How Tables Are Made
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How our marble and travertine tables are made
Every E MINA OBJECTS table is made to order in Italy from individually selected marble or travertine.
Before production begins, the design, dimensions, material, finish and edge profile are confirmed. You also review and approve the actual stone slab intended for your table.
The stone is then cut and shaped using precision machinery, finished by hand, inspected and professionally sealed. This page explains the main stages of production and what each one means for the finished table.
At a glance
Production
Made to order in Italy
Materials
Marble and travertine
Slab selection
The actual stone slab is reviewed and approved before production
Shaping
Precision CNC machining followed by hand finishing
Surface finishes
Usually honed or polished, depending on the material and design
Travertine surfaces
Available filled, partially filled or unfilled, depending on the intended use
Production time
Usually 4 to 6 weeks after the design, slab and project details have been approved
Protection
Professionally sealed before delivery
Before production begins
Before the stone is cut, we confirm the table dimensions, material, surface finish, edge profile and base construction.
For custom tables, the technical drawing records the final dimensions and proportions. It also allows us to check that the tabletop, base and material thickness are suitable for the intended design.
Production begins once the design, slab and relevant project details have been approved.
Selecting and approving the stone slab
Marble and travertine are natural materials. Color, veining and mineral markings vary between slabs, including slabs of the same stone type.
For every table, we share available slabs that match the chosen material and general color direction. You review the actual options and approve the slab before production begins.
The approved slab is then used for your table. We plan the tabletop within it, taking its final shape and the direction of the veining into account. Because the slab photograph shows the stone in its complete format, while the finished tabletop uses the area required for the design, the pattern naturally becomes more focused in the finished piece.
This process gives you a clear view of the stone’s overall color, veining and character before it is cut.
Handling the slab
Large stone slabs are heavy and need to be supported correctly while they are moved through the workshop.
Lifting equipment allows the slab to be transferred safely between storage, cutting and finishing areas. Correct handling protects the stone and keeps it properly supported before machining begins.
The video shows a Dark Emperador marble slab being lifted and positioned inside the workshop.
Shaping the tabletop
The tabletop is cut from the approved slab using CNC machinery. The machine follows the technical drawing to form the required dimensions, outline and edge preparation.
CNC machining is used for round, oval, rectangular and more organic tabletop shapes. It is also suitable for detailed profiles that require consistent dimensions around the complete edge.
Machining forms the basic geometry of the tabletop. The surfaces and edges are refined by hand afterwards.
The video shows a Rosso Orobico marble tabletop being shaped with CNC machinery.
Forming the base
The table base is machined separately according to the dimensions and proportions of the design.
The process shapes the individual base elements and prepares the surfaces that will support the tabletop. Flat contact areas and correct alignment are particularly important for the stability of the finished table.
Different base designs require different machining and assembly methods. A simple pedestal base, for example, is produced differently from a base constructed from several separate stone elements.
The video shows a Dark Emperador marble base element being machined to its final dimensions.
Building and aligning a multi-part base
Some table bases are assembled from several stone parts. This section relates specifically to constructions such as the V-shaped base of the Sienaé table.
The individual elements are positioned and aligned in the workshop so that the angles, joints and overall proportions correspond with the technical drawing. The assembled base is also checked in relation to the tabletop before finishing is completed.
This allows more complex stone bases to be produced accurately while keeping the individual parts practical to handle and transport.
The video shows the separate elements of a Rosso Orobico Sienaé V-shaped base being assembled and aligned.
Filling travertine
Travertine naturally contains open pores and small cavities. These can be left visible, partially filled or completely filled, depending on the desired appearance and how the table will be used.
For a filled surface, the pores are worked with a suitable filling compound. The excess material is removed and the stone is finished again to create a more even surface.
Filled travertine is usually the most practical choice for dining tables and other surfaces used frequently, as it is easier to clean. Partially filled or unfilled travertine retains more of the stone’s natural texture but requires slightly more attention in everyday use.
The video shows the natural pores of a travertine tabletop being filled before final finishing.
Finishing the surfaces and edges by hand
After machining, the tabletop and base are finished by hand.
This stage refines the surface, smooths the edges and completes the transitions between machined areas. It also produces the selected finish.
A honed finish has a smooth, low-sheen appearance. A polished finish reflects more light and gives the color and veining greater contrast. The suitable option depends on the stone, table design and intended appearance.
The video shows the edge of a Dark Emperador marble tabletop being refined and polished by hand.
Forming the edge profile
The edge profile affects both the detail of the tabletop and how its thickness is perceived.
Common options include straight, chamfered and bullnose edges. More detailed profiles, such as a triple bullnose, are formed in several stages before being finished and polished by hand.
The available profile depends on the stone thickness, tabletop shape and construction. For custom tables, the edge can be discussed as part of the design process.
The photograph shows a completed triple bullnose edge profile.
Final assembly, inspection and sealing
Before the table leaves production, the components are checked for dimensions, alignment, stability and finish.
Tables with separate base elements are assembled or test-fitted in the workshop so that the relationship between the base and tabletop can be checked.
The stone is then professionally sealed. Sealing improves resistance to liquids and makes daily care easier, while preserving the appearance and texture of the selected finish.
After inspection, the table is packed in a protective wooden crate on a pallet for freight delivery.
The video shows a completed Rosso Orobico Sienaé table in the workshop.
No two tables are the same
Every table is made from an individually selected natural stone slab. The veining, color and mineral markings visible in the finished piece therefore belong to that specific stone.
The slab approval process allows you to review these characteristics before production. Once cut, the tabletop shows the selected part of the approved slab within the dimensions and shape of your table.
These natural variations are what make each marble or travertine table individual.
The photographs show completed tables in the workshop in Rosso Orobico, travertine and Dark Emperador.
Rosso Orobico Sienaé table
Travertine Leila table
Dark Emperador Sienaé table
Custom travertine table
How our stone objects are made
Our stone objects follow a related but distinct production process. They are designed in Vienna and made with specialist stoneworkers in Italy or Türkiye, depending on the stone used.
The process begins with sketches and prototypes. These are used to review the proportions, weight and function of the object before the design is prepared for production.
Once the design is confirmed, a suitable marble or travertine block is selected. CNC machinery cuts and shapes the stone and establishes the main geometry. Curves, edges and surface transitions are then refined by hand. Depending on the design and material, the final surface is honed or polished.
Before leaving the workshop, each object is inspected for its dimensions, stability and surface finish.
This page focuses mainly on tables because their slab selection, base construction and final assembly require a different production sequence from the block-based process commonly used for objects.
Continue planning your table
Custom Tables
Explore materials, dimensions, finishes and the process of planning a made-to-order table.
Table Delivery & Assembly
Understand curbside and white-glove delivery, protective packing and final assembly.
Table Care
Learn how sealing, daily cleaning and simple care help a natural stone table age well.
Frequently asked questions
Every E MINA OBJECTS table is made to order in Italy by specialist stone workshops experienced in working with marble and travertine. The individual components are cut, shaped, finished, inspected and prepared for delivery there.
Before the stone is cut, we confirm the table dimensions, proportions, material, surface finish, edge profile and base construction.
For custom tables, technical drawings are prepared where required to define the final design and construction. You also review and approve the actual stone slab intended for your table.
Production begins once the design, slab, relevant project details and initial payment have been approved.
Yes. We share available slabs that match your selected material and general color direction.
You review and approve the final slab before production begins. The approved slab is then reserved and used for your table.
The position of the tabletop within the approved slab is planned according to its dimensions, shape, construction and the usable area of the stone. If a particular area, vein or feature is important to you, tell us during the selection process and we will review what is technically possible before cutting.
Because marble and travertine are natural materials, color, veining and mineral markings vary between individual slabs, including slabs of the same stone type.
No two natural stone tables look exactly the same.
Product photographs show previous tables and should be understood as examples of the material and design. Your table will be made from the specific slab you approve.
The slab photograph shows the stone in its complete format, while the finished tabletop uses only the area required for its dimensions and shape. The veining may therefore appear more concentrated or differently balanced in the finished table.
Color can also appear slightly different depending on lighting, photography, screen settings and whether the surface is honed or polished.
Natural stone contains variations formed over a long geological period. These may include changes in color, veins, mineral markings, pores, filled areas and natural fissures.
Travertine naturally contains open pores and cavities. Depending on the selected finish, these may be filled, partially filled or left visible.
Certain marbles may also contain natural lines or healed fissures within the stone. These characteristics are different from structural cracks or damage caused during production or transport.
Every slab is reviewed for its suitability before production, and the finished table is inspected before it leaves the workshop.
Both.
CNC machinery is used to cut and shape the stone accurately according to the technical drawing. This establishes the dimensions, outline, base components and basic edge geometry.
The surfaces, edges and detailed transitions are then refined and finished by hand. The balance between precision machining and hand finishing depends on the table design, stone and selected edge profile.
A honed finish has a smooth, low-sheen appearance. It reflects less light and usually gives the stone a softer and more understated character.
A polished finish is more reflective and generally makes the color, contrast and veining appear stronger.
Both finishes remain natural stone surfaces and require appropriate care. The available options depend on the material and table design.
Travertine naturally contains open pores and cavities.
A filled finish closes most of these openings to create a smoother and more even surface. It is generally the most practical option for dining tables and other frequently used surfaces because it is easier to clean.
Partially filled travertine retains some of the natural texture while closing the larger or more exposed cavities.
Unfilled travertine leaves the pores more visible and gives the stone its most textured appearance, but it requires more attention during everyday use because liquids, dust and food particles can enter the openings.
Yes. Common options include straight, chamfered, bullnose and triple bullnose edges.
The available edge profiles depend on the thickness and structure of the stone, the shape of the tabletop and the overall table construction.
For custom tables, the edge profile is reviewed as part of the design process before production begins.
Before leaving the workshop, the table components are checked for their dimensions, surface finish, edge finish, alignment and stability.
Tables with separate tabletop and base elements are assembled or test-fitted where appropriate so that the relationship between the components can be checked.
The stone is then professionally sealed and the table is packed in a protective wooden crate on a pallet for freight delivery.
Production usually takes 4 to 6 weeks after the design, stone slab, relevant project details and initial payment have been approved.
The production time does not include freight transport to the delivery address. Highly customized or technically complex designs may require additional time, which will be discussed before production begins.
Yes. Every E MINA OBJECTS table is professionally sealed before delivery.
Sealing improves resistance to liquids and makes everyday cleaning easier, but it does not make natural stone completely stain-proof or resistant to acids.
Spills should still be removed promptly, particularly substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, wine and certain cleaning products that can mark or etch marble and travertine.
Planning a marble or travertine table?
If you are considering a made-to-order table, we can help you choose the dimensions, stone, finish, edge profile and base design for your space.
We’ll plan it with you. Get in touch.