FAQ's

 How do I care for my natural stone countertops?

A. For natural stone, please see our Resources page, or contact a team member for further information.

Will my countertops have any seams?

A. Not all countertops have seams, but if you would like to approve a seam layout before fabrication of your countertops, please notify us upon signing your contract. Seam placement will be determined by us and will be based upon available slab sizes and cabinet configuration. Seams are not guaranteed to be invisible.

During installation, will any dust be created?

A. Yes, there will be dust created during the installation. The installers will clean up immediately after the installation. However, there is a possibility that the following day a thin layer of dust will settle on the countertops. This can be removed with a stone safe cleaner and water. If you are concerned about drapes or any other items in the room, please have them removed or covered before the installation.

When will I need to schedule the plumber and/or electrician?

A. The day after the kitchen or bathroom countertops are installed is the best time.

What is the procedure for using an undermount sink? A drop-in sink?

A. If you plan to use an undermount sink, it must be at the job by the DAY OF MEASURE. The stone sink rim is cut, shaped, and polished at our shop. Any faucet holes that need to be drilled are done on the job site on the day of the installation. All faucets or fixtures must be at the job site when we install. When using a drop-in sink, we require the sink to be ON THE JOB SITE the day that we install. Drop-in sink cutouts must be done once the stone is in place on the countertops.

How long does it take to install a tile backsplash? A slab granite backsplash?

A. A tile backsplash takes 1-2 days to complete. Any prepwork along with setting the tiles is done the day after the countertop install. If you ordered a 4″ standard granite back splash when you placed your order, then it will be installed at the same time as your countertop. If you are asking for full height granite back splash, the steps are a bit different. After the countertop is installed, exact fit measurements will be taken, the back splash will then be made and brought out to your home to be installed on a different appointment.

How long does it take to install a granite or quartz slab kitchen? A bathroom vanity?

A. Every job is different, but installation of a granite or quartz slab kitchen does usually take several hours or more. However, may different things can impact the installation. A large job with tear out and multiple seams can take much longer than a simple straight run on bare cabinets. If you are trying to schedule time off of work to be there for the installation, ask us for a rough estimate of how long it will take. A vanity does take a lot less time to install but the same things that impact a kitchen install can also affect your vanity install.

Do my cabinets need to be completely finished before installation of counters?

A. YES. All cabinets (including island) need to be set in place. They should be painted or stained as well. The countertops (& backsplash) installation is the FINAL stage.

Will you have to make a template of my cabinets and, how long will it usually take?

A. Not all jobs require templates to be made. We have several different template methods that we rely on to accurately measure your job. What method we use depends on the size and complexity of the job. The time it takes to template also varies with the size and complexity of the job. A simple vanity can take just minutes while a large multi – room project can take several hours.

Will I need any additional supports if I have an extended overhang.

A. Yes, it is recommended that any stone that has an overhang of 9″ or more on a countertop or raised bar needs to be supported by corbells/brackets. We will advise you of how many you will need and what size they need to be. These brackets must installed prior to the time of the install.

How do I schedule my job and receive an installation date?

A. If you are working through a contractor or a cabinet company, they will co-ordinate with us on timing of template and installation. If you are managing your own project, just tell us the time frame you have and we will advise you how to best proceed and what steps are involved with getting your countertop project completed.

What is the typical overhang on countertops?

A. The typical overhang on all exposed edges of countertops is 1 1/2″. If you would like an additional overhang on a countertop, island, or raised bar, you must be present when the field measurements are taken. This information along with other specifications must be given to the measurer at the time of the measurement.

Will my kitchen sink plumbing and cooktop need to be disconnected prior to the install?

A. Not necessarily. If you have taken advantage of our tear out or turnkey service(s) we may take care of this for you when we arrive. If you have chosen to hire someone else to do it or if you have chosen to do it yourself then these things should be taken care of before we arrive.

Should I clean out my cabinets prior to my new countertops being installed?

A. Yes, please clear off your countertops and empty all cabinets and drawers, especially your sink and cooktop cabinets. The installation process often creates dust, and while we try to minimize this, we will not be held responsible for damage to anything in cabinets or drawers.

How long does it take to remove my existing countertops?

A. Every demolition job is different, but normally a laminate top can be removed fairly quickly. Granite, composite and tile tops require more work and do take longer to remove. If you do not want to tackle the task of removing your old tops, please let us know……….we do offer a removal service and we will be more than happy to assist you with that if you feel it is something you can’t or don’t want to do yourself.

Can I install granite, marble or quartz on top of my existing countertops?

A. We require that all cabinets be bare before installing stone on them. We do offer a removal service. If you would like, we can remove your old countertops for you. Or, you can choose to remove them yourself. The choice is yours.

Will I have an opportunity to see my stone slab(s) before my countertops are installed?

A. We actually prefer that you view and approve your slabs once they arrive at our shop prior to fabrication beginning on your countertops. Whether you have selected slabs from our slab yard or they are being brought to us by one of our local suppliers, once the template is done, we encourage you to please come out and and work with us and give us your input on your project.

Once I sign up, how long do I have to wait until my countertops can be installed?

A. While every job is different, the average waiting period is approximately 1-2 weeks from the date of deposit. This time is necessary for acquiring material, measuring, templating, fabrication and installation.

Do I need to hire a plumber and/or electrician to come after the installation to connect my plumbline and electrical devices?

A. We do offer a turnkey service which will take care of any plumbing or electrical needs you may have in regard to the installation of the tops. If you choose this service, we will handle/coordinate the plumbing and/or electrical issues concerning the countertop install. If you would rather not accept this service then you would be responsible for your own plumber and/or electrician.