Natural Stone Definitions
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Natural Bed
The horizontal stratification of stone as it was formed in the deposit.
Natural Finish
As the name implies, a natural surface finish is simply the way the stone looks when it is excavated or harvested. No additional hand-work or machine-work is involved (except perhaps cleaning it up). Weathered finishes can be a subset of natural if the weathering processes are natural.
Natural Cleft Finish
Natural cleft is a surface finish created by splitting the stone instead of sawing it. Stones like slate, quartzite, and sandstone are naturally formed in layers, which create unique textured faces when the stone is split. Natural cleft stone tiles tend to have an uneven textured surface making it very slip-resistant. It is a great choice for floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms, as well as for outdoor patios, walkways, and around swimming pools. Surface roughness can vary from somewhat rough (1/16-1/4”) to very rough (>2”), depending on the process. Rockfaced and split-face finishes can have a similar appearance.
Natural Stone
A product of nature. A stone such as granite, marble, limestone, slate, travertine, or sandstone that is formed by nature, and is not artificial or man-made.
NBGQA
The abbreviation for the National Building Granite Quarries Association, a trade association whose membership is composed of granite producers in the United States. Collectively, these companies provide a major portion of the domestically quarried architectural granite produced in the U.S.
Neat Cement
Niche
A recess in an interior or exterior wall usually for a statue or an urn, often semicircular in design.
NIOSH
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Non-staining Mortar
Mortar composed of materials that individually or collectively do not contain material that will stain the adjacent materials to which it comes in contact.
Notch
A v-shaped cut made on the edge or head of a stone.
NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association)
A trade association whose active membership consists of ceramic and stone tile installation contractors in the United States, with an associate membership of those who supply products and services to the industry. Founded in 1947.
