Homeowner Questions
How Do I Get Started?
Call us to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our designers! We’ll discuss your project needs in detail and view material samples.
What should I bring to my appointment?
We ask that you bring cabinet drawings and/or blueprints and any other elements in your design that you are trying to coordinate with, tile samples, cabinet color, flooring, etc.
What if I am keeping my existing cabinets?
We ask that you make a rough sketch of your space with dimensions and bring in pictures of your existing space. See our example drawing to get you started!
I’m not working with a contractor, what services do you offer?
We’re happy to walk you through the construction process and what to expect. Still, we highly recommend working through a contractor or professional who can organize and facilitate the necessary trade partners to execute your project as smoothly as possible.
As your countertop fabricator, we template, cut, and install your new countertops. We are able to remove your existing countertops, but you are responsible for coordinating and facilitating any plumbing, electrical, or touch-up work.
How long until my countertops get installed?
Once you have finalized your material selection, we will get a signed copy of your estimate and a 50% deposit to secure the material and schedule you for the template. If you are getting new cabinets, we will schedule your template based on your cabinet installation schedule—the more advance notice you can give us, the better. If you keep your existing cabinets and make no modifications, we can schedule your template for our first available date. Once we template, we are typically back 10-14 business days later to install.
General Questions
What information do I need for an estimate?
For an accurate estimate, we need your personal information, including name, address, phone number, fax number and/or email address. We would also need a sketch or drawing with specific dimensions of the areas you want to be quoted, along with edge type, if possible (see edge profiles), backsplash height (if any), sink type (top mount versus undermount), and name of the material, if possible. We typically quote Level I granite with a standard flat edge profile if you don’t know the specifics. You can fax, email, or bring in the information. When you visit our showroom, bringing samples such as cabinet, flooring, and paint often proves to help make granite selections.
Can I cut on my Granite countertop?
You can. Granite is tough and can withstand even the sharpest knives. It’s not a good thing for your knives, though. They can get dull in as little as one use. We recommend using a wooden or plastic cutting board.
Can my granite top be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high-impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp-tipped hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. The heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
Is installation included in the quote?
Unless otherwise requested, installation is always included in our pricing. We provide templating, fabrication, sealing, delivery, and installation of our countertops. If it is a small project and you want to attempt the templating and installation yourself, typically for a single vanity top or tabletop, please specify, and we will price accordingly. We do not warranty such installations.
My little sample of granite has pits on the surface, will I have these on my kitchen counters?
Granite, which is crystalline in its structure, often has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. It’s hard to see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite centuries ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of nature does not, therefore should not, be expected to look man-made.
Can granite crack?
Not with regular use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable material.
Can granite cantilever?
You can cantilever granite with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress, like someone sitting on a counter or stepping on a counter to change a light bulb.
Can granite be repaired?
It is hard to damage granite. If any damage occurs it can sometimes be fixed with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of granite. Each situation is approached on an individual basis, under a separate contract.
How are the edges of the granite finished?
Using the specific diamond router bit, the edges are cut. The edges are then polished using eight different diamond polishing discs. A variety of edge treatments are available, including custom drop-down edges and aprons.
How does granite compare to other products as far as durability and hardness?
Since hardness is often a factor in how a product is suitable for a particular project, it becomes necessary to determine how hard a product actually is. The scale which is used is the Measurement of Hardness Scale (MOHS) scale. The object of the MOHS scale is to measure stone resistance to hardness. When sediment and grit are harder than the surface, they will scratch and harm the stone. The harder the stone, the more resistant it is to abrasion. On a scale of 1-10 on the MOHS scale, granite is around 7.5, yet varies by stone.
Do granite seams show?
Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10 feet long, you will most likely end up with seams. Our goal is to have as few seams as possible. Some granites will show seams more than others. We strive to make them as inconspicuous as possible.
Does granite stain?
Most natural stones are porous to some degree. Granite has very little porosity. Most colors will not show moisture. A few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter for 30 minutes for some colors, may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This spot will then dry up and no evidence will show. Only a few colors demonstrate this trait. Our countertops are sealed in our shop, using professional products, unless otherwise noted, such as when using Soapstone. We recommend sealing the countertops once per year and offer instruction upon request.
How is Granite formed?
Granite is an igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture. It is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts off as liquid magma deep within the Earth’s core where it is cooled and compressed over millions of years under tons of pressure. It is then quarried, cut and polished. After that process it can be applied in various ways like kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, tub surrounds and other custom applications.
Is granite expensive?
The cost of granite counters can vary a lot depending on the color, edge profile and custom shapes used in the layout. Our pricing is very competitive and hard to surpass, considering the total value of our vast experience and services.
Care Questions
Natural Stone Care Do’s & Do not’s
• Do use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices.
• Do use mats under hot dishes or cookware.
• Do use place mats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that may scratch your stone’s surface.
• Do place a small rug or mat at entryways to trap dirt and sand from normal foot traffic.
• Do dust countertops, islands, vanities and floors frequently.
• Do blot up spills immediately to minimize permanent damage to the stone.
• Do clean surfaces by wiping with hot water with Dawn dish soap or Lustro Italiano, then wiping dry with a clean cloth.
• Do not use vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners.
• Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub and tile cleaners.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• Do not use alkaline cleaners, not specifically formulated for natural stone.
How do I clean my granite countertop?
Granite can be cleaned with any mild cleaner, such as warm water with dish soap. You can also purchase a daily granite cleaner.