Our Workshop
Refined Stone is what our industry calls "a hand shop" which means that our fabrication process involves hands on craftsmanship rather than automated technology. Our team members, from our sales representatives to designers and installers, are all committed to providing quality natural stone to our loyal Connecticut customers.
The Fabrication Process:
After the final selection of stone is made the installer will create a template of the project. Unless the removal of existing Formica or Corian countertops is required, the template will be created over the existing countertops. The template is made to the cabinet not the existing top.
When the base on which the stone will sit is new (example: new cabinets, new Jacuzzi tub etc.) the template will be made on top of the new frame work after it has been installed.
Once the template has been created clients are invited to our workshop to layout the template on their slabs according to their likes and dislikes of the stone. At this point in the process the client can choose to work around any flaws in the stone.
Next a bridge saw will be used to cut the template out of the stone. The bridge saw itself is securely anchored into a concrete foundation with a solid concrete saw table. The use of the concrete minimizes any vibration and allows the diamond coated blades to make the cleanest cuts possible. Hand tools are used for all finish work. The process of grinding and polishing requires the fabricator to constantly "feel" the edges they are polishing. While this process is time consuming it allows Refined Stone to create a perfect finish that digital automated equipment cannot achieve.
