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August 18, 2025

From the Quarry to Your Kitchen

Blog

From the Quarry to Your Kitchen: How Armina Stone Brings the World’s Finest Materials Home

By Kelli Rau

Armina Stone

At Armina Stone, we believe your countertops should tell a story—one that begins in the hills of Brazil, the mountains of Italy, and the quarries of Turkey, and ends in your kitchen or bath. Whether you’re seeking custom quartz countertop installation in Pittsburgh, PA, or are exploring new ways to elevate your home’s interior, our team curates every slab with care, craftsmanship, and a global perspective.

Hand-Selected Stones from Around the World

Our founder and CEO, Emre Basman, travels the globe to source extraordinary materials that meet the highest standards of beauty and durability. From the rich quartzites of Brazil to the timeless marbles of Carrara, Italy, we go directly to the source—building long-standing relationships with quarry owners and inspecting every block before it ever reaches our showroom floor.

This hands-on approach ensures every piece we offer—whether it’s granite from Spain or marble in Pittsburgh, PA—meets not only global design trends but also the needs and styles of our local markets.

Designing for Pittsburgh and Beyond

We’ve noticed a shift happening across Western Pennsylvania. While classic styles remain popular, more homeowners are embracing bold, expressive stone—particularly granite countertop installations in Cranberry Township and quartz countertop installation in Robinson, PA. Whether it’s a striking bookmatched wall, a sculptural kitchen island, or a fireplace that serves as a true centerpiece, the demand for unique natural materials is on the rise.

Meanwhile, our expansion to Florida has revealed entirely different design preferences. In Miami, vibrant colors, dramatic veining, and exotic marbles reflect the city’s dynamic style. That regional awareness helps us select the right inventory for every showroom and every client.

Not Just Stone—A Full-Service Design Experience

Choosing Armina Stone means more than picking out a slab. It’s working with an experienced team that understands installation, design, and lifestyle. From helping you visualize a granite countertop in Pittsburgh to managing every step of your quartz counter installation in Cranberry, PA, our experts make the process seamless.

We’re proud to support homeowners, interior designers, and builders with full-service fabrication and installation, right here in Pennsylvania. Our fabrication facility is among the most advanced in the region, which means we can ensure quality at every stage—from sourcing to the final polish.

Every Slab Has a Story

Behind every countertop is a journey that starts far from home and ends with a space that reflects your taste, your life, and your goals. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, designing a spa-like bath, or creating a showstopping feature wall, we’re here to bring your vision to life—one expertly selected slab at a time.

Want to see where our stones begin their journey? Explore behind-the-scenes footage of our recent buying trips.

Ready to Get Started?

Visit any of our showrooms in Cheswick, Robinson, and Cranberry Township, or connect with us online to explore our current inventory. We’re proud to offer granite, quartz, and marble installation at all Armina Stone locations, backed by expert service, world-class sourcing, and a commitment to excellence in every project.

May 4, 2023

Armina Stone Featured in Architectural Digest

Armina Stone is thrilled to be featured in Architectural Digest May 2023 issue. Armina Stone was recognized as a premiere company in the region, and was selected for a feature opportunity. We are honored to be aligned with such a prestigious publication in the world of architecture and design.

April 25, 2023

HealthCorps

Since its founding 20 years ago, HealthCorps has been empowering young people across the country to be change agents in their own communities and to care for their social, emotional and physical health. With 50% of teens now experiencing mental health challenges, HealthCorps resources are more critical than ever. Along with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Armina Stone is supporting the effort to change the trajectory of the mental health crisis teens are facing and help raise funds to equip young people in Pittsburgh to be leaders and provide them with the tools to live a longer, healthier life. Over the years, HealthCorps has raised $80mm, served 2.5 million kids nationally and thousands in Pennsylvania.

April 20, 2023

UPMC Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund

Armina Stone has served as a longtime sponsor of Pittsburgh Magazine’s Ultimate House project, which has raised more than $370,000 for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Free Care Fund since its inception in 2015.

April 20, 2023

AHN Wexford Hospital

We believe in supporting the communities we work in. AHN Wexford Hospital is a new state-of-the-art hospital in the heart of Wexford only a short distance from our Cranberry showroom. Supporting our community hospital ensures that it can continue to provide high-quality medical care and services to those who need it the most, and to help fund important research and develop initiatives.

April 20, 2023

KISSFM Stuff-A-Bus

Each Christmas season, Armina Stone partners with KISSFM to support the Marines Toys for Tots drive in Robinson Township. You can count on our team every year to deliver a truck-load of toys to stuff the buses.

April 20, 2023

Veterans Place

Our veterans made tremendous sacrifices in service to our country. Armina Stone was able to express gratitude and appreciation by outfitting stone countertops throughout the Veterans Place at Washington Boulevard – a non-profit organization that provides housing assistance for veterans in transition.

April 20, 2023

Cranberry CUP

Team Armina comes together to sponsor and compete in the annual Cranberry CUP softball tournament. The mission of the Cranberry CUP is to promote community spirit and goodwill by organizing events that provide hope, support, and encouragement to individuals and families who are experiencing life’s hardships.

April 20, 2023

EBOYZ Foundation

Armina Stone has teamed up over the last few years with former Pittsburgh Steeler, Terrell Edmunds, and his family’s EBOYZ Foundation to support causes for young kids including assembling and donating school backpacks to elementary students, and partnering for Marines Toys for Tots each holiday season.

April 20, 2023

Hope + Door

Armina Stone is proud to stand behind this wonderful cause. Hope + Door assists families to avoid homelessness when faced with an unexpected financial crisis.

April 19, 2023

Steel City Impact

Our focus is on supporting and growing a nonprofit organization Steel City Impact, which is providing “classroom-to-career” programming for students at Sto-Rox Junior/Senior High School. “Mind, body and spirit” activities include after-school tutoring, mentoring, college/career preparation, physical and mental wellness and cultivating personal development in life skills and faith.

November 4, 2021

Larissa Conner

November 4, 2021

Frank Basman

November 4, 2021

Greg Geibel

November 4, 2021

Kathy Balsamico

November 4, 2021

Emre Basman

April 15, 2021

Pittsburgh Today Live

Pittsburgh Today Live’s Mikey Hood gets a look around Armina Stone’s new location in Cranberry Township!

March 25, 2021

Countertop Retailer Armina Stone Opens Showroom in Cranberry Township

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – Armina Stone, Pittsburgh’s largest countertop retailer and fabricator, has announced the official opening of its third Pittsburgh location in Cranberry Township on Route 19.

Owned and operated by Emre Basman, the new Cranberry location is a 25,000-square-foot luxury showroom and slab warehouse housing over 400 styles and colors of natural stone and quartz from around the world.

The new facility includes a 1200 sq ft classroom-style learning center for the kitchen design community, along with a state-of-the-art media room for production of their “From the Top with Celina Pompeani” video podcast show that will begin this spring.

“We felt it was the right time to open a third location to serve a large portion of Pittsburgh North,” says Basman. “With home construction still growing strong in the area, we recognized the demand for our products and services. We are thrilled to be part of the Cranberry community.”

Armina Stone’s showrooms are located at 20701 Route 19 in Cranberry Township, Route 910 in Cheswick and The Plaza at The Pointe in Robinson. You can learn more about the showrooms, stone inventory, view remnants and receive a free estimate at https://www.arminastone.com.

# # #

Armina Stone is the premiere source for granite, marble, and quartz countertops and fabrication in Pittsburgh and Tri-state area dedicated to the design, fabrication and installation of both
residential and commercial projects. Recipient of the “Best Kitchen & Bath Supplier” from Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards and The Cosentino Group’s 2019 “Top
Fabricator in North America” Award and 2019 Smart 50 Award for Innovation, Impact and Sustainability, Armina Stone is committed to providing the highest level of quality in both
products and services. For more information or to set up an appointment call 412-406-8442.

Media Contact: Kelli Rau/ Phone 253-590-3349/ kelli@arminastone.com

January 4, 2021

Pittsburgh Television Personality Celina Pompeani is the New Face of Armina Stone

PITTSBURGH, PA – Armina Stone is proud to announce Celina Pompeani as the new face of the company. Celina will represent Armina Stone as the brand ambassador/spokesperson and will be featured in their 2021 print, digital and social media campaigns and promotional events.

Celina Pompeani, 28, has been a longtime friend and supporter of Armina Stone and has recently been named Pittsburgh’s “Best Television Personality” in 2020 by the readers of Pittsburgh
Magazine. Known for her authentic vibrant hometown charm, her passion for home and family inspired Armina Stone to collaborate.

“Now that our brand has a strong positioning in Pittsburgh, it’s time to take it to the next level and align ourselves with one of the most recognized and respected personalities in Pittsburgh,” says Emre Basman, owner of Armina Stone. “Celina exudes a positive quality and spirit that resonates with our market and her recognition expands across all demographics. This partnership is a perfect fit.”

August 10, 2020

Armina Stone Launches 11,000 Sq. Ft. Showroom Expansion and Remnant Pavilion at Cheswick Location

CHESWICK, PA – Armina Stone, Pittsburgh’s largest indoor stone gallery and fabricator, announces the opening of an additional 11,000 sq. ft. slab showroom in Cheswick. It adjoins the original stone gallery operating since 2015.

The additional space was created in response to the growing demand for granite, marble and quartz countertops in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The new slab showroom will feature more exotic levels of hand-selected natural stone and quartz from around the world. The expansion also includes a state-of-the-art conference room loft that overlooks the gallery, while new administrative and programming offices are below.

Along with the new space, an exterior pavilion was built to house and protect thousands of stone remnant pieces typically used for smaller projects. Customers can now conveniently access the
consolidated collection in one area.

“Armina Stone is continuously growing. Our current facility was bursting at the seams so we decided to take over the warehouse next door to accommodate the demand for more inventory,” says Emre Basman, owner of Armina Stone. “With this additional space, we now have over 60,000 sq. ft. of inventory with in-house fabrication and installation.”

An official unveiling and ribbon-cutting is planned for July 23, 2020 at 2pm.

Armina Stone’s Cheswick Showroom is located at 780 Route 910 and is opened Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. You can learn more about the showroom inventory,
view remnants and receive a free estimate at https://www.arminastone.com.

Armina Stone is the premiere source for granite, marble, and quartz countertops and fabrication in Pittsburgh and Tri-state area dedicated to the design, fabrication and installation of both
residential and commercial projects. Recipient of The Cosentino Group’s 2019 “Top Fabricator in North America” Award and Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Best of Design”, Armina Stone is committed to providing the highest level of quality in both products and services.

For more information or to set up an appointment call 412-406-8442.

# # #

Media Contact: Kelli Rau/ Phone 253-590-3349/ kelli@arminastone.com

April 27, 2020

House Beautiful Presents Leanne Ford Incredible Homes Featuring Armina Stone

Interior designer Leanne Ford takes viewers through her incredible Pittsburgh home featuring Armina Stone marble countertops.

October 23, 2019

Armina Stone Named Honoree 50 Smart for Pittsburgh 2019 Smart 50 Award

Gallagher is honored to partner with Smart Business to present the 2019 Pittsburgh Smart 50 Awards.

It’s humbling to learn about this year’s Smart 50 honorees and what they are doing as our region continues to set an example.

Pittsburgh is reinventing itself as an innovation hub that’s advancing health care, education, software engineering and high-tech industries, and our region remains at the forefront of development for autonomous vehicles, robotics and artificial intelligence. Plus, the center for heavy industry has replaced “smoky” with “green” for good.

All of our Smart 50 honorees are having a positive impact in the community. They are coming up with new ideas and making us more sustainable.

During Smart 50 judging day, where we heard directly from more than 30 of the honorees, it was inspirational to learn about innovation, impact and sustainability in so many different ways.

We heard about more than just new products and services, but also inclusive management styles, engaged corporate cultures and innovative approaches to leadership. We learned how they made the tough decisions as industries changed or the economy shifted. And, we were exposed to savvy leaders who are building upon the legacies of the past to write exciting new stories for their organizations’ futures.

This year’s Smart 50 honorees are from a diverse set of businesses and industries, yet they all share a passion for their work.

On behalf of the entire Western Pennsylvania Gallagher team, congratulations to each of you for your accomplishments and receiving well-deserved recognition for leading successful organizations.

September 23, 2019

KDKA’s Celina Pompeani Takes Tour of Robinson Showroom on PTL

Our team gives a tour of Robinson Showroom to KDKA’s Celina Pompeani for PTL segment. Aired

August 21, 2019

Donated Backpacks and School Supplies for Local Elementary Students

August 21, 2019
Contact: Kathy Balsamico, General Manager
Armina Stone
(412) 996-9250

NEWS ALERT: Pittsburgh Steelers Terrell and Trey Edmunds Partner with Armina Stone Thursday, August 22nd to Assemble Donated Backpacks and School Supplies for Local Elementary Students

WHAT:

On behalf of the family’s non-profit Eboyz Foundation, Terrell and Trey Edmunds of the Pittsburgh Steelers will partner with Armina Stone (Robinson) to fill 200 backpacks with school supplies for donation to Bellevue Elementary School and Avalon Elementary School students.

WHEN:

Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 5:00pm

WHERE:

Armina Stone Showroom
190 Quinn Drive
Pittsburgh, Pa 15275
(The Plaza at The Pointe)

OTHER DETAILS:

The Edmunds brothers and Armina Stone are scheduled to deliver the filled backpacks to Bellevue Elementary School on Monday, August 26 at 1:30pm. Terrell Edmunds will present the backpacks and address the school assembly.The Eboyz Foundation, Armina Stone and patrons of OfficeMax in McIntyre Square purchased the goods for donation.

The Eboyz Foundation has donated backpacks to students in their hometown of Danville, Virginia and also Buffalo, New York where third brother Tremaine Edmunds plays for the Buffalo Bills.

# # #

Armina Stone is the premiere source for granite, marble, and quartz countertops and fabrication in Pittsburgh and Tri-State area dedicated to the design, fabrication and installation of both residential and commercial projects. Recipient of The Cosentino Group’s 2019 “Top Fabricator in North America” Award and Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Best of Design”, Armina Stone is committed to providing the highest level of quality in both products and services.

March 15, 2019

Armina Stone Robinson Opening

Armina Stone Opens New Slab Showroom in Robinson Township Area
Showcasing Over 1000 Slabs from Around the World

PITTSBURGH, PA – Armina Stone, Pittsburgh’s largest indoor stone gallery and fabricator announces the opening of it’s newest 10,000 sq. ft. slab showroom located at the Plaza at the Pointe in Robinson. This location joins the Cheswick, PA facility that has been operating since 2015.

Opened in response to the growing demand for granite, marble and quartz countertops in Robinson Township and the surrounding areas, the new slab showroom is conveniently located in the heart of the Robinson shopping district. The space was designed to showcase over 1000 slabs of world-class stone selections from around the globe in a gallery-like setting. Rows of one-of-a-kind slabs include Calacatta Italian marble, leathered and honed granite and quartzite, high-level exotic collections and more. The experts at Armina Stone provide all aspects of the creative process, from stone selection and templating to fabrication and installation.

“This is an exciting time for Armina Stone. We’re starting the new year opening this beautiful new showroom so customers can have more accessibility to natural stone for their residential and
commercial projects,” says Emre Basman, owner of Armina Stone. “With this second location, we now have over 50,000 sq. ft. of inventory with in-house fabrication and installation. We’re a
one-stop shop for stone countertop solutions. If you are looking for something special for your kitchen and bath project, you will certainly find it here.”

Armina Stone’s Robinson Slab Showroom is located at 190 Quinn Drive at the Plaza at the Pointe and is opened Monday through Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sundays 12 to 5pm. You can learn more about the showroom inventory and receive a free estimate at https://www.arminastone.com.

Armina Stone is the premiere source for granite, marble, and quartz countertops and fabrication in Pittsburgh and Tri-state area dedicated to the design, fabrication and installation of both
residential and commercial projects. Recipient of The Cosentino Group’s 2019 “Top Fabricator in North America” Award and Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Best of Design”, Armina Stone is committed to providing the highest level of quality in both products and services.

For more information or to set up an appointment call 412-301-2500.

# # #

Media Contact: Kelli Rau/ Phone 253-590-3349/ kelli@arminastone.com

April 17, 2018

KDKA Smooth Moves

April 13, 2018

Armina Stone on The Who is Who Building & Construction Magazine

No Stone Left Unturned: Armina Stone Sets New Standards With Capacity and Care

Since opening Armina Stone in 2015, CEO/founder Emre Basman (back right) and his team, Kathy Balsamico, General Manager (back left), Mike Renaldi, Operations Manager (front left) and Taylor Noe, Sales Manager (front right), continue to outpace their ambitious business goals in terms of revenue and customer base, for the import, fabrication and installation retail company.

Camped out on a mountain peak in Italy’s Apuan Alps in northern Tuscany, Emre Basman knew he’d found a focus for his entrepreneurial heart. At the time, the then 25-year-old was a buyer for a stone company in the U.S.

“As a representative for this company, I traveled the world meeting quarry owners,” says Basman. “I often slept at the top of mountains where the world’s top quarries are located in order to be the first to pick the best stones for our customers. The first years were a learning process, very challenging, but I enjoyed it a lot.”

It was one of many adventures that Basman would embark on over the next few years, as he learned all he could about the stone business from selection to installation, built relationships and shaped his vision for his own operation that would become Armina Stone.

The Armina Stone family.

A Place to Call Home

Soon after earning his business degree in 2001, Basman began his career as a buyer in the specialty building supplies space.

A few years later, while earning his MBA, he took the first step toward independence when he bought four containers of slab, each container holding about 42 slabs, from a supplier in Turkey. He then sold them to fabricators, all the while learning about the fabrication and installation process. He further worked at Europa Stone for a few years and then opened Stone & Tile Expo, a distribution center in Chantilly, Virginia, in 2008. In 2014, he moved to Pittsburgh, ready to venture in a new direction.

He says, “I chose Pittsburgh because of its underlying resilience. To survive, the city has had to go through a major transition from a predominantly steel and industrial city to one that is now known for information technology, finance and health-care expertise, to name a few. It caught my eye. I got in touch with the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the University of Pittsburgh economic development department to develop a business plan for my company.”

Basman also joined the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh and now serves on its board. At the same time, he formed the Pittsburgh-based Stone & Tile Expo wholesale operation located in an 11,000-square-foot warehouse and set out to build relationships in the community.

Beyond the Supply Chain

By 2015, Basman was ready to establish his vision, Armina Stone, as an import, fabrication and installation retail company.

Today, Armina Stone is Pittsburgh’s largest stone gallery and Basman is well on his way to building a dominant presence as a premier stone importer, fabricator and installer in the Northeast. Only three years old, Armina Stone boasts over 5,000 slabs and almost 500 colors and serves a diversified customer base that ranges from small residential customers to high-rise condos and commercial buildings to big box commercial ventures. His company’s work has been featured on high-profile television and in print media, such as HGTV and Pittsburgh Magazine’s Ultimate House.

While the products and services are certainly remarkable, it’s Basman’s energy that is immediately visible to all those who visit his warehouse or talk with his talented team.

Not long after forming the company, he hired Kathy Balsamico as the Accounts Manager. She recalls, “Emre was looking for someone with industry knowledge, sales experience and accounting skills. I really liked his energy and his potential in the market. There wasn’t anyone doing what he wanted to do in terms of scope and scale for wholesale and retail supply, fabrication and installation in the stone business.”

With more than 30 years in the stone business, Balsamico soon took over as General Manager of Armina Stone. Around the same time, Basman hired Mike Renaldi, a contractor with more than 20 years of experience, as his Operations Manager to handle the construction side of the business.

Renaldi says, “I met Emre when my former company refurbished his warehouse. He needed someone to handle the logistics of installs, which ranged from small rehabs to new construction. The company atmosphere just felt good. So many companies, especially ones as large as Emre’s were becoming, treat employees like numbers. With Armina Stone, I feel like I’m part of and contributing to something bigger.”

Two other members of his team include Taylor Noe, Sales Manager, who has a degree in Interior Design and Dave Nowak, the Fabrication Manager with over 15 years of experience running a fabrication shop.

In 2016, Basman, with help from his expert team, expanded the warehouse and fabrication shop from 11,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet and bought another 100 containers of stone products—including granite, soapstone, travertine, quartz and marble—from Italy, Spain, Brazil, Turkey and India. He also built a slab showroom alongside the warehouse.

As well, Basman made a huge investment in technology for his fabrication shop, including robotic technology, waterjets, CNC machines and LT55 laser templates—all managed by Randy Morgan, one of Basman’s first employees. Morgan is a 19-year veteran of fabrication operations and serves as the firm’s Robotics and CNC Manager.

“Most fabricators don’t have the array of machines that we have,” explains Morgan. “Stone fabrication is all about precision. Manual cutting simply can’t achieve the curves and shapes that some of our customers require within the cost and schedule requirements. Our robots and waterjets can cut to within one-sixteenth of an inch and our CNC routers polish edges to an extraordinary shine.”

“We set goals and work hard to achieve those objectives—and we’re just beginning.”

Emre Basman, CEO and Founder, Armina Stone

Reaching Ever Higher

A year ago, Basman and his team had to expand the warehouse again from 40,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet to accommodate the growing number of colors and styles. In the last year, the company has doubled revenue.

Just as important to Basman is the “feel” of the company. Armina Stone currently employs 60 people, who all know Basman by first name. He has local inspectors on retainer in Brazil, Italy, Spain and Turkey who send him pictures of products and samples to consider for purchase. He also travels to the international tile and stone conferences to meet with quarry owners, who have become his friends and colleagues.

Balsamico explains, “Emre runs Armina Stone like a small company, like a family, which I believe benefits our people and his customers. Every customer is greeted by him or by his leadership team.”

Basman, just 40 years old, has plans to further grow the company. He says, “Right now, our operation can satisfy any customer’s needs, from a homeowner on a budget to someone looking for an exotic, one-of-a-kind work of art, to a developer building a large complex. There is no job that we cannot do. We set goals and work hard to achieve those objectives—and we’re just beginning.”

Basman and his team have already taken steps to double revenue in 2018 by expanding their customer base beyond the Northeast, just as Basman envisioned while sitting on top of that mountain in Tuscany 15 years ago.

September 18, 2017

Armina Stone on KDKA Showcase Pittsburgh

Incase you missed it, the team from Armina Stone paid a visit to Showcase Pittsburgh. Emre (Founder and CEO) and Taylor (Sales Manager) talks how the company came to fruition and the beautiful work we have to offer!