FAQs

We make it easy for you to participate in the process of selecting your stone and your options. You will need to start by providing us with some measurements or contact our sales department to set up a free in-house estimate. If you just want to get a idea of cost you can email or fax a sketch of your project to us. Below is an example of the information needed to give you a price.

Note:the X's indicate what sides get the finished edge.

By combining superior cutting and forming equipment with meticulous, well trained installers, Stone Fabricators provides the cleanest seams available from a stone fabricator. Unlike some of our more cost conscious competitors, your Stone Fabricators Project Manager will be happy to show you the planned location of the seams for your project.

Our layout designers work to minimize the number of seams required for your project, another Stone Fabricators difference. Our advance fabrication processes provide more flexibility for minimizing the need for seams wherever possible. Additionally, our digital capabilities make it possible to match the natural patterns of the stone, minimizing the appearance of the seam(s). This step makes Stone Fabricators' projects stand out among our competition.

For the same reason that new cars are not priced by dollars per pound, the most fair answer is: It depends. While the amount of stone required for your project is a significant part of the price, there are other variables. For this reason, we prefer to first understand the variables of your project and then issue a prompt preliminary estimate. We are careful to avoid any appearance of bait and switch marketing that can occur on the low end of our marketplace with square foot pricing.

They include the complexity of your project, the type of stone required, the edging design selected, the number and type of sinks, faucets and cook tops used, the removal of existing countertops. We also offer services that can make your project unique: fancy cuts, special features, scalloped corners, clips and corbelled corners, radius arcs, additional installation and removal services.

Once you have made your decision to proceed and have submitted your initial (50%) deposit, we will schedule a field measurement typically within one week. Typically, fabrication and installation takes three weeks.

This is where your cooperation makes a difference. In order for your project to progress on schedule, we need your assistance in advance of two events: Field Measurement and Installation. Missing elements will delay the process. Changes in specifications after these events will definitely result in a delay. We need the customer’s cooperation to get it right the first time. You can expect our Project Managers will proactively request the following, in pursuit of a smooth, successful completion:

> Material Selection and location of material (if not in our inventory)
> Edge detail selected.
> Sink templates and/or sinks to be used (if applicable)
> Cabinets installed and leveled
> Faucets, soap dispensers, cook tops, etc.
> Signed Proposal
> Slabs selected and tagged
> 50% deposit

Stone slabs are sliced out of large blocks into a variety of sizes and shapes. Granite, marble, sandstone and limestone are most commonly used depending upon the general requirements of aesthetic appearance, resistance to abrasion and chemicals.

Granite slabs are fabricated by the sawing of granite blocks. They possess indisputable strength and long term durability. They impart an aesthetic look and add grandeur to any indoor or exterior application. They are mostly used for exterior and interior cladding, flooring, vanities, kitchen counters, fireplaces, shower and tub surrounds.

Engineered Stone provides a uniform pattern, if this is your desired look, engineered solid surface materials are in great supply! There are virtually unlimited patterns and colors to choose from. Talk to us about matching your curtains with your stone. Silestone, Caesarstone, Difiniti Quartz, Hanstone & Dupont Zodiaq, are the top Engineered Stone (Quartz Surfaces) manufacturers.

Limestone slabs are fabricated by the sawing of limestone blocks. The surface texture is finely grained and have a very good polishing effect. The common colors used are blue, green, brown, desert yellow and black. They are used mostly for counter tops, flooring, interior and exterior wall cladding and exterior paving.

Semiprecious Stone surfaces are suitable for lining palaces, castles, museums, luxury hotels, or those seeking the most exotic precious stone slabs available. Full length mirrors may have this type of stone border added to enhance the luxurious décor of a room.

Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages. Because of Marble's more porous properties, it is not recommended for kitchens or bar tops. Marble applications include bathroom vanities, shower and fireplace surrounds. Granite applications include kitchen countertops, bath room vanities, bar tops and fireplaces.  Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other.

In a word, yes. There has been some misinformation circulated by competing industries attempting to raise concerns about issues such as bacteria and radon. We would be pleased to share the research that shows that these concerns are not only unfounded but granite actually ranks second to stainless steel in a study measuring the bacteria resistance capacity of six common countertop materials.

Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. All of the fabricated tops we make are sealed before they are installed.

Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.

Granite, marble and other natural stone products are porous materials and, therefore, require sealing. Every Stone Fabricators top is sealed upon installation. For residential use, it is recommended that the surface be sealed annually using sealant designed for use with natural stone. The sealant is available from Stone Fabricators. The process is similar to waxing your car.