First, draw out your counter-top. Make a simple sketch with measurements to the nearest inch. Or use our online quote tool to generate your layout with dimensions.
Mark where edges, back-splashes, sinks, or appliances will go to get a more accurate quote. Note dimensions of all pieces and be sure to include any overhangs in your calculations.
Don’t worry about having perfectly accurate measurements. Our templator will take precise measurements for fabrication. We don’t send the templator out before you purchase your counter-top.
What is your turnaround time and how long does it take?
Templating
For templating, please allow 1-3 hours depending upon the complexity of your job. Your input is essential to getting the results you envision. While templating, our technician will discuss several options regarding shape, radii, overhang and other design elements. So, please allow time for this. If Stone Masters is being paid to remove your counters, please clear the counters of all items before the technician arrives. Before we arrive, empty your kitchen sink and clear all items from under the sink.
Fabrication
The fabrication will take approximately 7-10 business days to cut, polish, and prepare your stone for installation. Mitered edges, really large jobs and Built-up edges will take longer.
Installation
The installation will take about 3-5 hours. Please plan on being present during both templating and installation.
Will I have seams and where will they be?
Seams
Stone Masters produces consistently state of the art and minimally visible seams. Due to slab sizes, kitchen layout, and individual piece size seams may be required and their frequency and location of all seams are determined solely by Stone Masters, Inc.
Digital Slab Layout (DSLO)
Granite is a seamed product and seams are visible. Seams are especially visible when the slab has color variation. Where the two halves come together there will be a visible seam. Prior to cutting and depending upon the price level you may have a DSLO (Digital Slab Layout). This process uses a camera imaging system and specialized software to visually layout the stone. This will achieve the best possible seam.
CNC and Spec’s
Regardless of the price level, color variation or movement we will use CNC technology to prepare seams to make the tightest possible seam. To minimize the visual impact we use a color matched epoxy and a vacuum seaming tool. This will assure a level surface and a tight seam. Typically seams have less than 1/16 of an inch between the two halves. Different stones produce different seams. Stones with veins are harder to hide. And, green stones produce more noticeable seams than yellow and brown toned stones.
Do you set up and connect all my appliances, faucets and sinks?
Removal
We do offer counter-top removal and plumbing re-connection services for an additional fee. These services are not included.
What Is Included
No electrical, plumbing or appliance installation services come with the purchase of counter-tops. With the purchase of a counter-top we will mount your sink to the stone and bore the hole(s) for your faucet. All water supply fixtures and drain lines must be connected by a plumber.
Appliances
All appliances must be leveled, secured and connected to their gas, propane, electrical or plumbing connections by your general contractor, appliance installer, or by the homeowner. We are not carpenters, painters, or appliance installers.
Should I get new appliances or plumbing fixtures?
Sinks
Most people opt for a new sink and faucet since the existing one is most likely not an under-mount model. If you like, we can use your existing sink.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers can be re-used with little impact as they are uniformly sized 24 inches wide. Be aware that the mounting holes are rarely the same from one model to the next.
Cook-Tops
Cook-tops are a very different story. You should carefully considered getting a new one prior to having granite made specifically to fit your existing cook-top. The opening is made to fit that exact appliance. Cook-tops are not standard sizes, and are most likely not going to just drop right in when you get a new one.
Ovens
A 30 inch oven does not always swap in and out with a new 30 inch oven. Many models require notches in the counter-top. While other 30 inch ovens do not. We have seen many tears from customers who assume that a 30 inch oven is a 30 inches oven.Granite counters are very easy to care for. Clean with a mild soap and water or any or the antibacterial cleaning wipes or solutions found in all supermarkets and home center stores. Avoid using any product containing abrasives as it will dull your polished surface over time. Since granite is a natural stone, we do recommend that you apply a stone sealer specifically made for granite once or twice a year. We recommend MORE brand sealer.
How do I care for my new granite counters?
Granite counters are very easy to care for. Clean with a mild soap and water or any or the antibacterial cleaning wipes or solutions found in all supermarkets and home center stores. Avoid using any product containing abrasives as it will dull your polished surface over time. Since granite is a natural stone, we do recommend that you apply a stone sealer specifically made for granite once or twice a year. We recommend MORE brand sealer.