Industry News

Coverings 2025, held in Orlando, Florida, from April 29 to May 2, brought together the global tile and natural stone community to unveil the latest material innovations and design directions. This year's event marked a clear convergence of sustainability, bolder aesthetics, and a renewed appreciation for natural texture. Among the highlights, natural stone took center stage, not just in terms of visual appeal but in its evolving role in modern architecture and interior design.   Dominant Natural Stone Trends in 2025     1. Marble Reigns Supreme: Elegance Reimagined   Marble once again emerged as the leading material at Coverings 2025. However, this year saw a distinct shift toward multi-colored, expressive marbles that break away from the classic white-and-grey palette.   Materials like Four Seasons Green, Calacatta Viola and Lazy Sunday, captivated architects and designers with their vivid veining, dramatic contrast, and dynamic movement. These marbles are no longer confined to countertops and floors, they are now used in statement walls, artistic cladding, and even sculptural furniture pieces.   The appeal lies in their ability to deliver timeless luxury with contemporary personality. With improved sealing technologies, even highly decorative marbles are now suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, expanding their functional value.   2. Quartzite: Performance Meets Beauty   Closely following marble in popularity is quartzite, a material that blends crystalline brilliance with incredible durability. Its natural resistance to scratching and heat makes it a favorite for countertops and outdoor applications.   Exhibitors highlighted exotic varieties like Taj Mahal, Excalibur, and Nacarado, each offering rich textures and color depth. In a market demanding both performance and aesthetics, quartzite continues to shine as a high-end, low-maintenance solution.     3. Travertine & Limestone: Soft Neutrals for Wellness Spaces   In spa-inspired interiors and wellness-oriented environments, travertine and limestone have made a strong comeback. Their soft, neutral tones and honed finishes are ideal for minimalist, calming spaces.   Natural beige, ivory, and light taupe shades dominated booths that focused on biophilic design, emphasizing the tactile softness of these stones. Travertine, in particular, was reimagined in large-format applications and curved architectural forms, showcasing its versatility in contemporary spaces.   Finishes That Redefine Texture   Across all stone categories, textured finishes were emphasized over high polish. Designers are increasingly favoring leathered, brushed, or sandblasted finishes that provide both visual depth and tactile interest. These surfaces soften reflections and contribute to the material's warmth and natural authenticity.   Sustainability and Stone Sourcing   Sustainability was a key theme, with manufacturers and quarries empha...

1. The Spring Festival: A Time of Joy and Tradition   The Chinese Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, is the most significant traditional holiday in China. It marks the beginning of the new lunar year, a time for family reunions, gratitude, and celebrations. The festival is steeped in customs such as giving red envelopes (红包), setting off fireworks, cleaning and decorating homes, and enjoying lavish feasts. Each tradition reflects wishes for prosperity, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead.   This year, we celebrate the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac cycle, which is based on a 12-year rotation of animals. Each animal carries its own symbolic meanings and influences, and those born in the Year of the Snake are often associated with traits such as intelligence, grace, and mystery. The zodiac system is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, influencing various aspects of life, from festivals to personal beliefs.     2. The Timeless Connection Between Stones and Chinese Culture   China’s stone culture is as ancient as its history. Stones have been an integral part of daily life and art, used in everything from architecture and tools to jewelry and sculpture. During different historical periods, stones played critical roles in construction, religious ceremonies, and aesthetic decoration.   Stones, while inherently hard and sturdy, can also embody warmth, festivity, and cultural richness. Their versatility allows them to transcend their physical characteristics and connect with human emotions. This unique quality makes them a surprising yet fitting medium to represent the joyous atmosphere of the Spring Festival.     3. Stone Art Meets the Spring Festival   Incorporating stones into Spring Festival celebrations is a modern twist on traditional practices. For instance, stone painting—an art form where designs are painted onto the surfaces of stones—can be used to create festive decorations. Artists can bring stones to life with colorful images of cartoon snakes for this zodiac year, red lanterns, the Chinese character  (Fu, meaning fortune), or even vibrant scenes of lion dances.   These painted stones are not just decorations; they symbolize a harmonious blend of sturdy tradition and modern creativity. They can be used to adorn homes, serve as unique gifts, or even become treasured keepsakes of the celebration.   Stones, with their natural resilience and beauty, embody the festive spirit in unexpected ways. Their enduring nature aligns with the Chinese desire for longevity and stability, while their transformation into festive art showcases the adaptability and creativity inherent in both stone culture and the Spring Festival.     4. A Perfect Fusion of Cultures   The connection between stones and the Spring Festival is a celebration of two ancient traditions coming together. Just as the Spring Festival reflects renewal a...

When considering materials for construction projects, natural stone is a timeless and reliable choice. Different stones bring their own characteristics, offering durability, beauty, and versatility. Below are the 6 most commonly used types of stone in construction:     1. Granite Granite is an igneous rock that stands out for its strength and durability. It is one of the most popular stones used in building construction, particularly for projects requiring high levels of resistance to wear and tear.    Key properties: Extremely hard, weather-resistant, low porosity.  Common applications: Countertops, flooring, cladding, and structural elements.   Its varied colors and textures make granite suitable for both interior and exterior projects, offering both practicality and aesthetic appeal.     2. Limestone Limestone is a sedimentary rock widely appreciated for its versatility and classic appearance. It is softer than granite, making it easier to work with for decorative and architectural purposes.    Key properties: Smooth texture, available in subtle, natural tones.  Common applications: Wall cladding, flooring, ornamental detailing, and fireplaces.   Limestone is ideal for creating timeless, elegant designs, though proper sealing is essential to protect it from staining.     3. Sandstone Sandstone is another sedimentary rock, valued for its natural, earthy tones and distinct texture. It is a popular choice for outdoor construction due to its resilience and aesthetic appeal.    Key properties: Porous, weather-resistant, and available in warm hues.  Common applications: Paving, wall cladding, flooring, and landscaping.   With the right sealing and maintenance, sandstone can last for decades while retaining its natural beauty.     4. Marble Marble is a metamorphic rock that is prized for its luxurious appearance and timeless elegance. Known for its characteristic veining, it adds sophistication to any space.    Key properties: Smooth surface, visually striking veining, and a softer texture.  Common applications: Countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and decorative accents.   While marble requires more maintenance compared to harder stones, its aesthetic appeal makes it a preferred choice for high-end projects.     5. Travertine Travertine, a type of limestone, is known for its unique, porous texture and natural charm. Its neutral tones make it suitable for a wide range of styles and applications.    Key properties: Rustic texture, versatile color palette, and natural voids.  Common applications: Flooring, wall cladding, pool surrounds, and patios.   Sealing is essential for travertine to enhance its durability and resistance to water and stains.     6. Slate Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that offers excellent durability and resistance to the elements. It is a practical choice for both traditional and modern designs.  ...

1. Process Flow 1) Surveying and Marking:   Before the stone installation for the scenic wall and retaining wall, survey along the centerline (or boundary) of the wall based on the designed elevation, setting a control point every 5 - 10 meters. Measurements must be carried out according to the design layout or construction drawings, marking the centerline, horizontal level lines, and grid lines.   2) Base Leveling:   According to the measured position and elevation, level the base. If the base has defects, use cement mortar (for walls) or crushed stone concrete (for the top surface) to level and treat the base.   3) Stone Pre-assembly and Selection:   All stones used in the project should be processed in the factory as per the layout drawing and numbered and packed. After the stones arrive on-site and are unpacked, each piece should be checked individually. Stones that are broken or have missing corners should be separated and reprocessed by the factory.   Once the stone selection is complete, pre-assemble on-site. Pre-assembly ensures that the colors, patterns, and textures align, and the seams match tightly. The pre-assembled stones should be numbered in two directions and stored in piles according to categories for future use.     4) Vertical Stone Installation:   (1) Small-sized Stones:   In a damp base, apply one coat of pure cement slurry (with 10% by weight of 108 glue mixed with water) and apply it while it's still wet.   For the base mortar, use a 1:3 cement-sand ratio, about 12mm thick, applied in two layers: the first layer about 5mm thick and the second layer about 7mm. After the base mortar is compacted and smoothed, scratch the surface of the mortar.   Once the base mortar is set, mark the lines for each stone section. Apply a 2-3mm thick cement slurry (with 20% by weight of 108 glue) to the back of the pre-wet stones and install them (alternatively, adhesive powder can be used). Tap with a wooden hammer to ensure alignment and use a level tool to check for flatness and straightness.     (2) Large-sized Stones:   For stones larger than 40mm on any side, or if the installation height exceeds 1m, the following installation method is used:   A. Drilling and Chiseling:   Before installation, use a drilling machine to drill holes according to design requirements. Secure a wooden frame to align the drill bit with the upper edge of the stone. Drill holes at 1/4 of the stone width from each end. For each surface, drill two holes with a diameter of 5mm and a depth of 12mm. The hole's center should be about 8mm from the back of the stone.   If granite is used and the stone width is large, increase the number of holes. After drilling, lightly chisel a 5mm deep groove around the holes to form an "elephant trunk" shape for embedding copper or galvanized wire.   For larger stones, especially prefabricated granite, if it's difficult to tie the galvanize...

Staircases are an integral part of every building, making stone stair products a common choice in stone processing. These products are produced in large quantities, involve simple craftsmanship, yet frequently face issues such as broken edges, chipped corners, and safety hazards, which compromise both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of stone staircases.   This article delves into common problems encountered in stone staircase design and processing, providing analysis and improvement suggestions.     1. Problems and Analysis   (1) Adhesive Strips Detachment One of the most common issues with stone stairs is the detachment of adhesive strips, which can lead to thinner steps prone to damage.   Causes: 1. Adhesive Issues: Improper use of adhesive with low bonding strength. 2. Surface Preparation: Inadequate treatment of the adhesive strip and step surface. 3. Design Flaws: Insufficient contact area for bonding, lack of reinforcement, and unsupported adhesive strips in the design. 4. Environmental Factors: Outdoor exposure to natural elements that weaken the adhesive.   (2) Edge Damage   Causes: 1. Incorrect material selection (e.g., fragile marble or granite with high water absorption). 2. Thin panels (e.g., less than 20mm). 3. External impacts and prolonged exposure to harsh weather. 4. Excessive overhang of the panel edges.   (3) Panel Damage and Cracking   Causes: 1. Defective materials, inadequate repairs, and insufficient thickness or strength. 2. Impact forces and long-term load stresses.   (4) Stair Fractures   Causes: 1. Pre-existing cracks not reinforced properly. 2. Use of thin or low-strength materials.   (5) Uneven Thickness Some stone stairs feature inconsistent thickness, causing uneven surfaces after installation and aesthetic issues.   (6) Complex Edge Shapes Overly complex edge designs increase processing difficulty, leading to higher risks of breakage and polishing challenges.   (7) Loose Riser Panels Riser panels can easily detach when improperly bonded to tread panels, as shown in some designs.   (8) Double-Layer Riser Panels Double-layer designs, though aesthetically pleasing, complicate processing and installation unnecessarily.   (9) Overly Dense Anti-Slip Grooves Anti-slip grooves that are too narrow and dense reduce structural integrity, making edges more prone to damage.   (10) Jointed Narrow Panels Narrow, jointed panels without reinforcement are prone to detachment and pose safety hazards.   (11) Stone Degradation Improper material selection for outdoor use can result in discoloration, erosion, or structural weakening.     2. Improvement Measures   (1) Eliminate Adhesive Strips in Stair Design Design stairs without adhesive strips or use wider, reinforced strips to ensure durability. Solid risers can support adhesive strips to enhance strength.   (2) Use Solid Stone Stairs Solid stone stairs improve stabilit...

1. Definition of Stone Setting-out     1) Who is responsible for stone setting-out?   Setting-out work primarily falls under the responsibility of the construction team, with the stone processing manufacturer providing support. This process involves using design blueprints and actual on-site measurements to prepare cutting or material list drawings. The quality and methods of these outputs can vary depending on the capabilities of the construction team. The stone processing manufacturer's technical staff assists by offering solutions for methods and measurements, organizing fabrication drawings based on site surveys, and conducting on-site verification to ensure accuracy before final processing begins.   2) Importance of Stone Setting-out   The participation of the stone processing manufacturer in the setting-out process is critical. The objective of setting-out is to produce accurate processing drawings. Involvement in this process allows the manufacturer to understand and organize related drawings, which is essential for guiding production and ensuring accuracy.   3) Qualifications of Stone Setting-out Personnel   Setting-out personnel must meet the following requirements:   (1) Comprehensive understanding of stone processing techniques. (2) Familiarity with mechanical and architectural design drawings. (3) Knowledge of construction practices. (4) Hands-on experience with stone installation. (5) Basic proficiency in stone decoration design and the ability to offer creative suggestions that facilitate production and installation.   2. Preparatory Work Before Stone Setting-out   1) Finalization of Design Drawings   Ensure that the decoration design drawings, which comprehensively cover all materials and construction schemes, are finalized. Check that the drawings related to stone are complete before commencing setting-out.   2) Completion of Structural Work (Including Interior Partition Walls)   Any modifications or additional structural work must be completed before setting-out begins.   3) Establishment of Horizontal Levels and Elevations   Accurate baseline measurements are essential. For instance, floor-to-floor heights must be measured precisely using two-floor reference points. The difference between design and structural dimensions should be verified on-site.   4) Confirmation of Door and Window Frame Positions   Since door and window openings in structural work are often adjusted, ensure the specifications and positions are finalized before setting-out.   5) Waterproofing and Final Surface Determination in Bathrooms   Bathrooms must be waterproofed and finished surfaces confirmed before proceeding.   6) Clear Stone Installation Plan   Wall stone installation methods (e.g., dry hanging or wet pasting) determine the final surface dimensions and the boundary lines of the ground surface.   3. Stone Setting-out for Exterior Walls  ...