Posted on Leave a comment

Stone FAQs

Q? Will I get to see the actual slabs my counters will be cut from?
Yes, you have the opportunity to see the entire slab(s) and voice your opinion of what you like best about the slab so that we may accentuate the best characteristics for you.

Q? Do you sub out any portion of your work?
No, our professionals complete the entire process from quoting and selection of slabs, to template, fabrication and installation.

Q? Who will template my job?
One of our two highly skilled and experienced installers actually templates your counters. That same gentleman returns to install your tops, giving you a familiar face and personality as well as bringing a familiarity of your project to the installation. We find that this sets us apart from other companies.

Q? Do you have slabs in your yard to look at or just samples?
We have over 60 different colors of marble, granite, soapstone, travertine, slate and quartz that can be viewed in slab form in our yard. We also have a full array of samples in our showroom for color selections.

Q? Will I have a seam in my kitchen?
Seams are common in many kitchens. We strive for the largest pieces a slab can yield without seams wherever possible. Access into the home and transporting the pieces for your project will be taken into consideration when deciding if you will have a seam.

Q? Will I see the seam?
Yes, when butting two pieces of slab material together you have a visible joint. The material color is matched with a resin to bond the seam together and the counters will be leveled and flat to ensure the seam is inconspicuous. You will be able to see and fell the joint, however our talented installers produce high quality color matches and tight joints between the two pieces of stone.

Posted on Leave a comment

Countertop Materials

Granite: Granite has been valued for millennia for its beauty and durability. It was used in ancient Egypt to build pyramids and continues to grace today's kitchen designs. It is a unique stone in both appearance and structure that continues to meet the demands of discerning homeowners. With minimal maintenance and hundreds of colors granite is one of the most popular countertop materials used to date.

Marble: Marble is an excellent material for bathrooms and kitchens. It offers a warm, classic look unparalleled by other stones. From modern to country-casual, marble can bring your room to another level. There are important factors when considering marble which include finish, texture, hardness and patina. Our professional staff can guide you through the process of deciding whether or not, marble is right for your project.

Soapstone: Soapstone has been used as a countertop material for centuries and continues to be a desired medium. Soapstone’s rich color and veining and non-porous surface makes it a natural pick. Farm sinks are fabricated from the same slab material as the counters, with pitched bottoms and recessed drains. Soapstone can be left natural, treated with mineral oil or a soapstone wax. There are approximately 6 different types of soapstone on display at all times, ranging from black to light shades of green and varying degrees of veining.

Travertine: Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs. It tends to be neutral grey, tan or white making it a great choice to pair with tile for vanities and shower shelves, seats and caps. Travertine is available in vein-cut which shows a defined linear pattern or in cross-cut which gives the stone a soft swirl with slight color transition.

Serpentine: Serpentine has a look of marble yet is harder and less porous than many types of granite. It is a favorite of architects, designers and fabricators, and has been specified for interior and exterior use on numerous domestic and international projects since the early 1900s. Serpentine is available in honed, antiqued and polished finish.

Slate: Slate countertops can be used in kitchens and bathrooms. This versatile stone can be used as landscape material as well. With an extremely low absorption rate, slate is stain resistant and anti-bacterial. Scratches are easily rubbed out.

Quartzite: Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. With a marble-like appearance and hardness similar to granite this material makes a good choice for any countertop. Quartzite will etch like a marble so considerations should be made regarding wear and patina.

Bluestone: Most commonly used for exterior caps, treads and steps, bluestone has a neutral blue-grey coloration that pairs well with many designs. Inside your home, bluestone can be used for hearths, mantels and other decorative tops.