Countertop Buying Guide

Granite countertops purchases involve selecting the right fabricator, which is the most important decision of the whole process. Choosing the right granite fabricator to install your countertops is even more important because the right fabricator can help you choose the best granite, and explain the pros and cons of using different kinds of stones that are most suitable for your project.

Like a tailor that stitches a custom-made suit can make you look better by stitching a suit to your particular body style and contours after taking careful measurements, a custom stone fabricator can make your kitchen look wonderful by measuring and fabricating with high quality standards.

Questions to Ask Your Fabricator

• How long has the company been in the granite fabrication business? Do they have a physical location that you can visit?
• Does the fabricator use modern stone cutting technology? Like measuring your countertops with digital equipment and CNC stone profiling machines?
• Do you offer slab viewing of stock material? You can often get their best price if you choose from their stock material.
• Does the contractor perform both fabrication and installation? Having the same company responsible from start to finish is critical.
• What kind of certifications does the fabricator have? Certification programs ensure the technical competence of fabrication professionals.

It can be said that the kitchen revolves around the sink. Prep work, cooking, and clean up all involve the sink in one way or another. Having a sink that best matches your needs and lifestyle is a critical factor in having a truly functional and efficient kitchen.

Sink Materials

Mounting Types

In any bathroom and kitchen overhaul, the faucets are the crown jewels. Available in a spectacular array of shapes and finishes, even modestly priced faucets present worlds of possibility. Add in the options for interactivity and water conservation, and today's bathroom and kitchen faucets offer homeowners every convenience.

Before choosing bathroom and kitchen faucets, you'll need to consider a few factors, such as whether you're using an existing sink or buying a new one, and where the faucet openings are. You'll also need to consider which features you want, as well as how much faucet your budget will allow.

Choosing your granite color is the biggest decision you'll have to make before you can have the stone fabricated. One of the final decisions will be your "edge profile" - the shape your edge takes.

Standard Edges

Upgraded Edges

Quartz countertops differ from granite and marble countertops in one significant way: quartz is an engineered product while the other two are solid stone. The composition is about 93 percent quartz and 7 percent binder and color.

The result is an attractive, extremely strong slab that is similar in appearance to marble. In addition to polished finishes, quartz countertops are available that duplicate the matte finish of limestone, the textured finish of granite, or the gloss of highly polished stone.

Leading Quartz Brands

Natural stone has been the premium building material of choice since the beginning of time. Quarried from rock beds formed over millions of years, natural stone offers unparalleled beauty, permanence, and uniqueness - and adds true value to your home. Because stone is a natural product, no two pieces are exactly alike.