I want natural stone on some of my countertops. What do I do to get started?
Different jobs demand different approaches. Just call our sales office at 940-692-0611 for a quick, free analysis and for the easiest steps to take to move forward with your job.
Can I afford granite countertops?
Rough estimates can often be given over the phone. Just have basic measurements ready when you call. If necessary, S&H offers free on-site measurements and estimates.
Because of recent technological developments, only laminated tops such as Formica are less expensive than many lower-priced granite colors. Granite and other natural stones bring the greatest value to your home.
What service does S&H provide?
S&H is a full-service natural stone countertop provider. Digital templating is done by S&H, fabrication of all natural stone and quartz slabs is done in the S&H shop and the installation of countertops is done by employees of S&H Granite. While S&H installers are experienced in the fabrication process, they spend 95% of their time installing natural stone countertops.
S&H offers removal of old countertops as an option. Of course, all plumbing and electrical re-connects must be done by the homeowner or by licensed professionals.
Does S&H ever recommend any quartz product?
Since quartz and granite behave similarly for countertops, S&H offers quartz products. Both are durable, stain and scratch resistant and beautiful in a countertop setting. A quartz product, such as Silestone, contains 93% quartz and 7% resin (by weight), the resin giving the quartz its color. Therefore, quartz is often referred to as an “engineered stone”.
If you are looking for a consistent look and a relatively maintenance free countertop, quartz may be a solution for you. The natural look and beauty of granite (no two slabs alike) with its natural veining and characteristics cannot be duplicated in an “engineered stone.” On the other hand, quartz offers colors that cannot be found in nature.
S&H never recommends quartz in an outdoor application because UV rays cause it to fade drastically.
The choice between granite and quartz generally comes down to the preferred coloration and variation that fits into the customer’s budget.
Once I am ready for countertops, how long does it take to have them installed?
Once S&H receives half down as a non-refundable deposit, an install date is determined. Generally, it will take about two to three weeks from that point.
What if it will be several weeks or months before I need my countertops?
You will want to determine the stone you will be using and make a smaller deposit for S&H to hold the slabs for you. You can expect installation from 5-10 business days after your cabinets are set IF you give S&H at least a week’s notice prior to the cabinets being set.
Is granite or any other natural stone hard to maintain?
There is a common misconception that it is difficult and time consuming to maintain natural stone countertops. S&H will properly seal your tops during installation. For granite, inexpensive cleaners are available for everyday cleaning and easily available sealers can be applied by the homeowner every one to four years. Sealing an average-sized kitchen can be accomplished in minutes, not hours.
How do I know what kind of natural stone to use?
Generally speaking, granite is by far the material of choice for kitchens, baths, and almost any countertop in the home. Marble is used sometimes in bathrooms because of its soft beauty, but rarely in kitchens because it is a softer stone given to scratching, etching, staining and scorching. There are some denser marbles more commonly being used in kitchens now, however. Certain applications such as fireplaces and outdoor kitchens lend themselves to limestone. Soapstone is a dense material also growing in popularity in kitchens as well.
S&H personnel will help you decide the best use for your applications given your budget and other parameters.
Can I pick out the actual slabs that will be used on my countertops?
S&H believes that that is a must for natural stone countertops. While some material varies more than others from lot to lot, any and all of them can vary significantly. Select the slabs used for your job either at our stone yard or at one of our suppliers in Dallas/Ft Worth or Oklahoma City. We will hold them for you until it is time to fabricate them.
Do I have to buy full slabs regardless of how much is needed?
If you choose selections at our stone yard (dozens of colors to choose from), the answer is no. You pay only for the square footage needed.
Does S&H Granite offer remnants for sale?
Yes, remnants are leftover pieces from previously used slabs. They are considered remnants when they do not match with any other full slabs from the same lot. These are ideal from a pricing standpoint for use in small baths or for table tops.
S&H inventory of remnants varies between 200 and 300 pieces!
Can I participate in the layout of my countertops on the actual slabs?
On the more consistent stones, no layout choices exist. However, on the exotic stones, it is important that you participate in the layout if you have specific preferences. You must be available the morning of fabrication, however, to either view layout alternatives via email or to come to S&H’s fabrication shop to work with our layout specialist. In order to make that service available to you, S&H has invested heavily in the appropriate technology.
Certain layout preferences may increase the cost of the job. S&H will discuss this eventuality with each individual customer.
Can I have a say in seam placement?
In some cases, there may be some options. However, some may create waste which will increase the cost of the job. Inquire with S&H personnel during templating and we will be glad to discuss seam placement with you.
S&H prides itself in its seams. Our seam standards are significantly more stringent than industry standards. We use the best technology available in the industry to create the best seams possible.
Will I have choices of profile edges?
Yes. S&H offers eight edges for 3cm stone and four edges for 2cm. 4cm and 6cm laminated edges are available as well.