Natural stone, with its inherent beauty and durability, continues to be a top pick for various areas in homes. However, these pieces of stone don’t magically fit into your homes. That’s because they are meticulously cut and shaped by skilled professionals known as stone fabricators. This article aims to walk you through the fascinating process of how these fabricators cut and shape natural stones.
The Role of a Stone Fabricator
This fabricator’s duty extends beyond simply cutting stone to the necessary size. They are responsible for transforming raw blocks of stone into functional and aesthetic pieces for your home. Their tasks involve selecting the right stone, cutting it, polishing it, and finally, installing it to perfection.
Stone Selection
The journey begins at a stone quarry, where large blocks of stone are mined. Choosing the right stone is crucial because each stone type, whether it’s granite, marble, or travertine, has unique colors, patterns, and characteristics. A skilled fabricator considers the client’s specific design and utility needs for their project to make the best selection.
Stone Cutting
Once the block of stone arrives at the fabrication workshop, it’s time for the transformation to begin. The fabricator cuts the stone slab into precisely measured pieces tailored to the project’s requirements. This cutting process utilizes high-tech machinery such as bridge saws, which employ diamond-tipped blades and water to precisely and smoothly cut through the stone.
Stone Shaping
CNC machines (Computer Numerical Control) come into play during the shaping and detailing process. The machine uses computer-generated directives to shape and polish the stone’s edges. This stone process is done according to the designated design, whether it’s bullnose, bevel, ogee, or any other complex edge profile. Lastly, the said machine can also make cut-outs for sinks or stovetops.
Polishing and Finishing
Once the stone is cut and shaped, it will be then moved on to the polishing stage. Here, it is going to get buffed using varying grits of diamond polishing pads to achieve the desired finish. The said stone can either be polished, honed, or leathered. This process not only enhances the stone’s beauty but also helps protect it from staining and scratching.
Quality Inspection
After the stone has been cut, shaped, and polished, it’s thoroughly inspected for imperfections. Any chip, crack, or imperfection is examined and repaired, if necessary. This is needed to ensure the final stone product meets high-quality standards before installation.
Final Fabricator Installation
Finally, the customized stone piece will be delivered to the installation site. These types of stone fabricators work with extreme precision during installation to ensure a flawless fit. Sealing the stone (if applicable) is the final step to protect it from staining or etching over time.
Our team of experienced limestone fabricator can also provide valuable advice and recommendations for selecting the best limestone materials and finishes for your specific needs.
