What Are Book matched Stones - Ultra Stones

1. What Are Bookmatched Stones? Bookmatching is a technique in which two or more natural or engineered stones are placed to mirror each other’s patterns, just like an opened book. Even though bookmatched stones are a trending concept in modern interior design, we can find their traces in ancient structures as well. Let’s learn how you can create catchy designs with this wonderful technique. What Is the Process of Bookmatching Stones? Bookmatching is an extremely detail-oriented, and time-consuming process. It begins with bringing large blocks of natural stones from quarries to processing plants and then cutting them into slabs with gang saws; the cutting process is much like how a loaf of bread is cut into slices. Next, the slabs are laid flat and polished on opposite sides. Polishing the slabs helps highlight the stone’s intricate patterns and other characteristics. When these polished slabs are placed adjacent to each other, they create a kaleidoscopic reflection of one another, evoking a mirror effect. What Is a Slip Match Pattern? The slip match technique is just the opposite of a book match, in which two slabs are cut and polished on the same side. Thus, two slip-matched stones offer a continuous flow of the veining patterns.

2. Which Type of Stones Can Be Bookmatched? Creating open-book patterns can not be achieved with all kinds of materials. Stones with a strong movement of veins can only be bookmatched. Some of the most popular stones for this technique are marble, granite, onyx, quartzite, travertine, porcelain slabs, and quartz. You can also use translucent stones like onyx to create bookmatched statements with backlighting, allowing their ethereal illuminance to magnify the allure of mirrored veined surfaces. Furthermore, backlighting the stone creates a different kind of magic as its soft glow infuses a sense of tranquility into the ambiance. How to Take Care of a Bookmatched Piece? It is essential to care for your bookmatched surfaces to maintain their brilliance for a lifetime. However, how much effort you have to put into maintaining them is determined by the type of stones you choose. Natural stones such as marble, travertine, quartzite, granite, or onyx require more care as compared to engineered stone surfaces. We would always recommend you clean your stone surfaces regularly with a pH-balanced stone cleanser or mild soap water and a soft cloth. Some stones are sensitive to acids and other chemical compounds and can develop etches when exposed to them. Additionally, make sure to use trivets or coasters for bookmatched countertops. Natural stones require sealing from time to time to maintain their distinct characteristics. Is Bookmatching Stones Costly? It can be costly given the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Moreover, labor can be often more expensive than the material. The extraordinary visual of a bookmatched statement makes it worth having in your house.