No. Under any circumstances should Quartz be re-polished. Either in floor, or countertop applications.

Born in the last decade, Neolith – a Sintered Stone – is part of a new and revolutionary product category aimed at meeting more demanding architectural and design needs. It is not at all what is known as traditional ceramic or stoneware but rather evolved from these materials to the point that a new type of surface was created which was non-existent up until that time. Neolith is pioneer in the Sintered Stone industry.

The difference between Neolith and traditional ceramics is obvious when you simply compare the characteristics. Although traditional ceramic may have some characteristic in common with Neolith, it definitely doesn’t have all the characteristics inherent to Neolith such as its stain, chemical and heat resistance all in one product. It all begins with the raw materials which, despite being similar and obtained from comparable sources, the raw materials used to produce Neolith are more refined and purer to ensure a more uniform product. Moreover, the machinery used to process these raw materials is unique as it is specifically designed to manufacture Neolith. The production line features the most advanced equipment and latest technology to guarantee a high-quality product. The raw materials are pressed at a significantly higher pressure to get denser material. Then, the pressed material is baked for almost 2 hours which is much longer than for traditional ceramic which includes cycles of around 40 minutes. These longer cycles create a product with a stronger, non-absorbent surface. All of these enhancements in the raw materials and production techniques result in an improved product with superior technical characteristics known as Neolith.

Composition: 100% natural based on 3 groups of elements: 1. Minerals from granite: quartz and feldspar which provide the product with hardness and strength. 2. Minerals from glass and silica that provide chemical stability. 3. Natural oxides that offer chromatic properties.

The Sintering Technology TheSize has developed to create Neolith replicates the process by which stones are naturally created over a period of thousands of years in just a few hours. It consists of subjecting the raw materials described above to very high pressures and temperatures.

The combination of raw materials goes through a press in a first phase where pressure of up to 400 bars is applied.

In a second phase, the slabs are placed in an oven where they are cooked at temperatures of more than 1200ºC. This process produces an ultra-compact decorative full-body surface.

Because of the format and physical/mechanical characteristics, this type of product is ideal for an endless number of interior and exterior uses in business and private homes: countertops, floors, walls, facades, tiling, furniture. The only limit is your imagination.

It all depends on the countertop finish. If the countertop is in the Silk, Satin or Riverwashed finish, we recommend you check the Cleaning and Maintenance Guide.

If your countertop is in the Polished finish, we recommend you check the Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Polished Finishes.

Yes. Neolith is made of natural materials and is produced at very high temperatures and pressures which make it highly scratch and impact-resistant. However, sudden impacts, excessive temperatures and improper use can damage the surface of the material just like with any other surface.

The vitrified surface of the Polished finish requires greater care as it does not feature as much surface hardness. For more information, we recommend you read the Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for the Polished Finish (link to the document).

*Take special care with ceramic knives: Ceramic knives can scratch a Neolith surface irrespective of the finish just as they scratch other brands of the same and other product categories.

Neolith must be purchased through a specialized shop or store. This is because the product requires specific tools for cutting, handling and installation which all must be done by a qualified professional.

Vetrazzo is composed of a patented (Patent No. US 7,771,539), proprietary formula that combines recycled glass with a binder of cement, additives, pigments and other recycled materials. Conversely, most manufactured countertop materials on the market, such as engineered stone (also referred to as “Quartz”), utilize a synthetic, petroleum-based resin binder.

The Polished Vetrazzo surfaces are smooth, just like highly polished granite. The Sea Pearl finish is compared to a leather granite with a slight texture to it.

You can come by to our showroom and take a look at some samples/slabs.

All of the glass used in Vetrazzo is recycled, and it makes up approximately 85% of the final material. Our largest source of glass is the neighborhood curbside recycling programs. (See if you can spot last night’s Heineken bottle…) Other glass comes from post-industrial usage, windows, drinking glasses, stemware, automotive glass, stained glass, laboratory glass, reclaimed glass from building demolition, and other unusual sources such as decommissioned traffic light lenses. Because of the unique nature of the glass used in the production process, every Vetrazzo surface has its own history.

Vetrazzo is comparable in strength, scratch resistance, thermal resistance, durability, and care and maintenance to granite. Vetrazzo can be used wherever granite or other natural stone surfaces are used. One key difference between granite and Vetrazzo is that, because Vetrazzo is made entirely in the US and is composed of more than 85% recycled material, Vetrazzo is one of the most environmentally friendly surface materials on the market.

Almost any surfacing requirement can use Vetrazzo. The most popular applications include countertops, vanity tops, tabletops, bar tops, hearths/fireplace surrounds and tub decks. Vetrazzo has even been used for wall cladding entryways, and shower surrounds.

Vetrazzo Classic Colletcion is a real nature lover, and won’t change color from UV exposure like other surfaces that use petrochemical based binding agents. While it’s not warranted for outdoor usage due to the potential of etching from rain with high acid content, current outdoor installations have withstood many freeze/thaw fluctuations in seasonal cycles. Be sure to cover your Vetrazzo when not in use to protect it. The Designer collection however is only recommended for indoor use.

It depends on the particular use, but generally speaking it has similar dimensional limitations to granite or marble. In general, expect the following*: • Spanning between two supports shall be limited to 2'0" with rodding • Cantilevers 10'' or longer require corbels • Corbels must be installed a minimum of 18" on center • Corbel length must support cantilever distance within 2" of overall length Refer to the Vetrazzo Fabrication Guide for more information. *From the Marble Institute of America's Fabrication Standards

The standard finish is high-gloss polish, but Vetrazzo is also available in a Sea Pearl finish by special order.

Because of the unique nature of Vetrazzo, no two pieces are exactly the same. We endeavor to reproduce panels of the same mix as close in color match as possible. Your Vetrazzo will likely exhibit variations in color, shade, glass size and glass particle distribution that are part of the inherent character and beauty of mixing post consumer and/or post-industrial recycled glass. Any samples of your chosen mix should be considered a general representation of the final appearance of your surface. These variations are not structural and are part of the beauty and distinctive pleasure of having a genuine Vetrazzo surface. Be assured, no one will have a surface exactly like yours. If it's important to you to select your specific Vetrazzo panel, many stocking suppliers will allow you to pick your Vetrazzo from their inventory.

We will create custom mixes for larger projects, and for select smaller projects. Please appreciate that the complexity of custom orders requires special pricing.

If your retailer or fabricator is working with a distributor that has Vetrazzo in stock, your fabricator will probably receive your Vetrazzo within a week. If not, they will probably receive it in 3-4 weeks. Please note: the timeline may also vary depending on the size of the job, the chosen mix's glass availability and our current production pipeline.

The surface should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For dried spots or rings, use mild liquid soap or detergent with a damp cloth. Maintain the finish on your Vetrazzo by applying marble polish (such as Goddard’s) two or three times a year.

Vetrazzo's porosity is better than marble and concrete and equivalent to some granite. But you do have to care for it. 85% of the surface is glass, which is impervious to stain. However, acids (like red wine, lemon juice, and vinegar) will etch the matrix of the surface (the concrete area between the glass) if not cleaned up right away. And staining agents, (like coffee and tea) will leave a trace if allowed to remain on the surface. Luckily, like aged butcher block, marble, and concrete, signs of living can actually enhance the character of the surface. If you clean messes up quickly, your Vetrazzo will remain unchanged. If you are more carefree, you may appreciate the natural patina that develops as you live with and enjoy your Vetrazzo. Also, dark mixes and those with patina hide the signs of a carefree lifestyle remarkably well.

Vetrazzo is extremely strong and durable and will withstand years and years of normal use. In the unlikely event of damage, it can be easily repaired by your fabricator.

Extremely well, thank you. It’s glass and concrete, remember. Some customers even make Vetrazzo trivets. Note, however, that prolonged heat can weaken the sealant. If you do this often, be sure to reapply sealant more frequently.

Yes, but you’ll very quickly dull your knife as Vetrazzo is one of the hardest countertop surfaces on the market!

Soapstone — a soft metamorphic rock composed mostly of the mineral talc. Soapstone also includes chlorite, carbonate, and tremolite. Soapstone forms through the alteration of ferromagnesian silicate minerals during metamorphism. Soapstone (steatite) is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock found in various localities of the world. It is geologically associated with ancient ocean rift zones of ultra-basic, igneous rock assemblages. These rock units become altered due to the tremendous heat and pressure that occurs during periods of mountain development and tectonic upheavals.The process of steatization changes the minerals in the rock into talc and dolomite (magnesium carbonate). The soft talc mineral gives soapstone the smooth feel of soap and the carbonate mineral provides the strength and integrity.

At one time soapstone blocks were cut smaller to avoid veins. Since seams in soapstone countertops are virtually invisible, this was not a problem. As other stones increased in the marketplace, soapstone was forced to quarry larger blocks. Larger slabs sometimes will contain a few more quartz veins, but they only add to the aesthetics of the project. Our 1 ¼” slabs average in size 60” x 100”.We also cut smaller sizes for fabricators that are not capable of handling large material. Custom thickness and sizes can be ordered, but time must be allowed for quarrying and sizing of blocks. Handling of the larger slabs is the same as a large granite or marble slab. Due to natural fissures in those stones a mesh back is often applied to supply additional support. Since soapstone is such a dense material that mesh is not needed. As our slabs continue to be quarried in larger sizes, we may consider applying the mesh for safety reasons.

Yes and no. Soapstone is found in basically two varieties depending on the talc content. Artistic soapstone has a high talc content making it very soft. Normal use would be for carving and welders pencils. Examples you may have seen include intuit whales and boot dryers. Another is the statue of Jesus overlooking Rio de Janeiro. You do not want this stone installed for a kitchen countertop.

Architectural soapstone contains a lower percentage of talc and is used for sinks, countertops, floors and other architectural elements.

Probably due to its rarity and limited supply. Quarrying soapstone takes knowledge and patience. Because it is unlike most other architectural minerals, soapstone has not been quarried or marketed by large companies and has not been sold through traditional stone distribution channels. And due to the limited supply of architectural quality, the chances of soapstone ever reaching the sales magnitude of granite is very unlikely.

Soapstone will wear, softening the edges and accumulating some nicks, scratches and dents over time. It will never wear thin and it certainly doesn’t wash away. Most scratches are just a displacement of the mineral oil. If deeper scratches should occur, they can be removed with light sanding if desired, but often left alone they tend to add patina to the stone. Sinks that were built well over 100 years ago (those found in many New England garages and cellars) are still in use and just as attractive as sinks built today.

Soapstone is non-porous so nothing will penetrate the surface. When liquid is spilled or applied to the surface, the stone darkens due to the light refracted off the stone. The stone lightens when the substance is removed from the surface either by evaporation or cleaning. Thus, in order to avoid an inconsistent color or tone, we recommend applying mineral oil to the surface of the stone. While oiling is done at the homeowners discretion (and often enjoyment), there is no right or wrong way. Most importantly is the grade of mineral oil. FDA approved food grade mineral oil will not go rancid as an olive oil would. It has no odor or taste. In most cases the thin layer applied to the countertop will dry overnight. We suggest using a bottled mineral oil; otherwise heavier grade oil may be found in most drug and grocery stores.

We recommend weekly for the first month, then twice a month for the next three months. After that a monthly oiling, or less, depends on use. Only you will know the timetable that works in your home. There really is no right time or wrong time to oil. Kitchens that get more use than others will require less oil in high traffic areas since the moisture is naturally being replaced. The thin layer of oil, too light to feel, will keep the stone a consistent shade of dark gray. The oil does evaporate so the stone will lighten with time.

Soapstone has three characteristics that make it an excellent choice: 1- Soapstone adjusts to heat. You can place a red-hot pan or dish on a counter without any damage to the counter. 2- Soapstone is non-porous so that no products that traditionally stain a natural stone will penetrate the surface. Other surfaces such as granite, marble or limestone have to be repeatedly sealed to prevent liquids from staining them. 3- Soapstone is chemically neutral so acids like lemon or tomato juice do not affect it nor do alkali’s found in some household cleaners. ***No other solid surface countertop material has all three of these characteristics

At the current time no stone fits every requirement to be considered part of the Green Movement. Yet soapstone is accepted by many Green minded designers, builders and homeowners due to its earth-friendly qualities. The following are a few points that have been made to us: Soapstone is quarried in an open pit, thus, the land is refilled with dirt, allowing grass and trees to reclaim the land. Soapstone is chemical free; - It needs no sealer as it is used in its natural state. - Because it is non-porous, a mild soap and water cleanup is a snap. - Mineral Oil, also a natural food safe product, is used to enhance it. Soapstone is a one-time, life-time investment. Sinks that have been used since the early 1800’s in New England are still being used today in many laundry rooms. Soapstone is recyclable. Old high school and college science labs that for some reason are being taken out and replaced with other materials have been reused for sinks, countertop and vanity tops with simple reconditioning. Soapstone has withstood the test of time and is ready to take on the future. Whatever use it has been specified for, more than likely it is still in place today.Soapstone is ready for the Green movement; fact is has been ready for more than 200 years!