Natural stone is formed when mineral sediments are exposed to millions of years of heat and pressure. These minerals make up the variety of colors and patterns that are characteristic of natural stone. Various types of stone, in a multitude of colors and textures, are found around the world. The natural stone material is imported from over 20 countries. Many granites come from Brazilian, Indian, African, or Chinese quarries. Marble is frequently imported from Italy, Spain, and Mexico. Slate is imported from Brazil, India, and China, while travertine and limestone come from Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Peru.

Briefly stated, probably not. Since stone is a natural and unique product, it will vary in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are one of the sources of its exceptional beauty. We can provide general samples and have you approve the actual slab for your particular project.

Yes. Many natural stones can be used for exterior wall cladding, even in extreme temperatures. Proper installation and consideration of site-specific details are essential to success in exterior applications. Because each stone has slightly different physical properties, let our staff assist you in finding just the right fit.

There are numerous factors that contribute to the cost of each type of natural stone, including the quality, supply and demand, and even the value of the U.S. dollar. Find out how much marble granite countertops in Tampa, FL could cost you by giving us a call today!

Yes! We offer free consultations. Stop by or give us a call to schedule a time to visit and discuss marble granite countertops in Tampa, FL today.

Yes! We are happy to have you approve the natural slabs of stone that will be used in your project. If you're looking for natural quartzite in Tampa, FL, then don't wait to get in touch with our team today.

The size of the slabs will depend on the specific stone being considered. On average, granite slabs are 9’ x 5’, although you may find some that are larger. Marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx slabs will usually be smaller.

Natural stones are available in both 2 cm (3/4”) and 3 cm (1-1/4”) thicknesses. If you want to install marble granite countertops in Tampa, FL, then look no further than our natural stone collection.

While there is no difference in the durability between 2 cm and 3 cm material, one may be more appropriate than the other for your project. In fact, some materials are only available in one of the two thicknesses.

For example, in the Midwest, granite is more typically stocked in 3 cm, while marbles, limestones, travertines, and onyx may only be available in 2 cm. While the slab cost of 2 cm material may be a little less, it may need to be laminated if you choose a more elaborate edge profile, bringing the finished project cost up to the same price as using 3 cm material (which doesn’t require lamination).

While the density of each stone and the slab size will affect the weight, 3 cm granites weigh about 19 pounds per square foot or about 900-1,200 pounds per slab. A 2 cm marble will weigh approximately 600-700 pounds per slab. Give us a call today if you're interested in marble granite countertops in Tampa, FL.

When a block of natural stone is processed, it is cut into slabs by a large gang saw that works much the same way as a bread slicer. Once the slabs are cut, they are laid flat to be polished and then bundled together in the same order at the other end of the processing line.

Book-matched slabs are slabs that were right next to each other but have been polished on opposite sides. When these slabs are placed side by side, you will see that they are a near mirror image of each other — as in the picture below. In most cases, veining can be matched up to create one unbroken pattern. Book-matched slabs can be used with stunning results for large kitchen islands or for dramatic wall cladding in a commercial project.

Granite is the best choice when permanence, enduring color and texture, and freedom from deterioration and maintenance are the prime requirements for your project. The hardest natural material available for countertops, granite is composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, mica, and various other minerals. This combination results in a product that is virtually scratch-proof, burn-proof, and nearly indestructible; in fact, the only known materials harder than granite are diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Because of its durable nature, granite is commonly used to face commercial and institutional buildings and monuments. Granite is also unmatched as a material for stairways and high-traffic flooring areas; however, it will always be best known as the material of choice for countertops due to its unique colors and patterns, proven sustainability, and lasting value.

In recent years, a rumor has developed that granite can harbor certain bacteria, but this is nothing more than a myth perpetuated by manufacturers of man-made countertop materials in order to positively impact their own sales. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has no records of granite harboring bacteria of any kind, and granite has performed only second to stainless steel in tests of resistance to bacteria. The fact that granite continues to be the countertop material of choice by designers in hospitality and healthcare applications gives even further credence to the material’s safety and sanitariness.

Granite comes in hundreds of different colors and is quarried in places as varied as the United States, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Norway, Finland, Russia, South America, Namibia, India, China, Saudi Arabia, and more. Granites usually have a defined crystal structure, often with inclusions of smoky quartz, crimson garnets, and reflective mica. The patterns can be small and repetitive or large with wild rivers of movement. The more slowly the minerals cool during their formation, the larger the individual crystals can grow. Some stones – like Verde Butterfly Expo and Emerald Pearl – refract light to create a sparkle that is similar to that of a gemstone. While there is an abundant array of granites with a palate of earth-tone colors, it is actually possible to find every color imaginable — just look at Red Dragon or Blue Bahia.

Beyond the choice of color, there are also multiple options available for the surface finish applied to the face of a piece of granite. One of the most popular is a polished finish, the staple for kitchen countertops around the world. The natural reflective shine of a polished finish is not created through the application of a “shiny” coating but rather is produced through hours and hours of polishing with varying grits of abrasive diamond pads.

In addition to the popular polished finish, newer finishes are also starting to make their niche in the marketplace. Flamed, sandblasted, or bush-hammered finishes are rough textures that have special applications in commercial and exterior use. Honed granites, meanwhile, offer a more classic style by softening the look of the stone’s texture and color, which cuts down on glare in brightly lit areas such as outdoor kitchens. In comparison, the matte-honed finish is still very smooth, but offers slightly higher slip resistance, making it suitable for many types of projects. 

Finally, one of the newest trends sweeping the natural stone industry is suede-finished granites. The suede texture resembles an orange peel or leather and is soft to the touch as well as on the eyes. We are proud to offer many of our most popular colors – like Venetian Gold and Labrador Green Suede – in a suede finish, as well as more exclusive colors that are available in a suede finish – like Delicattus Cream Suede. With so many different options, choosing the right finish for a particular project can seem somewhat overwhelming, which is why we employ a whole team of interior designers to help you select the right finish to create the style that you desire. If the project permits, you can even mix and match different finishes of stone together in one space, creating a more unique look by adding texture and depth to any room or outdoor area.

Yes, marble is a durable material that can be used for kitchens, but the look and the required maintenance are not for everyone. Marbles are calcium-based materials and are therefore susceptible to etching, staining, and scratching. Etching occurs when acids microscopically eat away at the surface of the stone, leaving dull spots in the material. This effect can be visually minimized by using a honed surface instead of a polished surface.

Also, since marble is more porous than granite, it is more prone to staining and scratching, so we recommend that a penetrating sealer be applied to marble twice a year to protect it against damage. Any spills that occur should be wiped up immediately. Despite these maintenance points, marble countertops have been used for centuries to epitomize elegance. The stone’s patina (the change that occurs over time) is part of its beauty and tells a story of meals enjoyed with family and friends. Also available are the Vermont Danby white marbles, which are denser than other marbles and are available on beautiful honed surfaces. These provide a wonderful alternative to Italian marble since they offer enhanced durability for marble kitchens.

Marble has been used for thousands of years. Many marble statues and buildings have outlasted the cultures that built them. A simple, regular maintenance program will keep your marble countertops looking beautiful for the life of your home or commercial project.

Fortunately, most damage that can be done to marble surfaces can also be undone. There are wonderful craftsmen who specialize in the restoration of stone surfaces. Some “do-it-yourself” options for the homeowner include marble polishing powder to help remove scratches, or a poultice to penetrate the marble and help lift out stains. Be careful, however, to never seal a stain into your stone.

On the contrary — slate comes in many colors, many with a natural range that is impossible to duplicate. Our Brazilian naturally cleft slates come in solid colors like green, black, gray, and plum. A Brazilian multi-color is also available. Each one of our Chinese and Indian multi-color slates contains a rainbow of colors, ranging from the lighter Indian Autumn of very subtle taupe and green to bolder purple and gold tones in Kund or California Gold. Each tile is unique!

Brazilian slate is highly resistant to both staining and burning and is available in slabs. Slate can be scratched, though, so care must be taken if it is used for a kitchen countertop. Chinese and Indian slates come only in tiles, as they are too brittle to be processed into slabs.

The uneven texture of a slate is called clefting and is created when the layers of slate are pried apart. This clefting makes slate a perfect material for any project where its natural slip-resistance is a benefit—such as entries, mudrooms, and sunrooms. The color variations in slate create a casual warmth that lends itself to areas such as wine cellars, fireplace surrounds, and lower-level family entertainment rooms. Brazilian slates are very hard and dense with a non-skid surface. These slates are resistant to both water and stains and can be used for almost any application, including interior and exterior flooring, paving, stair treads, wall cladding, tabletops, countertops, bathroom vanities, showers, and more. Indian and Chinese multi-color slates may be used only indoors in our harsh Florida climate and are limited to floors and wall cladding.

The mineral content, areas of application, and care for limestone and travertine are almost identical. They do have distinctive characteristics, however, which stem from the different ways in which each stone was formed. Limestone tends to have a more solid look with a particulate texture and possible inclusion of fossils. There may be some color variation between tiles, but overall the look of installed limestone is usually understated and European. Travertine, on the other hand, has more variation within each piece and can show off its texture in both linear vein-cut materials or in the whorls and clouds of the cross-cut varieties. The small holes that are inherent in travertine were created by escaping carbon dioxide when the stone was formed. Typically, these holes are filled at the factory before the tile is sold. Travertine has an overall sense of warmth which makes it very popular for residential and hospitality applications.

Limestone can be used in both exterior and interior applications. Outdoor uses might include wall cladding, benches, columns, and statuary objects, while indoor uses could include floors, tabletops, stairs, and decorative stonework. Travertine, meanwhile, is often used for interior floors, walls, and decoration. For example, luxurious bathrooms covered in travertine tile can create an inviting spa feeling. Some – but not all – varieties of travertine are even durable enough to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles of our Florida climate.

Travertine usually comes in a diverse palette of light hues and soft earth tones, especially golds, creams, tans, and grays. Limestone colors can range from creamy whites and yellows to darker grays and browns.

Onyx is a delicate stone that should be used in areas where it can truly stand out. There are varieties of onyx, such as Classic Green, that are prized for their gem-like colors, making them ideal accents. Other varieties, such as Honey Onyx, are treasured for their unique ability to transmit light in back-lit applications.

Quartzite is a silica-based stone with durability comparable to that of granite. It is a metamorphic stone that is formed when sandstone is transformed through heat and pressure, a process that maintains the stone’s fine sandy texture. Quartzite can often be very colorful, like Louise Blue, and is very resistant to chemical and abrasive deterioration, which makes it an excellent choice in kitchens and in areas with higher traffic. If you're looking for beautiful slabs of natural quartzite in Tampa, FL, then don't wait to take a look at our selection.

Soapstone is a soft but very dense stone that has been used for centuries. Today, it has a revered status as a kitchen countertop material with some bakers and cooks. While soapstone will scratch easily, the scratches are disguised by the traditional application of mineral oil, a treatment that also highlights the stone’s dark and muted veins in grey and green.

Sandstones are sedimentary stones with a small and consistent crystal structure that can vary dramatically in density and durability. You will see that while there are only a few sandstone options durable enough to be used in building projects, they can be quite unique.

Use a pH-neutral cleaner to clean any type of natural stone. Be careful not to use bleach or abrasive products on any natural stone installation because these can cause damage to the stone. Whether you have marble or porcelain counters in Tampa, FL, it's important to keep them well-maintained.

The life of the sealer will depend upon the type and finish of the stone, the area of application, and the amount of wear imposed over time. A piece of stone that is sealed with an impregnating sealer and put in a closet will stay sealed indefinitely. For porcelain counters in Tampa, FL, give us a call and find the stone you want.

Here at Plazza Natural Stone, we seal every natural stone countertop that we install. If you have existing stone countertops and you are unsure if your stone has been sealed, then just sprinkle water on it to see if it beads up without soaking in or discoloring the stone. If beading occurs, then your stone has already been sealed. If you're looking for countertops made of natural quartzite in Tampa, FL, then give us a call today!

The process of sealing stone is straightforward and can usually be handled by a homeowner as part of normal home maintenance. Sealing a kitchen countertop will take about 30 minutes. If you prefer, Plazza Natural Stone can take care of cleaning and sealing your porcelain counters in Tampa, FL.