1. What information do I need for an estimate?
For an accurate estimate, we would need your personal information including name, address, phone number, fax number and/or email address. We would also need specific dimensions of the areas you want quoted, the sink type (top mount versus undermount) and name of material (if decided). If you don't know the specifics, we will quote Category I granite with a standard edge profile. You can use the contact form, fax, email, or simply bring in the information.
2. Do I need an appointment to visit your showroom?
At this time, it is advisable to call ahead to ensure we are available to assist you in this very important decision. There are days that we are installing or templating jobs and may not be in the showroom.
3. How long do I have to wait for a quote?
We pride our team on returning all estimates within 2 working days after receiving the dimensions, assuming all the accurate information has been provided for the estimate.
4. Can I cut on my granite countertops?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly. Although you won't damage your countertops, we recommend using cutting boards.
5. Can I set a hot pot or pan on my countertop?
Because granite is formed naturally by extreme pressure and heat, it cannot be affected by heat from a cook top, pot, or pan. Unlike other countertop surfaces heat will not damage granite in any way.
6. Can I damage my granite?
Daily use shouldn't damage granite countertops, but like any solid surface, high impact blows can cause harm. Because of its minaeral structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp, hard objects. Also, if unsealed, granite can stain.
7. Does granite stain?
All stone is porous to some degree, but granite has very little porosity. With yearly sealing, you should never have an issue with your granite staining. The sealer fully protects the stone from absorbing a stain. In general, most colors will never show moisture, but a few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time and not kept sealed. For best results, keep all stone sealed once a year.
8. Does granite hold bacteria?
Granite that has been and is kept properly sealed does not harbor bacteria. It is safe to use in food preparation areas and commercial kitchens.
9. Is granite expensive?
There is a common misconception that granite is extremely expensive. Granite is typically comparable, usually even less expensive than either quartz or Corian. We price each project individually dependent on the size shape of the layout. Our pricing is extremely competitive and we guarantee the lowest installed price in Lethbridge.
10. What do the different categories mean?
Granite is priced in four price categories. Our category I granites are the least expensive of all the colors available. You can expect about a 20% price increase between price categories. Granite is priced based on its availability rather than quality. Because we purchase direct from the quarries around the world, we have the choice of the best materials. Availability is based on the size and location of the quarry, labour costs, shipping and transportation, and supply and demand.
11. Is installation included in the quote?
Unless otherwise requested, installation is always included in our pricing. We provide all the templating, fabrication, sealing, delivery, and installation for our countertops. If it is a small project and you want to attempt the templating and installation yourself, typically for a single vanity top or table top, please specify, and we will price accordingly.
12. Do I have to purchase the whole slab?
No, you only pay for what is required to fabricate your tops. If there is remaining material from your job, we sell it as remnants. We do, however, ensure that we have matching material should your project require more than one slab.
13. Do you have remnant pieces?
We have remnant pieces from other jobs that we offer at a discount. They are perfect for smaller vanity tops, island tops, and tables.
14. How close will the estimate be to the final invoice?
The original quote is based on the measurements you provided to us. The more accurate the drawings you provide, the more accurate the price. We determine a general square footage for your project, and at we determine if that number is accurate. We will let you know if there is a inconsistency with the square footage.
15. What are your deposit requirements?
We require a 50% deposit at the time of ordering. We will not hold material, or template without the deposit. Final payment is required following installation of the tops. Once you have obtained an estimate, we encourage you to select a specific color and schedule your project. We typically schedule out anywhere from two to six weeks, so it is important to plan ahead and schedule that far out from your cabinet installation. Following your cabinet installation, we will template the cabinets and usually install the countertops within a week, but you need to get on our schedule well enough ahead of time to accommodate for that. With a renovation, we can often have a turnaround within the several days of templating.
16. What do I need to consider when buying granite?
Because granite is a natural stone it has a remarkable natural beauty. Sample stones are intended to be representation of the color and texture, the material quarried now may differ slightly in colour to the sample, and slabs ordered may not be identical to the sample or picture you've previously seen.
17. Do I need to reinforce my cabinets or floor when installing natural stone countertops?
Although granite is heavy, any level base cabinet will support the granite. Granite needs to be consistently supported rather than having reinforced supports. Cabinets need standard cross supports and brackets for any overhang greater than 12". The weight of the countertops is distributed equally over the kitchen, so your existing floor supports will be sufficient.
18. How long will the templating and installation take?
Please allow for at least an hour for templating. You should be there for a short period of time in case we have any questions. If you have contracted us to remove your existing countertops, assume additional time might be needed. Installation usually takes anywhere from three hours to a day for an average kitchen, depending on complexity. If you have a plumber scheduled to reconnect your plumbing the same day, please be sure to schedule them as late in the day as possible or the following morning.
19. What is the thickness of my countertop?
All granite countertops that we install are approximately 3cm thick or an inch and a quarter. Because it is a natural stone, slabs can vary in thickness by an eighth of an inch. This thick material is used for structural reasons and does not need to be installed over plywood; the countertops can be installed directly on your base cabinets.
20. Will my granite look like the sample?
If you have a sample from a slab, it will be similar in color and pattern to the large slab. Bear in mind you are looking at a very small representation of a large piece, which may have much more veining and color variation than the sample.
21. What is the difference between an undermount and a top mount sink?
A top mount sink is a traditional sink where it drops in and the rim of the sink sits directly on the countertop. An undermount sink is mounted from the bottom of the countertop so you don't see the sink rim. You may use either type of sink however, have an existing sink you would like to use it has to be used as a top mount.
22. How are seams done and can you see them?
Granite comes in slabs that are 9' to 10' long by 5' to 6' tall, therefore, many kitchens do end up with a seam. Once we have seen your cabinet layout and you have selected material, we can determine where, if any, seams would have to be placed. Of course, seam placement is ultimately at our discretion based on slab size and veining. You can make requests to your salesperson prior to templating. The visibility of seams will vary depending on the graining, color and pattern of the slabs. Onsite, we use state-of-the-art suction machinery and color matched epoxy to ensure your seam is as tight as possible. Although seams are visible and can be felt, most customers have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs the concern of seams.
23. How large can granite overhang?
Granite can support its own weight up to 12" unsupported, as long as the top is all one level. If it is an especially long countertop, we still recommend brackets or posts; always better to be safe than sorry. With raised countertops for seating, there must always be some type of support underneath. Never allow someone to sit or stand on an unsupported area.
24. How are sink and stove cutouts done and can I keep the cutouts?
Undermount are fully cut out, then the inside of the hole is polished. The countertop is sometimes flipped over and reinforced with metal rods for extra support. Sink and cooktop cutouts are sometimes cut onsite due to the chance of breakage during transport. You may keep the cutouts if requested in advance. Please keep in mind that because of how the corners have to be cut, they are typically much smaller than expected. We charge extra to polish your cutouts.