With so many possibilities to choose from, its hard to know which material options you should consider.
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- Look for colors and styles that work with their kitchen ideas – whether a new kitchen or a remodel. Our kitchen visualizer has over 130 different colors on it, and can be used to view different styles of kitchens and cabinets and appliances to give help in visualizing the end result. For most people getting a color and style that work os the most importantpart of the project.
- Get an idea of the cost of your countertop to make sure it is within your budget. Many customers change their budget split to make sure they get the countertop they want since it is always the most prominent part of the kitchen. If you want us to give you a price estimate, contact us and send us a sketch with some basic information and we will give you an indicative price. It is best to get a quote based on your kitchen and what you want from an experienced fabricator, who will stand by their pricing, rather than try to work it out based on square foot pricing. Thee are many factors that influence the final price.
- Review the material you have chosen to make sure it is practical enough for your kitchen and it is what you want in terms of maintenance and practicality and durability. Stone products differ in many ways and checking with your fabricator about what to expect before purchase is always a good idea. Read the maintenance guide if you can. Don’t assume it’s right for you solely because you like the color. As examples:
- Some granites require more seams because they are fragile – and may require a seam at the sink especially if you want a large sink.
- Products with veins may require extra material – and therefore extra cost, to match at the seam
- Some quartz products are designed not to match at seams. The fabricator cannot make them match.
- Soapstone will show more marks and scratches – however they are easily dealt with but it requires maintenance.
- Most marbles stain very easily so consider carefully where you use them
- Some colors mark more readily in use than other colors
- Some granites are smooth and shiny, others are not smooth and contain natural pitts and fissures and possibly even some areas of factory repair. (so those lines that look like cracks or that uneven surface are actually part of the stone). So ask and look carefully to avoid disappointment.
- Not all granites are equally suitable for outside use – some contain resins that may discolor over time in the sun.
- Some products can be easily damaged by heat
- Solid surface products can be made seamless for hygiene – most stone tops will require seams.
- Consider the backsplash. Stone backsplash matching the countertop provides the best possible seal for the most hygenic countertop. Even a 4 inch high backsplash to prevent any water ingress at the back of the countertop is always recommended. Stone tile is next best but grouted tile is not as easy to clean and grout may start to deteriorate over time.
- Consider the edge profile. Most first ime purcasers get an eased edge (1/8 inch radius) and it’s a clean and modern look. But it is much more likely to chip on impact from pots, pans or kitchen utensils than a rounded edge. Most stone chips can be repaired, but it is expensive. Repairing a few chips around a sink can cost hundreds of dollars from a specialist.
- Ask your fabricator about the process and their warranty. (Link to warranty section). Read carefully any guidance and details you are provided with since they detail what the fabricator is going to make and do. It is important to know what is or is not included in the scope of work – typically tear out of existing countertops, levelling of cabinets, moving appliances,
- And finally a word on slab views:
- Slab views are optional on most products. We are happy to see you and show the product, and if in doubt, come and look. But we understand how busy everyone is, and it is not always necessary.
- Most quartz products are very similar to sample, although exact shades do vary. But do make sure you have seen a picture of an entire slab to make sure you are aware of the patterning in it. Or once again take a look at our kitchen visualizer. We also have you tube channel where we have short videos showing in great detail many of our best selling products.
- The same applies to many granites since they are very similar to sample. There are however a number of exotic granites where we recommend that you come and view; if you do not have time or don’t want to we will send you a high resolution photograph of the slab and ask you to approve it before we move forward.
- And while we say physical slab views are optional, we appreciate that many people want to and are happy to welcome them by appointment. If you have doubts about the color, always come and see it since you will be living with it for a very long time.