Alternative Surfaces

California Standards Board Votes to Begin Engineered Stone Rulemaking, Stops Short of Ban

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:18:28 -0400

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted unanimously May 21 to begin rulemaking that could prohibit the fabrication and installation of engineered stone containing more than 1% crystalline silica, though the action falls short of an immediate ban and faces a months-long process before any prohibition takes effect.

U.S. Stone Exports: January 2026 Report

kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400

U.S. stone exports totaled $9.9 million in January 2026, a 23% decline from $12.9 million in January 2025. Canada remained the dominant destination, receiving $6.5 million in stone products, or roughly two-thirds of all U.S. exports.

U.S. Countertop Material Imports: January 2026

kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Our Monthly breakdown of the USITC import data covering natural stone, engineered quartz and quartzite, including year-over-year comparisons, top source countries and how tariffs are shifting the competitive landscape for U.S. fabricators.

Northeast Stone Fabricator Enhances Customer Service Experience

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Keystone Marble and Granite announced its enhanced custom countertops fabrication services in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With its enhanced services, the company offers an even wider range of custom countertop fabrication options to meet its clients’ needs and requirements.

ISFA Presents Shop Licensing and Certification Plan to Cal/OSHA

kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) presented a shop licensing and certification program to California workplace safety regulators, positioning the industry-led proposal as a practical alternative to a physician-backed petition calling for an outright ban on engineered stone fabrication in the state.

A Mineral Surface with the Essence of Italian Stone

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Neolith's Toscano sintered stone captures the essence of noble Italian stone and translates it into an on-trend range of earth tones and browns.

Neolith Launches Four New Sintered Stone Designs and Two Surface Finishes

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Neolith's new sintered stone offerings broaden the aesthetic possibilities of its collection and bring fresh alternatives to contemporary architecture and interior design.

California's STOP Act Sets Strictest Silica Rules in U.S. for Stone Fabricators

kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

California's Silicosis Training, Outreach and Prevention (STOP) Act, the most aggressive state-level regulation targeting silica exposure in the stone countertop fabrication industry, took full effect on January 1, 2026, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed it into law on October 13, 2025.

Fabricators Discuss Pros and Cons of Chip Repair

kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:55:53 -0500

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.

Soapstone Contributes to Theatricality of Dining Experience

richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Lavishly designed in soapstone, COTE Vegas is the fourth of its kind to open under the direction of Seoul-born restaurateur Simon Kim of Gracious Hospitality Management.

Understanding the Practical Implications of Slab Thickness

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0500

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.

A Surface Designed for Large Architectural Projects

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Neolith Serpeggiante is a durable material suited for outdoor applications such as building facades.

January Product Gallery: New Tile, Natural Stone, Porcelain & Quartz Surface Innovations

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

A showcase of some of the latest hard surface products available to meet a host of design styles.

Next Generation of Engineered Stone

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A new engineered stone line with High Definition Inkjet print technology.

All You Need to Know about Soapstone

richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500

Two fabricators who supply and cut soapstone emphasized that the material is non-porous, making it ideal for countertops.

Sintered Stone Manufacturer on Point for Continued Growth

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0500

Venux reports a successful year and announces plans for continued success of distribution of its sintered stone products next year.

New Surface Line Designed to Meet Demands of Contemporary Architecture

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Neolith's new sintered stone line was created for interior wall claddings and ventilated facade projects.

Cosentino Launches Global Campaign for New Mineral Surfaces Brand

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

A new brand of innovative mineral surfaces featuring next-generation Inlayr® technology.

Concerto: A New Engineered Surface Material

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Influenced by the characteristics of natural stone, the engineered surface collection is available in six colors.

Santamargherita Unveils New Engineered Surface

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:30:00 -0400

Concerto Collection was developed in close collaboration with architect and designer Giuseppe Bavuso, and features a strong technical composition.

A Surface with Natural Movement

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Warm and elegant, one of several new Neolith designs offering a fresh and modern look.

August Product Showcase: Trending Tile and Surface Materials

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Insight into trending quartz and tile collections.

A New Silica-Free Surface

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Caesarstone's new collection is silica-free and consists of 80% recycled material.

The Next Generation of Mineral Surfaces

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:30:00 -0400

Revolux is engineered with up to 80% recycled materials and zero silica and makes for cleaner cuts and less wear on tools.

Sintered Stone Slabs Echoing Nature's Elegance

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 12:15:00 -0500

There exists a symphony within these slabs, a timeless resonance echoing the artistry of the natural world.

Quartz with Tranquil Refinement

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Inspired by the movement of wind and air, Splendor is characterized by striking golden veins flowing diagonally across a soft white background.

Four New Neolith Designs

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 13:30:00 -0500

Four new designs that inspire with their color, texture and patterns.

Jumbo-sized Quartz Slabs Offer Luxurious Design Possibilities

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Oversized quartz slabs in an extensive selection of colors and finishes are opening the doors to new potential designs in both residential and commercial spaces.

Cosentino Unveils Four New Low-Silica Colors

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Le Chic Boheme by Silestone offers four new low-silica colors.

Cosentino Introduces Low-Silica Line of Silestone

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Le Chic Bohème by Silestone®XM is made of less than 10% crystalline silica.