TOP 5 BEST TIPS BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR PROJECT
#1 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND-TOOLED & MACHINED
* Ask your Fabricator/Installer if they are going to use hand tools or CNC(computer numerically control)-type machines, for your stone fabrication.
(Using hand-tools makes it are virtually impossible for needed straight lines to be cut).
* Where will the majority of your stone fabrication be done?
(The bulk of all fabrication should be done in a shop away from the project, for health reasons, as well as straight line precision that can only be done by machines).
* If you are requesting specific edge details, are you edges being fabricated with an air/water combination edge machine?
(Edge detail requires very specific equipment, make sure your fabricator has access to them).
(Using hand-tools makes it are virtually impossible for needed straight lines to be cut).
* Where will the majority of your stone fabrication be done?
(The bulk of all fabrication should be done in a shop away from the project, for health reasons, as well as straight line precision that can only be done by machines).
* If you are requesting specific edge details, are you edges being fabricated with an air/water combination edge machine?
(Edge detail requires very specific equipment, make sure your fabricator has access to them).
#2 KNOW THE "LINGO."
To ensure the success of your project, know how to communicate to the fabricator/installer the basics. This video will show you how to take easy measurements, of your cabinets, walls, or an outdoor space, you want to beautify, and easily communicate it!
#3 CHOOSE STANDARD-SIZED APPLIANCES
Restaurant-sized equipment is tempting but it costs much, much more. And the added expense doesn’t stop at the price tag. If you replace a traditional four-burner range with a six-burner, pro-style model, the new appliance will require a wider opening. You’d have to cut out some cabinets, and construct 8-inch duct-work instead of the original 6 inches. Larger, more powerful cooking appliances also tend to use more Btu, which means investing in a larger vent hood and living with higher energy costs.
#4 KNOW YOUR STONES!
GRANITE
Pros: Granite countertop has been popular in home designs in the recent years. They’re aesthetically pleasing as well as durable. They also come in many different colors and designs, which make matching it to the style of the home easy.
Cons: Granite has become a little less popular in the last year. Some people find the swirling design and fleck too busy. It’s also expensive as it’s a natural stone. Granite is also a porous stone, with tiny holes in it making it not as hygienic as other stones on the list.
QUARTZ
Pros: A Quartz countertop is quickly becoming the most popular choice amongst builders. It is stain, scratch and heat resistant. It’s also much more budget friendly than marble or granite. Manufactured quartz can also be designed to look like marble without the cost or poor durability.
Cons: Quartz can be manufactured which some people find not as glamorous or luxurious. The man-made factor of it makes it seem less exclusive to those looking to build custom luxury houses.
MARBLE
Pros: Marble is a classic stone. It has come in and out of style but the good news is it’s back in. It screams luxury more than any other stone on this list. If you need a custom countertop, marble may be the way to go. Due to it’s softer state it’s easier to cut and fabricate into custom styles. The cool white and neutral tones of tans and grays make it a stone that can work in both traditional and modern spaces.
Cons: There’s a reason marble is equated with luxury- it’s extremely expensive. Like granite, it’s also porous and susceptible to chips, cracks, and stains.
Which to Chose?
There are so many choices when it comes to stone countertops. There are both natural and manufactured stones available in a variety of styles, colors, and prices. Ask either Richard or Gagik about which style would work best for your home and look the best with your home architectural design.
Pros: Granite countertop has been popular in home designs in the recent years. They’re aesthetically pleasing as well as durable. They also come in many different colors and designs, which make matching it to the style of the home easy.
Cons: Granite has become a little less popular in the last year. Some people find the swirling design and fleck too busy. It’s also expensive as it’s a natural stone. Granite is also a porous stone, with tiny holes in it making it not as hygienic as other stones on the list.
QUARTZ
Pros: A Quartz countertop is quickly becoming the most popular choice amongst builders. It is stain, scratch and heat resistant. It’s also much more budget friendly than marble or granite. Manufactured quartz can also be designed to look like marble without the cost or poor durability.
Cons: Quartz can be manufactured which some people find not as glamorous or luxurious. The man-made factor of it makes it seem less exclusive to those looking to build custom luxury houses.
MARBLE
Pros: Marble is a classic stone. It has come in and out of style but the good news is it’s back in. It screams luxury more than any other stone on this list. If you need a custom countertop, marble may be the way to go. Due to it’s softer state it’s easier to cut and fabricate into custom styles. The cool white and neutral tones of tans and grays make it a stone that can work in both traditional and modern spaces.
Cons: There’s a reason marble is equated with luxury- it’s extremely expensive. Like granite, it’s also porous and susceptible to chips, cracks, and stains.
Which to Chose?
There are so many choices when it comes to stone countertops. There are both natural and manufactured stones available in a variety of styles, colors, and prices. Ask either Richard or Gagik about which style would work best for your home and look the best with your home architectural design.
#5 CUSTOM EDGES, THE FINISHING TOUCH
You've spent so much time and energy picking out the perfect stone for your countertops. Don't forget there's still one more thing to do: select the edge profile. This tutorial video will teach you not only the different edge choices, but give you insight to which custom edge is best for you. Remember most "pre-fab" stone either comes mitred,square edged or bullnose, Full slabs comes un-edged. Some edges cost extra because they are more labor intensive, keep that in mind when budgeting.