FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When it comes to stone countertops, surrounds, and stone work, there are many aspects of this discipline that are unfamiliar to those who don't deal with these projects every day. Please review the frequently asked questions below and if there's something that is not covered, please don't hesitate to give us a call and someone from our team will be glad to speak with you.
What is difference between Quartz and Natural Stone? -Natural stones are stones that are pulled from the Earth. Stones commonly used are Granite, Marble, or Quartzite. Each time a block of stone is quarried or cut from the earth is unique to itself. -Quartz is a man made product that is produced to be as identical as possible to the last manufactured slab under the same name. Designs do not change commonly, but have been known to change over several years in small ways.
What is a template, and why do I need one? -A template is a way that we can generate an exact size of your countertops based on your cabinets. This allows us to provide a countertop that looks the best and is consistent with its appearance. -A template will also allow us to ‘scribe’ the countertops to the contours of the walls in your home. -You do not always need a template for projects that are handled by professionals, but 99% of the time even professionals request a template because it ensures the countertops will look the absolute best they can.
What is a ‘Scribe’? -When we scribe to the walls in your home, this means that we cut or contour the countertops to the “flow” of the wall. Because there are not completely “Flat” or “Straight” walls in anyone’s home, a scribed countertop assures the smallest gaps possible.
How long does it take to install a countertop? -Each install is different, but each install generally only takes a few hours to do. An install can range from 1 hour to 5 hours depending on the complexity of the countertops and the amount of rooms that are getting countertops. -If you would like to know the specifics of your install, please contact your project manager or feel free to ask us when we schedule your install arrival time.
What is Sealer and what its purpose? -Sealer is a chemical that is applied to porous stones such as granite, marble, and quartzite. -The main purpose of sealer is to help prevent the growth of bacteria and help prevent stains from penetrating into the pores of the stone. -Sealer does have a limited lifespan and does differ from solution to solution. -We purposely use a multi-year sealer to provide peace of mind to our customers, but if you aren’t getting your countertops from us. You should absolutely ask how long your sealer is intended to last for, as some sealers are only good for a single year.
Can I and how do I seal my countertops? -If you have natural stone countertops, you do want to make sure you keep them sealed to prevent the absorption of fluids. -Although, it does cost, you can purchase sealer and reseal your countertops once a year.