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There are many different ways to use stone as part of your upcoming home remodel project. While stone countertops are the most common application, one of the biggest home stone trends in recent years has been bookmatched stone. Bookmatching is one of the most aesthetically stunning ways to incorporate stone design in your home, and it highlights the true craftsmanship that is possible when you work with highly experienced stone fabricators. This technique can highlight the breathtaking beauty of any stone slab that has strong veining and a significant amount of movement.
Bookmatching occurs when two or more natural or engineered stone slabs are mirrored to match the pattern, movement, and veining found in the material. When the slabs are placed end to end, the veining and movement continue from one slab into the other, creating a continuous flow or pattern.
Stones with strong movement and veining are best suited for bookmatching. Many varieties of natural stone, including marble, quartzite, granite, and travertine contain the right movement and characteristics for a bookmatch. Stone slabs can even be quad-matched, where four slabs in lieu of two are matched up in veining and movement to create an even more impactful statement.
What Is Bookmatched Stone?
In order to create the mirror image effect associated with bookmatching, large blocks of natural stone are brought to a processing plant from the quarry. These blocks are cut into slabs using a specialized tool called a gang saw, which contains an extremely sharp blade that makes precision cuts in the stone.
These slabs are then laid flat and polished to reveal the finer details and characteristics of the stone. Instead of polishing randomly as is standard with other stone design techniques, bookmatched slabs are polished on opposite sides. This creates two slabs that are identical copies of one another. When they’re placed side by side, they open up like a book, providing a kaleidoscopic mirror image pattern.
The goal of bookmatched stone is to create a stunning statement piece that can be admired for its beauty and uniqueness. To maximize the impact of a bookmatched stone piece, it’s best to display it on a large area that commands attention. This will give your bookmatched pattern the best ability to shine and create a dramatic effect.
Some of the most common applications for bookmatched stone include:
Since you want to place the patterns and shapes of the stone on full display, you should avoid using bookmatched stone in small spaces. In addition, avoid disrupting the stone patterns by appliances or other items that will diminish from the dramatic impact of the piece.
How to Care for Bookmatched Stone
Caring for bookmatched stone is essential to maintain its elegance and durability over time. To ensure its longevity, regular cleaning and careful maintenance are crucial. Cleaning bookmatched stone requires gentle, yet effective methods to avoid damage and preserve its distinct appearance:
Preventing damage and preserving the appearance of bookmatched stone involves several practices:
By following these maintenance tips and being cautious in its daily use, bookmatched stone can retain its beauty and integrity for years to come.
Due to the large size of the stone slabs required and the detailed fabrication process associated with the bookmatching technique, bookmatched stone is typically more expensive than other stone design layouts. Bookmatching requires a much higher level of craftsmanship than is necessary for other stone design layouts, and you achieve a much more complex and nuanced design.
The good news is that bookmatched stone delivers tremendous value for this increased cost. The quality of the finished product is unparalleled, and you’ll enjoy a stunning piece that becomes a focal point of the room. Even if you decide to change the interior décor of the room at a later date, you can still keep the bookmatched stone centerpiece as an item to build around.
The Stone Collection Can Elevate Your Home with a Bookmatched Stone Masterpiece
If you’re looking to enhance your upcoming home redesign with a stone feature, bookmatched stone is an excellent option. At the Stone Collection, we can help bring your vision to life. We carry the largest selection of natural and engineered stone products, ensuring we can find the right option to create a stunning bookmatched stone feature that aligns with your unique needs and style preferences.
Our exclusive Get Inspired™ Experience has been designed to help stimulate your creativity. When you visit one of our gallery-style showrooms, you can discuss your project with one of our expert surface specialists who can help you identify the right stone for your bookmatched piece. We often will help assist with stone slab viewings in our showrooms to help you see what a bookmatch may look like with particular stones.
Our team can handle the entire project for you, including the design, fabrication and installation phases of the process. This gives you peace of mind that your bookmatched stone piece will be created with the expert craftsmanship necessary to deliver a stunning outcome.
No appointment is required. Simply drop by and one of our expert surface specialists will help you get the process started. We have showrooms in Denver, Dallas, Fort Worth, Salt Lake City and Phoenix.
Contact us today or visit one of our showrooms to find the best stone slab for your next project.