Fabrication & Installation Frequently Asked Questions

• I make a decision to remodel my kitchen with granite countertops, were do I start?

• I am building a house, and planning to have Granite for my Countertops, when should I select my stone?

• Can I visit your fabrication facility to choose the stone I want?

• Should I approve my slabs before they are fabricated?

• Do I have to have a proper drawing to get a quotation?

• Will you come out to job site to make templates?

• Do I need to be present, when you templeting and countertop installation is done?

• How should I prepare walls or cabinets for installation of my new countertop?

• If I am replacing my existing countertops tops, do they have to be removed before you template?

• What is the best thickness for countertops tops?

• Which type of sink is best for granite countertops, Under mount or drop-in?

• Is it okay to mix different colors of stone?

• Will my countertops have seams?

• When my old countertop is removed, will I be without a sink?

• Can we plaster the walls after you have templated?

• How do I assure an accurate measure or template of my countertop area?

• Does installation include plumbing or electrical work?

• Do fixtures and appliances need to be on site during the installation?

• Will my walls be protected during installation?

Q. I make a decision to remodel my kitchen with granite countertops, were do I start? If you're remodeling, we will work with you to schedule appointments for measurements, templeting and installation. (The process usually takes about one to three weeks from start to finish.) In new construction, your builder can coordinate the project for you. Return to Top

Q. I am building a house, and planning to have Granite for my Countertops, when should I select my stone? Because natural stone has variation, it is not a good idea to select stone too early. Colorations can vary and the veining from shipment to another can be quite different. Once the cabinets are 3-4 weeks away from being installed, it is a good idea to finalize your selection. Return to Top

Q. Can I visit your fabrication facility to choose the stone I want? Yes, in fact we recommend that you come and see the material as they do vary from block to block, and will be happy to provide you with a sample to take away.. But first, we suggest you to brows our natural stone photo library to get an idea what you are looking for. Return to Top

Q. Should I approve my slabs before they are fabricated? It is always a good idea to approve the slabs prior to fabrication. This will help to prevent any surprises or disappointments once the material is installed. Return to Top

Q. Do I have to have a proper drawing to get a quotation? No, a sketch will do, as long as it gives the dimensions and details of any cut-outs, edge style, you prefer, and description of back splashes you want. You can fill out an easy quotation form on our web site, or fill out downloadable form and fax it to us. In most cases we will respond in 24 hours. Return to Top

Q. Will you come out to job site to make templates? Yes of Course, ones your cabinets, or surface were you want to install new countertops is ready for temple ting. Return to Top

Q. Do I need to be present, when you templeting and countertop installation is done? The best is if you are there when we template, to answer any questions we might have. For countertop installation it is not that important for you to be present, however it’s better if you are, in case if we will have some questions to ask. Return to Top

Q. How should I prepare walls or cabinets for installation of my new countertop? To avoid installation difficulties, please make sure walls and cabinets are structurally sound, straight, level and square. Return to Top

Q. If I am just replacing my existing countertops tops, do they have to be removed before you template? Yes, the surface where you want to install new countertops needs to be prepared for installation. We need to template directly on top of the cabinets (surface). Likewise, sinks, taps and hobs should all be disconnected before our templater arrives. Return to Top

Q. What is the best thickness for countertops tops? Most popular thickness for granite countertops is 2 cm (3/4”) with laminated edge. If a laminated edge is chosen using ¾” granite, and if it's to be mounted on frame less cabinets, or on framed cabinets that have upper retractable cutting boards, the granite will need to be raised ¾" to clear the laminated double edge that hangs down ¾". Another thickness are available in 1 ¼” and 1 ½”. Return to Top

Q. Which type of sink is best for granite countertops, Under mount or drop-in? This is a matter of personal preference. If installed properly, both types of sinks are sanitary and safe. The ability to wipe off the counters directly into the sink and the aesthetic appeal make under mounted sinks the most popular. Typically an under mount sink installation would be an additional expense (though minimal) due to the finishing process of the edges around the sink. Return to Top

Q. Is it okay to mix different colors of stone? Absolutely! Mixing colors and types of stone within a room adds interest and beauty. It is, however, a good idea to consider which material would be the most practical for the space. We recommend granites for high-use areas such as around cook tops & sinks, while marbles and limestone’s are ok to use in areas of lesser use. Return to Top

Q. Will my countertops have seams? Not necessarily. A typical slab size is somewhere between 7 and 10 feet. Therefore, your countertops may not require a seam. Many people do not have a problem with seams, but if you are concerned about them you should discuss this with your fabricator prior to fabrication. How and where it is seamed should also be discussed with the fabricator. Often the seams are so tight they are difficult to notice, however communication with the fabricator is essential in order to avoid confusion or disappointment regarding seams. Return to Top

Q. When my old countertop is removed, will I be without a sink? Yes, but you can sometimes arrange to have a temporary sink installed. Please ask if we can assist with this. Return to Top

Q. Can we plaster the walls after you have templated? No - this needs to be done before templeting. Tiling also should be done after the countertops been installed. Return to Top

Q. How do I assure an accurate measure or template of my countertop area? All cabinets must be installed and level. Also, you should have sinks, faucet fixtures and cook tops available at the site during initial measurements. Return to Top

Q. Does installation include plumbing or electrical work? No, it does not. You'll need to arrange these services separately. Ask us for referrals. Return to Top

Q. Do fixtures and appliances need to be on site during the installation? Yes. For proper fitting, it's important to have the sink and faucet fixtures and appliances at the time of installation. Return to Top

Q. Will my walls be protected during installation? Every effort will be made to protect your walls. But when a heavy and hard natural stone countertop is installed, some wall scuffing will occur as the installers work to ensure a tight fit. For this reason, "touch" will be necessary. Return to Top