In this countertop installation, we used 3cm Fantasy Brown polished marble (quartzite). We bookmatched the seam in the sink and we installed a full granite backsplash on the perimeter walls.
Fantasy Brown Marble, also known as Fantasy Brown or Fantasy Brown Quartzite (it is a combination of marble and quartzite that have been fused together over time), is a unique and exotic natural stone with a combination of brown, gray, white, and sometimes greenish tones. It is characterized by intricate veining and patterns that resemble waves, swirls, and clouds, creating a stunning and captivating appearance.
Fantasy Brown is marble from northern India. It is such a hard marble that behaves like quartzite and is one of the only marble colors considered “safe” for kitchen countertop installation and use. The diagonal movement in this marble plus the off-setting cream and white tones give this material a dramatic look.
Each bundle of Fantasy Brown marble is unique and can look dramatically different. While the primary colors are cream and white, accents and veins of green, blue, brown, or red can also be present.
Due to the qualities of the stone, the slabs are book-matched, meaning slab one and slab two can be cut to create a mirror image of each other. These are then kept in sequence, which allows for a consistent flow in pattern. A mesh backing is adhered to the back of the stone to ensure safety while handling and fabricating the slab.
What does “Bookmatching” granite mean?
Bookmatching granite refers to the process of matching and aligning two adjacent granite slabs to create a mirrored or symmetrical pattern. It involves cutting the slabs from the same block of granite and then positioning them side by side so that the veining and color variations of one slab mirror the other, much like the pages of an open book.
The bookmatching technique is commonly used to showcase the natural beauty and unique characteristics of granite. By aligning the slabs, the veining patterns, colors, and textures can flow seamlessly across the joint, creating a visually striking and harmonious effect.
When bookmatching granite, the two slabs are typically cut from the same block, ensuring that the veining and color patterns are similar and can be matched effectively. This technique is especially popular for applications such as countertops, backsplashes, wall cladding, and other decorative features where the symmetrical pattern can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the space.
Bookmatched granite can create a sense of balance, continuity, and visual interest, transforming a simple surface into a stunning focal point.
Contact us today for a consultation to turn your kitchen and bath into amazing living spaces with natural stone countertops!
Can any granite color be bookmatched?
Bookmatching can be applied to various colors of granite, but the effectiveness of the bookmatched pattern will depend on the specific characteristics of the granite color and veining.
Granite comes in a wide range of colors, including white, gray, black, brown, red, green, and more. Some granites have bold and prominent veining patterns, while others have a more consistent or subtle appearance. The veining can be linear, swirling, or irregular, depending on the specific granite variety.
To achieve a visually appealing bookmatched effect, it’s generally more effective to work with granites that have pronounced veining or distinct patterns. These granites often produce a more dramatic and striking bookmatched appearance when the two adjacent slabs are aligned.
Granite colors with strong veining, such as some white or black granites, can be particularly well-suited for bookmatching. These granites can create a captivating mirrored effect, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the installation.
However, even granites with more subtle or consistent patterns can still be bookmatched to achieve a sense of continuity and flow across the seam. While the effect may be less dramatic, aligning the veining and color variations can still create a cohesive and visually pleasing result.
Is bookmatching granite slabs more expensive?
Bookmatching a seam in granite can be more expensive compared to a regular seam due to the additional material that may be needed to complete the project. In order to align the pattern of the stone at the seam, the stone may need to be cut in a way that creates unusable remnants.
How do I know if my slabs can be bookmatched?
Here are some ways to determine if your slabs can be bookmatched:
- Examine the Veining: Look closely at the slabs and observe the veining patterns. Bookmatching works best when there are prominent, distinct, and appealing veining patterns that can be mirrored when the slabs are aligned. Look for veining that is consistent and continues across the slabs.
- Consider the Color Variations: Take note of any color variations within the slabs. Bookmatching is more effective when the color variations are complementary and create an aesthetically pleasing contrast. Look for colors that can be mirrored and create a symmetrical or balanced appearance when the slabs are aligned.
- Check for Consistency: Ensure that the slabs have consistent thickness and quality throughout. Bookmatching requires slabs that are of similar thickness and have a consistent surface finish to achieve a seamless appearance when joined together.
Contact us today for a consultation to turn your kitchen and bath into amazing living spaces with natural stone countertops!