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Click Here to Read About Stone Care
Q: What is the difference between quartz and natural stone?
A: Natural stone comes from the earth, and has many different colors, shades, natural fissures and veining. Quartz or engineered stone is a man made product consisting of 93% quartz minerals and 7% resins.
Q: What is Cherry Marble Groups’ process to price/ produce & install my project?
A: Your countertop measurements are needed to give you a quote. You can provide us with a drawing of your project, or we will schedule an appointment to visit you on-site to create our own shop drawing. A second appointment to construct a template of your kitchen is scheduled to get the exact layout of your countertop after you have received and accepted preliminary pricing. Final pricing is determined based on template, which is the final determining factor in size and shape of your project. Once you have received the quote, we require a 75% deposit to begin production, and the additional 25% is due upon completion of installation. At the time of digital template, all details of the job are discussed including seams, colors, edges, etc. Installations normally take one day to complete.
Q: How do I know if I need to seal my granite?
A: Sprinkle some water on your countertops. If the water soaks into the stone and does not bead up, then we would recommend resealing your granite.
Q: How will I know if my old cabinets can support a new countertop?
A: Stone countertops can weigh between 18-30 pounds per square foot. At the time of template, our Template Technician will make sure your cabinets are structurally sound to handle the weight of your new countertops.
:Q Will my countertop have a seam?
A: We try extremely hard to avoid seams if possible, but the reality is that the majority of countertops will have a seam.
Q: How is the seam placement determined?
A: Seams are determined collectively by our Template Technician along with the Contractor/Homeowner depending on countertop layout, slab sizes, support needed, and material usage.
Q: Can Marble be used in the kitchen?
A: Marble can be used in the kitchen. You should be aware of its tendency to stain and scratch. However, because of its beauty and the classic look, marble is sometimes recommended by decorators, architects and designers. Marble is also an excellent choice for vanities, wet bars and fireplace surrounds. If you decide to use natural marble in your kitchen, Cherry Marble Group will not warranty against stain or scratching.
Q: Can I cut on granite?
A: Yes. Granite is an extremely tough, durable material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface without fear of scratching the stone.
Q: Can I set hot pans on granite countertops?
A: Yes, Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn, though it is highly recommended that you use a trivet. Granite will not be harmed by hot pots, pans or open flames. As a side note, sitting extremely hot pots/pans on granite may shorten the lifespan of your sealer.
Q: Can I set hot pans on quartz countertops?
A: NO. Quartz is a good product for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn. However, our experience has shown that the manmade elements of quartz such as the epoxy resin can discolor.
Q: Does granite chip or scratch?
A: Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, pots, pans and other heavy objects may chip the edge around a sink area. The majority of chips can be repaired by one of our stone technicians.
Q: Does granite stain?
A: Generally, no. All stone is porous to some extent; however granite has very little porosity relative to other stones. Most granite colors will never show moisture but some colors will show a dark spot if liquid is left on the counter for an extended period. The spot will eventually dry up, usually with no evidence.
Q: How can I limit the staining of granite or marble?
A: Wipe up spills on marble and granite as quickly as possible. Avoid using acidic or oil-based products on marble.
Q: Should granite be sealed?
A: All granites are sealed. The penetrating sealer used does not change the color of the stone. It penetrates the stone and will help prevent most staining. However, it will not stop the penetration of moisture entirely. Any liquid that might cause staining should be cleaned as soon as possible.
Q: Can granite be repaired?
A Granite usually can be repaired by a mix of epoxy and ground up chips of granite.
Q: Does granite have a completely smooth surface?
A: No. Most stone contains pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of granite. Some granites exhibit these characteristics more than others, and lighting can make these marks more or less visible.
Q: What does Cherry Marbles’ SEAMS look like?
A: 1/16" to 1/8" wide, or the equivalent of the width of a razor blade, filled with epoxy that is color matched as closely as possible.
Q: How long are the slabs, and can seams be avoided?
A: The average GRANITE slab size ranges from 90" to 132" long, and 50" to 72" tall. Our site manager will work with each customer to place as few seams as possible in your project. Seams are required on the majority of projects based on slab size, your site situation, and may be needed to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop.
Q: What is 2cm and 3cm, and what is the most appropriate thickness for my project?
A: 2cm stone is approximately 3/4" thick. 3cm is approximately 1 3/16" thick. We recommend using 3cm material in the kitchen for both aesthetic reasons and structural reasons. 2cm material is a viable option in laundry rooms, vanity tops, and wet bars.
Q: How much overhang can you have without supports, and what type of supports is required?
A: For 3cm stone (1 ¼”) with overhangs exceeding 10”, we recommend Counterbalance supports. For 2cm stone (3/4”) with overhangs exceeding 6”, we recommend Counterbalance supports. All supports, be it Counterbalance supports or Corbels, should be spaced every 3' to 4' apart.
Q: What type of sink can be used?
A: There are few requirements when it comes to sinks. In order to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop, we require at least 3" of stone in front and back of the sink cutout. Cherry Marble Group uses aluminum under-mount sink brackets that are T-slotted into the underside of the stone for almost every sink installed. Additionally, we recommend that if 2cm stone is being used, a drop-in sink should be used. Cherry Marble Group will need to know the sink type prior to templating the project.
Q: How does the dishwasher attach to the granite tops?
A: In most cases, the cabinet maker will install a wood strip above the dishwasher allowing the dishwasher to be fastened to the wood strip with screws. If, for whatever reason, this wood strip is not in place at time of stone installation, Cherry Marble Group can provide and install a metal dishwasher strip that fastens to the top of your cabinet face style, allowing the dishwasher to fasten to our metal strip with provided screws.
Q: Appliances and Cut-Outs
A: Appliances (slide-in stove, cook top etc.) must be on the job at time of templating to insure proper fit. Also, any customer provided sink and/or faucet must be on-site at time of template.
Q: Cabinets
A: Cabinets must be permanently set and leveled prior templating.
Q: Job Site Conditions
A: Each cabinet layout and granite project is different and will offer unique challenges. Therefore, granite seam placement, granite cutout options, and granite support requirements will vary from project to project. Please discuss any concerns or questions with our template technician during your template appointment.
Q: Material Variation
A: Stone is a product of nature and differences in color and vein characteristics are to be expected. Viewing and approving material prior to fabrication is required. 2cm material will not always match 3cm material. Back splashes generally will be cut from the same slab as your tops.
Q: Do I need to be there for the template process?
A: Yes. This is the most important stage of the project. There are often details that we need to go over with you, or you may want to add something to the project. This is the time to change anything you wish.
Q: Will you fix my sink in place?
A: Yes, we will ensure that your sink is safely fixed ready for your plumber.
Q: Will my project have a seam?
A: We make every effort to avoid SEAMS, but the layout and size of your project will dictate the need for seams. This concern can be addressed at the time of measurement for pricing or template.
Q: What do Cherry Marble Group's SEAMS look like?
A: The average seam will be between 1/16'' and 1/8'' wide. While we will make every effort to color-match the seam adhesive to be as inconspicuous as possible, seams are seldom 100% invisible.
Q: Why should I use natural marble and granite stone in my home?
A: Natural stone is nature’s timeless art. It lends strength to its surrounding by evoking a classic and unique feeling. It invites luxury into your home and yet is extremely affordable.
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