Fabricator How-to .taxonomy-header__description{ width: 675px !important; max-width: 100% !important; }

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Practical advice, expert tips, and step-by-step techniques for stone fabrication, installation, and maintenance. Learn best practices to improve craftsmanship, enhance efficiency, and ensure long-lasting results in residential, commercial, and custom stone projects.]]> https://www.stoneworld.com/rss/2193-fabricator-how-to en-us High-Level Economic Indicators for Fabricators to Be on Alert richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Tips on how to follow market trends and use them to make informed decisions. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95680 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95680-high-level-economic-indicators-for-fabricators-to-be-on-alert Latin American Fabricators Network Builds Momentum with Coverings 2026 Debut kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The Latin American Fabricators Network made its first appearance at Coverings 2026, using the show's Fabricator Stage to introduce a grassroots organization aimed at giving Latino stone fabricators a seat at the industry table.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95658 Fri, 22 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95658-latin-american-fabricators-network-builds-momentum-with-coverings-2026-debut Reasons Fabricators Must Stay on Top of Design Trends richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Warm tones, natural looks and muted finishes are among the current trends in stone design.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95656 Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95656-reasons-fabricators-must-stay-on-top-of-design-trends How Fabricators Can Build a Full-Funnel Growth Engine: From Stranger to Superfan Fabricators need to know that marketing is not a campaign; it is an engine.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95644 Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95644-how-fabricators-can-build-a-full-funnel-growth-engine-from-stranger-to-superfan Fabricators Gain Practical Takeaways to Apply at Their Shops richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Fabricator Exchange (FABX) by Park Industries drew approximately 100 stone industry members in the Metropolitan area for a day of learning, networking and experiencing machine capabilities firsthand. 


]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95632 Thu, 07 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95632-fabricators-gain-practical-takeaways-to-apply-at-their-shops Molly Hauer at FABX 2026 Park Industries held its Fabricator Exchange (FABX) at the Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield, NJ, on Thursday, April 30, 2026. The company’s marketing director, Molly Hauer, welcomed the group of approximately 100 fabricators.   Joan Schatz Speaking at FABX 2026 Park Industries CEO Joan Schatz also greeted the group at the start of the event. State of the Industry Panel Discussion at FABX 2026 Meagan Hegland, Park Industries vice president of sales and marketing, moderated a State of the Industry address. Panelists included (from left to right): Dave Amelotte, Park Industries CFO; Glenn Kross, CEO of Coastal Countertops and 2023 Stone World Fabricator of the Year Award winner; and Gabe Velazquez, financing expert with MFS. Richie Falconi, and his son Giovanni, of Falco Marble & Granite Richie Falconi, and his son Giovanni, of Falco Marble & Granite, shared how his company modernized its shop, adopted digital fabrication and improved consistency, efficiency and production workflows.  Joe DeMelo owner of Evolution Marble & Granite Joe DeMelo, owner of Evolution Marble & Granite, spoke about key lessons he learned when building his fabrication shop, process improvements he made and the operational changes that drove better shop performance. DeMelo also hosted a shop tour that afternoon. Omar Chahin of GMD Surfaces Presenting at FABX 2026 Omar Chahin of GMD Surfaces led a breakout discussion about identifying bottlenecks and increasing shop output. Joseph Sine talks OSHA at FABX 2026 Joseph Sine of Cohen Seglias shared the latest on OSHA compliance and reducing risk in the shop. Rosie Nunez and Insaf Khriss Giving Trends Report Rosie Nunez (left) and Insaf Khriss (right), both of Atlas Marble & Granite, provided insight into design trends expected to influence countertop projects in 2026.    Marco Duran with FABX Group Marco Duran of Atlas Marble & Granite invited participants into his shop for our tour of the facility. FABX Group Touring Atlas Marble & Granite Duran explained to the group that Atlas is making a commitment to promoting the use of natural stone in design, as evident by its large selection of inventory.    Saberjet in Action A highlight of the shop tour was to watch the Park Saberjet™ XP CNC SawJet in operation. Fabricators Learn How to Drive Profitability for Their Businesses richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) During the Stone Industry Education event in Memphis, TN, business consultant Ed Young illustrated necessary measures to be taken to understand the financials of a fabrication shop.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95612 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:30:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95612-fabricators-learned-how-to-drive-profitability-for-their-businesses Stone Industry Education event - speaker Ed Young Pacific Shore Stones hosted a Stone Industry Education (SIE) event at its slab warehouse in Olive Branch, MS, on Thursday, April 16, 2026. presentation at Stone Industry Education event Business consultant Ed Young led the discussion on profitability at the seminar that was organized by Stone World in partnership with the Natural Stone Institute (NSI). Stone Industry Education event - speaker Mark Meriaux Mark Meriaux, NSI accreditation and technical manager, also talked to the fabricators in attendance about shop safety and OSHA regulations. Stone Industry Education event - speaker Aaron Dahnke Aaron Dahnke, CAE, NSI education and membership manager, took a few minutes to provide insight into the NSI and benefits of its membership program.  Dry-Treat at Stone Industry Education event Attendees had time to speak with sponsors, such as Dry-Treat, to learn more about their products. Big Dog Adhesives at Stone Industry Education event Big Dog Adhesives was also among the sponsors who attended the Memphis SIE event.  Laser Products Industries at Stone Industry Education event Laser Products Industries (LPI) also drew attendees to their table to check out their templating system.  fabricators visiting with Stone Industry Education event sponsors Participating fabricators spent time with sponsors to stay up to date on the newest innovations that can help them with quality and efficiency. LPI templator demo LPI had its templator on hand for fabricators to see first hand its capabilities. touring Pacific Shore Stones’ facility During the lunch break, participants had an opportunity to tour Pacific Shore Stones’ facility to view its slab inventory. Jason Osborne receives a certificate of appreciation from speaker Ed Young Jason Osborne, warehouse manager/sales executive for Pacific Shore Stones, represented his team and received a certificate of appreciation from speaker Ed Young. Fabricators Discuss the Correlation Between Rework and Profit Leaks richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Geoffrey Gran of The Countertop Factory advises fabricators to target a remake rate of under 2%.


]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95611 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95611-fabricators-discuss-the-correlation-between-rework-and-profit-leaks 3 Reasons Why Quick Response Time Results in a Successful Fabrication Shop Your fabrication shop can have the best website. The best portfolio. The best quality. The best price. But if you are slow to respond to a lead, you lose.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95581 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95581-3-reasons-why-quick-response-time-results-in-a-successful-fabrication-shop How to Handle the Demands of Multiple Builders richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) During a Fabricator Forum held earlier this year during The International Surface Event (tise), one fabricator raised a question about how to deal with the demands of multiple builders at one time. Industry veteran Geoffrey Gran of The Countertop Factory and Tim Zeng of Zeng Countertops & Surfaces offer their insights.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95588 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95588-how-to-handle-the-demands-of-multiple-builders How Your Fabrication Business Can Avoid the Black Hole Once you can see the black hole, you can close it. And when you do, the marketing leads you are already paying for start turning into revenue for your fabrication business instead of disappearing.


]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95548 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:30:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95548-how-your-fabrication-business-can-avoid-the-black-hole Why Sealing Quartzite the Proper Way is Important richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Dry-Treat demonstrated how to prep and seal quartzite for a successful installation.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95542 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95542-why-sealing-quartzite-the-proper-way-is-important sealing quartzite In his demonstration, Ed O’Reilly, territory sales manager at Dry-Treat, illustrated how the motion of sealing is a long straight stroke. demonstration at Stone Industry Education event “Quartzite is not granite,” O’Reilly told the fabricators. “It is not cut and turn and get out the door. It is moisture sensitive.” How to Grow a Countertop Fabrication Shop richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Geoffrey Gran of The Countertop Factory (TCF) Midwest & Southwest and Robert Wiemann of Sarto Countertops in Saint Marys, KS, shared insight into how they navigated a path of expansion.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95534 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95534-how-to-grow-a-countertop-fabrication-shop Why Your Stone Shop Needs a Sales & Marketing System (and How to Build One) Learn how to create a sales and marketing system for your stone shop that will support predictable growth and drive revenue.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95492 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95492-why-your-stone-shop-needs-a-sales-and-marketing-system-and-how-to-build-one Fabricators Discuss Pros and Cons of Chip Repair kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) A group of countertop fabricators discussed the challenges and opportunities of offering repair services during a recent industry roundtable discussion, identifying workforce training, pricing strategy and the growing complications of porcelain countertops as key concerns.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95490 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:55:53 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95490-fabricators-discuss-pros-and-cons-of-chip-repair Minimize Silica Risk: Maintain a Clean Water Recycling System kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Joe Meyer, founder of Full Circle Water, addressed fabricators during a recent webinar, outlining how water system performance directly affects worker safety, equipment longevity and production efficiency.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95451 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95451-minimize-silica-risk-maintain-a-clean-water-recycling-system Understanding the Practical Implications of Slab Thickness While quartz color and pattern often guide initial decision making and influence slab size for pattern consistency, slab thickness is equally critical to how quartz is fabricated, how it performs and how it visually impacts a space.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95454 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95454-understanding-the-practical-implications-of-slab-thickness Quartz Slab Bathroom Vertical installations such as backsplashes and wall cladding that do not have to support surface loads perform well with 2cm slabs. Quartz Kitchen Countertop Span length is another key factor in thickness selection. Waterfall Kitchen Island In addition to structural considerations, slab thickness has a direct impact on edge profile options. CMS Integrates AI Technology to Assist Fabricators with Machine Maintenance kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) CMS North America is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) across its stone machinery lineup to help fabricators monitor equipment performance and anticipate maintenance needs before breakdowns occur. Alex Bores, western sales area manager for CMS North America, said the company is combining AI with proprietary algorithms to collect machine data from customers worldwide, with their permission, to provide proactive support.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95450 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:28:49 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95450-cms-integrates-ai-technology-to-assist-fabricators-with-machine-maintenance All You Need to Know about Soapstone richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Two fabricators who supply and cut soapstone emphasized that the material is non-porous, making it ideal for countertops. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95382 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95382-all-you-need-to-know-about-soapstone white farmhouse-style kitchen sink with a black roll-up drying rack on a black countertop. Soapstone Kitchen Countertop "People love soapstone for its natural beauty," said Angie Moster of The Stone Studio in Batesville, IN. "It has character, warmth and charm. Its smooth honed finish feels especially inviting, making people want to reach out and touch it." Soapstone Countertop "When it is done right, soapstone allows for incredibly clean, nearly invisible seams -- ones that can even be sanded so you cannot feel them at all," explained Teixeira. Soapstone Display Soapstone Slabs M. Teixeira Soapstone stocks a number of soapstone varieties at its facility in Glen Rock, NJ.  Learn the Holy Grail for Leadership Mastery Owning and operating a business has countless parallels to being an athlete, many of which include competition, teamwork, strategy, nimbleness, problem solving, pressure, challenges, discipline, passion and continuous improvement.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95375 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95375-emotional-intelligence-and-mental-toughness-the-holy-grail-for-leadership-mastery Max Business Tennis Your CRM Should Be the Single Source of Truth Learn reasons why a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can increase efficiency and revenue in a fabrication business and why most shops are flying blind without one

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95342 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95342-your-crm-should-be-the-single-source-of-truth Why Mindset is Crucial to a Successful Fabrication Business richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Stone World and the Natural Stone Institute teamed up with Pacific Shore Stones to offer the final 2025 Stone Industry Education event for fabricators in Reno, NV.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95304 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95304-why-mindset-is-crucial-to-a-successful-fabrication-business Nevada Stone Summit Bryant Perez and Mark Meriux Important Year-End Question for Fabricators: What’s Actually Working? Research shows the most successful fabrication shops are asking the right questions about what is driving their growth.


]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95290 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95290-important-year-end-question-for-fabricators-whats-actually-working Fabricators Learn, Share and Prosper at StoneBiz 2025 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Fabricators and industry partners from different U.S. markets came together for three days in Puerto Rico to share ideas, learn from educational sessions, and network.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95293 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95293-fabricators-learn-share-and-prosper-at-stonebiz-2025 Why Improved Customer Service Leads to More Sales kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The keynote speaker pointed out that the majority of businesses spend 98% of training time on technical skills and only 2% on soft skills such as empathy and rapport building -- and outlined reasons this statistic needs to change.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95220 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95220-why-improved-customer-service-leads-to-more-sales Fabricators Learn Power of Storytelling at StoneBiz on the Beach kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The discussion focused on the power and importance of making a strong connection with customers by sharing details and sharing your story.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95207 Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95207-fabricators-learn-power-of-storytelling-at-stonebiz-on-the-beach Stone Industry Experts Stress Silica Safety Amidst Heightened Regulations kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The California Stone Summit emphasized the importance of shop safety to a group of fabricators. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95126 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95126-stone-industry-experts-stress-silica-safety-amidst-heightened-regulations Shop Safety Forum for Fabricators On Thursday, October 9th, MSI will host fabricators for a shop safety workshop -- addressing recent changes in safety regulations regarding silica, as well as protocols for slab handling -- at its facility in San Diego, CA. 


]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95113 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:30:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95113-shop-safety-forum-for-fabricators Why We Started Talking About AI (And Why You Should Too) Members of The Rockheads Group having started to turn to AI to enhance various areas of their fabrication business -- learn how it has benefitted them.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95099 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95099-why-we-started-talking-about-ai-and-why-you-should-too Filter Project Demonstrates Advanced Filtration Technology for Stone Fabrication richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The Filter Project team took time to explain its dust and water filtration products to the fabricators, as well as illustrate their benefits through demonstrations.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95046 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95046-filter-project-demonstrates-advanced-filtration-technology-for-stone-fabrication fabricator tour a structure built from aluminum T-slot extrusion profiles the deployment of an AquaFence flood barrier system at Tampa General Hospital a demagnetization tunnel aluminum sheet metal products, a dry dust collector with an articulating arm equipment for a "FILTER PROJECT" a water pump system a sludge dehydrator a group discussion a worker using a tool with a water spray to cut a block of material filter project a table setting with food and wine people posing near a filter project cake Four Revenue Leaks to Identify and Learn How to Avoid with AI-Powered Tools Learn the hidden revenue leak every fabricator ignores and how AI-powered sales tools are plugging million-dollar gaps.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95034 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95034-four-revenue-leaks-to-identify-and-learn-how-to-avoid-with-ai-powered-tools AI Maturity Model in Stone Industry Chart