
Creating a Work of Art by
Choosing the Right Stone Slab
When the detailed design is approved, the layout is finalized, and the digital template is generated. At this point, the first three steps of the Concierge Countertop Design Service process are completed, and a digital template with the stone slab will go to the Fabrication Shop under Nathan’s management supervision.
Nathan’s Technique to Find the Client’s Preference
Lifestyle, Material Function & Aesthetic Match Determines the Stone
Nathan starts by acting as an educator, not a salesperson. He introduces the client to the four most popular countertop stones—granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite—discussing the unique pros and cons of each. This initial conversation is crucial for establishing the right foundation.
- Granite: The discussion focuses on its durability, heat resistance, stain resistance and unique, bold or subdued patterns, making it ideal for perhaps a busy kitchen, or a kitchen used for parties and entertaining .
- Marble: He highlights its classic elegance and timeless beauty, but also educates the client on its porosity, susceptibility to etching, and the care it requires. Properly sealed, the staining issue is muted. Many consider marble the ultimate in luxury.
- Quartz: They’ll talk about its non-porous nature, low maintenance, and wide range of consistent colors and patterns, which are perfect for a specific, modern aesthetic. Quartz can mimic natural stone such as marble, the most affordable stone, and can take a lot of abuse.
- Quartzite: This stone is presented as a strong, durable option with the elegant look of marble, offering the best of both worlds. Quartzite is a natural stone that possesses the striking beauty of marble, is harder than granite, and offers a wider range of colorful compositions.
Nathan’s goal is to determine the stone type that best matches the client’s lifestyle. Are they a meticulous homeowner who loves the patina of marble, or do they need a low-maintenance, worry-free surface for a family kitchen?
It’s all downhill after you pick the stone category you want.
Color, Style & Pattern Selection
Once the stone type is narrowed down, the focus shifts to aesthetics. Nathan helps the client select a color palette that complements the existing cabinets, flooring, and overall room décor.
- Color First: The client is guided through a choice of colors, from classic whites and grays to earthy tones or dramatic blacks. This establishes a clear visual direction.
- Pattern & Veining: The last decision is to guide the client in selecting vein patterns. The designer helps them visualize whether they prefer a dominant or faint pattern, a consistent grain, or a dramatic, flowing vein. This is where the designer’s artistic eye comes into play, helping the client see how these characteristics will impact the room’s final look.
Selecting and Reserving Your Stone Slab
At Rock Solid Granite & Marble Inc., Nathan transforms raw stone into premium countertops by including you in his design process as an exciting journey tailored to your unique style and preferences, ensuring you make informed decisions that reflect your taste and your aesthetic vision. Nathan will guide you through an extensive range of natural and engineered stones, emphasizing the importance of hands-on exploration, allowing you to feel the textures and see the true colors of the slabs. Nathan makes your slab selection process easy.
Nathan’s approach is to get up to speed through a one-on-one educational session that empowers you to choose the stone category by considering its functional benefits and artistic appeal. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of marble, the durability of granite, or the versatility and affordability of quartz or quartzite that has the look of marble but with the extreme hardness greater than granite.
Nathan’s proven step-by-step process captures the essence of your dream countertop system by starting with the stone category. The slab selection and your approval of the detailed design will take your dream into reality. With Nathan by your side, it’s easy to select your stone slab and reserve it by putting your name on it to prevent it from being sold to someone else.
With 25+ Years of Experience, Nathan's Greatest Strength is his Creative Countertop Design Expertise.