Cutting, shaping and finishing of stone

NACE code 23.70 covers the cutting, shaping, and finishing of stone, a critical industry that supports a wide range of construction, architectural, and decorative applications. This industry plays a vital role in the broader economy, providing essential materials for infrastructure, buildings, monuments, and various other stone-based products. The skilled work of stone cutting and finishing transforms raw stone into valuable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing materials that are in high demand across numerous sectors.

The main production techniques used in the cutting, shaping, and finishing of stone involve a combination of manual and automated processes. Stone is typically extracted from quarries using heavy machinery, then transported to specialized workshops where it undergoes a series of cutting, shaping, and polishing steps. These may include sawing, grinding, honing, and buffing to achieve the desired size, shape, and surface finish, depending on the intended application.

The primary inputs for the stone cutting and finishing industry include raw stone materials, such as granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone, which are sourced from quarries. Additionally, the industry relies on specialized machinery, including saws, grinders, and polishing equipment, as well as abrasives, lubricants, and other consumable supplies necessary for the various production stages.

The main outputs of the stone cutting and finishing industry are a diverse range of stone-based products, including building materials (e.g., tiles, slabs, and blocks), architectural elements (e.g., columns, fountains, and sculptures), and decorative items (e.g., countertops, flooring, and statues). These outputs are then consumed by a variety of other NACE codes, such as 41.20 Construction of residential and non-residential buildings, 42.11 Construction of roads and motorways, and 31.01 Manufacture of office and shop furniture.