StoneWorks, Inc. Tackles Unique Vanity Project on Kiawah Island

At StoneWorks, Inc., we love a good challenge, and our recent project on Kiawah Island, SC, was no exception. What began as a unique design vision soon turned into a creative puzzle that required precision, patience, and plenty of teamwork. When a customer presented us with the desire for a one-of-a-kind marble vanity – our team stepped up to the plate to complete this intricate and complex project successfully.
The Design Challenge: A Curved Marble Apron Sink

Marble countertops are known for their timeless elegance, but when it comes to custom fabrication, things can sometimes get tricky. Typically, marble slabs come in a standard 3 cm thickness, and the process is pretty straightforward when dealing with rectangular shapes. But throw in a radius on the apron, and suddenly, the job becomes a bit more challenging.
For this particular project, our customer had a specific vision inspired by a photo they had seen online: an elegant vanity with a curved front apron made from Calacatta Vagli honed natural marble. While the idea was beautiful, the execution would require some creative problem-solving. The biggest challenge? The stone slab could not be bent to form the curve of the apron, which required our team to think “outside the box” quite literally.
A Custom Solution: Miters and Re-grinding

After brainstorming, we came up with a solution that involved using three flat pieces of slab material, each cut on a miter, which were then re-ground to achieve the final 10- inch radius. This method allowed us to maintain the integrity and appearance of the marble while overcoming the issue of the curve. But we didn’t just jump into the fabrication without preparation. Test cuts were run multiple times to ensure that our process would yield the best possible result.
The Weighty Matter of Support

This wasn’t your average vanity top. The completed stone sink and vanity top weighed in at a hefty 900lbs! The design called for a “floating look,” which made it even more challenging. We knew we needed a solid, hidden support structure to keep the weight balanced and secure. After consulting with the builder, we advised the construction of a custom steel support frame to handle the weight and achieve the desired aesthetic for the customer.
Innovative Stone Sink Fabrication

One of the standout features of this project was the stone sink. Traditionally, we’ve hand-crafted the sloped pans, but for this project, we decided to take advantage of our CNC equipment to fabricate the entire stone sink, including the pan slope, which ranged from 0 to 1/2 inch thickness toward the drain. This modern approach allowed for greater precision and a cleaner finished product. To make sure the sink was fully leak-proof, we coated the exterior with three layers of fiberglass resin, ensuring durability and a long-lasting finish.
Overcoming Imperfections in the Stone

Every stone slab is unique, and sometimes, nature’s quirks can create distinct challenges. In this case, we were working with a single slab of Calacatta Vagli marble, but a fissure that ran down about a third of the slab dictated how we would cut and assemble the pieces. As a result, one section of the front apron did not match the rest of the marble’s veining as closely as we would have liked.
To address this, our talented team of fabricators got creative and applied some artistic grey veins to blend and disguise the mismatch, ensuring a seamless look that still captured the natural beauty of the stone. This added level of craftsmanship and attention to detail are qualities that set StoneWorks, Inc. apart in our industry!
The Final Result

After two weeks of fabrication and preparation, both our team and our customer were thrilled with the final outcome. Despite the challenges, we were able to deliver a stunning, functional piece that exceeded our customer's expectations. The marble vanity with its curved apron and custom stone sink was everything the customer had dreamed of, and more.
This project is a testament to the skill, precision, and artistry that StoneWorks, Inc. brings to every job, no matter how unique. We’re proud to have worked on this challenging yet rewarding project.
If you're considering a custom marble countertop or vanity for your next project, schedule an appointment with one of StoneWorks’ design consultants TODAY. Let us turn your vision into a reality, no matter how complex the design may be!
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