Planning to Build an Outdoor Fireplace with A Pizza Oven Out of Natural Stone? Here’s What You Need to Know! October 29, 2019 Has a client recently reached out to you for help with an outdoor fireplace or kitchen project? If so, and if your client is open to additional input and suggestions, you might want to suggest the possibility of incorporating an outdoor stone fireplace pizza oven combo into the design. This type of project has become increasingly… Read More
Top Four Unique Uses of ThinStone™ October 29, 2019 At Connecticut Stone, we’ve always taken pride in our quality product offerings—from our gorgeous granite and quartz slabs to our exterior porcelain, flagging, and everything in between. One of our most popular products these days, however, is that of our very own ThinStone™. ThinStone is a 100% natural-stone veneer that allows you to achieve the… Read More
ThinStone™ Applications and Installation: Fireplaces and More October 29, 2019 When your clients are looking to achieve the look and feel of a natural stone wall at a reasonable price-point, ThinStone is an excellent product to recommend. Specifically, ThinStone refers to our very own stone veneer that can be used in both interior and exterior applications. This lightweight and economical product is easy to install, made… Read More
How to Avoid Fireplace Failures October 22, 2019 Inside any fireplace is a firebox—the location where the actual fire blazes. A firebox must be able to withstand high temperatures, which is why most prefabricated fireplaces come with metal firebox inserts. For clients who want a more custom and high-end look, however, other materials are available. Unfortunately, when the wrong material is used or… Read More
Using Your Gas Fire Pit: What You Need to Know October 22, 2019 Today’s homeowners seem to be just as focused on outdoor entertaining as they are indoor entertaining. Expansive and elaborate decks, patios, and even outdoor kitchens can take any backyard to the next level. And there’s nothing quite like a fireplace or fire pit to encourage a cozy gathering with friends, family, and loved ones. Many homeowners are… Read More
Four Types of Fire Pits to Consider for Your Next Project October 22, 2019 Fire pits are an excellent addition to many outdoor entertaining spaces, providing a cozy spot for people to gather even on cooler nights. If a client has recently come to you with a fire pit project, you have several options to explore. Ultimately, the best choice will depend not only on your client’s needs and… Read More
Custom Blending for Interior Designs September 9, 2019 Today’s residential stone clients are looking to truly differentiate their living spaces and make them a reflection of their unique style and personality. As you can see in the gorgeous conservatory highlighted in our video, the right combination of stone can create an amazing focal point that catches your eye as soon as you walk… Read More
Why (And How) You Can Combine Mosaic and Porcelain Tile September 6, 2019 Both mosaic and porcelain tiles are popular options among homeowners, especially in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. However, the potential applications for mosaic and porcelain tile are truly endless. Rather than urging a client to pick one or the other, many designers these days are finding unique ways to combine both mosaic and porcelain tile… Read More
Transform Your Kitchen with a Natural Stone Kitchen Backsplash September 6, 2019 Whether your client is looking to remodel their entire kitchen completely or simply wants to make a few cost-effective changes, installing a beautiful new backsplash can make all the difference. And when it comes to materials that are beautiful, durable, and versatile enough for use on a backsplash, natural stone is a practical choice. Applications… Read More
What Are the Best Outdoor Kitchen Materials? July 17, 2019 An outdoor kitchen can transform any exterior space into one that’s perfect for gathering and entertaining. From stunning outdoor kitchen islands with built-in grills to functional outdoor fireplaces that not only create ambiance but can serve a dual-purpose as a pizza oven as well—there are so many beautiful options to choose from when designing an… Read More
Four Ways to Transform Your Outdoor Kitchen July 17, 2019 An outdoor kitchen provides a great space to entertain and relax. However, times change, and so do exterior entertaining trends. So, if your clients’ outdoor kitchen space is looking and feeling a little dated, it’s time to help them reclaim the enjoyment of their outdoor space. By offering some of these great outdoor kitchen updates,… Read More
Choosing a Natural Stone for Your Custom-Made Outdoor Bench July 17, 2019 An outdoor stone bench can add beautiful and functional seating to any entertaining space. Whether your client is looking to add a large custom-made stone bench around an outdoor fireplace or a simple stone garden bench next to their favorite flower bed, there are plenty of material and design options to consider for an outdoor… Read More
Advantages of Using Engineered Stone on Kitchen Counters May 30, 2019 As you’ve likely realized, engineered stone has become an increasingly popular option for those seeking a durable countertop material in both residential and commercial applications. By having a better understanding of what an engineered stone is, as well as its many benefits when used as a countertop material, designers and homeowners alike can make educated… Read More
Dekton: The New Generation of Countertop Materials May 30, 2019 At CT Stone, we’re proud to carry an innovative product known as Dekton, which can be used in both interior and exterior applications. This technically advanced product offers incredible durability—and because it can be used for many applications and projects, Dekton is perfect for any client who is looking for a practical yet beautiful material… Read More
Dekton: The Exterior Benefits and What it Can Be Used For May 30, 2019 When your commercial or residential clients turn to you for help with an exterior project, one of the most important decisions will be the type of material used. Today’s clients are looking for options that are beautiful and eye-catching while remaining durable and easy to maintain. For many exterior applications, including tabletops, patio paving,… Read More
Choosing Stone Veneer for an Outdoor BBQ or Island April 17, 2019 Today’s homeowners’ value outdoor entertaining and living spaces now more than ever before—and this is reflected in the increasing popularity of outdoor kitchen projects. If you’ve recently been contacted by a residential or commercial client looking for help in designing or building an outdoor kitchen, being able to provide quality and long-lasting materials is a… Read More
Everything You Need to Know About ThinStone™ April 17, 2019 At Connecticut Stone, we take pride in the wide range of quality stone products we’re able to provide for many different project applications. If you’re a designer, builder, or architect, then you know just how important it is to be able to offer the latest and greatest materials to your commercial and residential clients. But,… Read More
What is The Best Stone Product for Exterior Pool or Patio Decks? April 17, 2019 When it comes to pool patio and deck materials, there are so many possibilities that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. But there are many considerations to keep in mind when a client comes to you looking for material recommendations and options. Appearance, cost, durability, and ease of installation may be some of the first factors that come to… Read More
How to Clean, Remove, and Reapply Caulk Around a Kitchen or Bathroom Sink March 13, 2019 When your kitchen or bathroom sink was installed, a bead of caulk was likely applied around its perimeter to seal off any gaps and protect against leaks. When properly applied, caulk can last for many years—but there will likely come a time when the caulk begins to crack and break down. At this time, it… Read More
What You Need to Know About the Trough Sink Trend March 13, 2019 In recent years, trough sinks have become increasingly popular in both residential and commercial bathroom designs. Today, they are a top choice among residential clients looking to achieve a high-end and luxurious appearance in their master bathroom, guest bathroom, or even a powder room. Natural stone, engineered quartz, porcelain slabs, and a variety of other materials are excellent choices when creating a trough sink – and… Read More
Benefits of Using Engineered Quartz or Man-Made Quartz February 12, 2019 Man-made quartz has become an extremely popular interior stone option among designers, contractors, and more in recent years. Specifically, quartz refers to a man-made stone option that is typically composed of about 90-97% natural quartz that is mixed with a resin and pigment to create a unique look. There are many different brands of man-made quartz on… Read More
Understanding the 2018 Market Volatility of Engineered Quartz February 12, 2019 These days, engineered stone is extremely popular in both the residential and commercial markets. More than ever, homeowners are turning to engineered stone options such as quartz for their countertops, and commercial clients are choosing engineered stone for other applications. According to Adam Weinberg, general manager of Cosentino Boston, “we don’t have exact numbers, but… Read More
Kitchen Consequential: Sizing Quartz for the Perfect Island February 12, 2019 Kitchen islands are a design feature that embodies everything we love about open-concept homes. The popular, multifunction kitchen unit is the ultimate domestic symbol of our fluid and fast-paced lives, where multitasking is the norm and the boundaries between work, play, and leisure have been knocked down like the walls in closed-in rooms. Still, as… Read More
How Does Quartzite Stone Hold Up to Common Kitchen Spills? January 16, 2019 At Connecticut Stone, we take pride in the wide range of stone options we offer for your interior and exterior design and building needs. But one of the most popular stones we carry is quartzite, which has similar qualities to granite. Due to its natural hardness, quartzite is a great stone option for kitchen countertops and other high-traffic countertop spaces. Different types… Read More
Waterfall Countertops: A “Flowing” Trend in Wine Rooms January 14, 2019 When you walk into a kitchen, it’s hard not to notice the large, one-of-a-kind, natural stone island right in the middle of the room. It’s the focal point – the statement piece that everyone admires and wants to touch as they walk through. But lately, the waterfall countertop trend has been adding an extra design element to natural stone countertops that has designers,… Read More
Quartzite Stone: What You Need to Know January 14, 2019 Natural quartzite has become one of the most popular options for high end residential design. Quartzite offers similar aesthetic qualities to marble including vibrant colors and free flowing veins. That said, quartzite is a stronger, more durable stone when compared to marble. This makes it an ideal choice for high traffic areas like kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and even fireplace facings. But how do… Read More
The Art of Fluidity: How to Blend Stones and Patterns December 5, 2018 Your client wants a natural stone structure to liven up their exterior setting, but they want it to be unique. They want it to be eye-catching, enviable, and to perfectly express their design aesthetic. In this situation, creating a blended stone design is ideal. By strategically pairing various colors and textures of natural stone and… Read More
Porcelain & Sintered Stone Panels: The Stylish Solution for Preventing Wall Damage November 29, 2018 Porcelain panels are one of the most versatile solutions at a designer’s disposal. With their wide array of textures, colors, and finishes, and their lightweight construction, porcelain slabs can do a lot to transform a space both inside and out. But more importantly, due to their thin design, porcelain panels are just as functional as they… Read More
Stone Terroir: The Importance of Viewing Material Before You Purchase It November 29, 2018 It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. But what if those thousand words include phrases like: “Wait, are you serious, that color looks nothing like the color in the picture.” Or, “No, it didn’t look like that on the company’s website. The stone didn’t have those quartz flecks, and the pink highlights were… Read More
Why a Mason Is an Integral Part of Natural Stone Installation November 28, 2018 When it comes to the installation of any natural stone project, there are a lot of professionals involved. From the architect to the designer, and the stone supplier, many people contribute to a gorgeous finished result. However, out of all of the people involved in a natural stone installation, the mason has a very important and special… Read More
Motion Stone November 5, 2018 There’s something about Motion stone that sounds inherently futuristic. Maybe images of Dubai’s famous skyscrapers come to mind, their towering curves and rotating balconies defying space and logic, inspired by the mythical Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Or perhaps you envision Oscar Niemeyer’s “Brasilia,” the 1960’s urban plan featuring shape-shifting modernist structures that seem transported from… Read More
How to Clean Stone Counters Like a Professional October 31, 2018 Natural stone is one of the most gorgeous options for countertops. With so many alluring colors, intriguing vein patterns, and unique types available, there is a natural stone that will provide the wow factor to any kitchen. However, since it is a natural, sometimes-porous substance, you need to be very careful with how you clean… Read More
The Different Types of Natural Stone Finishes October 5, 2018 Structural design aesthetics are important when creating any space. Everything from changing the mood, to coordinating themes and motifs and even including practicality are all reasons for using different types of stone finishes for an application. In this post, we’ll be providing an overview of the different types of stone finishes to choose from, their… Read More
Natural Stone Techniques: How to Get a Rockface Edge October 5, 2018 One way to dress up your pool coping or give more texture to your home’s front entry is to utilize rockfacing on the edge of a piece of natural stone. After all, nothing compares to the beauty—and durability—of natural stone, and an aesthetically pleasing rockface is an ideal way to finish the edge. Therefore, adding… Read More
The Advantages of Incorporating Marble into Your Design Projects October 5, 2018 From the ancient Romans and Greeks in their design of the Colosseum and the Parthenon to today’s homes and businesses, marble has been utilized in architectural design to great benefit. Its characteristics make it advantageous to use in a wide variety of elements in terms of both functionality and aesthetic appeal. What Are the Characteristics… Read More
Talking Techniques: A Look at the Flaming Process August 30, 2018 As an architect or designer, you probably already understand how important it is to have choices. Being able to give your clients options for their projects or having an array of building materials – choices are important to the craft. They also create room for innovation and for the introduction of new techniques to take… Read More
Splitting Stone: The Feather and Wedge Process August 30, 2018 Here at Connecticut Stone, we love a new challenge whenever an interesting project comes around. Creating a large piece for a very unique space, manipulating a difficult stone medium to do what you need it to – the adventures in stone can be truly endless. Splitting stone is a labor of love itself. Sometimes there’s… Read More
Natural Stone Countertops. Breaking Down Stone Age Misconceptions August 23, 2018 A natural stone countertop is as unique as an original work of art. Every stone that’s quarried from the earth has its own color, veining, and speckles, and these characteristics can’t be recreated with man-made materials. Stone has depth of character and a sophisticated feel. It’s both a prepped canvas and a natural, one-of-kind design… Read More
The Processes Behind the Stone: Making the Cut August 23, 2018 As a building material, natural stone is difficult to surpass for durability, distinguished appearance, and strength. It comes in a variety of textures, appearances, colors, and sizes for all different applications. However, while some admire the look and texture of these products, what is often overlooked is the craftsmanship and stonecutting processes that go on… Read More
Trending Stone Selections for Exterior Fireplaces July 10, 2018 Designers and architects are doing amazing things with exterior fireplaces. This spring and summer, fireplaces are much more than bricks and mortar; they are a way for your clients to bring their interior aesthetic preferences to the outdoors. When your client comes to you for an exterior fireplace, you now have an abundance of options… Read More
Bluestone July 6, 2018 Bluestone is one of the most popular stone options in New England. It is inexpensive, simple to work with, and it is found locally. A variety of bluestone can be split into slabs and often contains remnants of quartz, feldspars, phyllosilicates, and other minerals, which are all indurated together to form the stone. Where Is Bluestone Quarried? Bluestone is… Read More
White Quartz Countertops Complete a Multi-Step Kitchen Renovation July 6, 2018 Ever since moving into her home years ago, this homeowner has been updating her kitchen step by step. The backsplash and cabinets were all upgraded to be a fresh and airy white color, and she knew it was time to complete her kitchen renovation with new countertops. While her kitchen looked nice and her countertops… Read More
Thassos Marble June 19, 2018 When you picture a pure white, brilliant marble, you are probably picturing Thassos marble. Renowned for its magnificent white color and its limited availability, Thassos marble is a highly sought-after stone selection for high-end contemporary, modern, or transitional interior design projects. Where Is Thassos Marble Quarried? Thassos marble is named after the small Greek island… Read More
Partner Spotlight: Daniel Divitto with DPD Builders, Ltd. May 30, 2018 During our recent sit-down with Daniel P. Divitto, the founder and president of DPD Builders, Ltd., we were privileged to gain some insight into this flourishing high-end building company. Located in Bedford Hills, New York, DPD Builders, Ltd. has been helping residents make their dream homes a reality for more than 30 years. Read More
Soapstone 101: What You Need to Know About Soapstone May 15, 2018 Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a quarried stone that is softer to the touch, yet extremely pliable and non-porous. It can be used in a variety of ways in both interior and exterior spaces, and it was famously used to create the “Christ the Redeemer” statue located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Here is… Read More
The Many Uses of Granite: From Common to Extraordinary May 10, 2018 Granite is one of the most popular stone options in commercial and residential designs. It offers incredible durability and a rich array of colors, patterns, and finishes, so it can make any space look amazing. Additionally, granite is extremely versatile. It can be used in everything from granite countertops to granite pavers. Here is a… Read More
Partner Spotlight: George Pusser With Cornerstone Contracting April 10, 2018 We recently had the pleasure of sitting down to speak with George Pusser, owner and president of Cornerstone Contracting. This particular business specializes in the building of luxury custom homes, working directly with architects and designers to provide optimal craftsmanship at competitive prices. For more than 25 years, Cornerstone Contracting has been serving the local community… Read More
Product Spotlight: Thin Porcelain Panels From Connecticut Stone March 23, 2018 When you wish to achieve a one-of-a-kind, elegant look in any interior space, thin porcelain panels are an excellent option. Specifically, thin porcelain tiles from Connecticut Stone, such as those shown here from Neolith, provide the versatility and easy installation needed to achieve just about any look, anywhere. Available in a wide range of colors,… Read More
Upcoming Trends in Countertop Design March 22, 2018 These days, quality countertops are more important than ever in kitchen design. Homeowners want premium materials and stylish designs that bring both elegance and practicality into their kitchen spaces. As a result of these demands, kitchen designers and builders are now tasked with staying on top of ever-changing trends in countertop design in order to… Read More
5 Barefoot-Friendly Patio Stone Options in Connecticut March 22, 2018 Few details can transform the look of an outdoor living space as well as a good quality, gorgeous stone. Whether it is surrounding a pool, providing a platform for a fire pit, or serving as the foundation for a pergola, the natural beauty of stone always steals the show. When you are creating an outdoor… Read More
Man-Made Quartz or Quartzite: Which One Is the Best for Your Client? March 6, 2018 Quartz and quartzite are two of the most popular stones for kitchen countertops. The stones are stunning, durable, and versatile, and they are ideal for a wide variety of uses. However, they are not created equal. Quartzite is a natural stone product that is mined from the earth’s crust and sold in slabs. Man-made quartz,… Read More
Step Outside with Stone February 16, 2017 Today’s new homeowner trend is looking to expand their outdoor living space to create a more open area for guests to gather. Pools and spa areas have increased in popularity to incorporate areas for relaxation and entertainment. However, weather can sometimes pose a threat to maintain your glorious outdoor living space. Fortunately at Connecticut Stone,… Read More
Hot Trends in Quartz February 15, 2017 Quartz is an emerging design trend popular with homeowners, and is stain resistant from… Read More
Building Stone Institute Presents the 2014 Tucker Design Awards July 1, 2014 Building Stone Institute, one of the country’s longest serving natural stone trade associations, proudly presents the 2014 Tucker Design Awards. Established in 1977, the Tucker Design Awards honor those who achieve a criteria of excellence in the use of natural stone through concept, design and construction. The award is a prestigious biennial architectural design recognition valued by both the building… Read More
Connecticut Stone Fireplace Featured in Connecticut Builder Magazine July 1, 2014 Connecticut Stone was recently featured in Connecticut Builder’s Summer 2014 issue! Connecticut Builder is a popular industry publication put out by the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut. We are thrilled to be included in their cover story Inside Out, about how today’s builders are bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out. The launch of… Read More
A Home in Time for the Holidays January 1, 2013 This fall, Connecticut Stone, in partnership with Building Homes for Heroes, teamed up to build a home for a disabled veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Sergeant Greg Caron was serving in the Marine Corps when an IED exploded – he lost both of his legs, and his right arm was severely wounded. Caron’s medical… Read More
Outdoor Fireplace – Private Residence September 15, 2012 A young couple collaborate with talented mason, Mike Nusdeo of Ridgeview Designs to create a unique fireplace that will surely keep their guests talking. The project started when the homeowner was inspired by two huge raw pieces of stone spotted in our Milford Stone Yard. One of the pieces resembles an African mask and the… Read More
Showroom wins 2012 Home Builders and Remodelers Association HOBI award April 1, 2012 In 2011, Connecticut Stone had the opportunity to expand its market and open its second showroom at The Galleria Design Center located at 234 Middle Street in Middletown CT. This gave Vice President of National Interior Sales, Tyra Dellacroce, and her design team a chance to create an “Inspirational” showroom where customers can mill around… Read More
The Building Stone Institute Tucker Design Awards, Cornell University September 4, 2011 Connecticut Stone won a Tucker Design Award for our part in the Bailey Plaza project at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. This project transformed a one-acre parking lot into a modern thoroughfare combining practicality with design. Our very own Lance Dellacroce was the Project Manager on this high-profile project, and Connecticut Stone was one… Read More
MIA Pinnacle Award of Merit Private Residence September 1, 2011 Our National Project Group Division has the honor of working with the most talented architects and designers in the industry. On this Award Winning project Architect Vern Swaback of Swaback Partners and the designers from Studio V created a home that was and art piece. We were ecstatic to be a part of such a… Read More
The Building Stone Institute – Tucker Design Award – Private Residence September 1, 2008 Connecticut Stone also won a Tucker Design Award for our work on the Private Residence in Glencoe, Illinois. We supplied materials for this innovative home based on English Arts and Crafts architecture and relying heavily on natural stone décor and landscaping. An excerpt from the jury comments: “The craftsmanship is outstanding. It appears as if… Read More
