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Frequently asked questions
Questions and Answers - Solid Surface Solutions
It all comes down to personal preference for budget, design, and maintenance. Engineered stones like quartz are very low-maintenance, affordable, and available in a wide range of styles and colors. Stones like granite, marble, and quartzite are each unique, natural, and resistant to high heat but natural stone is porous and must be sealed by the homeowner periodically to keep it water resistant. Marble is quite soft and is not recommended for high-traffic counters like kitchens due to how easily it scratches. For outdoor use, we often recommend Dekton or porcelain slabs which are warrantied to withstand the elements.Additional information on edges: https://www.solidsurfacesolutions.com/stone-knowledge
Material costs are determined by the vendor and vary by color, slab size, and finish. Quartz is very affordable and we offer a square-foot program on select brands. Granite is another less costly stone, while marble and quartzite are available in some very striking designs but typically require a higher budget. Our Estimating Team will work with you to suggest products and ideas to help you fulfill your vision and stay within budget.
Granite, marble, and quartzite are natural stones that are quarried around the world. Natural stone slabs come in “blocks,” with sequential slabs that are similar in coloring and design but no two are identical. Clients often select their natural stone slabs in-person for a personalized design experience. Quartz is a manmade stone that combines natural quartz fragments with resin and dyes to create a strong and nonporous slab; this process offers myriad styles and designs, from bright colors to patterns that mimic natural stones for a fraction of the price. Quartz does not require any sealing or maintenance but it is not quite as heat resistant due to the resin content – quartz is not warrantied for outdoor use or fireplace walls.
From the time of your purchase, a single-phase counter project can be completed in about 3 weeks. First we will send out a templater to measure your cabinets (once installed) and sink, then over the next 10 business days we will pick up material, program, and fabricate. The install itself is usually completed within a few hours. If you are simply remodeling with no change to cabinets, we can template over your existing countertops and you can wait to remove them until the day before install.
Natural stones like granite, marble, and quartzite are porous and should be periodically sealed to keep the surface water-resistant. Homeowners can apply the sealant periodically with a natural stone sealant purchased at any hardware/home-improvement store. Once water drops soak into the stone instead of beading on top, it is time to re-seal.
New slab surfaces are a natural route to update style and improve functionality of your home. The right countertop can brighten a dark space, make a kitchen look larger or cozier, and tie together your color scheme from floors to tiles to cabinets. Our Estimating Team can work with you to find the perfect fit to upgrade and personalize your home.
Our estimates are entirely customizable, but by default we will include material, fabrication, template, and installation. Our Estimating Team will ask you questions to determine what details to include, such as tear out, sink cutout types, splashes, and edge profiles. Note that plumbing and electrical are outside of our scope and our team is not permitted to move customer appliances.
We prioritize customer satisfaction and will work with you every step of the way, from estimate to template to installation in order to ensure that you know what to expect and are happy with your finished product. All of our projects are backed by a 1 year fabricator warranty which covers fabrication or installation-related issues such as a seam separation or undermount sink recaulking. Engineered stone products like quartz also often have a residential warranty, which typically range from 15 years to lifetime.
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