What is bookmatching?
Bookmatching refers to the practice of placing two or more adjoining stone surfaces together so that they mirror each other. Not every stone can be bookmatched effectively. This effect is best created from stones with plenty of movement and robust veins.
How is it done?
Bookmatching is an intentional process achieved after stone is quarried from the ground. The stone is brought up in blocks that need to be cut into smaller slabs. To create a this effect, the block of stone is cut into slabs in a systematic numbered order. Instead of polishing the same side of every slab, the first block is polished on one side and the second is polished on the opposite side. This polishing pattern continues until all of the slabs have been cut. When laid out end to end, they would show a mirror image of each other.
Where does it look best?
This effect looks best on large areas where the pattern can run fluidly. Using it in a space where there are many corners and appliances interrupts the pattern and takes away from the artistic purpose of bookmatching. The best applications for bookmatching are large kitchen islands, backsplashes, shower walls and feature walls. It is not uncommon for people to see shapes, faces, animals, etc. in the shape thats’ created through this effect.
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