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Neolith Basalt Black: Design Information and Inspiration Beyond the Surface

Neolith Basalt Black: Design Information and Inspiration Beyond the Surface

January 30, 2018

Inspired by the volcanic stone used in architecture throughout history, Neolith’s Basalt Black embraces all of the sultry, dramatic beauty of basalt stone, without the porosity and stain-prone characteristics that make it impractical for interior design.


Neolith describes the Basalt Black design as “a dark model rich in details and suitable for interior or exterior flooring and tiling.” This surface is part of Neolith’s Fusion line, which “fuses” the look of naturally-occurring elements, with the innovation and technology offered by Neolith. The result is the best of nature and technology for an extraordinarily durable, beautiful surface.


Technical Information

Neolith Basalt Black - Commercial Restaurant Countertop

Neolith Basalt Black - Commercial Restaurant Countertop

Neolith Sintered Compact Surface is the result of years of research by parent company TheSize, in Spain. Profound dedication to innovation has resulted in technologies that make Neolith unmatched in the industry. Among the most important of these is the Sintering Technology, which subjects 100% natural materials to very high pressures and temperatures, creating unprecedented physical and mechanical features.

Neolith surfaces are made from three groups of elements: minerals from granite (quartz and feldspar), which provide the product with hardness and strength; minerals from glass and silica that provide chemical stability; and natural oxides that offer chromatic properties. All of Neolith’s surfaces combine the very best natural raw material with state-of-the-art sintering technology, to create high-tech, durable slabs that are resistant to scratching, stains, extreme temperature changes, moisture, high traffic, chemicals, and UV rays.

Neolith Basalt Black - Kitchen Table Countertop

Neolith Basalt Black - Kitchen Table Countertop

Neolith’s Basalt Black is available in slab and tile formats, each with varying thickness, making it versatile and suitable for nearly any project. The 3600mm x 1200mm slab format is offered in the thinnest option at 3mm thick, ideal for vertical applications like wall cladding, shower surrounds or backsplashes; this size is also available in the 6mm thickness. The 3200mm x 1500mm slabs are offered in the 6mm thickness, ideal for flooring without adding too much bulk or weight to your property. The last size, the 3200mm x 1600mm slabs, are offered at 12mm thick, which are best used for countertops, tabletops, bartops, or other horizontal applications.

Options for tile include squares sized 1500mm x 1500mm, 750mm x 750mm, and 600 x 600 as well as rectangles sized 1500mm x 750 mm, 1500 x 1200, 1200 x 600, and 600 x 300. The range of tile and slab sizes ensure that Basalt Black can be used for nearly any project, from small to large, even in irregularly-shaped spaces. Winding staircases, small nooks and crannies, fireplace surrounds and other designs can be crafted from Basalt Black tile, with less cutting necessary than there would be for designs with fewer options.

Neolith is a lightweight material, weighing only 3.5 lbs/sq ft in the 6mm thickness, and 7 lbs/sq ft in the 12mm thickness. This makes transportation much easier for fabricators and installers.


Finish Options

Neolith Basalt Black - Residential Wall Cladding

Neolith Basalt Black - Residential Wall Cladding

Neolith offers the Basalt Black style in two distinct finishes: Silk, a semi-matte option that has a subtle, luminous shine; and Satin, a flat matte that absorbs the light. For Basalt Black, the Silk finish’s very slight reflective quality makes it appear to almost glow with the barest hint of life, whereas the Satin finish imparts an otherworldly depth and darkness to the stone. Opt for the Silk option in rooms without a large amount of natural light to keep the space from feeling too dark, while the Satin finish provides a velvety texture for a bright space.

The look and feel of Basalt Black is achieved using the Neolith Digital Design process, a technology which revolutionizes and increases the design possibilities offered by Neolith for richer details and a surprising degree of realism.


Edge Profile Options

When installing Neolith on countertops, you can further customize your project by choosing from three different edge profiles. Since Neolith surfaces are offered in thin, lightweight slabs, homeowners have a variety of edge options to coordinate the aesthetic of the space -- luxurious, minimalistic, rustic, and more.

For a minimalistic, contemporary design, let the thin countertops stay as they are, with the eased and honed edge. Leaving the standard Neolith profile unchanged showcases the signature thinness of the material. This option is less labor-intensive than other edge profiles and has become especially popular in Europe, where the contemporary style reigns. The trend is also growing in the United States, as more and more homeowners select this minimalistic aesthetic for their kitchen.

For a thicker, more luxurious look that makes a statement, Neolith can be mitered together, to give the countertop edge a thicker profile. There are a variety of options within this edge profile, depending on how thick the mitered edge is – from a traditional 1-2 inches up to 6 inches or even 12, for a bold and stately style.

At the end of your countertops, you have the option of making a bold statement of luxury with a waterfall edge, which extends the surface from the countertops down the edge of the cabinets to the floor.


Design Tips and Tricks

Neolith Basalt Black - Floor Tiling

Neolith Basalt Black - Floor Tiling

Black is the ultimate classic tone, because it is dramatic, matches nearly any shade, and never seems to go out of style. The deepness of Basalt Black makes brighter colors stand out and can be tailored to be cutting-edge and contemporary or classically glamorous. To make it even more versatile, the subtle brushstrokes in the Basalt Black design offer some movement instead of a flat monochrome. Feathery veins of grey add variation that keeps the black shades from feeling blunt or stark.

Neolith Basalt Black - Residential Kitchen

Neolith Basalt Black - Residential Kitchen

In the kitchen, pair the black countertops with white cabinets for a classic yin and yang effect that is neutral and versatile, without being bland or monotone. This classic duo allows you to tailor the space to your preferred aesthetic with the cabinet hardware, décor and light fixtures while maintaining a highly adaptable blank-but-not-boring canvas.

Neolith Basalt Black - Residential Kitchen Countertops

Neolith Basalt Black - Residential Kitchen Countertops

Pops of color can break up a black-and-white space and infuse a playful energy in what could be an otherwise humdrum space. Bright color accents like stools at the breakfast bar or colorful plates set on open shelving will brighten up a black-and-white kitchen, or classic greenery in the window or in a prominent place will make the design feel friendly.

Or, go for something deeper and cozier by pairing Basalt Black countertops with other dark colors. Since the kitchen needs to be an inviting space, try navy blue or a darker wood stain on cabinets for a sophisticated and unexpected use of color, without making the space feel gloomy. For a mature or masculine space, such as a home office, try mahogany stained wood or deep olive-toned green.

For smaller space, such as bathrooms, there are more options to make a dramatic statement with dark colors. Basalt rock is familiar to spa-goers, as the properties of the volcanic stone means that it holds heat longer than other surfaces, making it perfect for a hot-stone massage. In the bath, the light-absorbing qualities of this design can be an advantage, as the stone seems to glow in a dim golden light. A cozy dimness paired with a Basalt Black shower or bath surround, with a few potted plants or succulents for that spa atmosphere, instantly creates a soothing, relaxing ambience.

While Neolith’s signature stain-resistance ensures that spills, even of dark liquids, will not leave their mark, dark colored surfaces like Basalt Black are very forgiving for homeowners want a low-maintenance option that won’t show spills or debris. The dark tone also makes Basalt Black an ideal choice for flooring, since it will mask any muddy footprints (or pawprints!) until they are cleaned away. Unlike pale shades, which can become dingy in between mopping from the normal traffic in and out of the home, Basalt Black is more forgiving – perfect for homes with lots of children or pets.


Why Should I Choose Neolith?

Neolith’s Sintered Compact Surface combines the very best natural raw material with state-of-the-art sintering technology, to create a 100% natural and organic surface, ideal for any home or commercial project.

Here are a few of the reasons you’ll love Neolith.

NEOLITH IS BEAUTIFUL AND TRENDY

Neolith brings to life sleek and modern designs, while offering one of the most durable surfaces available on the market today.

NEOLITH IS SANITARY IN THE KITCHEN

Since Neolith surfaces are nonporous and resistant to commercial-grade chemical cleaning solutions, they are one of the most hygienic options on the market for kitchens, food preparation stations, and other applications where sanitation is critical.

NEOLITH HAS EXCEPTIONAL DURABILITY

Neolith combines the very best natural raw material with state-of-the-art technology to create high-tech, durable slabs that are resistant to scratching, stains, extreme temperature changes, moisture, high traffic, chemicals, and UV rays.

NEOLITH LOVES HIGH TRAFFIC

Neolith surfaces are resistant to warping under high pressure or weight loads, making them perfect for flooring in areas with high foot traffic or even heavy machinery.

NEOLITH IS ECO-FRIENDLY

Neolith is environmentally friendly, made of natural materials including clays, feldspar, silica, and mineral oxide, and is 100% resin-free as well as 100% recyclable. In fact, up to 52% of any Neolith board is comprised of recycled raw materials. They don’t release any harmful substances into the air and can be cleaned with natural cleansers, like vinegar, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals in the kitchen.

NEOLITH HAS ABUNDANT DESIGN OPTIONS

With an extensive catalog of designs and finishes, including ones that mimic the characteristics of natural stone, wood, textiles, iron and steel, there are nearly limitless options to customize your Neolith surface to suit your aesthetic.

NEOLITH IS EASIER FOR FABRICATORS

Neolith is offered as an exceptionally slim surface, available in thicknesses as compact as 3mm and up to 12 mm, making it lighter and easier to transport and install than other surfacing options, which makes it cost-effective for fabricators.

NEOLITH WORKS FOR ALL YOUR PROJECTS

With the variety of compactness, finishes, and sizes, Neolith is suitable for a broad range of applications, from furniture tops, to counters, to flooring -- allowing designers, architects, and builders to push the boundaries of design.

NEOLITH IS INDOOR/OUTDOOR

Because Neolith surfaces are resistant to extreme highs and lows in temperature, graffiti-proof, UV ray resistant, waterproof and scratch resistant, Neolith can be used for exterior applications as well as interior.

NEOLITH WILL LAST

Neolith products are guaranteed by a 15-year material warranty, offering peace of mind that your surfaces will stand up to a lifetime of wear.


Company Information

One of best aspects of Neolith surfaces is that choosing the details of your design and customization is the most labor-intensive part, for the homeowner. Once installed, Neolith is virtually maintenance-free. And just for added peace of mind, Neolith surfaces come with a ten-year warranty to ensure the preservation of their beauty for a lifetime. With industry partners like MARVA just a phone call away to help resolve any warranty related issues and answer cleaning and maintenance questions, having marble-like surfaces is easier than ever!

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