Collins Tile and Stone

Last week, we also took a field trip to Collins Tile and Stone, a company that specializes in stone and tile, mostly in the commercial business area.  Tim Collins, who has owned his business for twenty-seven years, works with both commercial and residential projects.  The company is currently expanding into another warehouse to hold the wide varieties of tile, stone and granite that they carry. 

Tim Collins first discussed with us the durability of different stones.  Granite is a natural stone that is the most durable, being that it is both stain and heat resistant.  Quartz comes in as the second most durable, but it is an engineered stone.  In addition, the exotic stones are more expensive, which can run for over one hundred dollars per square foot, installed.

We also discussed marble, which is a highly desirable stone in kitchens, however Mr. Collins mentioned that it stains easily.  Therefore, this material would need to be resealed often, and also runs in the same price range as granite.  We saw two very beautiful granites that were also the most expensive.  The first one was a black and copper color, swirled granite that everyone was fascinated by, while the second one was all different colors, and called “Blue Louise.” 

We also got a tour of the new warehouse they are expanding into and a tour of the work warehouse where they cut all the stone. They have two large machines that cut and polish the stone and tile.  The measurements are put into the computer and the machine automatically cuts it, making it easier for the workers.

Collins Tile and Stone was a very informative field trip, it was great being able to see what granite looks like before it is cut and polished and made into a countertop.   It was also a big help learning about the durability of each stone, which will help in designing for future jobs.