Marble and Granite Course

Lesson 1 • Identifying Marble Varieties

Teaches visual and tactile identification of common marble types. Connects stone recognition to appropriate selection for specific project applications.

Lesson 2 • Identifying Granite Varieties

Develops recognition skills for granite types by color, grain, and mineral content. Supports accurate material specification and client communication.

Lesson 3 • Physical Properties of Stone

Examines hardness, porosity, density, and thermal expansion of marble and granite. These properties directly influence cutting, finishing, and installation decisions.

Lesson 4 • Stone Grading and Quality Standards

Introduces industry grading systems and quality classifications for natural stone. Enables professionals to evaluate slabs and communicate quality expectations accurately.

Lesson 1 • Safe Material Handling and Storage

Teaches proper lifting, transport, and storage of heavy stone slabs. Prevents injury and slab breakage through correct ergonomic and mechanical handling techniques.

Lesson 2 • Power Tools and Machinery Overview

Surveys angle grinders, wet saws, and bridge saws used in professional stone shops. Students learn machine functions and basic safety interlocks before operation.

Lesson 3 • Hand Tools for Stone Work

Introduces chisels, mallets, scribers, and measuring tools used in stone fabrication. Correct tool selection prevents material damage and improves precision.

Lesson 4 • Personal Protective Equipment

Covers required PPE for stone fabrication environments including respiratory, eye, and hand protection. Proper PPE use is mandatory before operating any equipment.

Lesson 1 • Field Measurement Techniques

Teaches on-site measurement of countertops, floors, and wall areas using professional tools. Accurate field measurements prevent costly remakes and installation delays.

Lesson 2 • Digital Templating Introduction

Introduces laser and camera-based digital templating systems used in modern shops. Digital templates improve accuracy and integrate directly with CNC cutting equipment.

Lesson 3 • Template Materials and Construction

Introduces cardboard, luan, and digital templating methods for capturing exact shapes. Templates serve as the direct guide for cutting stone to precise project dimensions.

Lesson 4 • Reading and Interpreting Project Plans

Covers blueprint reading, scale interpretation, and dimension extraction for stone projects. Accurate plan reading is the foundation of every fabrication and installation task.

Lesson 1 • Cutouts for Sinks and Fixtures

Teaches plunge cutting and core drilling for undermount sinks and fixture openings. Precise cutouts prevent cracking and ensure proper fixture fit.

Lesson 2 • Diamond Blade Selection and Use

Explains blade types, bond hardness, and segment design for cutting marble and granite. Correct blade selection extends tool life and produces cleaner cuts.

Lesson 3 • Curved and Radius Cuts

Covers freehand angle grinder cutting and jig-assisted radius cuts for curved shapes. Curved cutting skills are required for sinks, arches, and decorative profiles.

Lesson 4 • Straight Cuts on the Wet Saw

Teaches setup, fence adjustment, and feed rate control for straight wet saw cuts. Consistent technique produces square, chip-free edges ready for finishing.

Lesson 1 • Surface Finish Types and Techniques

Covers polished, honed, brushed, and leathered surface finishes and how each is achieved. Surface finish choice affects slip resistance, maintenance needs, and visual appeal.

Lesson 2 • Hand Profiling Techniques

Covers hand-held router and angle grinder profiling for eased, beveled, and bullnose edges. Hand profiling allows flexibility on curved pieces and small production runs.

Lesson 3 • Diamond Polishing Pad Progression

Teaches the grit sequence from coarse grinding to final polish using wet polishing pads. Correct pad progression is the foundation of a flawless, mirror-quality finish.

Lesson 4 • Understanding Edge Profile Options

Surveys standard edge profiles including eased, bullnose, ogee, and beveled styles. Profile selection affects aesthetics, safety, and client satisfaction on every project.

Lesson 1 • Mixing and Applying Adhesives

Teaches correct mixing ratios, pot life management, and application methods for stone adhesives. Consistent technique prevents weak joints, voids, and color inconsistencies.

Lesson 2 • Surface Preparation for Bonding

Covers cleaning, drying, and priming stone edges before adhesive application. Proper surface prep is the most critical factor in achieving a strong, lasting bond.

Lesson 3 • Seam Placement and Planning

Teaches strategic seam placement to minimize visibility and maximize structural integrity. Poor seam planning is a leading cause of callbacks and client dissatisfaction.

Lesson 4 • Types of Stone Adhesives

Covers epoxy, polyester, and acrylic adhesives used in stone fabrication and their properties. Adhesive selection depends on stone type, joint location, and structural requirements.

Lesson 1 • Setting Beds and Support Systems

Teaches use of silicone, epoxy dots, and support brackets for securing stone to substrates. Correct setting methods prevent movement, cracking, and hollow spots under stone.

Lesson 2 • Substrate Assessment and Preparation

Covers evaluating cabinet levelness, structural support, and substrate compatibility before installation. A properly prepared substrate prevents cracking and ensures long-term stone stability.

Lesson 3 • Sink and Fixture Integration

Teaches securing undermount sinks, faucet drilling, and fixture cutout finishing on site. Proper integration prevents water infiltration and ensures fixture stability over time.

Lesson 4 • Placing and Aligning Stone Pieces

Covers sequencing, positioning, and aligning multiple stone pieces during installation. Precise alignment ensures seams are tight and surfaces are flush across the entire installation.

Lesson 1 • Sealer Selection and Application

Covers solvent-based and water-based sealer options and correct application methods by stone type. Proper sealer application maximizes protection without altering surface appearance.

Lesson 2 • Stain Identification and Removal

Covers identifying organic, oil, rust, and mineral stains and selecting appropriate removal methods. Correct stain diagnosis prevents surface damage from improper treatment attempts.

Lesson 3 • Why Stone Requires Sealing

Explains porosity, staining mechanisms, and the protective role of sealers on natural stone. Understanding sealer function helps professionals recommend appropriate products to clients.

Lesson 4 • Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

Teaches pH-neutral cleaning products and daily maintenance routines that preserve stone surfaces. Correct maintenance extends sealer life and prevents premature surface degradation.