Five things you should know about bookmatched stone

What does bookmatching mean?

Bookmatching refers to matching two or more slabs of stone, so that the two adjoining surfaces mirror each other, like an opened book.

How are bookmatched stones created?

Large blocks of natural stone are brought to the processing plant from the quarry, and cut into slabs by a gang saw which works in a similar way to a bread slicer. Usually, slabs are cut and laid flat ready to be polished, then bundled together in the same order at the end of the process.  When slabs are bookmatched, instead of polishing the same side of each slab, the processing plant alternates them so that they’re polished on opposite sides. When bookmatched slabs are placed next to each other, they open up like a book and show a mirror image of each other.

This video shows slabs being polished at the processing plant

What kind of applications suit bookmatched stone?

Bookmatched stone gives a stunning result and is usually best displayed on a large area where the full effect can be appreciated.  Applications such as large kitchen islands, shower walls and feature walls are good places to use bookmatched stone. Bookmatched stone can look like abstract art, and sometimes people see patterns, shapes or faces in the effect that’s created.  This shower wall bookmatch uses Neolith Estatuario 05 and is on display in our Austin showroom.

Can any stone be bookmatched?

No, it depends on the characteristics of the stone. Bookmatching works best with stones that have strong veins and linear patterns or plenty of movement. Slabs with more uniform patterns such as Santa Cecilia granite wouldn’t make sense to bookmatch, as you’d never be able to tell.  This Neptune Bordeaux granite feature wall (below) highlights its beautiful patterns when bookmatched.

Does bookmatching cost more than using a standard layout?

Bookmatching is often more expensive because of layout restrictions.  An experienced fabricatorcan work with you to answer questions about this and to work out the best use of material and layout for your project. There’s only one layout option to create a bookmatched effect, but leftover stone can sometimes be incorporated into other project areas such as backsplash, shower seats or vanity tops.  The metalicus granite in this feature wall below is also used on a table top.

Bookmatching Marble http://www.ganistone.com/Bookmatch-Marble.html

Bookmatching Onyx http://www.ganistone.com/Bookmatch-Onyx.html