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1. I DON’T THINK
I CAN AFFORD GRANITE/MARBLE.
2. WHAT
IS THE PROCESS?
3. CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN STONE?
4. WHAT IS FABRICATION?
5. WHAT IS THE TURN AROUND TIME?
6. WHAT KIND OF EDGES CAN I PUT ON MY
COUNTERTOP?
7. WHAT KIND OF SINK CAN I USE?
8. HOW DO I HAVE TO PREPARE MY HOME FOR
THIS PROCESS?
9. WHAT KIND OF FINISHES CAN I HAVE ON
THE COUNTERTOP?
10. HOW DO I CARE FOR IT?
11. WHAT ITEMS CAN BE FABRICATED?
12. CAN I LAY A MEDALLION IN MY ENTRY
WAY?
I DON’T THINK I CAN AFFORD
GRANITE/MARBLE.
You’d be surprised at how affordable marble or granite
can be for you! Let us quote your kitchen or bathroom. There
are several relatively affordable options available for someone
interested in furnishing or accenting their home with stone.
Granite or marble tiling may be a desirable, more affordable
alternative to slabs, however may require more time/labor.
If you can provide us with a drawing and/or measurements,
we’ll try to provide a quote for you on the spot!
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WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
First, what kind of stone do you want? Visit our
showroom and choose from our wide selection of granite and
marble. Then, let us know what you are in need of: tile flooring,
kitchen countertop, bathroom vanity, etc. Someone from our
knowledgeable sales team will assist you with details such
as accents, edge type, finish/surface type, and backsplashes.
We will need a precise template of the countertop with exact
measurements and location of sink(s), soap dispenser, appliances,
etc. You can do this yourself with cardboard or plywood,
or we can perform this step for you in your home. Then, the
template is sent to the shop where slabs are cut, polished
and finished. If you are tiling your floor, we will need
to know the square footage of the room(s) or area(s) to be
tiled. Finally, we come to your home and install your new
counter or floor.
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CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN STONE?
Of course! Our showroom has many kinds of marble
and granite on display. When you come in, take a look around.
There is so much to choose from. And if you have a specific
stone in mind, let us know; we will try our best to research
and locate it (or something similar) for you. Once you have
viewed our samples and have your stone in mind, we encourage
all customers visit our modern fabrication facility to view
the actual slab before cutting, ensuring that the stone to
your liking.
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WHAT IS FABRICATION?
Fabrication is the custom process in which we manufacture
the stone of your choice into your very own countertop, floor
tiles, furniture, etc. Fabrication includes cutting the slab
of marble or granite to the correct size and shape; cutting
any holes or grooves for placement of sink, faucets, soap
dispenser, etc.; and finally, polishing the stone to your
desired finish.
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WHAT IS THE TURN AROUND TIME?
Generally, turn around time for marble/granite is
approximately 3 weeks from the time of your order, assuming
typical availability and accessibility of materials and resources.
This is assuming we have received your deposit and your home
is prepared for installation. We require this amount of time
to account for placing the order for the stone, for fabrication/
customization of your stone, as well as, installation at
your home or place of business. We will always inform you
should there be a delay or backorder. On occasion, your order
may be ready sooner than 3 weeks, in which case we will notify
you and possibly set up an earlier time for installation.
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WHAT KIND OF EDGES CAN I
PUT ON MY COUNTERTOP?
We offer the following edge styles for countertops.
Please note: The thick red line represents a polished surface;
the thin black line at the bottom is unpolished.
We can also fabricate customized edges in addition to the
styles you see above.
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WHAT KIND OF SINK CAN I USE?
There are 2 basic types of sinks: a “drop in” and
an “undermount”. A drop-in sink is simply a sink that sits
in place in a hole through the top of your counter. This
sink is essentially held in place because the rim of the
sink extends out and sits around the edge of the cut-out.
An undermount sink is mounted with bolts on the underside
of the countertop. The perimeter of the cut-out in the marble
or granite is visible and polished. This creates a very attractive,
exquisite look. Of course, there are variations and exceptions
to these 2 types of sinks, so it is extremely important that
you let us know what kind of sink you have in your kitchen
or bathroom. We will customize the cut-out in your countertop
so that your sink will fit properly during installation.
Keep in mind that we have access to a wide selection of custom-ordered
sinks and we would be more than happy to assist you in selecting
the sink that best suits your countertop and your taste!
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HOW DO I HAVE TO PREPARE
MY HOME FOR THIS PROCESS?
It is essential that your home be prepared for our
installers to put your countertop or floor in place. All
cabinets must be installed and secured to the wall before
your countertop or tiling can be installed. This is the only
way to insure proper and accurate installation of your granite/marble
pieces.
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WHAT KIND OF FINISHES CAN
I HAVE ON THE COUNTERTOP?
There are two basic finishes to choose from, either
polished or honed. Polished granite or marble has a beautiful,
smooth, glossy surface. Stone that is honed has a non-glossy,
or matte, finish. We also offer an fascinating new “leather” finish
for marble surfaces. Choices like these allow customers like
you to coordinate their own tastes into the design of a room
or area.
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HOW DO I CARE FOR IT?
Stones are a natural substance so they are porous,
to a certain extent. Therefore, to prevent staining we recommend
that all stone products be sealed a few weeks after installation,
and one year periodically thereafter. You can do this easily
yourself with sealing products which we offer in-stock. To
clean your marble or granite, warm water and minimal soap
will take out most surface stains.
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WHAT ITEMS CAN BE FABRICATED?
Use your imagination! In addition to marble or granite
flooring and countertops, we can also create your very own
custom furniture from your choice of stone. For example,
corner caddies for your shower, window sills, shower sills,
door jams, soap dish, patio furniture, steps/risers, entertainment
center, table tops, conference room table, fireplaces, etc.
The sky’s the limit!
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CAN I LAY A MEDALLION IN
MY ENTRY WAY?
There is no end to the possibilities. If you’d like
a medallion in your entry way, or any other design for that
matter, all we need are a drawing and dimensions and we can
incorporate your design onto your new floor.
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TILE & CERAMICS
frequently asked questions…
1. WHAT KIND
OF TILES DO YOU HAVE?
2. DO I HAVE TO USE SMALL TILES FOR MY
BATHROOM?
3. IS TILE SLIPPERY?
4. WHAT AREAS CAN I TILE?
5. YOU HAVE SO
MANY TILES TO CHOOSE FROM. HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH ONE(S) ARE FOR ME?
6. TELL
ME ABOUT MOSAICS.
7. WHAT KIND
OF TILES DO YOU HAVE?
8. HOW DO I GET A FINISHED EDGE?
9. HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH TO ORDER?
10. WHAT KIND OF TILES
DO YOU HAVE IN STOCK?
11. WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF INSTALLATION?
12. HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TILE FLOOR?
13. CAN I TILE MY BATHROOM CEILING?
14. WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRENDS?
15. IS IT EXPENSIVE TO TILE MY HOME?
16. HOW CAN I KEEP MY COSTS DOWN AND
STILL ACHIEVE A DESIGNER LOOK?
17. DOES YOUR COMPANY OFFER INSTALLATION?
18. WHAT ARE THE EASIEST TILES TO MAINTAIN?
19. WHAT KIND OF SURFACE FINISHES CAN
I HAVE ON MY TILING ?
20. WHAT IS THE TURN AROUND TIME?
21. WHAT IS A “WEAR RATING”?
We offer an amazing selection of tiles, including
materials such as natural stone (marble, granite, etc.),
ceramic, and porcelain. …
DO I HAVE TO USE SMALL TILES
FOR MY BATHROOM?
No. Tiles come in all shapes and sizes. As a matter
of fact, larger tiles may make your bathroom look larger.
The only place we’d actually recommend using small tiles
is on your shower floor. We would be glad to help you decide
which tile best suits you and your bathroom.
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IS TILE SLIPPERY?
This is a myth that many of our customers face us
with. A glossy finish does not make a tile more slippery.
As always, however, a wet floor poses more danger than one
that is not wet, regardless of material or finish.
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WHAT AREAS CAN I TILE?
You can tile practically any area of your home or
office. Tile is suitable for a floor, kitchen, counter, backsplash,
wall, shower, you could even create a tiled table top.
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YOU HAVE SO MANY TILES TO
CHOOSE FROM. HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH ONE(S) ARE FOR ME?
Many customers have a difficult time deciding which
tiles they want, especially after they see all of the choices
we have to offer. Think about what will “feel” right in your
home. Are you going for a specific look, color scheme, texture,
etc.? Still can’t decide? Take a sample or two home so you
can envision the finished project.
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TELL ME ABOUT MOSAICS.
Mosaics are small tiles which are usually arranged
into a picture or pattern. They can be made of stone, ceramics,
porcelain, etc. and maybe used to tile an entire wall or
floor, or as a border or decorative insert to accent more
basic tiles. Mosaics are an interesting way to add a creative,
customized touch to a room.
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HOW DO I GET A FINISHED EDGE?
Most ceramic wall tiles and some floor tiles come
with coordinating finished edge pieces, called bullnose or
trim. These pieces are factory made. Porcelain tiles can
be polished or fabricated in our shop, if you should need
a finished edge.
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OW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH TO
ORDER?
If you are not sure how much tile you need, let
us know the dimensions of the space you are tiling and we
can figure it out for you. Most tile is priced either by
the square foot or by the piece.
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WHAT KIND OF TILES DO YOU
HAVE IN STOCK?
Our in-stock supply varies. Certain popular designs
may be available on-site in our warehouse. If you need your
tile immediately, a salesperson can easily locate our in-stock
availability. You may also be able to find a bargain in our
annex, a section of our warehouse containing off-price, discontinued
or end-of-lot tile remnants.
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WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF INSTALLATION?
First, before tiling the floor or wall area needs
to be prepared, if necessary. Then the tile is installed
with thinset and grouting is applied. Some floors may require
cleaning and/or sealant following installation.
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HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TILE FLOOR?
Wash floor with warm water and minimal soap product
(i.e. Pine Sol or Mr. Clean). Too much soap could leave a
dulling residue. You can remove this simply by rinsing with
water (no soap) until it’s gone. Do not use bleach or ammonia
on your tiles.
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CAN I TILE MY BATHROOM
CEILING?
Anything is possible. Generally, the only place
that one might consider installing tiles on the ceiling is
in the shower. This way, there are no peeling paint or paper,
and mold/mildew is most easily prevented or prevented.
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HOW DO I “DRESS UP” A BASIC
TILE?
If you are looking to accent a basic or plain tile,
you can use decos and insert tiles, or borders/listelos.
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WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRENDS?
More and more people are leaning toward color when
the decide to remodel their home. Choosing the right colors
can certainly make a room seem more inviting, or elegant.
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IS IT EXPENSIVE TO TILE
MY HOME?
We will work with you select the best tile to satisfy
your budget. In addition to our many, beautiful, custom-order
tiles and borders, you may want to visit our annex, a part
of our warehouse which holds a large inventory of discontinued
or end-of-lot tiles at unbelievably reasonable prices. You
may just find a hidden treasure.
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HOW CAN I KEEP MY COSTS
DOWN AND STILL ACHIEVE A DESIGNER LOOK?
We will work with you select the best tile to satisfy
your budget. In addition to our many, beautiful, custom-order
tiles and ceramics, you may be able to find something appealing
in our annex.
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DOES YOUR COMPANY OFFER
INSTALLATION?
Yes, we are a full service company. We offer tile
selection, as well as fabrication (if necessary) and installation,
for an additional labor charge.
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WHAT ARE THE EASIEST TILES
TO MAINTAIN?
Ceramics are all generally considered easy maintenance.
The only ones that require a little extra care, such as sealing,
are natural stone or unglazed tile. This is because they
are more porous than a glazed tile.
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WHAT KIND OF SURFACE FINISHES
CAN I HAVE ON MY TILING ?
For the most part, ceramic tiles are sold with the
finishes you see on display in our showroom. Most are either
glazed to unglazed. Textures may vary. Some tiles are designed
to look glossy or polished, and some are matte. Some even
have a “stone” look. There are countless choices.
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WHAT IS THE TURN AROUND
TIME?
Most tiles, if not already in stock, can be here
within one week. Installation times may vary, depending on
our schedule, but never longer than one month.
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WHAT IS A “WEAR RATING”?
A wear-rating designates a tile’s level of durability.
Generally, wear ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 5, 1
being the least durable, and 5 being the most durability.
More specifically, guidelines are as follows: 1 = wall tiles;
2 = bathroom floor; 3 = residential floor (kitchen/living
room); 4 = heavy residential/light commercial; 5 = most porcelain
tiles, regardless of use/location.
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Please call,
fax or email us
for a free quote or in-home estimate!
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