Stone World recently had the opportunity to ask several leading industry professionals about the latest trends in quartz and porcelain slab lines, as well as the education being provided to fabricators about cutting and installing these materials.

Cambria recently debuted three new designs, the stunning Brittanicca Gold Cool, Hailey and Harlow (shown) -- all part of the company’s Luxury Series.

Check out the recent technology update from MSI.

Porcelain slabs are rising in popularity, as they offer a consistent look and strength.

Sam Kim, senior vice president of product for MSI, provides insight into the residential building market, as it applies to hard surfaces.

Quantra has developed proprietary technology, Quantra Cast Technology, which ensures that rock formed millions of years ago is casted in durable and beautiful products like sinks and basins utilizing up to 93% raw quartz material. 

The design evolution in stone brought by Quantra`s Renaissance collection has been jeweled by its design - Antonio. It was inspired by the work of Italian painter Antonio Pollaiuolo.

This Stone of the Month is supplied by Magban of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Technical details provide a frame of reference only. Because stone is a product of nature, testing to determine specific physical qualities should be repeated for each project.

With a history dating back to 1928, the family-run business of Chester A. Smith, Inc. is steeped in history. The company, along with eight others, was a founding member of the Marble Institute of America (MIA) when it was formed in 1944 and today is listed as “Member #7” in the MIA Directory.