Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about materials we offer!
Granite Countertop FAQs
Granite often tops the list of countertop contenders due to its unparalleled natural beauty and enduring strength. If you’re considering granite countertops, here are the answers to our frequently asked questions about this material to provide you with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
Granite, although a durable countertop material, can be scratched by knives being used directly on its surface. It might not happen with all granite colors, but the risk is still there. Cutting directly on the granite countertop can also remove the sealer placed on the surface quicker than normal. Without a strong sealer, the risk of staining said countertop is greater. Also, cutting directly on such a hard surface can damage your knives. It’s recommended to always use a cutting board on your countertops.
Granite comes in many colors and from various regions of the world, containing different minerals and compositions. Certain granite colors are very dense, meaning they do not have many pores. On the other hand, some colors have larger pores or contain minerals that stain easier. The best way to answer this is to speak to a qualified fabricator when looking at a specific granite color to understand the specific recommended care and maintenance.
Granite is a type of igneous rock, meaning it started as magma or lava. The dense composition of the granite minerals allows for a strong surface that is heat resistant. At Alps Craftsman, we always preach caution when using countertops. Although granite is heat resistant, we recommend the use of a trivet, towel, or other surface that can help absorb the heat instead of putting a hot pot or pan directly on the surface.
Sealer is the common name for a chemical that is applied to the surface of your countertops to help prevent staining. There are two types of sealers: penetrating and topical. Topical sealers are the most common. The liquid is applied to the countertop surface, creating an extremely thin barrier that sits on top of the granite surface itself. This microscopic layer stops liquids from entering into any of the pores that exist in the natural stone. Penetrating sealers are applied in a special way, where a skilled technician applies the chemical in a manner that allows the sealer to soak into the granite. This method allows all the tiny openings to be waterproofed vs. just creating a thin film over the top of the entire surface.
It is not recommended that a homeowner apply sealer to their countertops. While there are many instructional videos available online that show how this application can be done themselves, undoing incorrectly applied sealer is not an easy task. Countertops are a huge investment in a house and should be treated as such. Alps Craftsman provides a service to clean and re-seal countertops. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
It is not recommended that a homeowner apply sealer to their countertops. While there are many instructional videos available online that show how this application can be done themselves, undoing incorrectly applied sealer is not an easy task. Countertops are a huge investment in a house and should be treated as such. Alps Craftsman provides a service to clean and re-seal countertops. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
The answer to this question is very subjective and hard to define equally for everyone. The reason is that the rate at which a sealer deteriorates is based on the degree of usage of the countertops, how often they’re cleaned, what cleaning products are used on the surface, and what type of sealer is being used. Products with more acid or harsher chemicals will break down the sealer quickly. Using cleaning products in general will break down the sealer versus cleaning with warm, soapy water on a sponge. Certain sealers are made to last longer, so once a treatment is applied, there is a longer waiting period between applications. The location of the granite countertop in your home also affects how often they need to be sealed. Kitchen countertops receive a lot more use than basement or bathroom countertops. Alps Craftsman can help recommend a trusted sealer that will perform within reasonable expectations.
Yes! Granite countertops require very little maintenance. They easily clean up with soap/water. Their hardness allows for them to last in the ‘new condition’ for years on end. Periodic sealing is required, but as with most things in the house, check-ups/tune-ups are often required to keep things working well. But daily, granite countertops are very easy to care for.
Chips do not occur on their own, so the best way to prevent chipping is by being careful around your countertops. Accidents do happen though. The good thing about granite is that chip repairs are often less visible due to the busier patterns that are normally found in these stones. Edges are the most prone to chipping, mostly around the undermount sink cutout.
Granite countertops come in many different colors and patterns and are sourced from around the world. The largest suppliers of granite are in Brazil, Spain, and India, but certain colors can come from other locations. At Alps Craftsman, we work with a handful of local suppliers that offer quality granite slabs. These trusted partners work with their overseas counterparts to source materials that are not only beautiful but can withstand fabrication, installation, and use in your home.
Alps Craftsman believes in letting the experts in each field do their own work. Some fabricators bring in their own materials and sell them directly to homeowners. While said companies may try and convince homeowners to buy slabs directly from the fabricator, that’s often not a good idea.
Alps Craftsman believes in letting the experts in each field do their own work. Some fabricators bring in their own materials and sell them directly to homeowners. While said companies may try and convince homeowners to buy slabs directly from the fabricator, that’s often not a good idea.
Alps Craftsman offers 2 types of granite pricing. We have a stock program, which is a curated collection of colors across multiple price levels. Said colors are sold by the square foot, meaning that a homeowner is only purchasing a portion of the slab that corresponds to the size of their job. Since this program is offered across many customers, we expect that we’ll use the leftover material from the slab on another customer’s project. Since we work with multiple trusted stone suppliers, we always have stock of said colors because we can purchase any needed material from a group of companies.
Customers are also welcome to select granite colors that are outside of our stock program. In this situation, the customer will visit our trusted suppliers to find the color(s) they love and want for their home. Based on the cabinet layout, design requirements, and other specifications, the Alps Craftsman team will determine how many slabs are needed for the project. Since these selections are custom, meaning they aren’t part of our stock program, whole slabs will need to be purchased in full. Said another way, if an additional slab is needed for a small countertop piece, that entire slab will need to be purchased as part of the job because we cannot guarantee that the rest of the slab will be used by another customer. In these situations, we often ask the customer if any other rooms in the house could use a new countertop so that more of the slab is being used. We’ve installed countertop material in some interesting locations, allowing for a fun, unexpected pop in the home!
Customers are also welcome to select granite colors that are outside of our stock program. In this situation, the customer will visit our trusted suppliers to find the color(s) they love and want for their home. Based on the cabinet layout, design requirements, and other specifications, the Alps Craftsman team will determine how many slabs are needed for the project. Since these selections are custom, meaning they aren’t part of our stock program, whole slabs will need to be purchased in full. Said another way, if an additional slab is needed for a small countertop piece, that entire slab will need to be purchased as part of the job because we cannot guarantee that the rest of the slab will be used by another customer. In these situations, we often ask the customer if any other rooms in the house could use a new countertop so that more of the slab is being used. We’ve installed countertop material in some interesting locations, allowing for a fun, unexpected pop in the home!
This is a very subjective question! Our personal opinion at Alps Craftsman is that your style is your style, and you should be proud of that! If you’re embarking on a project to sell your house immediately after the job is done, then we recommend designing around current trends. However, if this is not the case, you should love the space you’re designing, whether it speaks to others or not. If you have a certain theme you’re going for, such as modern, farmhouse, or classic, our design team can help put together options that fit said look. We’re also up-to-date on all current trends in home design, so we can always help guide the conversation to keep your home on-trend.
We don’t believe it does. We’ve designed ultra-modern kitchens for a 1700s farmhouse. Since the kitchen is often a distinct room in the house, you have more liberty to make it feel unique. That said, if you have a home with more of an open-concept floor plan, then other considerations need to be accounted for.
Each project starts with a design consultation. That can occur in person at our beautiful design center or over the phone. Once we get a good understanding of your requirements, we come up with options for your choosing. Specifically for countertops, we’ll quote your project in our stock program and provide information on our trusted suppliers, specifically on how you can view their current offerings both online and in person. The color selection process might take a few rounds because slab sizes and material availability might change the overall quote. Once a color is selected, we sign the quote, our warranty form, and any other necessary paperwork.
After a job is sold by the design team, it moves to our operations department, where a project manager will oversee the completion of the job. These experts work with the customer to get all the finer details, like corner radius selection and the placement of holes that need to be drilled into the countertop. The project manager will also schedule the template and installation appointments. After the template is complete, we review all in-home measurements and findings against what we quoted. In certain circumstances, we revisit the quoted amount with the homeowner if the in-field dimensions do not match the quote or if in-field realities, such as access to the room, affect the original design. Any change orders are figured out before the job moves to fabrication. At the installation appointment, we place, secure, and seal the granite countertops.
After a job is sold by the design team, it moves to our operations department, where a project manager will oversee the completion of the job. These experts work with the customer to get all the finer details, like corner radius selection and the placement of holes that need to be drilled into the countertop. The project manager will also schedule the template and installation appointments. After the template is complete, we review all in-home measurements and findings against what we quoted. In certain circumstances, we revisit the quoted amount with the homeowner if the in-field dimensions do not match the quote or if in-field realities, such as access to the room, affect the original design. Any change orders are figured out before the job moves to fabrication. At the installation appointment, we place, secure, and seal the granite countertops.
Granite countertops vary greatly in price. The cheapest granites are very speckled. There is no distinct pattern or veining, just a random assortment of colors combined in the brown, tan, green, or gray families. More expensive granites have an increase in the dramatic colors, patterns, or veins running through them.
Our design team at Alps Craftsman is happy to work with you to figure out how your countertops will be cut on the slab so it can be determined which slab sizes work best for your design. In some cases, picking a more expensive color in a larger slab size will actually make the job cheaper because you’ll be able to fit the countertops out of fewer slabs.
Our design team at Alps Craftsman is happy to work with you to figure out how your countertops will be cut on the slab so it can be determined which slab sizes work best for your design. In some cases, picking a more expensive color in a larger slab size will actually make the job cheaper because you’ll be able to fit the countertops out of fewer slabs.
Marble Countertop FAQs
Marble countertops are a popular choice for their unique beauty and timeless appeal. Below, we've answered some common questions to help you understand more about marble countertops, their benefits, care, and how they compare to other materials.
Marble is a type of natural stone formed from limestone that has undergone intense heat and pressure within the Earth, resulting in its distinct veining and color patterns. This transformation process, called metamorphism, gives marble its unique beauty and appeal. Primarily composed of limestone, marble also contains other minerals that contribute to its wide range of colors and variations. Extracted from the Earth in large blocks, marble is then sliced into slabs. Historically, marble has been used in construction and design for centuries, not just for countertops, but also for flooring, tiles, and decorative elements. The versatility and timeless elegance of marble have made it a popular choice in architecture and interior design across the world.
The primary benefit of marble countertops lies in their unparalleled aesthetic appeal. Marble offers a timeless and luxurious look that is difficult to replicate with engineered materials like quartz. This natural stone is prized for its unique veining and color variations. Marble brings an air of sophistication and elegance to any space, making it a favorite choice for high-end kitchens, particularly as a striking focal point on an island or as a full-height backsplash. While engineered alternatives strive to mimic marble's beauty, they can't fully capture the veining, depth, layers, and natural variations that make each marble slab one-of-a-kind. For those who appreciate the natural, authentic look and want a statement piece in their home, marble countertops are unmatched in their ability to add character and visual interest.
Marble countertops, while stunning in appearance, are not the most durable option when it comes to everyday use. Marble is a relatively soft stone, making it prone to etching, scratching, chipping, and staining.
Yes, marble countertops are porous. This means that the stone has tiny pores that can absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed. Because of its porous nature, marble is more susceptible to staining from substances like wine, coffee, and acidic foods. To protect marble countertops and maintain their appearance, regular sealing is recommended to create a barrier against moisture and stains. Despite being porous, with proper care and maintenance, marble can remain beautiful and functional for many years.
The best way to clean marble is with warm water and a mild soap, using a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface and dry it off. While there are specialized cleaners designed for natural stone, it's crucial to read the labels carefully—some may not be suitable for marble or other types of countertops. In general, keeping it simple is best; avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners that could damage the surface. Disinfecting wipes without bleach can also be used for routine cleaning.
The frequency of sealing marble countertops depends largely on how often you use them and the types of cleaners you use. Harsh cleaners like disinfectants can break down the sealer more quickly, while gentler cleaning methods, like using soap and water, will prolong its effectiveness. Typically, marble countertops should be sealed every 6 to 18 months. However, sealing marble yourself can be tricky; it's highly recommended to hire an experienced fabricator for this task.
Yes, marble countertops are safe for food preparation and have been used in kitchens for many years. However, it's important to take precautions to protect the surface. Marble is prone to scratching, so always use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the countertop. Additionally, marble can be sensitive to heat, so it's best to use trivets or towels when placing hot items on the surface to prevent damage. With proper care, marble countertops can provide a beautiful and functional surface for food preparation.
The common finishes for marble countertops include polished and honed finishes. A polished finish gives marble its characteristic glossy, smooth surface, which enhances the stone's color and veining but makes it more susceptible to etching. Another popular finish is honed, which offers a matte, less reflective surface. While honed marble is less prone to showing etches and scratches, it still requires careful maintenance to avoid damage.
What’s Etching?
Etching occurs when acidic substances, such as coffee, citrus juices, wine, or vinegar, come into contact with the marble, causing a chemical reaction that corrodes the polished surface. This results in a dull, lighter spot where the surface layer has been removed, exposing the raw marble beneath. Unlike staining, which happens when a liquid penetrates the marble and causes discoloration, etching is a corrosive reaction that affects the stone's surface.
Yes, marble countertops can be beautifully used for backsplashes, especially when opting for a full-height backsplash that matches the countertop material. This approach is particularly striking with marble, as it allows the unique veining and patterns to become a focal point in the kitchen or bathroom. The trend of using the same material for both the countertop and backsplash remains popular, and marble’s natural beauty makes it an excellent choice for creating a cohesive and elegant look in any space.
When choosing the thickness for your marble countertop, the most common options are 2 cm and 3 cm. The choice between these thicknesses largely depends on your personal preference and the material available to create the look you want to achieve.
There are several types of marble available, each offering unique characteristics in terms of color, veining, and overall appearance. Here are the main categories:
- Carrara Marble:
- One of the most popular types of marble, especially common in bathrooms.
- Characterized by its softer, more subtle veining with a predominantly white or gray background.
- Calacatta Marble:
- Known for its bold, dramatic veining on a bright white background.
- Typically more expensive due to its striking appearance and rarity.
- Statuary Marble:
- Similar to Calacatta but with more defined, structured veins.
- Offers a classic, elegant look, often used in high-end designs.
- Crema Marble:
- A beige-toned marble that offers a warm, neutral appearance.
- Less common but popular for those seeking a more subdued, earthy look.
These categories cover the most common types of marble, with various color and pattern variations within each group having their own unique names.
Marble countertops are available in a wide range of colors, each offering its own unique aesthetic. Here are some common options:
- White and Cream:
- Most popular and widely used in both traditional and modern designs.
- Examples include Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuary marbles.
- The purity of the white background and the distinctiveness of the veining can significantly affect the price.
- Black:
- Offers a bold, dramatic look with variations in veining that can include white, gold, or gray streaks.
- Gray:
- A versatile choice that can range from light gray with subtle veining to darker, more pronounced patterns.
- Often used for a contemporary or industrial look.
- Gold and Brown:
- Some marbles, like Calacatta Gold, feature a white background with gold or brownish-gold veins, adding warmth and luxury to the space.
- The combination of a whiter background and more pronounced gold veining typically increases the price.
- Red and Other Unique Colors:
- Less common but available for those seeking a truly unique, statement-making countertop.
- These rare colors can be more expensive due to their uniqueness.
The cost of marble can vary greatly depending on the color, veining, and rarity, ranging from around $20 to $120 per square foot for the material alone.
When comparing marble to granite and quartz, several key differences stand out:
Marble:
- Generally more expensive than granite and quartz, especially for premium types.
- Known for its luxurious, unique veining and status as a high-end material.
- Softer and more prone to etching, scratching, chipping, and staining.
- Requires careful handling during fabrication and installation, leading to higher labor costs.
- Needs regular sealing and maintenance to preserve its appearance.
Granite:
- Typically less expensive than marble, with a wide range of price points.
- Offers a natural, varied appearance with more durability than marble.
- Highly resistant to heat and scratches, making it practical for high-traffic areas.
- Easier to fabricate and install compared to marble, which can reduce costs.
- Requires sealing, but is generally easier to maintain than marble.
Quartz:
- Often more affordable than marble, with the ability to mimic marble’s look.
- Engineered for consistency in pattern and color, offering a more uniform appearance.
- Extremely durable, resisting stains and scratches better than marble.
- Non-porous and requires little to no maintenance, making it the most hassle-free option.
- Easier to fabricate and install, often resulting in lower overall costs.
Quartz Countertop FAQs
If you're considering quartz for your kitchen or bathroom, or if you’re simply curious about this popular material, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we will answer some of the most common questions about quartz countertops to help you make an informed decision.
Engineered quartz is a man-made product consisting of natural quartz crystals that are harvested from the earth and combined with resins, polymers, and pigments. The process begins by harvesting quartz, which is then ground and mixed with binding agents and colorants. The resulting mixture is poured into molds and baked at extreme temperatures to create durable, non-porous slabs. This engineered process allows for a wide variety of designs and finishes that mimic natural stone.
When you hear terms like "mineral surface" in relation to quartz countertops, it generally refers to newer formulations that include other minerals besides quartz. Engineered quartz countertops are composed of about 90-94% natural quartz, combined with polymers, pigments, and resins. In contrast, the new mineral surface countertops that some manufacturers are creating contain only about 40% quartz, with the rest being other minerals and materials.
Yes, quartz countertops come in a variety of finishes. The most common is polished, which gives a smooth surface, but it’s not overly glossy. However, other finishes like honed (matte), leathered (textured), and concrete (industrial look) are also available. The range of textures available in quartz countertops is more extensive compared to natural stone due to its engineered properties. These options allow you to customize the appearance of your countertops to match your design aesthetic.
Quartz countertops are highly resistant to scratches and stains, thanks to the hardness of natural quartz and the protective resin. Quartz is a hard mineral with a Mohs hardness scale rating of 7, making it highly resistant to scratches. While they are not completely scratch-proof, they are more resilient than many other countertop materials. Stains are less of an issue due to the non-porous nature of quartz, which prevents liquids from seeping in and causing damage. However, it’s still important to clean up spills promptly to maintain their pristine condition as certain liquids and powders can react with the resin in the countertop material, resulting in a color change.
Cleaning and maintaining quartz countertops is simple. For everyday cleaning, use warm water and mild dish soap with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can dull the finish. For tougher stains, a non-abrasive cleanser can be used if approved by the manufacturer of the quartz countertop color. Regular maintenance involves wiping down the countertops after use to prevent buildup of dirt and grime.
Quartz countertops have some heat resistance due to the natural quartz content, but the resins used in their manufacturing can be damaged by high temperatures. It is advisable to always use trivets or hot pads under hot pots and pans to avoid thermal shock or discoloration. It’s also recommended to use these heat barriers under certain appliances, such as a crock pot. Extended exposure to heat can cause cracks or other damage, so it's best to err on the side of caution.
The installation process for quartz countertops is similar to other types of countertops. It starts with precise templating to ensure a perfect fit. Once the measurements are taken, the slabs are cut to size and finished with any desired edge profiles. Installation involves securing the countertops to the base cabinets, leveling all surfaces, and seaming pieces together. Professional installation ensures that the countertops are properly aligned and supported.
Typically, the installation of quartz countertops can be completed within a few hours to a whole day, depending on the size and complexity of the project. For more complex installations, such as those involving more seams, backsplashes, or waterfall edges, additional time may be required.
Quartz countertops are versatile and can be installed in almost any indoor kitchen or bathroom setting. However, they are not recommended for outdoor use as prolonged exposure to UV light can cause the resins to discolor and degrade. Also, areas with excessive heat or direct flame exposure, like around a fireplace, might not be suitable for quartz. Much of the appropriate applications of quartz countertops are determined by the manufacturer of said color. Different companies make their quartz slabs differently, so some products can be used in certain places that others cannot.
Several factors influence the cost of quartz countertops:
1. Design and Look: Solid colors are typically cheaper than those with veining and intricate patterns. A good rule of thumb is the more complex the design, the higher the cost.
2. Quality of Materials: The quality of quartz, resin, and other materials used in the production affects the price. Higher quality materials result in more expensive countertops.
3. Brand: Certain brands command higher prices due to their reputation, quality assurance, and product warranty.
1. Design and Look: Solid colors are typically cheaper than those with veining and intricate patterns. A good rule of thumb is the more complex the design, the higher the cost.
2. Quality of Materials: The quality of quartz, resin, and other materials used in the production affects the price. Higher quality materials result in more expensive countertops.
3. Brand: Certain brands command higher prices due to their reputation, quality assurance, and product warranty.
Alps Craftsman’s quartz countertops stand out due to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We source high-quality quartz and offer a wide range of designs and finishes to suit any style. Our team ensures precise fabrication and installation, adhering to the highest standards and manufacturer guidelines to provide you with a durable and beautiful product.
Most customers prefer quartz countertops for their subtle and toned-down look. While some opt for bold patterns, quartz generally excels in providing a subdued elegance. Recently, there has been a shift towards patterns incorporating taupe and brown, moving away from the all-white trend. Quartz is chosen for its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with various kitchen designs.