Summary: Marble and granite countertops look absolutely stunning when installed correctly. But there is a difference between countertops merely looking installed and looking as though they were designed for the space. If you want that designed look, vein matching and custom edging matter.
It is not unusual for our customers to think of their natural granite or marble countertops as works of art. That reality creates a dilemma for homeowners looking to invest in stone countertops while maintaining a tight budget. Do they want their countertops to look ‘installed’ or ‘designed’? The look of any finished installation often boils down to vein matching and custom edging.
Purchasing marble or granite from a big-box retailer could potentially save money on the materials. But what if you wind up with a contractor who takes no pride in his workmanship? You could end up with new countertops that merely look installed. They could be structurally sound and perfectly supported. But because the veins don’t match and custom edging wasn’t offered, you do not have that fully designed look.
Bedrock Quartz is more than just a Utah stone countertop fabricator. We are a company that believes in combining 21st-century technology with old-school artistry and craftsmanship. The perfect combination ensures that your new countertops flow perfectly throughout the kitchen space.
Vein Matching Is a Puzzle
Turning raw stone slabs into seamless masterpieces is not easy. Much of the challenge arises from the veining patterns found in marble and granite. Nature does a wonderful job of creating veining that is both random and continuous. So how do we get things to match on a large island or an L-shaped countertop?
Marble and granite’s natural lines are interrupted when slabs are cut. Matching patterns and lines so that they appear to flow uninterrupted is the art of vein matching. It requires a considerable amount of knowledge, an eye for artistry, and some high-tech equipment.
We use high-resolution digital photography to accomplish vein matching. In short, we create a digital twin of your chosen slab by taking a photo of it and combining it with a digital template of your kitchen. Then we can flip and rotate pieces virtually to see how they fit together.
With a good eye and a little bit of time, we can match up slabs in such a way as to minimize or completely eliminate veining disruptions, leaving you with countertops that have the appearance of being one solid piece.
Framing With Custom Edging
When it comes to countertop edges, we consider them the frame that completes the picture. Imagine framing with a waterfall effect. We finish the edges so that the veining pattern pours over the top like a continuous stream. We can do all sorts of things depending on your chosen edge profile.
We Shape the Edges
Marble and granite slabs are polished at the quarry. Yet the edges are still raw when we receive the slabs at our facility. You choose an edge profile in the showroom; we use CNC machines to create that profile during fabrication. Incidentally, edge profiles are shaped with mathematical precision.
On-site, most edges need some refinement. We can accomplish this with several techniques:
- Diamond Tooling – Specialized tools with diamond-impregnated wheels grind the edges to create the perfect shape.
- Water Cooling – Constantly flowing water prevents chipping while also keeping the edges of the stone as smooth as glass.
- Hand Finishing – After diamond tooling has been completed, a master craftsman hand finishes the edge. Hand finishing ensures that the shine and luster of the edge match the rest of the slab perfectly.
Custom edging completes the look. It transforms a countertop that would otherwise look installed into a piece of artwork with the appearance of intentional design. For so many Utah homeowners, perfectly achieved aesthetics are what make marble and stone countertops worth the investment.
A Word About Mitered Edges
One of the more popular custom edges here at Bedrock Quartz is the mitered edge. It is extremely popular with quartz countertops, given the fact that quartz slabs are noticeably thinner than marble and granite.
A typical quartz slab is 2-3cm thick. We can make it look like a massive, 15cm block of stone by creating a mitered joint. We do so by cutting the slab and a side apron at 45-degree angles. Then we join them together at a corner, allowing the pattern to wrap around the edge. You get the bold and high-end look a thick granite or marble without the cost and weight.
It Is Highly Specialized Work
Most homeowners, while they truly appreciate vein matching and custom edging, do not understand just how specialized the work is. Vein matching and custom edging involve a lot more than just cutting straight lines. An artisan must have a keen eye for symmetry along with a deep understanding of stone mineralogy to get it right.
There are two very good reasons we leave the work to highly skilled artisans who know their trade:
- Waste Management – High-quality vein matching requires more material. Therefore, waste is unavoidable. A craftsman with specialized training knows the techniques for minimizing waste while still maximizing aesthetic flow.
- Structural Integrity – Cutting certain types of ornate edges requires the right technique and a very steady hand. If an edge is cut too thin, it becomes more prone to chips and cracks. A skilled craftsman takes that into account, finding the perfect balance between structural integrity and aesthetic beauty.
We offer a number of custom choices including mitered, eased, half bullnose, cove, and ogee edges. Ask to see them all when you visit a Bedrock Quartz showroom. A first-hand look at your favorite edge profile should help you better understand why vein matching and custom edging are so important.
We Want You Involved
There is another reason for you to visit a Bedrock Quartz showroom: we want you involved every step of the way. From choosing a slab to seeing exactly where seams will be to approving vein matching and custom edging, we need your input before our fabricators ever make the first cut. When you get involved, the finished installation becomes a true reflection of your style. That is what vein matching and custom edging are all about.
FAQs
Do vein matching and custom edging cost more?
Yes. Vein matching requires more material, while both processes also demand more labor.
Can any slab be vein matched?
Technically, yes. But in reality, more simplistic veining patterns with just one or two very distinct veins are harder to match. It is easier to match busier patterns.
Do veins always match 100%?
At the hands of a skilled craftsman, the veins in a natural stone countertop are nearly perfect. Even when there are slight variations, they add to the natural charm stone is known for.
Can edge choices be changed after templating?
As long as fabrication hasn’t started yet, you can change your mind about edge choices. Just let us know what you would like to do, and we will handle it.
How do edge choices impact final price?
Simple edges are often included in the base price. If you prefer a more complex edge profile, it will add to the price by way of more labor.
