Q: I’m interested in getting a quote. What do I need to do?
A: We will need a drawing showing approximate layout and measurements for your project. This can be provided in person with a showroom visit or emailed directly to our showroom. Some information to include:
Do you know what type of material you want? Quartz, Granite, Soapstone, Quartzite, etc? It’s ok if you don’t… our showroom staff is trained to assist you with the color choices.
Do you need/want a matching stone backsplash? The average height is 4”, but can be customized.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in a tile backsplash - our staff can provide options as well.
What type of sink do you plan to use? Undermount, Drop-In, Farmhouse/Apron?
What type of stove do you plan to use? Slide-in or Free-Standing Range, Drop-In Cooktop, Flush-Mount Cooktop?
What is the actual size of your island top – including overhang?
Where is your project located?
When do you need your project installed by?
If a hearth, tub surround or similar, what is the base the material will be affixed to?
What type of edge do you want?
Q: I’ve never had counters installed. What can I expect for the process?
A: Here’s the general outline of a project:
Contact showroom for quote, providing general measurements and layout
Select material, procure sink(s), faucet(s), etc
Onsite laser template is scheduled once all cabinets are installed, sinks are onsite (and, if farmhouse/apron sink, installed), and any cooktop, faucets – anything that will need to be cut into the stone -- are onsite. The template appointment averages about an hour. The technician will laser measure all areas affected as well as the sinks, etc. They may need to take sink, cooktop, etc to the shop to finalize template. They will also help finalize onsite decisions like radius corners, overhangs and seam placement(s).
Q: What type of edges can I have?
A: This will depend on your final stone choice. We have the equipment available to provide a number of different edge options including custom edges; however, our favorite and included option is an eased edge. This edge is essentially flat on the face, with a slight rounding at the top and bottom transition to the stone surface. Pricing for all other edge choices will depend on the material choice and edge complexity.
Q: I plan to reuse my existing cabinets. Will you take off the existing top?
A: We can absolutely remove and dispose of existing tops when we come to install your new tops. Pricing is based on the type of material and original installation method. Please note: if you plan to use a farmhouse/apron sink, the tops will need to be removed by someone else in order for the sink to be installed.
Q: I want to use a farmers sink with my existing cabinets. What do I need to know?
A: Farmhouse/apron sinks are affixed to the cabinets and must be installed BEFORE a template can be scheduled. If you have existing cabinets that were not made for a farmhouse/apron sink, a carpenter will likely need to customize your sink cabinet in order to fit the sink.
Q: I want to have an oversized overhang for my peninsula or island. What is the deepest it can be without extra support?
A: This will depend on the final stone choice. For many granites, the recommended maximum without support is 8”. Some stone or quartz options may be able to go 12”. Supports must be installed before we can install the stone. If installing supports, it is recommended a support be put every 4’.
Q: Do you supply sinks or faucets?
A: We can supply C-Tech sinks. Cost varies based on the selected option. While not our focus, we have found the Italian stainless steel company C-Tech to be 100% reliable over the several decades we have worked with them. We have a few other options, but the exceptional quality, durability and sleek design makes the C-Tech our brand of choice. You can view the available options at the only authorized distributor of CTech here: Chemcore - C-Tech Sinks
We do not supply faucets.
Q: I want to have tile backsplash installed with my counters. Do you provide that?
A: Yes. To provide a quote and confirm our staff availability, we will need a tile choice, general area measurements and a timeline. Tile can be viewed and purchased through our showroom, or you can supply your own. Often the tile can be installed on the same day as the countertops.
Q: What is the difference between Granite and Quartz?
A: Not all options from each category are created equal, but the chart shows what you can expect in general.
Often the decision between quartz and granite comes down to 2 things: Look and slab size. We can assist you in determining the right fit for your project.
Q: How do I maintain my stone?
A: This depends on the type of stone.
Quartz:
Cleaning: Generally ok for most cleaners, BUT in rare cases, a cleaning chemical reacts with the 7% glue/resin/dye of the material to create a cloudy look in the surface of the material – once this chemical reaction occurs there is no way to reverse it. To avoid this, follow manufacturer recommendations and use a test area with new cleaners.
Deep Cleaning: Magic Eraser and/or Bar Keepers Friend/Soft Scrub (non-abrasive) will remove color transfer.
Long Term Maintenance: N/A
Natural Stone (Granite/Quartzite/Marble/Limestone):
Cleaning: Soap and water or a cleaner made for natural stone, like Revitalizer by Laticrete/Stonetech.
Deep Cleaning: A stone cleaner like KlenzAll by Laticrete/Stonetech.
A poultice like Oil Stain Remover by Laticrete/Stonetech may be able to extract recent oil stains. Use caution and follow all cleaning product directions very closely.Long Term Maintenance: If polished you will want to seal the stone as needed. Flicking a few beads of water on the stone will help you determine if sealing is needed. Beading and slow absorption is fine whereas quick absorption indicates a need for sealing.
If honed or leathered and aged – you may need to re-age after 15-20 years, depending on wear.
If honed or leathered and NOT aged – you will want to seal very regularly.
SoapstonE:
Cleaning: Soap and water or a cleaner made for natural stone, like Revitalizer by Laticrete/Stonetech.
Deep Cleaning: A stone cleaner like KlenzAll by Laticrete/Stonetech.
A poultice like Oil Stain Remover by Laticrete/Stonetech may be able to extract recent oil stains. Use caution and follow all cleaning product directions very closely.Long Term Maintenance: If honed you will want to seal or wax the stone as needed. Similar to granite, flicking a few beads of water on the stone will help you determine if sealing is needed. Beading and slow absorption is fine whereas quick absorption indicates a need for sealing.
If honed or leathered and aged – you may need to re-age after 15-20 years, depending on wear.
If honed or leathered and NOT aged – you will want to seal very regularly.