Explore the freshest and most trending topics currently making waves in the international stone industry. Dive into the latest buzz, timely insights, and noteworthy content that's driving our industry forward. https://www.stoneworld.com/rss/3016-stone-tile-top-stories en-us Inspired by the idea of travel, cultural fusion and shared gastronomy, the restaurant design uses ceramic tile to combine Mediterranean references with international influences. Inspired by the idea of travel, cultural fusion and shared gastronomy, the restaurant design uses ceramic tile to combine Mediterranean references with international influences.
 
 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95760 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95760-tile-creates-sensory-experience-in-spanish-eatery Pasqual + Sheila Pasqual + Sheila kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) U.S. exports of natural stone and building stone products totaled $15.2 million in April. U.S. exports of natural stone and building stone products totaled $15.2 million in April.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95754 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95754-us-countertop-materials-exports-april-2026 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Joe Alva, CEO and founder of Poseidon Industries, organized a conference to bring fabricators and other stone industry professionals together to learn, network and socialize. Joe Alva, CEO and founder of Poseidon Industries, organized a conference to bring fabricators and other stone industry professionals together to learn, network and socialize. 

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95746 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95746-the-poseidon-experience-uniting-and-educating-industry-members The Poseidon Experience The Poseidon Experience was held at the Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast, Curio Collection by Hilton in Port Charlotte, FL, from May 26 to 28, 2026. The Poseidon Experience The Poseidon Experience The Poseidon Experience The Poseidon Experience Joe Alva, CEO and founder of Poseidon Industries, was supported by his family during the event.  The Poseidon Experience The Poseidon Experience The Poseidon Experience Attendees had the opportunity to mingle with sponsors in between sessions.  The Poseidon Experience Laurie Weber, CEO of the International Surface Fabricators Association, spoke with participants to tell them about her organization's initiatives.  The Poseidon Experience Alva gave a discussion on sales tactics.  The Poseidon Experience A poolside Happy Hour provided a more relaxed environment for attendees to socialize and share experiences.  The Section 201 safeguard case on imported quartz surface products has moved through its final public hearing, and the decision now rests with President Trump, according to two industry figures closely involved in the proceedings. The Section 201 safeguard case on imported quartz surface products has moved through its final public hearing, and the decision now rests with President Trump, according to two industry figures closely involved in the proceedings.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95740 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:35:35 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95740-quartz-safeguard-case-now-sits-on-the-presidents-desk-trade-experts-say kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) From personal AI agents shopping for countertops to customers templating their own kitchens with a smartphone, the stone shop of 2030 may look very different from the shop of today. That is the vision laid out by Rich Katzmann of Thrive Innovations, who joined the Stone World Podcast to discuss his company's recent report on the future of the stone shop. From personal AI agents shopping for countertops to customers templating their own kitchens with a smartphone, the stone shop of 2030 may look very different from the shop of today. That is the vision laid out by Rich Katzmann of Thrive Innovations, who joined the Stone World Podcast to discuss his company's recent report on the future of the stone shop.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95731 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95731-ai-and-the-shop-of-the-future-how-fabrication-could-look-by-2030 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) During a session at Coverings, stone restoration experts shared experiences and advice about repairing stone countertops. During a session at Coverings, stone restoration experts shared experiences and advice about repairing stone countertops.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95732 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95732-valuable-insight-into-stone-countertop-restoration kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) U.S. imports of countertop materials totaled $302.7 million in April, down 10.6% from the same month a year earlier, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission. U.S. imports of countertop materials totaled $302.7 million in April, down 10.6% from the same month a year earlier, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95730 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:45:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95730-us-countertop-materials-imports-april-2026 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 kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) U.S. producers sold or used about 2.3 million tons of dimension stone in 2025, holding domestic output near that mark for a third straight year even as the value of that stone climbed to a five-year high of $460 million, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. U.S. producers sold or used about 2.3 million tons of dimension stone in 2025, holding domestic output near that mark for a third straight year even as the value of that stone climbed to a five-year high of $460 million, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95709 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95709-how-much-natural-stone-does-the-us-actually-quarry richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The 2025 Women In Stone Pioneer Award recipient and member of the Natural Stone Institute Board of Directors shared her experiences in the stone industry and her current crusade to revive the Norwegian Rose quarry. The 2025 Women In Stone Pioneer Award recipient and member of the Natural Stone Institute Board of Directors shared her experiences in the stone industry and her current crusade to revive the Norwegian Rose quarry.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95714 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95714-susan-moser-a-longtime-advocate-for-natural-stone Susan Moser Susan Moser, CEO and owner of Moser and Moser and Fauske Marble by Moser Norwegian Rose marble quarry Moser has focused her efforts to reopen the historic Norwegian Rose marble quarry. Norwegian Rose marble quarry The quarry sits north of the Arctic circle in Fauske, Norway, and has supplied material for projects worldwide. Susan Moser Moser currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) as a global representative. Susan Moser receives Women In Stone Pioneer Award Earlier this year, Moser was awarded the 2025 Women In Stone Pioneer Award. 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) With intentions of downsizing his staff and increasing production capabilities, Jeremiah Rivers turned to Poseidon Industries for a reliable solution. With intentions of downsizing his staff and increasing production capabilities, Jeremiah Rivers turned to Poseidon Industries for a reliable solution.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95706 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95706-rivers-edge-countertops-maximizes-efficiency-with-t-rex-hybrid-cycle T-Rex Hybrid Cycle According to Jeremiah Rivers, his shop, River’s Edge Countertops in Oklahoma City, OK, has experienced much higher quality in a shorter amount of time since purchasing the T-Rex Hybrid Cycle from Poseidon Industries. The machine is an advanced 5-axis CNC stone fabrication center designed to route, cut and polish countertops in a single automated process. Bovone 4045 Stonedge polishing machine A Bovone 4045 Stonedge polishing machine is used for polishing countertop edges in the shop. 21K Iris scanner A new 21K Iris scanner also assists in the production process. custom-designed kitchen River’s Edge Countertops primarily services custom home builders, direct-to-consumer retail and works closely with designers. kitchen island with sleek stone countertop Since investing in the T-Rex, the shop cuts faster and no longer deals with waterjet lines, garnet, waterjet tanks and the maintenance that comes with waterjets – allowing it to produce more high-quality work efficiently. custom-designed kitchen The T-Rex has also eliminated double handling in the shop – preventing damage and permitting production to go directly from slab to the finished product. outdoor kitchen In the beginning, River’s Edge Countertops manufactured its own recycled glass and concrete countertops but transitioned to mostly natural stone through the years. bar counter “The T-Rex cuts miters so well that we spend less time fixing or refining them because they come out flawlessly,” said Rivers. “It makes the entire mitering process much faster.” kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) wrapped up its 2026 Italy Tour in early May, guiding a group of North American fabricators on a 10-day journey through the heart of the country's stone industry. Now in its 13th year, the annual tour brought together fabricators from across North America, including the U.S. and a strong Canadian representation this time around, for a packed schedule of factory visits, quarry tours and shared meals. The Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA) wrapped up its 2026 Italy Tour in early May, guiding a group of North American fabricators on a 10-day journey through the heart of the country's stone industry. Now in its 13th year, the annual tour brought together fabricators from across North America, including the U.S. and a strong Canadian representation this time around, for a packed schedule of factory visits, quarry tours and shared meals.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95712 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:30:53 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95712-fabricators-find-inspiration-and-connection-on-2026-sfa-italy-tour 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 SFA Connecticut Workshop Host Joe Durfee presented a demonstration on thermoforming which captivated attendees.  SFA Connecticut Workshop Durfee provided a step-by-step guide of the process.  SFA Connecticut Workshop SFA Connecticut Workshop Big Dog Adhesives was among the sponsors who presented a product demonstration.  SFA Connecticut Workshop SFA Connecticut Workshop The group gathered to watch American Floor Covering's Comandulli line polisher in action.  SFA Connecticut Workshop During the demonstration of the Comandulli line polisher, attendees had the opportunity to examine the finished product.  SFA Connecticut Workshop Cameron DeMille of MB Stone Care demonstrated top polishing techniques.  SFA Connecticut Workshop Machinery manufacturers such as Donatoni and Biesse were present at the Connecticut Workshop. SFA Connecticut Workshop Prodim was among the sponsors at the event demonstrating its digital templating system. 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 Welcome Reception The Welcome Reception provided a relaxed atmosphere for industry members to catch up. SFA Connecticut Workshop More than 100 attendees showed up for the two-day event. A historic 17th-century canal house in Amsterdam was restored with an assortment of stunning natural stone varieties from both the Natural Stone Collection and the Exclusive Collection by Antolini®. A historic 17th-century canal house in Amsterdam was restored with an assortment of stunning natural stone varieties from both the Natural Stone Collection and the Exclusive Collection by Antolini®.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95701 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95701-natural-stone-reinstates-homes-grandeur-in-a-subtle-way Amsterdam Canal House Kitchen The Patagonia Original Tourmaline Cristallo/natural quartz by Antolini® defines the kitchen with its luminous crystalline texture and sculptural presence.  Amsterdam Canal Residence with Antolini Stone Dolomite del Sud “Select” dolomite, part of the Exclusive Collection by Antolini® transforms the primary bathroom in a calm and relaxing environment. Guest Bath Amsterdam House Calacatta “Wow” marble from the Antolini Natural Stone Collection has also been selected for the guest bathroom sink and vanity cladding. 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 kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) U.S. exports of natural stone and building stone products fell to $12.8 million in March 2026, a 22.2 percent decline from the $16.4 million shipped in March 2025, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission. Canada remained the dominant buyer by a wide margin, taking in $8.5 million, or 66.6 percent of all stone exports for the month, though shipments to the country fell 23.2 percent year over year. The U.S. counted 49 active export destinations in March, with Mexico, Italy and the Bahamas rounding out the top buyers behind Canada. U.S. exports of natural stone and building stone products fell to $12.8 million in March 2026, a 22.2 percent decline from the $16.4 million shipped in March 2025, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission. Canada remained the dominant buyer by a wide margin, taking in $8.5 million, or 66.6 percent of all stone exports for the month, though shipments to the country fell 23.2 percent year over year. The U.S. counted 49 active export destinations in March, with Mexico, Italy and the Bahamas rounding out the top buyers behind Canada.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95693 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95693-us-countertop-material-exports-march-2026 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) With nearly three decades in the stone fabrication business, Glenda Henneboehle, president of Stone Fabricators, leads her team with confidence and has built a reputable fabrication operation. With nearly three decades in the stone fabrication business, Glenda Henneboehle, president of Stone Fabricators, leads her team with confidence and has built a reputable fabrication operation.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95683 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95683-women-in-the-industry-spotlight-glenda-henneboehle-stone-fabricators Glenda Henneboehle on Stone Fabricator’s Alliance’s Italy Tour Glenda Henneboehle, president of Stone Fabricators in Olivette, MO, is actively involved in the industry, including being a 2025 participant of the Stone Fabricator’s Alliance’s Italy Tour. Glenda Henneboehle Glenda Henneboehle, Stone Fabricators president Glenda Henneboehle “There is something truly special -- almost timeless -- about working with natural stone,” said Henneboehle. “It has a way of drawing you in and keeping you connected to the work in a meaningful way.” Glenda Henneboehle “What I love most about my job is the people and the craftsmanship that defines this industry,” said Henneboehle. 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 richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) MSI hosted a Stone Industry Education event that included panel discussions on trends, shop safety and technical issues and solutions. MSI hosted a Stone Industry Education event that included panel discussions on trends, shop safety and technical issues and solutions.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95673 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95673-minnesota-stone-summit-provided-a-voice-for-fabricators Buddy Ontra Throughout the day, interactive discussions, moderated by Buddy Ontra of Bostone in Bridgeport, CT, a former fabricator and past NSI president, covered material and fabrication trends, shop and jobsite safety, and technical issues fabricators often encounter. Fabricators in SIE Session The all-day event provided an interactive experience where fabricators were encouraged to ask questions and share experiences.  Sponsor Tables Several breaks throughout the day provided time for attendees and sponsors to interact. Minnesota Stone Summit Technical Panel A panel discussion about technical issues and solutions was held after lunch. From left to right: Nate Schultz of Innovative Surfaces, Buddy Ontra (moderator), Brad Nooris of NVR Surfaces and Steve McIntosh of Astonia Stone Artisan. MSI Warehouse The group of fabricators in attendance had the opportunity to tour MSI's slab warehouse, including its extensive collection of Taj Mahal varieties.  Group Photo Attendees, sponsors and the MSI team had an insightful day of education and networking. kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) U.S. countertop material imports totaled $275.5 million in March 2026, a 23.6% decline from March 2025. U.S. countertop material imports totaled $275.5 million in March 2026, a 23.6% decline from March 2025.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95661 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95661-us-countertop-materials-imports-march-2026 kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The Stone Fabricators Alliance is in its 13th year of leading fabricators through Italy on its annual tour, and the work behind it never really stops, said Tim Zeng, an SFA executive board director and owner of Zeng Countertops & Surfaces in Lincoln, NE. The Stone Fabricators Alliance is in its 13th year of leading fabricators through Italy on its annual tour, and the work behind it never really stops, said Tim Zeng, an SFA executive board director and owner of Zeng Countertops & Surfaces in Lincoln, NE.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95659 Tue, 26 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95659-sfas-tim-zeng-reflects-on-13th-year-of-italy-tour 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 kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The result was a narrowing of the U.S. stone trade imbalance, though it remained vast at 21 to 1, with the country importing $230.3 million in countertop materials against the $11.2 million it shipped out. Canada remained the dominant destination by a wide margin, receiving nearly $8 million in stone products, or roughly 71% of all U.S. exports. The result was a narrowing of the U.S. stone trade imbalance, though it remained vast at 21 to 1, with the country importing $230.3 million in countertop materials against the $11.2 million it shipped out. Canada remained the dominant destination by a wide margin, receiving nearly $8 million in stone products, or roughly 71% of all U.S. exports.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95651 Tue, 19 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95651-us-stone-exports-february-2026-report richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) The next SFA Workshop will bring fabricators together on June 4 and 5, 2026, for two days of learning, networking and viewing American Floor Coverings' state-of-the-art facility. The next SFA Workshop will bring fabricators together on June 4 and 5, 2026, for two days of learning, networking and viewing American Floor Coverings' state-of-the-art facility.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95652 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95652-sfa-connecticut-workshop-to-showcase-innovation-in-fabrication American Floor Coverings In 2006, American Floor Coverings moved to a larger facility and began investing in equipment. Burkhardt Loeffler at American Floor Coverings "Burkhardt Loeffler machines are very innovative, and they can do anything you can think of doing," said Joe Durfee, American Floor Coverings production manager.   American Floor Coverings The company specializes in tile, stone and flooring installation for commercial, hospitality, corporate and multi-family residential projects across Metro New York and New England.  America Floor Coverings The decision to fabricate its own stonework gave the company direct control over quality, scheduling and coordination, and it has been a core part of its operation ever since. American Floor Coverings "The machinery and processes we have allow us to be able to be very flexible with our production schedule to meet our customers’ demands and deadlines," said Durfee. 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) Stone Fabricators has steadily grown its business by concentrating on being a source of high-quality custom work and strengthening long-term relationships with builders, designers and homeowners. Stone Fabricators has steadily grown its business by concentrating on being a source of high-quality custom work and strengthening long-term relationships with builders, designers and homeowners.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95640 Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95640-building-a-reputation-on-strong-craftsmanship-and-customer-service Fabricators need to implement a comprehensive approach to dust control that addresses all particulate hazards, which all have the potential to harm the body when inhaled. Fabricators need to implement a comprehensive approach to dust control that addresses all particulate hazards, which all have the potential to harm the body when inhaled.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95636 Mon, 11 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95636-dust-removal-fabricators-need-to-know-the-risks kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) U.S. countertop material imports collapsed in February 2026, with total customs value falling to $230.3 million — a 29.2% drop from February 2025 and a marked acceleration from January's 14.5% year-over-year decline. U.S. countertop material imports collapsed in February 2026, with total customs value falling to $230.3 million — a 29.2% drop from February 2025 and a marked acceleration from January's 14.5% year-over-year decline.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95625 Fri, 08 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95625-us-countertop-material-imports-february-2026