Frequently Asked Questions

We charge by the square foot and that price can include… material available at our facility, the fabrication work (including cutting and polishing), the templating process, and the installation. We are happy to provide quotes at no charge or obligation.

If a unique color is wanted, we work with many granite slab wholesalers, giving us an advantage, allowing us the ability to find the right color that fits your needs.

For the most accurate quote, we ask that you send us the cabinet layout, the type of sink you are planning on using and stove or cook top information. If possible, show on your drawing any areas that have more than a 1 ½ “ overhang and areas that require backsplash. We can give you a price in three ranges, which cover 90% of the colors we carry. We also carry nearly 1,000 remnants that can be used on smaller projects at a substantial savings.

You can use just about any kind of sink. Most customers tend to use under mount sinks, at least in the kitchen. If you choose to use cast iron your cabinet installer or carpenter will have to provide extra support under the sink.

Our company seals the granite after the installation process has been completed. This allows us one final inspection and will leave the countertop clean and safe to use. We have sampled numerous sealers over the years and use what we believe is the best available. Some granite may need a more aggressive impregnator, which is often overlooked by fabricators without experience. We recommend that countertops be resealed approximately every 1 to 2 years. You can however do it more often if you like.

Sealing is not a difficult task and can be done in 2 or 3 hours. If you like an extremely smooth feel to your granite, apply a stone polish to your countertop from time to time. Polish will also help restrict the absorption of various spills. Note: This is a liquid polish (a product, not a process) that is applied to the original, naturally derived polish.

We can fabricate and install 4” high or full height backsplash.

We can also help in your selection of tile (Travertine, Glass, Porcelain, Split Face Granite Tile which we custom make in our shop, very unique and in demand) or other backsplash material installed.

Slabs are laid on huge mill beds and are naturally polished by wheels with finer and finer diamonds and abrasives. The final glossy finish is a process, not a product, which is achieved by buffing with a very fine powder-like aluminum oxide under very high pressure. Some granite during the polishing process will have fissures and pits exposed. Tiny fissures and pits are very common in granite and are due to the way igneous stone is formed. Granite is a composition of colored feldspar, white quartz and black ferromagnesian minerals. “Pitting” in the granite is simply where perhaps a small crystalline quartz void occurs; it is not a sign that the granite is deteriorating and seldom gets worse.

Yes, as you should be about any surface. Regardless what your countertop is made of, bacteria will be present. We suggest that your granite countertops be cleaned with anti-bacterial cleaner from time to time to kill any lingering bacteria. However, we would like to point out that studies show only stainless steel surfaces are less conducive to germs and bacteria; granite is more sanitary than Corian, butcher blocks and plastic laminates. We would suggest that you use common sense concerning what is safe and what is not.

Most day-to-day care is as simple as cleaning with soap and water and drying with a cloth or paper towel to prevent water spots. We recommend marble and granite cleaners.

If you chip your countertops we are able to mix epoxies and color them to fill the damaged spot. The epoxies are then polished to look similar to the original sheen.

Please know that not all fabricators are alike. The old adage “you get what you pay for” definitely applies when purchasing granite countertops. There are many things that can be done to cut corners and install an inferior product. Most customers would not recognize that they have been short changed, so do your homework and take the time to educate yourself.

We recommend that you visit the fabrication plant in order to see if they have adequate equipment to produce precise work. You wouldn’t choose your builder on price alone, so we suggest that you choose your granite fabricator based on research, not only on price. You are going to have to look at these countertops every day, so don’t get stuck having to live with a botched job. Get references and find out how long they have been in business.

Look at your material before the cutting starts. Does the fabricator you choose have large pieces to look at? We have the largest inventory of remnants, which allows for two things. First, it allows the customer to see larger pieces and secondly the customer can purchase these at tremendous savings.

Lead times should also factor into your decision. Are they truly willing to work with you on timing? Are you getting more seams than necessary so the fabricator can save money? Are the seams consistent and tight? Does the granite fit the wall and overhangs correctly? Is someone free-handing your sink cutout or is it being cut precisely by a machine? Are the radius cuts being cut free hand or with a precision machine? Does the fabricator have access to the very best material or are they buying the cheapest available? Is your granite being sealed? Is it sealed with the best quality sealer or the cheapest? When you have a problem after installation are you going to be able to find them? Will they be willing to stand behind their product or will they disappear?

Please remember to do your homework. Granite is a focal point in every home, don’t settle for less than the best and have to live with something you regret.

New edges are becoming available all the time. We presently carry: Flat Edge, Beveled Edge, 1/2 Bullnose, 1/4 Round, Chiseled Egde, Standard Pencil Round, Full Bull Nose, ½ Bull Nose, Ogee, Ogee Bull Nose.