Is natural stone difficult to clean?
Click here for our Care and Cleaning Guide.
You'll appreciate that natural stone requires minimal care. Simply
use warm water or neutral PH cleanser. Never use an acid-based
cleanser, chemicals or abrasive on your stone.
Does natural stone stain easily?
Natural stone will not stain easily as long as it is sealed and
maintained properly.
Click here for our Care and Cleaning Guide.
How often does the stone need to be
sealed?
We recommend that your stone be sealed by a professional every five years.
What about cost?
Granite is more affordable than many people realize, generally only
5-10% higher than Corian. Click here
for a free estimate.
Should I use granite or marble or
engineered stone? Which should be
used where?
Granite is a very hard natural igneous rock formation of
visibly crystalline texture. It was once molten and formed as it
cooled deep within the earth. It consists primarily of of quartz and
orthoclase or microcline.
Minerals within
granite generally appear as small flecks throughout the stone,
creating a "salt and pepper" look. Other types have veining similar
to marble. Granite is a dense-grained, hard stone. It can be highly
polished or finished in a variety of other ways. A wide range of
colors is available. Typically, granite is used for countertops,
lavatory tops, flooring and other high-traffic areas.
Marble is a metamorphic rock which was once
limestone. After millions of years of intense heat and pressure, the
limestone softened and recrystallized. The most common uses of marble are for
fireplace facings, shower walls, tub decks, flooring and some
vanities.
Engineered stone is a man-made quartz-based
surface. It is non-porous, and therefore, does not require sealing.
For customers who prefer a uniform color pattern and a non-porous
surface, engineered stone can be a good alternative to granite or
marble. Because it is resistant to heat, mold, mildew and staining,
it is used for high-traffic areas like countertops and floors.
What is your turnaround time?
After you have selected your material and your cabinets are in
place, and your sink(s) are at the jobsite, we will come out and
template the area. Turnaround is typically 2 weeks following
templating. Be sure to read our
Stone Information Guide for
additional information.
Do you have slabs in stock?
We work closely with reputable stone suppliers in the area.
Customers can visit the supplier's showroom and select from hundreds
of beautiful stone slabs in varying colors and designs.
What do I need to bring to the supplier's showroom to select
my slabs or tile?
Bring samples of paint colors, fabrics,
cabinet finishes, carpet and wallpaper with you. Our suppliers will
assist you by working closely with your builder or designer and
coordinate your purchase through them. To receive prompt service,
it's a good idea to visit the showroom early in the morning.
What do I need to do to prepare for templating and installation
of my stone countertops?
Click here for our Stone
Information Guide. This will help to ensure a smooth
installation.
