"what do you mean by "horizontal lines" on the edges and sink cutouts? I can't visualize this in my head." A CNC (computer numerical control:) is a computer controlled router that can cut, shape, and polish the edges of stone. A typical tool set has 4 grits in metal bond shaping tools(100, 200, 400, 800) and three of four more that are resin bond polishing tools. (1000, 1500, 2000, 3000) The tooling, which are the parts which actually work the stone, are cylinders with various grits of diamond in a metal or resin matrix. To finish a sawn edge it is 1st shaped with a series of course tools made in the shape of the desired edge. As the tools pass along the edge the diamond grit leaves scratches in the stone. Subsequent tools of finer grit do not remove these scratches because there is no cross action. The edge ends up polished but the scratches from the coarse tools, which appear as horizontal lines, are still there. This effect can be minimized with proper set up and brand new tools do a better job than worn ones. A very high end shop will use the CNC to shape the edge but will finish off the edge by hand. A set of CNC tools is several thousand dollars so many shops use them well past the point where they are doing a good job. 10 years ago a CNC edge polish full of lines was considered poor quality. The advent of the big factory shops has lowered the bar for whats acceptable. In todays market most shops simply polish everything on the CNC and call it "good enough." Polishing to a finish on the CNC saves the fab shop several hours of hand labor on a typical kitchen. Most of the general public doesn't know the difference and, admittedly, it is often hard to see the lines given the lighting and viewing angle in most kitchens particularly on lighter colors. Unfortunately those lines can also be glaringly obvious in the right conditions or of the tooling was well worn. A tip off to a shop that finishes everything on the CNC is one that provides a variety of edge options for no upcharge. If the CNC is doing all the polishing there is little difference in the manufacturing time for a edge like an Ogee compared to a simple flat or 3/8" top radius.

Bertini's is a good place. I buy my soapstone remnants there. They are very nice, they put up with me snooping around their remnant yard. It is good to hear that Read-More-Books had a great experience there. Another place is Rowat Cut Stone and Marble. It is the oldest stone yard in DM. Go down East 6th, past the East Village, south of the tracks (if the tracks are still there), and then turn left on one of the cross streets to get there. It is a big old building. The building is the oldest one in DM I think. They were helpful and I bought my marble from them for my bathroom and they installed it. I am happy with it. No seam, so I don't know how they are with seams. At Bertini's Lisa is very nice, and calm. Just ask for her at the desk. ETA: so you guys are from Iowa :) I actually live in Boone Co. but work in DM.

I'll be curious about where, here. I was born and raised here in St. Pete but had no awareness of succulents (cactus being closest thing) until I went to Los Angeles where freeways were routinely landscaped with ice plant. Later, I lived in northern CA, visiting a Half Moon Bay valley succulents nursery (heaven!). If it were't unaffordable, I would live in northern CA... so, the part of me that wishes I did will not pay the higher prices for succulents in FL -- for the few that I see for sale. I recommend for anyone with plant loving houseguests to visit the Suncoast Botanical Gardens. They have been expanding their succulents area. This time of year, I go before dusk, see what's blooming and then walk it again when the holiday lights ($4 fundraiser) go on. Next door is Pinellas Heritage Village, also free. And also (park in the lot between all 3), the county extension service where, when it is open, you can stroll in their garden of native plants. Then drive west 10 minutes and you will be at Indian Rocks Beach... one of the last holdouts to modern buildings of the 30 mile chain of beaches. Visit an intercoastal water-side restaurant for libations. End of a perfect day.

I know this is an old post. I’m searching for desert sand. Did you end up going with that? Any pictures by chance?