|
|
 |
|
|
|
For your reference, here are some of most commonly asked questions and answers about natural stone. |
|
|
Which is the best natural stone choice for a kitchen
or bathroom?
| Granite is the optimal kitchen countertop material because it combines beauty and functionality like no other natural stone. Marble is softer than granite and more suitable for bathroom vanities, fireplaces or other architectural uses. Although better suited for certain areas, both granite and marble can be used throughout the home provided proper care and maintenance is taken. Depending on the application, slate, limestone or travertine are also options to consider. |
|
|
|
|
|
Once I decide on a material, how do I go about deciding what
color to use?
| The best way to decide is to compare the slabs in our granite yard and the samples in our showroom to the colors and finishes you are using throughout your kitchen, bath or other area. We have new granite slabs arriving every day as well as thousands of slabs in our importers yards that are available for your viewing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Will the granite or other natural stone that I order be similar to
the sample tile or slab that I viewed at your showroom?
| Natural stone slabs and samples can vary in color and veining. We highly recommended that you hand select your particular slab(s) of granite to eliminate any possibility of variation from what you desire. Some granites, however, are very consistent and will have little to no variation at all (i.e. absolute black, impala black, etc.).
|
|
|
|
|
|
How much granite will I need to complete my countertop?
| For remodeling, you can use our estimating sheet (either the one found on this website, here, or one we can provide you) by making a simple hand sketch showing the lengths of the countertop sections at the walls, the width you desire, the lengths and widths of any islands and indicating where there are finished edges, backsplash, sinks or other cutouts. For new installations, a copy of your contractor’s prints or the layout from your cabinet supplier will work nicely. We will be able to determine the square footage of granite we will need for your job by looking at either your sketch or a contractor’s prints.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I want to install a new sink in our kitchen. Where should I go to
purchase one and what kind should I get?
| We offer sinks and faucets at discounted prices as a convenience to our customers. You can also purchase a sink at any home store, plumbing supply company or from your plumber. You should decide if you want a “drop-in” sink or an “under mount” type and have the sink prior to our coming out to do the template for your lay out so we know how much space to allow for proper placement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
What are the next steps in fabricating and installing the
countertop?
| After a contract is signed, we will have the slabs you have chosen delivered to our shop if they are not already in stock. Once your cabinets are installed, we will come to your home and make a template of your entire countertop to assure exact fit. When the granite is delivered to our facility, we will ask you come to the shop to help us decide how you would like to lay out your sink, seams (if any are required) and best use of the pattern found in your particular granite. Once the templates are correctly laid out on the slabs, we will cut the slabs into the proper sections, make the necessary sink or appliance cutouts, finish the edges and backsplash and seal all the visible surfaces with our Stone Tech sealing and polishing products. When the fabrication of the countertops is completed we will do the installation and secure the sink. At this time we will explain the proper care techniques and provide you with a Stone Tech Revitalizer cleaner for proper cleaning and preservation of the finish.
|
|
|
|
|
|
What kind of guarantee do I get when I purchase a natural stone
product for my home?
| All installations are guaranteed for 1 year from date of the initial installation. In new construction, it is not unusual for the floors and walls to settle, causing the seams in the countertop to separate. We will come once during the first year to re-join any seams in your countertop, free of charge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is the best way to clean my new stone surface?
| You may use water and mild soap to clean your new countertop or surface, or cleansers that are non-abrasive and ammonia free. Never use acidic cleaners when cleaning stone. We provide a Stone Tech brand Revitalizer cleaner, free of charge, with each countertop installation that both cleans and adds sealant to the countertop surface. These products may also be purchased from us at considerable savings to provide continued protection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Will my granite stain or chip?
| In general granite does not stain, however since it is somewhat porous, it should not be exposed to any type of liquid for a prolonged period of time. Avoid exposing your stone surface to oils, citric acids, oven cleaners, paint remover etc. Rinse off immediately if contact does occur. You should not drop or pound heavy or sharp items on the surface. Although granite is very strong, it will chip if exposed to high impact, especially at the edges. You should also not cut directly on the surface with knives or other utensils, as this will not scratch the surface but may dull it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can my granite countertop burn?
| Under normal use granite will not burn, therefor you could place a hot pot on the surface with no harm. However you should avoid prolong exposure to heat as this may impact the effectiveness of the surface sealant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
How often should I have my countertop re-sealed?
| While it is commonly recommended that you reseal your stone countertop once every year to improve the stone's ability to resist stains, our use of Stone Tech sealing products prior to installation increases that time significantly and continued use of our Stone Tech Revitalizer kits may put off re-finishing indefinitely.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
