NATURAL STONE & QUARTZ
With nearly 2,000 full slabs of stone on premise, Architectural Justice is one of the largest stocking fabricators in Northeast Ohio. In addition to the vast natural stone selection that is quarried from all around the world, we have several collections of quartz products offering hundreds of colors and designs.
Having the ability to choose your own slab and seeing it in full form in person is a great benefit. Many projects begin with the selection of stone, which often time becomes the focal point of a room. Be sure to visit our showroom and granite yard to see the vast variety of nature’s workmanship in each slab.
A LOOK INSIDE THE GRANITE SHOP
The Stone Shop artisans craft and fabricate custom countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and many other surface applications. Our 10,000 square foot fabrication facility brings together an experienced production team and state-of-the art CNC equipment under one roof.
GRANITE
– Each slab is one of a kind
– Available in a countless array of colors, patterns and textures
– Available in honed, polished and leather surfaces
BEST USED FOR:
Kitchen countertops, tub surrounds, outdoor spaces and other heavily used surfaces
BOTTOM LINE: If you are drawn to granite, it is a perfect choice that will offer a timeless, high-end look ideal for every style.
DURABILITY:
– One of the hardest dimension stone types; scratch resistant
– Typically heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit – however we recommend using trivets on any type of surface
– Most can be exposed to direct sunlight, unlike quartz
MAINTENANCE:
– Easy to maintain with mild household cleaners.
– Most natural granite should be sealed annually*
QUARTZITE
– One of a kind marble-like appearance
– Available in a range of colors, patterns and translucence
BEST USED FOR:
Recommended for kitchen and bathrooms
BOTTOM LINE: If you like the timeless look of marble but need a more durable stone for frequently used surfaces, quartzite is an excellent choice.
DURABILITY:
– Quartzite is a durable stone and an excellent choice for frequently used surfaces
– We recommend using trivets, coasters and cutting boards on any type of surface
MAINTENANCE:
– To maintain, clean with mild soap and water
– Quartzite should be sealed annually*
MARBLE
– One of a kind slabs can have veining that range from subtle to distinctive
– Available in a range of colors like white, cream, brown, gray and black
BEST USED FOR:
Bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, hearths, and vanities
BOTTOM LINE: If you can embrace the patina and minor imperfections marble gains over the years, consider marble. There is no comparison to the beauty of marble.
DURABILITY:
– Marble is comprised of calcite crystals which make it vulnerable to mild acids which may etch and patina the stone
– Dolomitic (Dolomite) marble contains a small amount of magnesium making it a little slower to etch
– Sealing doesn’t make marble any less prone to etching
MAINTENANCE:
A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to maintaining marble. Use trivets, coasters and cutting boards. Clean with mild soap and water or use cleaning products specific for cleaning marble. Marble should be sealed periodically.*
ENGINEERED QUARTZ
– Engineered stones are consistent from slab to slab
– Available from various manufacturers around the world
– It is comparable to mid to high range natural stones but can look less natural
– Can be used in combination with natural stones
BEST USED FOR:
– Kitchens, bathrooms and other heavily used surfaces
– Not recommended for use outdoors or around fireplaces
BOTTOM LINE: If you prefer a uniform look for your project, quartz or engineered products offer a nice alternative to other stones.
DURABILITY:
– It is a durable, strong product that does not require sealing
– Most engineered stones are stain-resistant
– Is not heat proof, chemical proof or fracture proof. Edges are prone to chipping or cracking and are difficult to repair than with natural stones
MAINTENANCE:
To maintain, clean with mild soap and water. As with natural stones, do not use bleach, cleansers or any abrasive pads
BRANDS WE CARRY: Cambria, LG Viatera, Mont Quartz, MSI Quartz, and Silestone.
OTHER NATURAL STONE OPTIONS
ONYX is a sedimentary rock, formed as stalactites and stalagmites in cave interiors. The formations contribute to the classic translucent property of most onyx varieties which make it perfect for backlighting.
DURABILITY
Is not heat proof, chemical proof or scratch proof. It is vulnerable to acids and bases, which will react with the minerals in onyx and causes etching.
MAINTENANCE
Onyx is extremely fragile, so it is recommended that you use trivets, coasters and cutting boards. Clean with mild soap and water. Onyx will need to be sealed annually.*
BEST USED FOR
It is recommended for vertical applications like backsplashes and limited use in heavily used areas.
SOAPSTONE is a metamorphic rock that is non-porous.
DURABILITY
It is highly heat, stain, chemical and bacteria resistant. Unlike other stones, soapstone won’t absorb stains and discolorations, so it simply doesn’t require sealers.
MAINTENANCE
Stains and blemishes are only skin deep and can be removed with gentle sanding. Applications of mineral oil will remove most scratches. Light gray soapstone darkens over time, accentuating its gray veining. Regular applications of mineral oil enhance its beauty.
BEST USED FOR
Kitchen countertops, outdoor spaces and other heavily used surfaces.
TRAVERTINE is a sedimentary stone comprised of shells, shell fragments and dissolved shells, creating beautiful veining characteristics.
DURABILITY
The porous nature of the stone requires care as staining and scratching may occur over time.
MAINTENANCE
Use trivets, coasters and cutting boards. Clean with mild soap and water. Travertine and Limestones will need to be sealed annually.*
BEST USED FOR
It is recommended for vertical applications like fireplace surrounds and limited use in heavily used areas.
*Sealing does not need to be done by a professional. This can simply be done by referring to the easy directions on the sealant. It is a matter of cleaning the surface, spraying the sealer and wiping it off.
