Image courtesy of: Vladimir Fedorov (iStock / Getty Images Plus) 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 en-us kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Porcelain and sintered stone slabs rank among the most misunderstood materials in the countertop industry, but fabricators who learn to work with them are opening a revenue stream that is not going anywhere. Porcelain and sintered stone slabs rank among the most misunderstood materials in the countertop industry, but fabricators who learn to work with them are opening a revenue stream that is not going anywhere.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95716 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95716-a-fabricators-guide-to-cutting-porcelain-and-sintered-stone richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Industry members at The Poseidon Experience intently listened to Joe Alva share his sales experiences. Industry members at The Poseidon Experience intently listened to Joe Alva share his sales experiences. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95715 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95715-stone-industry-professionals-learn-tips-for-closing-a-sale richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) American Floor Covering welcomed more than 100 visitors into its shop for the Stone Fabricator's Alliance workshop in early June. American Floor Covering welcomed more than 100 visitors into its shop for the Stone Fabricator's Alliance workshop in early June.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95704 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95704-sfa-promotes-sharing-of-information-at-connecticut-workshop SFA Connecticut Workshop More than 100 attendees showed up for the two-day event. SFA Connecticut Workshop Welcome Reception The Welcome Reception provided a relaxed atmosphere for industry members to catch up. SFA Connecticut Workshop Welcome Reception The SFA hosted a Welcome Reception on Wednesday, June 3rd before the workshop kicked off the next day. SFA Connecticut Workshop Prodim was among the sponsors at the event demonstrating its digital templating system. SFA Connecticut Workshop Machinery manufacturers such as Donatoni and Biesse were present at the Connecticut Workshop. SFA Connecticut Workshop Cameron DeMille of MB Stone Care demonstrated top polishing techniques.  SFA Connecticut Workshop During the demonstration of the Comandulli line polisher, attendees had the opportunity to examine the finished product.  SFA Connecticut Workshop The group gathered to watch American Floor Covering's Comandulli line polisher in action.  SFA Connecticut Workshop SFA Connecticut Workshop Big Dog Adhesives was among the sponsors who presented a product demonstration.  SFA Connecticut Workshop SFA Connecticut Workshop Durfee provided a step-by-step guide of the process.  SFA Connecticut Workshop Host Joe Durfee presented a demonstration on thermoforming which captivated attendees.  SFA Connecticut Workshop Stone fabrication shops are investing more in marketing than ever before. The spend is real and, in many cases, producing real activity at the top of the funnel. But somewhere between the first click and the closed job, the handoff breaks down. Stone fabrication shops are investing more in marketing than ever before. The spend is real and, in many cases, producing real activity at the top of the funnel. But somewhere between the first click and the closed job, the handoff breaks down.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95696 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95696-how-stone-fabrication-shops-can-fix-lead-leaks-and-protect-their-marketing-roi OHM will host the next Stone Industry Education event on June 25, 2026, at its facility in Charlotte, NC. OHM will host the next Stone Industry Education event on June 25, 2026, at its facility in Charlotte, NC. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95685 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95685-still-time-to-register-for-charlotte-stone-industry-education-event richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Tips on how to follow market trends and use them to make informed decisions. 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 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. 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 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Warm tones, natural looks and muted finishes are among the current trends in stone design. 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 Fabricators need to know that marketing is not a campaign; it is an engine. 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 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. 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 Saberjet in Action A highlight of the shop tour was to watch the Park Saberjet™ XP CNC SawJet in operation. 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.    Marco Duran with FABX Group Marco Duran of Atlas Marble & Granite invited participants into his shop for our tour of the facility. 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.    Joseph Sine talks OSHA at FABX 2026 Joseph Sine of Cohen Seglias shared the latest on OSHA compliance and reducing risk in the shop. 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. 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. 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.  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. Joan Schatz Speaking at FABX 2026 Park Industries CEO Joan Schatz also greeted the group at the start of the event. 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.   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. 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. 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.  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. 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. 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. LPI templator demo LPI had its templator on hand for fabricators to see first hand its capabilities. richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Geoffrey Gran of The Countertop Factory advises fabricators to target a remake rate of under 2%. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Dry-Treat demonstrated how to prep and seal quartzite for a successful installation. 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 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.” 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. 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. 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 Learn how to create a sales and marketing system for your stone shop that will support predictable growth and drive revenue. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 Waterfall Kitchen Island In addition to structural considerations, slab thickness has a direct impact on edge profile options. Quartz Kitchen Countertop Span length is another key factor in thickness selection. Quartz Slab Bathroom Vertical installations such as backsplashes and wall cladding that do not have to support surface loads perform well with 2cm slabs. 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. 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 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Two fabricators who supply and cut soapstone emphasized that the material is non-porous, making it ideal for countertops. 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 Soapstone Slabs M. Teixeira Soapstone stocks a number of soapstone varieties at its facility in Glen Rock, NJ.  Soapstone Display 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 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." white farmhouse-style kitchen sink with a black roll-up drying rack on a black countertop. 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 Research shows the most successful fabrication shops are asking the right questions about what is driving their growth. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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