Countertops & Stone – Custom
Name | License No | Phone No |
Victoria’s Marble & Granite | #410514000639 | 301-242-5410 |
Many homeowners choose natural stone for kitchen countertops, backsplashes, bathrooms and many other applications. Stone is a durable material, is relatively easy to care for and can add value to a space and home.
Consider the Attributes
Rarity, slab thickness, clarity, inclusions, and consistency of color and pattern are just a selection attributes that determine the cost of stone.
While granite can be non-directional, many stone types have a discernable direction that should remain the same throughout the entire project.
Some contractors utilize pieces of stone that are remnants of past projects and create more seams than necessary to minimize the amount of material used in fabrication. Though it may help to bring costs down, it is considered poor workmanship. Your project should not have multiple seams– approximately 100 inches or less – unless the installer is working with directional consistency in mind.
Experienced, quality countertop installers will seal seams with polyester resin, known as a hard seam, which can be colored to match the stone. It’s a more durable method than the soft seams used by some installers looking to cut financial corners.
There is quite a bit of variety when it comes to the detailed edge profiles available for stone countertops. With an experienced designer, custom edges can also be fabricated.
It is best to choose the right countertop material in person to avoid any inconvenient surprises after installation. Most contractors will be able to offer samples to see and touch, so make sure ask.
Installation
Choosing the exact slab for your project ensures a color and pattern that is right for you. It will also help avoid any surprises before the stone is cut. Some countertop companies prefer for you to visit their own facility to choose your slab while other companies recommend visiting a wholesale stone warehouse to see all available options. Ask your stone contractor what they recommend. Before fabrication begins, the estimator creates detailed digital templates at your home. Programmers then program sophisticated CNC and water jet cutting machines to cut and profile the edges. Fabricators put on finishing touches and polish the edges. While there are several edging options – bull-nose, routed, square, etc – the selection depends on the needs and purpose. If you have resale in mind, it’s best to stick with the clean, less specific square edge.
Afterward, the installation crew brings the fabricated stone to your home, removes the old countertops, and installs the new ones. While most countertop installations can be completed in a matter of hours, more complex projects can take over a day. In order to complete installation, workers will often need to disconnect the plumbing, electrical, and gas. Once the countertops are in place, appliances and electrical connections are hooked up/installed. While some countertop companies can complete these tasks, you may also need engage an appliance professional.