FAQs

I just made an appointment with you. What is my next step?

To make the most of your appointment, please be sure to bring any drawings or pictures you may have of the space you are looking to renovate. If you are working with a builder, please inquire about your allowances for tile and granite so that we can work to keep you within pre-set budgets. If you have already made some selections for the area to be remodeled, you can bring some samples of those items (for example wood flooring, cabinets, paint chips, fabrics, etc). Lastly, if you’ve been thinking of renovation for a long time and have been saving magazine pages for this project, please feel free to bring those as well. Anything that can help us get an idea of what your preferred style is will help us facilitate your selections with us.

 

How do I go about getting an estimate from you for new granite countertops?

If you plan on keeping your existing cabinets and just wish to get new countertops, simply bring in or email us a rough sketch of your existing countertops, including the lengths and widths of your tops, and indicate where your sink(s) and cooktop/stove are located on your sketch. If you already know what granite or marble you would like to use, please note that as well. Please remember to include your name, address, telephone number and an email address for us to send you a written quote back. If you are getting new cabinets, the best thing to do would be to get us your new cabinet plan or to make a sketch of what your proposed kitchen countertops will be. For example, if you are keeping your kitchen pretty much as it currently is but would like a larger island with an overhang for barstools, just include those changes on your sketch.

 

I know you will need to come measure my space for a final tile quote, but how can I get a general idea of tile costs before making final tile selections?

Because tile work involves many variables, it is usually best for us to discuss with you in person what your project entails. However, much like we do for countertops, we can get you an estimate based on your sketch of the room to be remodeled. If it’s a sunroom or porch area, simply provide us with the length and width of the area(s). If it’s a bathroom, we will need your sketch to include the floor dimensions as well as the dimensions for the shower/tub walls to be tiled. Please be sure to include the height that you would like your tile to go up to in the shower and if you would like us to include tile on the ceiling. We will contact you to discuss an allowance for the price of the tile itself based on what your budget allows and then put together an estimate based on these items. We also rip out existing tile, vinyl and carpet so please let us know if you would like us to include an option for demolition or if you would like to handle this yourself.

 

I want to work with you to have my countertops replaced. How does the process work?

Assuming you have already made your selections with us and accepted our quote, the next step would be to do a template of your new tops. For template, please have on site the actual sink you wish to use unless you are using a sink supplied by us. Please also have any other item to be cutout or drilled in the countertop (for example, your cooktop/range, new faucet, soap dispenser, etc.) on-site or else provide us with a specification sheet for the items not present. Having these few items available at template allows us to make sure your new sink, faucet and cooktop, etc., will all work well in the spaces designated.

We can template overtop of your existing countertops (except on very rare instances) so your kitchen is not out of commission while we fabricate your new tops. If we are also handling the removal of your existing countertops, we will typically demolition those on the same day we install your new countertops, helping keep your downtime to a minimum.

 

Do I get to select the exact slabs to be used for my project?

Yes. In fact, we encourage you to select your exact slabs. We will give you a list of the local slab supply warehouses and you can visit as many as you wish to find the right slabs for you. While there, please make sure you tell them Stone & Tile Creations is your fabricator so that they will be able to email us your selection sheet with all the information about the slab(s) you selected. This allows us to provide you with firm pricing for the actual material selected. We can then order the slabs for your project when you are ready to proceed.

 

I love the look of tile and would like to use it on my outside porch, but is it appropriate for use on an exterior, uncovered area?

Absolutely. Porcelain tile is one of the best surfaces to use outside the home provided the appropriate substrate preparation is undertaken. Porcelain tile is frost-proof and maintenance free, never needing to be resealed/restained like wood. There are limitless colors and styles of porcelain tile to suit every taste. And, of course, natural stone tiles like slates and travertines have been used as exterior flooring for a long time in many of the most exquisite homes in the world. The success of your tile installation depends greatly on the knowledge and preparation of your installer. We take time to carefully prepare the substrate with the appropriate waterproofing and crack isolation membrane to ensure that the installation will be a success for many years to come.

 

What’s the difference between natural stone and engineered stone or quartz countertops?

Natural stones like granite, marble and limestone are products of nature, literally. Granite and marble have been used as countertops and building materials for centuries. They are incredibly beautiful stones in a seemingly endless array of colors and patterns. Because these are natural products, variation is inherent in these materials. Depending on the stone selected, it will have its own unique characteristics and “flaws”. Natural stone should be sealed periodically, although this is a very simple, inexpensive step to do and can be easily done by a homeowner. Natural stone countertops come in many finishes: polished, honed, leathered or antiqued are the most popular. Pricing for natural stone countertops can range widely from fairly inexpensive to incredibly high end exotics.

Engineered stone or quartz countertops is a man-made product that provides a wonderful alternative for folks who are not looking for the variation of a natural stone or who have certain colors in mind that are not readily available from the earth, e.g., solid white or lime green tops. Engineered stone or quartz countertops are made from a combination of quartz and resins. Engineered stone/quartz countertops do not need to be sealed. Although they are not impervious to stains, they are pretty much stain resistant. They are heat resistant but are not warrantied for use in areas getting direct heat, e.g., fireplace surrounds. There are some limitations on cleaning products that may be used on these materials so it is important to read the manufacturer’s recommendations. Engineered stone or quartz countertops come in a satin finish and a honed finish. Pricing for these materials generally start at a mid-range granite price and can be as expensive as high end granites.

 

I have heard it’s hard to take care of natural stone tiles and countertops like granite and marble. Is that true?

Not at all. The key to keeping your natural stone looking great is to clean with a neutral ph balanced soap (dishwashing liquid is perfect) and to re-seal them periodically. We seal all natural stone when they are installed. We recommend you reseal your natural stone tile or countertops every one to three years, depending on the type of stone selected (granite requires less sealing than marble). All that is involved is that you clean your tile or tops, apply the sealer and then “buff” the excess off. You can easily do this yourself without hiring a professional.

 

Can I see a list with a picture of the edge profiles you offer?

Below are examples to give you some ideas of what edge profiles can look like. We have an extensive background in custom edge profiles including laminated edges, so please don’t hesitate to ask about any designs you don’t see pictured below. This is just a small list of what we are capable of, but some of the most common that we do. Our showroom also offers many countertops with different profiles so that you can see these in person to get a real sense of what they might look like in your own space.

 

Should I seal my grout? Should I have my installer do it?

There are several options available to you if you would like to protect your grout. The strongest protection for your grout is to use an epoxy-based grout. However, this is also the most expensive option. You can choose instead to go with some of the newer technology grouts like “Power Grout by Tec” or “Fusion” by Custom Building Products. There are also additives that can be mixed in with standard cement based grouts that aid against staining. These are less costly options. Finally, you can choose to seal your grout lines after the tile is grouted. We recommend you wait 3-4 weeks after the installation of your tile and grout to seal the grout lines. This option is the least expensive since a homeowner can do it himself.