Q: Will my stone look like the samples?
A: Since stone is a natural product it will vary in color,
tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are one of the
sources of its natural beauty. We strongly advise that you choose the slabs in person. We request 24-hour advance notice from you so that we have the
slabs ready for viewing. Please call our office at (515) 222.9600. Once at our showroom,
you can also check out actual samples of the stone you are considering.
Q: Where does natural stone come
from?
A: Stone comes from around the world. Various types of
stone, in myriad colors and textures, are found in different countries. Much of our
granite comes from Brazilian, Indian and Chinese quarries. Marble is mostly from
Italy, Spain and Mexico. Slate is imported from Brazil, India and China, while travertine
and limestone come from Spain, Portugal and Mexico.
Q: Can natural stone be used on
the exteriors of commercial buildings and houses in the Midwest?
A: Yes. Most natural stones (with the exception of filled
travertine and some marble) can be used for exterior wall cladding even in extreme
temperatures. For flooring, we recommend our natural Brazilian slates or flamed granite
pavers.
Q: What are the differences between
2 cm and 3 cm material for countertops?
A: Slabs, large pieces of stone, come in 2 cm and
3 cm . For the most part there is no difference in durability or usage. The
choice depends on the type of edging you want. You can see a variety of edge samples
in our showroom.
Q: Can I get tiles to match my countertop
or vanity top?
A: Many, though not all, of our stones are available in
both tiles and slabs. We offer tiles in standard 12” and 16” sizes, as well as mosaic
borders and some tumbled materials in 6”, 4”, 2”, and 1” sizes. Keep in mind that
tile and slab materials vary, so we recommend that you view both
before making your final decision.
Q: How are sinks installed in natural
stone countertops?
A: A cut-out can be made in the stone to accommodate the
type of sink you choose. Any sink that you purchase will have instructions and a
template for the cut-out needed.
Q: Will seams show?
A: Because stone is a natural material and is mined from
the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10 feet long, you may end up with seams.
Also, because stone is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce
your costs, such as an “L” shaped corner. The visibility of seams will depend on
the granularity, color and pattern of the stone.
Most customers find that the beauty of natural stone outweighs the concern of seams.
Q: Do natural stone counters overhang
the cabinets?
A: Most counters overhang by one inch, which is standard.
This may be changed for whatever reason due to cabinet configuration or personal
tastes. On islands the overhang can be as much as 12”,
depending on type of stone used. |
