A Look Inside Our International Partner’s Operations
Last week, our team had the opportunity to visit Bedrock Natural Stone outside of Vancouver, British Columbia for an in-depth look at the incredible fabrication process behind natural stone manufacturing.
This is the first installment of our two-part series, following the journey of stone from the quarry to the fabrication floor. From massive stone blocks and industrial cutting equipment to precision honing and finishing, every step showcases the craftmanship and technology required to transform raw material into architectural-grade stone products.
Curious how stone becomes the finished products seen in projects across North America? Follow along as we take you behind the scenes.
Stone is carefully extracted from quarries on Hardy Island and neighboring islands off the coast of British Columbia, providing raw material that starts the manufacturing process.
After extraction, large stone blocks are transported to the fabrication plant, where they begin their transformation into finished architectural products.
Each block is carefully measured and evaluated to ensure the most efficient cuts and optimal use of the natural stone.
Detailed measurements and layout planning guide the cutting process, ensuring accuracy before fabrication begins.
Using advanced bridge saw technology, 10,000 pound stone blocks are cut into flat slabs for different applications including cladding, paving, and hardscapes.
The hydraulic stone splitter creates smaller veneer pieces with natural split faces, producing the rustic texture and character that are highly sought after in architectural stone applications.
High-strength steel cables on the wire saw precisely cut dense basalt columns, allowing fabricators to create custom lengths and architectural elements.
The thermal finishing process enhances the stone’s surface texture, creating a natural, slip-resistant finish while highlighting the material’s unique character.
Computer-guided laser technology delivers precise cuts with diamond blades, enabling the creation of custom shapes and intricate stone components.
See Part 2 for the finished products that emerge from this incredible process.
