Natural Stone Institute.
Recent Articles
Understanding Anchorage Systems for Natural Stone Cladding
Natural stone cladding relies on carefully engineered anchorage systems to withstand gravity, wind, and seismic forces. Understanding load paths, anchor types, and collaboration between specialists is essential for safe, durable exterior stone installations.
Comparative Performance of Natural Stone and Manufactured Slabs in Architectural Applications
Friction testing is critical to evaluating the safety of natural stone walking surfaces. With older methods withdrawn, ANSI A326.3 offers a reliable standard for measuring traction, helping specifiers reduce liability and ensure safer, better-performing flooring.
Testing Frictional Properties of Natural Stone Walking Surface
Friction testing is critical to evaluating the safety of natural stone walking surfaces. With older methods withdrawn, ANSI A326.3 offers a reliable standard for measuring traction, helping specifiers reduce liability and ensure safer, better-performing flooring.
“Hard As a Rock!”: Detailing Natural Stone Paving for Timeless Durability
Natural stone’s longevity depends on more than material alone. From geology and environment to standards and installation, each factor influences performance. When properly selected and installed, stone paving can deliver lasting durability with minimal maintenance.
Carving Out a Moment
Nicknamed “Holey Water,” a sculptural granite wall in a New York office blends art, engineering, and a hidden message. Crafted from over 1,000 precisely cut blocks, the installation overcame material, tooling, and logistics challenges to deliver a striking focal point on a tight deadline.
The Mercury Fountain
The Mercury Fountain in Reston Town Center was meticulously restored using durable Bethel White and Jet Mist granite. Combining modern craftsmanship with Saint Clair Cemin’s original design, the renewed fountain now unites artistry, durability, and community connection.
The Natural Choice: Why Does Stone Tell a Stronger Story Than Man-made Alternatives?
Natural stone outshines man-made alternatives with unmatched beauty, strength, and sustainability. From timeless durability to eco-friendly benefits and modern innovations, stone offers authenticity and enduring value, making it the ultimate choice for design.
Paved With Intention
In a historic Virginia neighborhood, Water Street Studio transformed a home’s outdoor spaces into a modern bluestone and soapstone oasis. Balancing tradition with contemporary design, the project features a custom sculptural fireplace, flexible living areas, and meticulous stone craftsmanship.
A Marble River Runs Through It
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C., a Pinnacle Award-winning project by Pelli Clarke & Partners, blends Gaudi-inspired curves with Turkish Dark Olive marble. Completed in 2022, it overcame pandemic challenges to create a warm, nature-inspired hub of shops, cafes, and event spaces.
Popular Articles
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Natural Stone Surfaces
While it’s true that natural stone is extremely durable and made to last, it is not indestructible. There is a chemistry to natural stone, and making mistakes can harm it. Protect your investment by avoiding these five common practices.
Kitchen Countertop Comparison Charts
Compare and contrast features of the countertop surfaces available in today’s market. With so many possibilities to choose from, it’s hard to know which options you should consider. Think about your budget, your design taste and how your family will use your kitchen before making your decision.
A Definitive Guide to Quartzite
Quartzite may be the most confusing natural stone out there. A quick internet search will reveal an unsettling disparity of information. Some people say it etches. Some say it doesn’t. Sometimes you hear it’s a hybrid between marble and granite.
How to Care For Your Granite Countertops
Granite has long been a favorite choice for countertops due to its beauty and ease of maintenance. Granite is a durable material, but like all surfaces, it does require regular maintenance. We sat down with several stone care experts to learn how best to care for granite countertops.
Singing the Praises of Natural Stone in the Shower
Stone can be a good choice for the shower, but it does require special care and maintenance. As long as you are aware of how to care for and maintain it, it will look beautiful for years to come.
Getting to Know Your White Stones
White kitchens and bathrooms are perpetually popular. While there are many white minerals, such as quartz, feldspar, and calcite, they don’t always assemble themselves into a perfectly white rock. Read more about your options in natural stone.
Videos
Use Natural Stone: As Seen on Make This Place Your Home
Join us as we travel to Danby, Vermont to discover the beauty and versatility of genuine natural stone. We’re traveling inside the historic Danby Quarry to get a rare glimpse of how natural stone is quarried. #UseNaturalStone
Natural Stone Featured on Lifetime Network’s Designing Spaces
Home renovations reach a new summit with genuine, durable, sustainable natural stone. Learn how to make your granite dreams a reality with eco-friendly, low-impact, choices from Mother Nature, and get insider knowledge from an industry leader to create inspirational spaces that can last a lifetime.
As Seen On: Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford
Home owners work together to renovate their patio featuring an outdoor kitchen.