily stained and etched by acidic liquids such as juice from lemons, limes, and oranges, or vinegar, or particularly red wine. Hence, you must be diligent in wiping up spills immediately. This shortcoming may be fixed by sealing the marble regularly.
Marble can provide an old-world charm, as well as a new modern look, based on the vine patterns and design of the countertop. Marble surfaces can develop their character over time as they age. It’s a natural stone that can exhibit inherent imperfections. It’s certainly not recommended for an active and busy family with multiple children. Marble is ideal for low-traffic areas, provided there is a willingness to care for it.
Marble Properties
Scale of 1 to 10, where 1 represents the lowest resistance or highest cost, and 10 represents the highest resistance or lowest cost.
- Stain Resistance 40%
- Stone Density 50%
- Non-Porous Surface & Micro-organisms Resistance 40%
- Heat Resistance 70%
- Scratch Resistance 50%
- Acid Resistance 20%
- Fading Due to UV Light 80%
- Impact & Chip Resistance 50%
- Discoloring Due to Aging 50%
- Inventory Size, Variety & Popularity 77%
- Price Attractiveness 60%
Samples of Marble Slabs
Viewing the Vast Marble Slab Inventory in Tampa Bay
The Marble Slab Inventory is through Nathan’s Marquee Stone Suppliers. To view the live stone slab inventory online from his Marquee Stone Supplier network, click on Nathan’s Stone Supplier Webpage. Then, refer to Nathan’s Marquee Stone Supplier List and click the link on the right for each partner to view their live inventory, Please note, each Marquee Stone Supplier vendor may arrange and organize their inventory differently. There is usual a search function that requires you to set the criteria on the left; for example for marble stone inventory set the category to marble to view the slabs available.
Nathan’s clients really don’t have to do any searching for the stone slab they want. Nathan will guide them every step of way with advice, recommendations, suggestions and provide the best candidates short list of stone slabs to inspect through his Marquee Stone Suppliers. Nathan provides his Concierge Design Service process, so his clients can relax, while he does all the work.
Nathan’s Concierge Design Service
From concept to the best-designed, Nathan creates the highest-quality premium countertops in Tampa Bay, typically within 7- 9 business days or less. He handles everything and keeps you informed every step of the way with his Concierge Design Service. His services are priced competitively or even lower than those of some of his competitors. Nathan makes it easy to get an impeccably designed countertop that’s a masterpiece.
To get started, call us at
(727) 365-7036
Transforming raw stone slabs into a countertop masterpieces
