An Overview of Our Products
Marble, Granite, and Natural Stone Installation in Los Angeles, CA
Serena Marble & Granite, Inc. offers a broad selection of stones. For centuries, builders have used these beautiful stones for their unique colors and designs. Additionally, natural stone is a practical choice for countertops and other surfaces. Contact us to see which stone may be best for your unique needs and to learn more about our Los Angeles granite and marble installation company.
Marble & Onyx
Marble is an ancient stone available in a rich pallet of colors. This stone is perfect for virtually any room or amenity, including foyers, bathrooms, fireplaces and more. An elegant addition to any environment, marble is often used in walls, floors, and vanities. Typically, it is polished to reveal a mirror-like finish. Available colors include subtle beiges, deep browns, and rich greens and reds.
Granite
Granite is formed from the earth’s molten magma at high temperatures, making it one of the most wear-resistant natural stones. Often used in kitchen countertops and bars, granite is a suitable choice for both residential and commercial use. In addition to its durability, granite requires little maintenance and is available in attractive, slip-resistant finishes as well.
Limestone & Travertine
Limestone and travertine are known for their subdued, earthy tones and satin finish, making them a popular choice for tasteful, casual designs. As a desimentary stone, Limestone is created from silt at the bottom of the sea. As the water deposits layers of sediment, heat and pressure transform the silt into limestone.
Travertine is created in hot springs. As the springs dissolve underlying rocks, travertine forms on the surface as water evaporates. Limestone and travertine are available in a wide range of patterns and colors. Each slab is unique, revealing a different hue and design. Both of these stones require routine sealing and upkeep.
Natural Stone Finishes
Our main natural stone finishes include polished stone, honed stone, flamed stone, and tumbled stone. Porous stones, such as travertine, are filled to create a burnished finished similar to marble or granite. Unfilled travertine is often used to clad building exteriors; a technique used in ancient Rome.
Polished natural stone is known for its glossy, mirror-like finish. Granite, marble, travertine, and limestone transformed from rough, saw-cut slabs into shiny tiles by polishing machines. Circular polishing heads move over the stone until the desired appearance is accomplished.
Honed stone is characterized by its soft, matte finish. Manufacturers achieve the finish by polishing the surface, but stopping just before it becomes burnished. Some factories even have the ability to revers heavy polishing to achieve this look. Many customers prefer honed stone because it is less formal than fully polished granite, marble, or travertine.
Flamed stone is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it is slip resistant and durable. Flamed stone is manufactured by applying a blowtorch to the surface of the slab, which bursts some of the crystals in the stone. The result is a highly textured surface valued for its rough beauty.
Tumbled natural stone is typically created by “tumbling” the tile with pebbles, steel bearings, or sand. The end result is an elegant yet weathered finish. Tumbled stone must be sealed because the tumbling process makes it vulnerable to liquids and staining. Like honed stone, tumbled stone is often preferred for less formal environments.
Filled Stone Finishes
Travertine is a natural stone formed by geysers, recognizable by its naturally porous finish. Tiny gas bubbles create these pores as the stone hardens, giving it a rough, unfinished surface traditionally used on the exterior of buildings. When travertine is used in modern construction, it is usually filled and reinforced with epoxy or cement and honed or polished like any other stone.
Other natural stones may experience natural irregularities or fissures, which can be filled with an epoxy compound as well. During the manufacturing process, the stone may be fitted with a fiberglass matting on the back to protect it from damage. Matting and filling does not indicated an inferior product, though; some of the most costly and stunning slabs may need to be protected during fabrication or processing.
Contact our Los Angeles Natural Stone Installation Company to Learn More
If you are interested in improving the appearance and value of your home or other building with natural stone, we invite you to contact our office in Los Angeles. We have many years of experiencing handling and installing granite, marble, and other stones, and look forward to hearing from you soon.