Stone Q&A
What's the difference between marble and granite?
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.
Is granite safe to use in a kitchen?
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.
Can I cut on my granite countertop?
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.
Can my granite top be damaged?
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.
Are stone surfaces difficult to maintain?
Granite, marble and other natural stone products are porous materials and therefore require sealing. Every SFI 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 SFI. The process is similar to waxing your car.
The process of purchasing custom stone is more detailed than, for example, buying carpeting. As with any purchase, you need to determine what criteria are most important to you. Are you searching for the absolute lowest price or looking more for overall superior value? Is timely completion important? How heavily do you weigh the quality of materials and workmanship of both the fabrication and installation? Do you value responsive service, integrity and the caliber of people that you deal with and will have working in your home? Be prepared to ask tough questions to determine the proper fit with a reputable source.
What do you charge per square foot?
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.
What are the pricing variables?
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.
Where do I begin? How do I get an estimate?
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 a example of the information needed to give you a price.
the x's show what sides get polished, the edge next to the stove would also be polished
How does SFI handle seams?
By combining superior cutting and forming equipment with meticulous, well trained installers, SFI provides the cleanest seams available from a stone fabricator. Unlike some of our more cost conscious competitors, your SFI Project Manager will be happy to show you the planned location of the seams for your project. Also, our layout designers work to minimize the number of seams required for your project, another SFI Difference. Our advance fabrication processes provide more flexibility for minimizing the need for seams wherever possible.
How long will my project take?
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. From there, your fabrication and installation
typically takes three weeks.
I’m on a tight timetable. How can I avoid problems
and delays?
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.
Field Measurement Requirements
n Material Selection and location of material (if not in our inventory)
n Edge detail selected.
n Sink templates and/or sinks to be used (if applicable)
n Cabinets installed and leveled
n Faucets, soap dispensers, cook tops, etc.
n Signed Proposal
n Slabs selected and tagged
n 50% deposit