When choosing a stone countertop or back splash, it's imperative to understand what's the differences between different materials and processing methods.

Review drawings with designers to understand where seams will go and ask how the slabs will be seamed.

Vein-matched seams are made from two sequential slabs polished on the same face, while book-matched seams are made from two sequential slabs polished on opposite faced so that they mirror each other when seamed.