Columbia Gorge Stoneworks

 

These are some of the materials that we have made switchplates from, so far!
   

This page is to answer some questions as to what materials we can make switchplates from.  The main problems that we run into are flatness and glazed or finished surfaces.  Since our stone switch covers are 1/4 inch thick the stone needs to be relatively flat for the countersunk holes and radiused edges to look right.  A very uneven surface can also be a problem for how the switch or receptacle fits the cover plate.  The most variation is around 1/16"  from a plane over the area of the switchplate with a little more  at the corners.

Although we have no difficulty making switchplates from glazed tiles or ones that have a colored finish, when we radius the edges they will not have the same color as the face.

 
This photo is of two blanks of porcelanized ceramic.  The one on the left is the back of the tile and the one on the right is the front side.  As you can see the color goes all the way through the tile. The switch plate on the left is from a tile with a printed finish.  Since the color of the base material is very similar to the face it worked out.
 

Here is a better photo of what happens when we radius the edges of glazed tiles.  If the color of the base material compliments the face of the tile then this type of tile works fine to make switchplates from.
 

This is one of the more interesting stones we have made cover plates from.

  

This switchplate is made  from  Honey Onyx, which is difficult to work with.

 
 

Here is the same Honey Onyx but with a honed finish.

    
 

 
Orders/Questions call (509) 365-4646

9am-5pm P.S.T. or e-mail us:

cgs@stonewallplates.com