When you want to find the best stone design for your project, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself. The first, of course, is what type of stone best suits your style. Marble, limestone, and travertine all have different looks and competitive pricing to consider. Once you’ve determined what product works best, there is another question that will affect your design in stone. 

What stone cut will work best for your design project? Whether you’re looking for your kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, or backsplash, we’ve got you covered.

There are major differences between vein cut and cross-cut stone. For instance, vein cut travertine may be used to make a bold design statement whereas cross-cut travertine can provide a softer, less dramatic elegance.

Let’s explore the differences between the two cuts so you’ll have a better idea of what separates them.

How A Stone Is Cut

Before each project is carved, the stone is cut from a quarry in the shape of a massive block. Since the stone in the quarry is natural and has formed over many years, signs of aging can be seen in its many layers of sediment. These layers form a horizontal veining in the stone.

These mineral veins form different colors and patterns in the stone. How visible they will be in the final slabs of stone you purchase will come down to how the stone is sliced. Thus, noted above, there are two traditional slices, or cuts, to consider:

• Cross-cut stone – Cross-cut stone occurs when you slice perpendicular to the mineral veins. This type of cut will expose holes and cavities in the stone which are the result of gas escaping during the stone’s formation. This creates a complex stone design with visual appeal, but in a softer way than the more dramatic vein cut.
• Vein cut stone – Vein cut occurs when the stone is cut in the same direction as the layers of sediment. This exposes the layers in the form of elongated striation that can be both beautiful and striking. They can also provide a sense of flow to your design piece.

Advantages Of Vein Cut

While cross-cut is sometimes seen as the more traditional way to cut a stone, there are many reasons that vein cut may be the better option for your natural stone design, including:

• Expansive quality – The linear quality of vein cut stone can make your space feel more expansive. If you place your vein cut stone horizontally it can create the effect of an elongated room. Conversely, if you place it vertically, the room will feel taller.
• Rectangular patterns – Vein cut stone works well when using elongated rectangular blocks of stone. As this is a popular cut for a design in stone, it makes vein cut a versatile choice.
• Modern look – You can lay vein cut travertine in a running bond, grid pattern, or herringbone pattern. Any of these design ideas will evoke a fresh, modern feel to your space.
• Clean design atmosphere – While vein cut may appear a more dramatic look than cross-cut stone, it can also be utilized in a way to generate a clean and uncluttered decor environment. By using a large format stone slab you can reduce the number of grout joints needed and create a minimalist look that accentuates the stone’s natural beauty.

Vein Cut Stone At MATERIAL

Whether you’re a design professional or a homeowner, if you’re looking for the best options in natural stone design, look to MATERIAL. We are the only stone and tile provider in the United States to fully own and operate our manufacturing facilities, meaning we can ensure superior quality from the quarry to the clients installation.

We also have a team of experienced designers ready to walk you through any questions you may have. If you’re looking to find the perfect vein cut stone, visit us at one of our ten showrooms.

We’d love to help you find the perfect stone design to fit your needs as soon as today!

Sources:

Bob Vila. 6 Things to Know About Travertine. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/travertine/