Stone applications

Where stone goes, and what each place asks of it

The same slab behaves differently on an island, a wall, a shower or an outdoor kitchen. Choosing the material starts with where it will live.

Kitchens

A waterfall island carries the stone down the sides, usually with mitered corners so the veining turns the edge. A full-height backsplash runs the slab up the wall, so the pattern continues from counter to ceiling. Both reward slab sequencing: cutting related pieces from the same block so the veining lines up.

Baths

Vanities are the easiest place for marble, because they see little acid. Shower walls usually call for porcelain or quartz, which absorb almost no water.

Fireplaces and walls

Fireplace surrounds take heat, so porcelain, soapstone, granite and marble all work. Bookmatched slabs mirror the veining across a seam so a wall reads as one piece.

Outdoors, bars and cellars

Outdoor kitchens need stone that handles sun and Chicago winters: granite first, quartzite too. Bars take glasses and bottles, and a wine cellar suits non-porous porcelain.

The finishing details, from 2cm to 3cm and from square to mitered to broken edges, are on edges and thickness.