Stone World logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Stone World logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • Machinery
    • Digital Technology
    • Tooling & Accessories
  • MATERIALS
    • Alternative Surfaces
    • Stone
    • Tile
    • Imports & Exports Data
  • FABRICATORS
    • Fabricator How-to
    • Fabricator Case Studies
    • Fabricator of the Year
  • A&D
    • Installation & Technical Tips
    • Outdoor Design
    • Interior Design
    • Hospitality | Commercial Design
    • Mosaics & Decorative Tile
    • Kitchen & Bath
    • Residential
    • Renovation | Restoration
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • EBOOK
  • EVENTS
    • STONE INDUSTRY EDUCATION
    • Industry Calendar
  • MORE
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • WOMEN SPOTLIGHT
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • STONE WORLD STORE
  • DIRECTORY
    • TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
    • Stone Suppliers
    • GET LISTED
  • EMAG
    • eMagazines
    • Archives
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!

New thin stone veneer is introduced

By Kevin M. Padden
April 1, 2010
A new thin stone veneer product, “Slimrock” is being produced using material quarried out of the Hartshorne Formation in the Arkansas River Valley.


AZ School of Rock / Natural Stone 101

I was recently made aware of a new product line that is hitting the market this season, a new natural stone product called “Slimrock.” As a fabricator, I am usually focused on what goes on a countertop in a kitchen, but because I love any natural stone product, this new Slimrock caught my interest. Because I started out in the trades 32 years ago doing tile and stonework, anything that is a natural product is fair game for me, and I am drawn to it. I remember doing vertical facing in stone masonry back in 1980, and always felt a sense of accomplishment when I would stand back and look at the “real stone” I had laid up on the outside of a building.

Fast forward to the 2000s, and we see many applications of both manmade or “cultured” stone look-a-likes on the exteriors and interiors of buildings, but I always love to see the real thing.

Such is the case with Slimrock. It is all natural - quarried out of the Hartshorne Formation in the Arkansas River Valley in a 360-acre tract of land that has over 200 year’s worth of deposits known thus far.

Material from the formation has been used for a range of prominent architectural applications over the years, such as the Oklahoma City Airport.

The product is unique in that it is cut into sizes up to 22 inches in face height. The blends are all from the same quarry or a proven source, which means that no one color will be in shorter supply than another. Slimrock can be obtained in nominal flagstone, building stone and thin veneer. The physical properties of the stone that is being quarried is outstanding, with an average PSI rating of around 27,000 pounds and a water absorption rating of 1.1%.

Slimrock’s owners and staff have generations of experience in the stone and thin veneer industry, and they have immediate plans to triple their market share in 2010. It is also developing a Web site at www.slimrock.com.

As a stone industry professional, this product seems to be a “natural fit” for stoneworking firms that want to expand their level of offerings to the consumer. If you have an opportunity to provide a product and or service to your clients that fits into what you do well, it is worth a consideration.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Kevin M. Padden has been active in tile and stone for most of his adult life. Since following his father into the tile and stone business in 1978, he was owner of Padden Tile & Stone prior to relocating to Arizona in 1992. His passion for education has led him to be a regularly featured seminar presenter at international trade shows. Training and consulting is a service that is provided by AZ School of Rock. For more information, contact Kevin M. Padden at www.azschoolofrock.com, by phone at 480.309.9422 or via E-mail.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • customer doing research online

    3 Reasons Why Quick Response Time Results in a Successful Fabrication Shop

    Your fabrication shop can have the best website. The best...
    Fabricator How-to
    By: Anthony Milia
  • Silica

    Renewed National Attention Ignites Over Silicosis Epidemic

    A major investigative report published on March 12, 2026...
    Industry Insights
    By: Jason Kamery
  • shipping containers

    U.S. Countertop Material Imports: February 2026

    U.S. countertop material imports collapsed in February...
    Stone
    By: Jason Kamery
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • Newsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

cal osha

Cal/OSHA Standards Board to Vote May 21 on Engineered Stone Ban Petition

shipping containers

U.S. Countertop Materials Imports: March 2026

kitchen

Building a Reputation on Strong Craftsmanship and Customer Service

Fabricator Focus

From profiles to roundtable discussions, Q&As to best business practices, we're turning a focus on topics and challenges impacting fabricators.

AI Talk Is Everywhere -- Where Does a Countertop Fabricator Begin?

Fabricators Discuss Pros and Cons of Chip Repair

How to Grow a Countertop Fabrication Shop

Events

June 25, 2026

North Carolina Stone Summit

You’ve probably heard a lot lately about how to calculate the profit for each job you produce. You likely have production benchmarks based on square footage since it’s the most common production metric in the industry. Come learn how focusing on these metrics can hurt your profitability and what to do about it.

July 16, 2026

Washington Stone Summit

Join us for "Taking Your Organization to the Next Level," a session dedicated to transforming your business practices. Discover strategies for setting clear agendas, encouraging participation, and driving actionable outcomes. Learn how to foster collaboration and communication, ensuring that every meeting enhances productivity and contributes to your business goals.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Tariffs and Quartz Imports

If high tariffs are placed on U.S. quartz imports, how will this affect your business?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

Restoration & Maintenance Technical Module

Restoration & Maintenance Technical Module

See More Products
	
3 Reasons Why Quick Response Time Results in a Successful Fabrication Shop

Related Articles

  • “Green Up” and clean up

    See More
×

Our Newsletters are a rock solid source of industry insights!

Stay in the know on the international stone and tile industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing