Q. Why choose granite slab countertops?
A. Granite is nature's ideal material for countertops.  It is one of the hardest naturally occurring materials in the earth's crust, and when polished, results in a beautiful and durable surface resistant to the abrasion, staining, and heat of a typical kitchen.

Q. How can you tell if you've spent your money wisely?
A. If the purchase retains its value, and is worth what you paid for it.  Granite countertops will last for decades and keep looking good as new with minimal care.  As part of your home they become an asset, like money in the bank.

Q. What's the difference between a good and bad installation?
A. Two ingredients make good installations possible: good tools and good skills.  Modern tools like computer controlled edging machines produce precise edges beyond the human capacity to reproduce.  Human experience and care are essential for subjective tasks like vein matching at seams.  A good stone shop has both the machinery and skill to ensure quality in all aspects of your installation.

Q. What about flaws in granite?
A. Granite is a product of nature and contains natural features and variations which can make your counters truly unique.  Variations in shading, inclusions, and fissures are some of the features possible.  These might be considered "mother nature's beauty marks", enduring expressions of the earth's creativity.  You may want to design around such feautures, or avoid them.

Q. What is engineered stone?
A. Engineered stone is a man-made combination of durable, naturally occurring quartz and synthetic binders formulated specifically for the application and demands of kitchen countertops.  Some people are attracted to the uniformity that these materials possess, combined with the heat and abrasion resistance of quartz.  If you perceive natural variations as flaws, then enigneered stone may be for you.

Q. I've seen lots of different edges.  How do I choose?
A. Many different profiles can be carved into stone counters with beautiful results.  One aspect to bear in mind is the compatibility of the various edges in a complete countertop.  For example, a bullnose edge corresponds well with a demi bullnose sink opening and a demi bullnose finished edge on backsplash.  Other good combinations are possible and attractive.

Q. Do I need to know seam locations before installation?
A. Most countertops require seams at various points due to the limits of slab size, site access and fit.  Seam location sometimes permits a choice and 3CM Stone invites clients to participate in the seam locating process.

Q. Why is vein matching important?
A. A job that is thoroughly vein matched will be pleasing to look at for as long as the counters last.  A poorly vein matched job will last just as long but without the same result!  Stone should be vein matched throughout an entire kitchen.  That includes matching backsplash to the countertops, matching on all laminated edges, as well as matching countertop seams.  All stone has a direction, whether subtle or pronounced, and it should run one direction throughout a room.

Q. Should I be present when my job is laid out on the slabs prior to cutting?
A. If the material you have selected is not veined then it is optional for you to be present at layout.  If your selected material is veined then it is recommended that you be present at layout so that your preferences can be included in the decision-making process.  If you are present for layout then there can be no surprises at install.

Q. What should a seam look like?
A. An observer should see matching color on both sides of the seam.  This means that colors match as much as possible along the entire length of the seam, and that veins are aligned to one another.  Also, the number of slabs can affect the number of seams.  Using fewer slabs (to reduce material cost) can result in more seams and seams that are not well matched.

Q. What should a laminated edge look like?
A. To a typical observer the lamination should not be readily apparent.  There should be vein coordination between the slab and laminate, and no unusual color differences between the stone and adhesive.  There should be no chips or voids in the lamination line.

Q. What is the transition line?
A. The transition line is formed where the edge detail meets the countertop surface.  This line should be absolutely straight and true, with no wavering whatsoever.  A true transition line is produced by using the best machinery and maintaining attention to detail.

When comparing prices, remember you are choosing the level of quality!