Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a comprehensive range of services to meet all your home improvement needs, including:

– Countertops: We provide a selection of high-quality materials, including granite, quartz, and marble, ensuring beautiful and durable surfaces for your kitchen and bathroom.
– Cabinets: Our custom cabinetry solutions are tailored to maximize space and complement the style of your home.
– Flooring: Choose from a variety of flooring options such as hardwood, tiles, and luxury vinyl to enhance the look and feel of your spaces.
– Sinks: We offer a wide range of sink options, from stainless steel to integrated designs, to suit any kitchen or bathroom layout.
– Countertop Repair: Our expert repair services can restore your countertops to their original condition, addressing chips, cracks, and wear.
– Countertop Fabrication: We specialize in the precise fabrication of countertops, customizing each piece to meet your specific design and functional needs.
– Design: Our design services help you realize your vision for your space, ensuring that every element works harmoniously for a cohesive and functional design.

Whatever your project, we are here to provide expert advice and high-quality craftsmanship to transform your home.

Our quotes are figured by the project utilizing a rough, measured sketch provided by you. The sketch doesn’t need to be pretty, it just needs to indicate sizes, walls, appliances, and where you want the sink placed. You don’t even need to have a color chosen yet as we can provide a quote to you based on a “Preferred” or higher series of stone and/or quartz. You will see the layout, sizes, rooms itemized, sinks, etc. in an easy to follow format. Your quote will show detailed information that will reflect the true price of the project.
Our quotes are figured by the project so when you get our price it will be all-inclusive with your template, fabrication, cut-outs, edges, installation, and even taxes. Providing all-inclusive quotes gives you the peace of mind to know that you won’t be surprised with a final bill that doesn’t match the approved quote.
The sales associates at the big-box stores are not stone experts. They may not be able to answer all your questions or offer unique solutions for complex custom kitchen countertops. Even though they are friendly and doing their best, they just know enough basic sales information to close the deal and give your specs to the subcontracted companies that will actually do the cutting and installation.
Our templating process is done with a digital laser for exact measurements avoiding the errors associated with stick or manual measurements. A high-resolution picture is taken of the slab and uploaded with the digital template during the programming phase. This allows for exact nesting of two pieces showing veining, patterns, seams and other stone movement so that a seamless look is achieved. All of our stone is cut on a digital water jet saw which ensures complete accuracy, precision and superb use of material. After the stone is cut, it is ready for the CNC machine. Edges are shaped and polished by a set of multiple tools and polishers for a high-quality edge. Seams are also run on the CNC machine to produce an extremely tight seam where manual seams can sometimes leave a larger gap.

Granite is mined from the ground, cut into slabs, and polished to a beautiful luster. Quartz countertop is a man-made material that incorporates small pieces of natural quartz (and occasionally other natural materials like granite) with resin and then poured into a mold and pressed into slabs.

Granite provides a more natural appearance with many color choices and options that allow for a lot of movement and veining or more of a “speckled” look to complement your aesthetic. Because it is a natural stone, there is a level of maintenance that needs to be performed. Once a year it is advised to reseal the surface of your countertops. While this sounds intimidating and time consuming, all that is really required is for you to spray the sealer on your countertop, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe it off … it’s really that easy. The benefit of using a stone for your countertop, though, is that you can chop your vegetables on it, then take your hot pan off the stove and place it directly on your countertop.

Quartz is a man-made material which allows for consistency in color and movement meaning there is little to no variation within each slab or even between slabs. Quartz is easy to maintain and is stain resistant. Because of the resins used in the production of quartz, it is not advised to put hot pans directly on the countertop.

If you are considering installing granite, quartzite, or any other type of natural stone kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity, it is important to understand that pits and fissures are part of the stone’s natural structure and there may always be these tiny spaces in the deposits of mineral crystals that makes each slab unique … they are in no way a structural defect. Pitting is an intrinsic feature and part of the unique characteristics that make up each natural stone, and it bears repeating that their presence in no way impairs its durability or appearance. When any natural stone is polished, pitting and fissuring will inevitably occur. Most pitting and fissuring is so microscopic that people don’t even notice these irregularities. And for larger ones, they can be filled with an epoxy.

Carefully review the slabs that are available and understand that the natural pitting present on the surface is what distinguishes highly sought-after natural stone from man-made or manufactured material.

The very pretty shimmer and translucent areas in natural stone is caused by mica minerals. These areas can sometimes be snagged with a cloth or flake off but in no way compromise the countertop. These occur naturally and provide the unique beauty within each natural stone slab.

Bacteria require several things in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, sunlight, water, nutrients, and substrate on which to form. The minerals found in granite are toxic to most bacteria. As a result, granite is not habitable environment for bacteria to live and grow. The Marble Institute of America has conducted independent research on bacteria growth on all countertop materials. Granite ranked first in cleanability and was second only to stainless steel in inhibiting bacteria growth.

A popular surface for kitchen counter tops today is engineered stone. Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are extremely tough, easy to maintain, heat resistant and have a number of other beneficial properties. Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are made mainly from rock particles with a little resin and pigment added.

Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are becoming a very popular choice in today’s kitchen and provide many advantages. Firstly, they are very strong and durable which is often an important consideration in many kitchens. They are also easy to install and flexible. Engineered stone kitchen counter tops are resistant to scratches, heat and burns and are very easily maintained. You can also choose a color and style that best suits your kitchen from the more natural-looking engineered stone to pastel shades.

As a rule of thumb, we can go 12” total overhang before the use of corbels or support post are required. Ask about our steel support straps that hug underneath the stone so they cannot be seen or obstruct chairs.
No, a commodity color/stone is abundant on earth and therefore demand and supply are within reason and pricing is therefore lower. Trends have a tendency to move pricing (if demand goes up, then price goes up) however, from a durability standpoint the commodity colors are highly durable (more so than even some stones that are in the exotic or super exotic category).

To care for your granite countertop, wipe it daily with a soft cloth and mild detergent, and immediately clean up spills to prevent stains. Use cutting boards and trivets to protect the surface from scratches and heat damage. Regularly check the sealant’s effectiveness; granite should be sealed annually to prevent staining and bacteria growth. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and placing excessive weight on your countertop to maintain its beauty and integrity over time.

To maintain your quartz countertop, clean it regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface. Immediate cleaning of spills, particularly those that are acidic or oily, will help prevent stains. Though quartz is durable and resistant to scratches, it’s wise to use cutting boards and trivets to safeguard against potential damage from sharp objects and hot cookware. Unlike natural stone, quartz doesn’t require sealing, making it easier to maintain. By following these simple care tips, your quartz countertop will continue to look pristine and function beautifully in your space.

Caring for marble countertops requires a bit more attention due to marble’s porous nature and susceptibility to etching and staining. Daily cleaning should be done with a soft cloth and mild, pH-neutral detergent to avoid damaging the surface. Immediate clean-up of spills, especially acidic substances like lemon juice, wine, and vinegar, is crucial to prevent etching. Use coasters under all glasses and trivets under hot dishes to protect the surface. Regular sealing is recommended, typically every 3-6 months, to help prevent stains and moisture absorption. Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads that can scratch the marble. By adhering to these care guidelines, your marble countertop can retain its luxurious appearance for years to come.

Granite is an organic substance and just as no two people are exactly alike, no two samples of granite will be either. The composition of minerals and the deposit it was quarried from all play a part in the appearance of granite.
No. None of the research studies of granite countertops has ever identified a single stone that possess any significant health threat. There have been numerous and extensive scientific studies conducted, many funded and supervised by the U.S. government, that confirm there is no meaningful risk. Visit www.marble-institute.com for the latest information and studies on radon.
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