What is the best stone to use in my home?

In most cases, the final answer depends on your preferences. However, there are some guidelines that can help with your decision.

Granite is both beautiful and the second hardest stone in existence (after diamonds). It is durable, impervious to heat and highly resistant to scratches, dirt and stains. For these reasons, granite has become a popular choice for kitchen applications.

Marble comes in a dizzying array of colors and patterns. As such, it is hard not to find a marble that will complement your décor. Marble is softer than granite and is more susceptible to scratches or stains. In our opinion, Marble is best suited to bath and furniture applications.

Do you have samples from which I can choose my stone?

Yes, you can view many samples of granite, marble, and quartz at our showroom. We encourage you take these samples home for a day or so to view them in different lighting conditions (morning, afternoon and at night).

We have a limited selection of stone slabs onsite for you to view  or can direct you to a local stone warehouse (usually within an hour’s drive from Pinehurst) where you can select from hundreds of different slabs. We also have to ability to ship slabs to our shop for you inspection. Whichever method you choose, we STRONGLY recommend, that you approve the actual slabs to be used on your job, prior to the start of fabrication.

Once I choose my stone, what is the process to fabricate and install it?

Though the steps may vary from job to job, they generally fall into these main categories:

• Site prep - You must arrange for the removal of your old countertops and disconnection of sink and appliances. This is not required in new construction. If you like, we work with  contractorswhom we can recommend to handle this for you.
• Templating - We come into your home to construct custom templates to be used in fabrication. This normally takes about an hour. At this time we also need the sink, faucet and cooktop you  plan to install, so we can make accurate cutouts for each. We take these back to the shop and return with them on installation day.
• Fabrication - This is when we use the above templates to cut your stone into a custom fit for your home. Once cut, each piece is further fabricated, edged, polished and sealed in preparation for installation. We invite all our clients to visit the shop during fabrication to see their projects being transformed.
• Stone Installation - We will arrive with your new stone and install it. This normally takes 3 to 4 hours, though complicated projects can take somewhat longer. Besides your stone, we also install your sink.
• Installation of plumbing and other appliances normally requires you to retain the services of plumbers and/or electricians to complete the installation.

Is granite difficult to maintain?

No, for everyday cleanup, you can use either a mild dish soap and plain water or a special stone cleaner, as you choose. Sealing granite is also very easy. You spray on the sealer, set your timer for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, dry off the sealer with a soft cloth and you’re done for a year.