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Your Edge Profile Options for Neolith Countertops

Your Edge Profile Options for Neolith Countertops

July 17, 2018

Neolith’s Sintered Compact Surfaces are extraordinarily resistant to scratches, wear, stains, and extreme temperatures. Beyond their stunning functional capabilities, Neolith surfaces offer a wide array of designs, finishes, and edge profile options to create your ideal aesthetic.


One way to customize your Neolith countertops is by selecting a unique edge profile to suit your preferred style. Since Neolith surfaces are offered in thin, half-inch sheets, homeowners can select options to suit their individual styles, from luxurious or minimalistic to rustic and down-to-earth.


About Neolith

Neolith Sintered Compact Surfaces are 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) that 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 materials 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.

Most Neolith designs are available in three slab formats, each with a different thickness* and ideal for different applications. 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. 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, and are best used for countertops, tabletops, bartops, or other horizontal applications.

(*20mm is currently available in limited designs.)

Designs are also available in tile format, in squares 1500mm x 1500mm and 750mm x 750mm, as well as rectangles sized 1500mm x 750mm.

Neolith is a lightweight material, weighing only 3.5 lbs/sqft in the 6mm thickness, and 7 lbs/sqft in the 12mm thickness. This makes transportation and installation simple for fabricators and installers.


Guide to Neolith Designs

Neolith offers an extensive catalog of designs. The Classtone Collection encompasses ten designs that mimic the look of natural stone, but with the enhanced durability that comes from the sintering technology. Designs like the marble-like Calacatta and Blanco Carrara embrace the luxurious aesthetic of white marble, while designs like the Onyx Translucent and Calatorao emulate the look of their namesake stones.

Neolith’s Fusion Collection reimagines inspiration from nature for a unique and modern look. The Krater design is described by Neolith as “a homage to natural soapstone,” while designs like Concrete Taupe embrace the industrial look of concrete without the bulk.

Neolith’s Iron Collection features surfaces that look like oxidized iron to create an industrial look. The seven designs in this line vary in tone from blue and grey to rusty red, with a subtle shine to mimic the look of metal. There’s even a white Iron Frost design that features shiny metal details and light grey tones on a white background for a minimalistic, luminous result. According to Neolith, the Iron designs are “resistant to the elements and the passing of time which offers an architectural advantage over metal alloys that can be used for the same purposes.”

For a more natural look that’s perfect for flooring, the Timber Collection includes two design variations that look like hardwood beams, with woodgrain and knots for a realistic imitation of natural wood, but without the risk of scratching or water damage, and the maintenance that actual wood requires. Create a butcher block countertop look or use the 3200x1500 or 3200x1600 slabs to create the look of hardwood planks.

Those who want a monotone or colorblock design without any movement have eight designs to choose from in the Colorfeel Collection. From the flat black of the Nero design to the light beige and tans of the Avorio and Nieve shades, you can create any combination of neutrals or high-contrast tones to create your desired look.


Choosing An Edge Profile

When deciding which countertop edge profile would be best for a client, there are a few considerations:

BUDGET

A budget-conscious client may wish to keep their edge profile simple, to incur fewer fabrication costs. In this case, an eased and honed profile would be ideal. Commercial clients who are designing multiple residential units will likely need to strike a balance between making their properties look attractive without splurging on little details, as each additional expense could quickly add up. In this case, it may be more important for them to spend their budget on a high-quality, maintenance-free surface, such as Neolith Sintered Compact Surfaces, rather than design extras.

AESTHETIC

The desired countertop edge may depend on the vision that a client has for their space. The waterfall edge is a hallmark of drama and luxury and would be an ideal selling point for a client designing a high-end kitchen with ornate details, whereas a client who wants a more natural or minimalistic space would opt for something more streamlined. By getting more information about the project a client is working on, a fabricator can determine what sort of edge profile option to recommend to them.

FUNCTIONALITY

Depending on how a client uses the space they are designing, they may prefer one option to another. For example, if they are adding a countertop to more of a utility space, like a laundry room, they will likely want to keep the aesthetic simple, since the priority is functionality over form. On the other hand, clients who envision a focal point for their home or business, such as a corporate reception desk or a deluxe dining space, will be more open to splurging on edge options that will make a greater visual impression throughout the space.


Edge Profile Options

Here are the different options for the edge profile of your clients’ Neolith countertops:

EASED AND HONED

For a minimalistic, contemporary design, some clients may prefer to let thin countertops remain as they are. Easing and honing the edges will make them smoother and slightly rounded so that there isn’t a sharp corner, which appeals to clients looking for a finished but not dramatic effect. Leaving the standard Neolith profile unchanged showcases the signature thinness of the material. This option is less labor-intensive than the other edge profiles and has become popular in Europe.

Eased and Honed Edge

Clients who want an understated look for a project, as created by designs like the Pietra di Osso or Phedra designs offered by Neolith, will likely prefer the eased and honed edge. Similarly, this edge profile option is ideal for commercial designers and builders of apartment complexes, hotels, or condos that are looking for a budget-conscious and low-maintenance option that won’t add any additional weight to a high-rise building.

MITERED WITH APRON

One of the benefits of Neolith designs are that they emulate the look of natural marble and granite, but with enhanced durability. To mimic the thickness of marble or granite countertops, pieces of Neolith surface can be mitered together to give it a thicker profile. Because of the thinness and light weight of Neolith, mitering the edges won’t add a great deal of weight or bulk that might put strain on the cabinets.

Mitred with Apron Edge

To achieve the natural stone-like look, this option is ideal for designs in the Classtone Collection, like Neolith’s Estatuario, Calacatta, or Blanco Carrara designs.

WATERFALL

Why stop at just the countertop? A waterfall edge cascades down the edge of the cabinets, providing a finished, luxury effect that is highly popular. A waterfall edge offers another opportunity to show off a stunning countertop design and extend the sophistication of your stylish kitchen or bath. This option can be mitered for a posh design, or eased and honed to provide an outline for your project without added bulk. In addition to the aesthetic appeal of this edge option, the waterfall edge is practical for homeowners who don’t want to worry about scuffs, scratches, or stains along the edge of their countertops – ideal for busy families.

Waterfall Edge

The additional square footage created by the waterfall edge showcases the dramatic veining and big movement of designs such as Calacatta Gold or Estatuario, as the vertical application makes it easier to fully appreciate the variance in colors.


Matching Your Client’s Kitchen Design to an Edge Profile

If you start with some information about the kitchen style your client hopes to achieve, you can steer your client towards the perfect edge profile.

Here are some of the most common kitchen styles and the edge profiles that will best suit them:

Farmhouse

Farmhouse kitchens embrace a laid-back and rustic style that is warm and inviting for guests. The goal is a comfortable, lived-in look with personal touches rather than on overly-coordinated aesthetic. Many farmhouse kitchens embrace a less polished look with natural finishes, which makes it perfect for natural stone-like designs. Pair a design from the Classtone Collection with a mitered edge profile for a slab-like stone look that suits the natural aesthetic of a farmhouse kitchen.

Contemporary and Modern

Sleek and sophisticated is the goal for a contemporary kitchen. Lots of reflective surfaces, high-tech kitchen gadgets, and minimal ornamentation create a streamlined and clean look. A sintered stone countertop design with a lot of movement can create a focal point without making the overall look too fussy, while a flat design can create a simple, colorblock effect. For contemporary kitchens, the simple eased and honed edge will embrace the streamlined aesthetic, but a waterfall edge could also allow for a touch of drama without being over-the-top.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean kitchens embrace a slightly time-worn look that creates a romantic ambience. Warm tones and copper fixtures are staples of this design, while varying textures can add a more relaxed feel. Mediterranean kitchens feature more ornate accents, including luxurious light fixtures and cabinet details. An eased and honed countertop set atop rich wooden cabinetry can create a seamless blend, while a mitered finish will draw attention to the stone.

Traditional

A traditional kitchen is the perfect setting for a family dinner or get-together. Someone who wants to create a comfortable and homey environment within their kitchen will enjoy details like paneled or glass cabinet doors and tile backsplashes. A waterfall edge can add a touch of glamour to this kitchen without being over-the-top.


Why Neolith Is An Ideal Material For Fabricators

When designing a residential or commercial project, there are several factors that go into determining what materials to use for flooring, countertops, exterior walls, and other surfaces. Neolith is a revolutionary compact surface that combines high performance specs, trendy colors, large format, and variable thicknesses that will provide solutions for every possible application (countertops, flooring, bathrooms, paneling, cladding, facades).

There are myriad reasons for fabricators to choose Neolith, including:

  1. Neolith can be used for nearly any surface – interior, exterior, commercial, or residential. This makes it an easy choice for whatever project a customer may be undertaking.
  2. Neolith is lightweight, which makes it easier to handle and install. Large, heavy slabs can be unwieldy and take multiple people to carry and install – since Neolith surfaces are much lighter than other natural stone materials, they don’t require as much manpower.
  3. Neolith surfaces are offered in a broad range of thicknesses, starting as compact as 3mm thick. This means that fabricators can transport more tiles or slabs of Neolith surfaces at once, cutting down on the number of trips or vehicles needed.
  4. Additionally, the lightweight and thin surfaces mean that there are fewer costs associated with transporting and installing Neolith.
  5. Neolith can be applied over existing surfaces without adding undue bulk or weight, because of the material’s lightness. This saves time and effort in tearing out old tile, flooring, or wall coverings before installing the new surface.
  6. Neolith surfaces are among the most durable material on the market. Its resistance to scratching, bending, water damage and extreme temperatures lessen the risk of damage in transport or if mishandled on the way to a job. Less damage means less wasted materials and collateral expense.
  7. Neolith offers an extensive catalog of contemporary, sophisticated styles to appease nearly every aesthetic, from designs mimicking the texture of fabric, to a stone-like façade, to industrial-chic copper and steel.
  8. As a 100% natural, resin-free material, Neolith does not release any harmful fumes or substance into the environment. For fabricators and craftsmen who are regularly exposed to building materials, the safety of Neolith materials provide peace of mind that their health is not at risk.
  9. Neolith has won numerous trade and industry awards for its durability, technical innovation, and design aesthetic, including the Product of the Year award from Architectural Record, Best of Houzz 2016 for Design, and KBCulture 2016 Awards. Offering Neolith materials demonstrates that the fabricator is keeping up with the latest industry trends and offering innovative materials to customers.
  10. Neolith surfaces are nonporous and resistant to UV rays, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. By having one go-to product for all surfaces and applications, fabricators can simplify their workflow, having only to order one surface material and only requiring one set of tools for cutting and polishing. This streamlined process will save time and money.

Whatever the project at hand, there is a Neolith design to complete the vision. Lightweight, durable Sintered Compact Surfaces from Neolith are exclusively distributed in the Mid-Atlantic by MARVA®. Stop by one of our showrooms to see stunning full slabs of these surfaces in person.


Do You Need a Sample for Your Next Project?

MARVA is the Mid-Atlantic’s exclusive distributor of Neolith Sintered Compact Surfaces. A full catalog of Neolith’s residential and commercial offerings is available on our website. Learn more about Neolith by contacting MARVA and speaking with one of our Neolith Representatives.

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