Frequently asked questions

Between 3 and 5 days from template to installation. The installation itself usually takes one day.

Vanities take no more than 3 days from template to installation. Backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and shower walls follow the same short schedule, and shower walls need one more day for the silicone to cure before use.

Yes, or someone who can make decisions about seams, edges and overhangs. Templating takes about an hour and we confirm the layout with you before we leave.

Yes. Your old countertops stay in place until install day. Plan on being without the sink or cooktop for install day and until your plumber reconnects, usually the same or next day.

Yes. We remove laminate, tile or old stone, protect the cabinets and haul it away the same day. Removal is listed on your estimate.

We set the sink and leave everything ready for your plumber and electrician to reconnect. Most homeowners schedule them for the day after install.

We plan every seam on the slab layout before cutting and show you the drawing. In kitchens they usually fall at the sink or cooktop, where the stone is narrowest. Shower walls rarely need more than one seam per wall.

Almost always. Standard cabinets carry 3cm stone without reinforcement. We check for level and loose boxes at templating and tell you if anything needs attention.

It comes down to how you use the space and how much upkeep you want. Granite takes heat and every slab is unique. Quartz is non-porous and never needs sealing. Marble is classic but softer and shows wear sooner. We will show you each side by side in the yard.

Granite is quarried stone: heat-proof, one of a kind and sealed at install. Quartz is engineered from ground stone and resin, so its color is consistent all the way through and its seams are less visible, but it needs trivets and stays indoors.

Yes. Every slab is one of a kind, it takes hot pans straight from the stove and with basic care its polish lasts indefinitely. Granite also adds value to your home, whether you plan to sell soon or not.

No. Quartz is engineered and non-porous. Quartzite is a natural rock quarried in slabs, needs sealing and varies from slab to slab.

Marble is mostly used for bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds and hearths. In a kitchen it makes a beautiful baking station because it stays cool, but it etches from acids and scratches more easily than granite.

A dull spot where acid has dissolved a little of a polished marble surface. It is not a stain and can be re-polished, but it can happen again. A honed finish hides it almost completely.

Carrara is greyer with fine, soft veining and the most affordable. Calacatta is whiter with bold grey and gold veins. Statuary is bright white with dramatic grey veining.

No. Porcelain countertops are full slabs, up to about 10 feet long, cut and polished like stone, with no grout lines. A hard knock on an edge can chip it, so we recommend eased or mitered edges.

We cut 3cm (1 1/4 in) and 2cm (3/4 in) stone. 3cm is our standard for kitchens and needs no plywood underlayment. 2cm suits vanities, shower walls and laminated edges.

On granite, yes. It forms from molten rock, so a pan straight from the stove will not damage it. On quartz, use a trivet, because the resin can scorch under a pan straight from the burner.

Granite first. It is heat-proof and stands up to the Florida sun. Quartzite and porcelain also work outdoors. Quartz yellows in direct sun and marble etches in rain and pool water.

Dark polished granite warms in full sun. Lighter colors stay noticeably cooler, which is why we suggest them for pool bars.

Granite and quartz both work well. Quartz is non-porous, so makeup, hair dye and nail polish remover wipe right off. Marble needs quick cleanup and a good sealer.

Yes. Full-slab marble is the classic choice; we seal it at install and recommend a squeegee after showers. Quartz never needs sealing, but we avoid it over steam generators where the walls get very hot.

Yes, within the clearances your firebox maker lists. For gas and wood burning fireplaces we recommend granite, which handles direct heat without discoloring. Quartz suits electric fireplaces and wide clearances.

Yes, and we encourage it. Quarried stone varies in color, pattern and texture, so walk the yard, tag the slab with your name and we lay out your pieces so the best movement lands where you will see it.

Absolutely. Tell us which project caught your eye and we will walk you through the stone, edge and seam plan.

Yes. Have it delivered to the shop and we template, cut, finish and install it the same way we handle stone from our own yard. Tell us the material and slab size so we can check it covers your layout.

Standard edges: eased (square), bevel and half bullnose. Premium edges: ogee and full bullnose. Every edge is cut and polished in our shop.

Yes, or at least choose the model. The cutout is made to the exact sink, so we need it or its template before we cut.

One undermount sink cutout is included in every kitchen and vanity estimate. Cooktops, extra sinks and faucet or soap holes are listed separately.

Yes, if they are in good shape. We template around them and cut the new top to match. Many homeowners use the moment to upgrade to an undermount sink.

Often, yes. A 4 inch splash almost always does. A full-height run behind the range may need a second slab, which we price up front.

We template every outlet and switch and cut the openings in the shop. Your electrician fits box extenders so the covers sit flush on the stone.

Often, yes. If the surface is sound and flat we can anchor slab panels over it. If not, we remove it first and price the removal and wall repair on your estimate.

Yes. Slab walls go over a waterproofed, sound substrate. Your tile setter or contractor prepares it; we check it before we template.

Yes. Send the grill, burner and door models and we template the openings to the manufacturer cutout specs.

Yes. Mantel shelves, floating shelves, shower benches, window sills and hearths are regular jobs, often cut from the same slab or from remnants.

Usually. Bring a photo or a sample and we will pull slabs or remnants from the same material and color family for you to compare in the yard.

The safest way is a damp cloth and soap. You can use any cleaning product that does not contain ammonia. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can dull the polish.

Your granite comes already sealed. Over time, have it sealed with our lifetime warranty sealant, or seal it yourself every 6 to 12 months.

Granite does not crack with ordinary use. Do not stand or sit on the granite near the sink, cooktop cutouts or unsupported overhangs, as too much weight in those spots can crack the stone.

Granite is one of the hardest stones and extremely difficult to scratch. Still use a cutting board, and lift pots and appliances rather than dragging them, because grit underneath can mark the polish.

Granite will not chip under normal use, although a heavy object hitting an edge can cause a small chip. If that happens, the chip can be filled.

Sealed granite resists everyday spills. Do not leave lemon juice, vinegar or soda sitting on the surface, because acids can dull the polish.

No. Quartz is non-porous, so spills sit on top. Wipe up dyes and strongly pigmented foods when you see them and keep it out of direct sun.

About every 6 months, or once with our lifetime sealant. Sealing slows stains; it does not stop etching.

Yes, about once a year, or once with our lifetime sealant. Lighter colors can absorb oil if left unsealed.

Yes. We seal at install and recommend resealing once a year, or once with our lifetime sealant. Rinse off pool chemicals and wipe grease while it is warm.

It depends on the stone and size, but remnants are priced by the piece rather than the full slab, so small jobs usually cost noticeably less.

Often, yes. Most single vanities fit a remnant. Walk the rack or send your size and we will tell you what fits.

Yes. Once you pick a piece we tag it with your name and hold it while we template and schedule your job.

Yes. Every remnant price we quote includes templating, cutting, the sink cutout and installation by our own crew.

Yes. We can cut and polish a piece to your measurements for pickup. Tell us the finished size and edge when you ask for a price.

Yes. Written estimates are free with no obligation. We assess your goals first, then give you an estimate and a timeline for completion.

The stone and its color group, the square footage from the template, the number of seams, the edge profile, cutouts, backsplash and whether we remove an old top.

Granite is priced by color group and quartz by brand and color. Quartzite usually runs above granite because the slabs are rarer and slower to cut, and porcelain is close to premium quartz. Your estimate can show options side by side.

We work with the major quartz manufacturers. Tell us the color you have in mind and we will tell you who makes it and what it costs.

Homeowners within about an hour of our Winter Park shop, including Winter Park, Orlando, Maitland, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Casselberry, Altamonte Springs and Lake Mary. Not sure? Call with your ZIP code.

Yes. Our Winter Park showroom and slab yard is open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring a photo of your space or a cabinet door to help judge the match.

Yes, for offices, restaurants and small multi-unit work near Winter Park. Send the drawings and we will quote it like any other job.