Coral Stone & Chicago Brick

 

In the world of design there are countless building materials that vary in origin and inspire designers to try new materials and routes towards the end goal. In central and northern parts of Florida it is very common to use red clay bricks as a décor material, however it is typical to see wall veneers or driveways made of clay. Down in south Florida, more specifically, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove both use Coral Stone as a structural and décor material for buildings and private homes. Taking a closer look at the type of coral stone used in the south Florida. One can tell that it is Floridian Keystone that is used quite often in these areas.

What is keystone? Keystone is referring to Coral Stone that was mined in the Florida Keys as there was once a mine in the Florida keys. What are the differences between keystone and Dominican Coral Stone? The keystone is much more porous compared to Dominican coral stone and it is common to get some rugged and jagged pieces that can become dangerous. Meanwhile, Dominican Coral Stone, has the ability to lay out as the keystone it is a much higher quality of Stone and carefully cut to have a smooth face on the Stone that has the texture and features that are eye catching. If you are reading, you are probably looking for information regarding installation and actual applications of the product. In my experience, I have commonly seen keystone in the form of small boulders to create a steppingstone walking way, or I have seen it used as a wall veneer as it is very attractive. In terms of coral stone, I have witnessed some incredible feats of architecture and design.

Dominican Coral Stone has three unique features that separate it from other materials… 1) has the lowest heat absorption rate compared to any other building material on the market. 2) does not slip even when wet. 3) remains as a very traditional and rustic material in the Dominican Republic. The higher quality of the Stone really makes a difference as installing the material is a heavy load of work, but once it is placed you want to worry about it the very least possible. Although our Dominican Coral Stone remains a very porous material, the SELECT variant of our Stone helps the installer and customer and once applied it is a noticeable difference in the face of the Stone. Recently, I was able to view a project that had incorporated the use of Dominican Coral Stone and our red chicago bricks, North Town Bricks.

It was a great idea to design an interior that combined the rustic, traditional features of the Coral Stone and the classic red brick. If you take a look at the pictures attached you will notice how the subtlety of the red bricks makes the rustic, jagged faces of the coral stone bricks to come alive in the wall. Although this is my personal opinion and may include some bias, I say this to show the client that it is possible to recreate your dream project with some back-and-forth communication and dedication getting things done right.

Coral Stone

 At Coral Stone & Marble we work to provide our clients with a natural beauty this Earth has given us. Coral Stone tiles and pavers can be used for a wide variety of installations and projects. In our 15 year span in this industry we have learned that Coral Stone applications can be extensive and costly. However, that is why we quality test our products to ensure top-quality material is passed down to the consumer. One of the many questions we receive is, “Is there a variation between divots, color, and texture of the stone? In short, the answer is yes and I will tell you why. Coral stone is a natural stone that is made up of calcium and has been submerged under water for hundreds of years prior to mining. The fossils and texture that have dried and become part of the stone is one of the beautiful features this stone can offer, however that does create a variety of the ‘coral stone’. This variance the stone offers is what makes the stone so special for wall veneers, pool decks, retaining walls, and other applications where the main purpose is to illustrate the beauty of the material. 

A more specific example is our coral stone SELECT WHITE product line. The material is a bright white, especially under the sun, and it is beautiful along beaches, pools, and other tropical environments. In terms of divots and holes in the stone, this product is carefully selected to ensure the best material is being picked for your project. For instance, a pool deck surface should be one that is non-slip, warm but not hot to bare feet, and should provide the elegance and look the homeowner wanted. Our select white product line, ensures two of those three main points, and more often than not when we show clients finished projects using this stone we receive positive feedback.

Coral Pool Deck

When it comes to designing a pool area for commercial purposes as well as private homes and residences; there are many aspects to take into account. Not only does one give thought to depth, length, width, safety standards, plumbing, etc. but also the deck of the pool is the part of the pool that will take the ‘beating’ over time. With this in mind, one should find something that appeals to their taste but is also durable, sustainable, and safe for its consumers. 

Moreover, not only in pool areas of high traffic such as hotels and communal pools, but private residences as well must ensure that the material for the pool deck is non-slip and heat resistant. Why? Well, pools tend to have kids running around excited and eager to get in the water; using a natural stone like coral stone that tends to have grip even when wet is a great option to prevent children and adults from slipping. In terms of heat absorption by the stone itself, Coral Stone has one of the lowest heat retention rates compared to other natural stones. This is one of the many reasons consumers lean towards coral stone when it comes to pool decking. No one likes stepping out and going to the pool to get there and have your feet or thighs burning while sitting/standing on the deck. 

So, what about maintenance? In the situation of using natural stone on an exterior surface, it is always a good idea to use a sealer to protect the stone. Keep in mind some sealers are ‘color enhancer’ this is not something you want if you want the natural look of the stone. Along with sealing upon installations. The sealer should protect against mildew and mold in tropical climates. Another recommendation is to pressure wash the stone before applying the sealer. This gets rid of dirt trapped between pores of the stone and restores the stone quite a bit. 

Classic, low-maintenance, kid-friendly, and affordable are just some of the adjectives used to describe Dominican Coral Stone used for pool decks.

Chicago Bricks

 

Here at Coral Stone & Marble our goal is to provide our clients with the materials and customer service they need to ensure their projects works out in the best way possible. These past couple of months we have been working diligently and efficiently throughout this pandemic to provide experience and leadership to our clients. Today, marks the third month that our Chicago Bricks Style line NORTH TOWN BRICKS has been advertised throughout the states. The picture you see above is a recent project in South Florida. This is a perfect example of how our Chicago Bricks can be in your driveway next! Note how not all individual bricks are not the same color, some are lighter and some are darker. Although, we can fabricate bright red and lighter shades of red; this client was really satisfied with the end product. The different shades give the driveway some life as not all are the exact same. Currently, we are producing about 10,000 SF per month and have plenty in stock. The vibrant, red bricks are perfect for driveways, wall veneers, and to be used as driveway pavers. The simple, traditional look of Chicago Style Bricks is excellent to combine with a red roof and other details that can be discussed further. Please contact us for any questions or concerns. Also, feel free to visit our website for more pictures and other ideas @ www.coralstoneusa.com

Coral Stone Columns

 

Coral Stone Columns 

When our clients come into the office and ask our representatives for recommendations when it comes to using Coral Stone we usually reply with one phrase, “Well, that depends how creative you would like to get.” As many of our representatives explain to our clients, Coral Stone can be used to create the dream private residence or even for small designer cuts for businesses.

            First, let me begin by explaining how the process for cutting this delicate stone works. Standard sizes are saw cut using a circular saw with water acting as a lubricant. Special/custom orders are cut using a C&C machine. What is this machine? Well, this special machinery is used for laser precise cuts used for custom pieces. For instance, in the picture below you may ask how the coral stone columns are cut. However, using this precise C&C machinery we can cut to exact dimensions that re requested by the client/architect. If one looks closely at the bottom of the column, we can notice that there are several different edges starting from the point where the column meets the floor to its top. The C&C machine works with the dimensions of how the client wants the stone. This allows us to cut precise and exact cuts specific for your Coral Stone needs. This allows the customer to be creative with how they want to use this wonderful natural stone.

            Furthermore, we can use these machines not only to make large columns and pieces, but to fabricate the stone YOU want for YOUR specific uses. To use the picture as an example, using the C&C machine these columns cad add a colonial finish to the project. The columns add a rustic yet traditional texture to the area surrounding it. Using our line of Coral Stone White, together we can help you create your dream castle for your desires.

Driveway Bricks Installation

Old Town Bricks, our newest addition to our collection adds to our line of building materials. For the past 15 years we have focused on Coral Stone that adds a tropical sensation to your project. However, we decided it was best for consumers and ourselves to expand into the realm of Chicago style bricks. Our line of bricks is manufactured in the Dominican Republic and shipped directly to the US or to the consumer. Our motto, “Built today, yesterday’s tradition” represents our mission to rebuild and promote the materials used in the past for an authentic and traditional resemblance. Throughout the US, Europe, and many other continents around the world, brick blocks were used as a basis and starting point throughout the centuries. Our bricks are especially crafted to withstand weight, rain or shine, and the harshest weather conditions to keep the brick bright red. With this said there are a variety of uses for a material such as brick. Brick blocks can be used for wall veneer, driveways, or even large-scale projects such as churches, homes, etc. The history of bricks creates a ‘look’ that other materials cannot replicate. Call us or email us for a quote, question, or more information regarding out Old Town Bricks, Built today, yesterday’s tradition.

Clay Bricks

We are excited and happy to tell our customers that we have launched our new brick collection. Due to the abnormalities and mishaps around the globe caused by COVID-19 we were unable to ship and distribute our line of Chicago style bricks. However, we are up and running and business has resumed much closer to normality. Our bricks are a unique Coral Stone USA product but the material has the same functionality and appearance as a Chicago style brick. This line of product can be used for a wide variety of projects. For instance, wall veneers, driveways, or decor patterns along a structure. If interested in a quote or more information about the product please visit our website www.coralstoneusa.com . You can also call our office directly, and we will be happy to assist with any questions or concerns.