When getting an estimate, get the total price with everything included. Some companies will advertise a low price per square foot but will only include 1 or 2 unpopular colors and charge high mark-up fees for faucet holes, edging, cook top cut outs, corners, etc.
What is the difference between “pre-fabricated” and “full slab” countertops?
Pre-fabricated granite is material from China that is cut, polished, & fabricated into small pieces and sold to the public. The pre-fabricated material is very porous, susceptible to cracks & color discoloration. The pieces are small and many seams are visible once the installation is complete. This type of granite is commonly seen in commercial projects and is notrecommended for custom homes nor home improvement projects. You can also find pre-fabricated material, however these are not to be confused with “Full Slab Countertops.” If the price you are being quoted sounds very low, $14 or $20/ Sq.Ft., more than likely you are being quoted for pre-fabricated granite.
Pre-Fabricated —> 
Full Slab —> 
On the other hand, Full Slab Countertops are made from slabs measuring 50 to 60 Square Feet. The slabs are quarried in many places around the world including Brazil, India, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, Finland, then polished and prepared for shipment across the world. You get to hand-pick the slabs for your project at your local granite warehouse (IMC, Louisiana Stone, Arizona Tile). We can ask for an appointment to select your slab. The slabs are custom cut according to the dimensions of your project & fabricated according to your selections. All cutting, fabricating, polishing is done at our fabrication facility.
We only specialize in Full Slab Countertops.
Why should I go directly with the fabricator?
Most contractors, retailers, or salesmen, do not have a fabrication facility meaning they do not cut, fabricate, nor install the product they sell. Rather the project is outsourced to different fabricators & installers. When you go directly with the fabricator you are saving the mark-ups you would otherwise be paying and you know exactly who is responsible for the completion of your project. Insurance & warranty is also provided by the fabricator & installer.
What is a “Group One Category” or “Group One Colors”?
This is a way to describe a group of colors in a certain price range. A lot of companies will include 2 or 3 unpopular colors in this category, advertise a low price, and then put all the good and popular colors in higher priced categories. We like to be direct with our customers so if we get a color at a certain price we will pass on the savings to our customers. Our commitment to this is evident as our Group One Category includes over 15 popular colors.
Why are Group 2, 3, & 4 colors more expensive than Group 1 colors?
The price difference is based solely on the color of the slab and not on the quality of the Granite. Slabs with a lot of movement like Typhoon Bordeaux & Yellow River will have huge waves and beautiful colors and will be in the higher Group Categories. Colors with less movement and uniform patterns will be in the Group One category like Santa Cecilia, New Caledonia, & Uba Tuba.
What is the difference between 3CM and 2CM Granite?
3CM is 1 1/4″ thick and 2CM is 3/4″ thick. 3CM is standard for kitchens. 2CM is popular for vanities, table tops, & bars.
How much will it cost?
The cost of your project will be based mainly on two things. The amount of square feet your project has & the color of granite you pick.
How long will it take?
From the day you pick out material and we make templates, we ask for for a seven day time-frame. This gives us enough time to properly cut, fabricate, & polish the slabs at our facility.
An average size kitchen installation is complete in one day. This includes both the tearing out of the old countertops and the installation of the new countertops.
Why Granite?
Granite is very durable and recommended for any countertop surface. It’s a natural stone so no two slabs of granite are alike which gives each kitchen a unique and personal touch. Granite countertops also keep their value better than any other home improvement and increase the re-sale value of any home.
Where do we go to view & select material (Granite Slabs, Tile, etc.)?
We are partners with all major stone suppliers in Texas. Our suppliers include, IMC, Louisiana Stone, Arizona Tile, Levantina, Dal-tile, & more. Call us to schedule an appointment to view and select material for your project.
10 Myths about granite
1. Granite is absorbent. Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent
than some solid surface (plastic) products. Granite is commonly used && building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.
2. Granite stains easily. Granite is resistant to stains. Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up wish in a few minutes, will not stain. However even water can soak into a granite countertop add leave a dark colored spot hut this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not
evaporate, such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone.
3. Stain in granite are permanent Most stain can be removed. Even if stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out The oil from the stone.
4. Granite will lose Its polish over the year*. While this may be true of marble, granite will shine year’s from now just as if it was brand new. Granite is highly scratch resistant and will not show wear from daily use
5. Granite requires a tot of maintenance Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that generally required. Once a year, a re-application of 3 penetrating sealer should be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes—less time than scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches.
6. Heat wilt cause granite to chip and crack, Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage impact from a heavy object rnay chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.
7. Dark colored granites are harder than light colored granites. Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally somewhat translucent, white to grey
colored mineral:
8. Granite’s tiny pores and fissures harbor bacteria, Bacteria are found everywhere. If it is on a granite top then it can also be found on a laminate or solid surface top. Use an anti-bacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are concerned.
9. Granite and marble are essentially the same. Besides the fact that they are both natural
stones and can be polished. they sare otherwise very different. Marble is generally a calcious , formed from oceanic deposits and compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled and then hardened below the earth’s surface,
10. Granite Is expensive. Granite is usually competitively priced compared to other high-end
Surfacing material. You wifl be amazed when you compare the price of granite to other popularly
famed “luxury surfaces”. Granite offers you an unmatched value with its natural beauty and longevity.
