[et_pb_section admin_label=”section” transparent_background=”off” background_color=”#012f5b” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Frequently Asked Questions

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”Section” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Frequently Asked Questions About Countertops

What is a Hard Surface counter top?

There are many different types of hard surface counter tops such as Granite, Marble, Soapstone, Onyx and Limestone. These are natural materials and mined in quarries all over the world.

How should I clean my counter tops?

For everyday cleaning, mild dish soap and water should be sufficient. There are also cleaners available at your local home improvement stores. To avoid water streaks, wipe counters dry after cleaning. Windex or similar products can be used to clean up excess oil, but are not recommended for daily use due to the acidic levels in the product. These types of cleaners also contain dyes and should not be left on the counters for an extended period of time.

Can I stain my counter tops?

Almost anything can be stained, but sealed natural stone will resist most common stains. Solid Surface and Engineered quartz can not be stained due to their chemical make up. Plastic laminate will resist many stains, but can not be sealed to be “stain-proof”.

How often do I need to seal my counter tops?

The ‘Marble Institute of America’ recommends sealing natural stone once every 6 to 12 months. Using highly acidic or harsh chemicals may deteriorate the original seal, therefore requiring sealing more often. If water is no longer beading up on the top, it’s time to reseal. Over sealing can lead to a hazy look. Engineered quartz, solid surface and plastic laminate do not require sealing.

I left a cold drink on my hard surface and now there is a dark ring. What do I do?

Nothing. Just as the cold liquid inside the glass pulled water from the air to create sweat on the outside of the glass, the cold has condensed water (under the sealer) within the stone. Simply remove the glass; wipe up excess water, the condensed water within the stone will dissipate after a few hours.

Why are customers encouraged to view their natural stone slabs prior to fabrication?

Because stone is a natural material, color variations, and veining are perfectly normal. There may be vast differences between samples viewed and a customer’s actual material. Because this material is a natural product consistency cannot be guaranteed, even within a single slab. Some materials are very consistent while other colors may change in color/shading/veining from slab to slab.

What am I looking for when I view my granite/marble?

You should be looking at the overall coloring of the natural stone, to be sure that this is what you envisioned in your home. Since tiles, paint, flooring and wallpaper come in various shades it is much easier to match these items after you have selected your natural stone slab.

Do I have to view my new counter top material before it is fabricated?

No. As some materials are very consistent, other colors may change in color, shading or veining throughout the entire slab. Since engineered quartz, solid surface and plastic laminate are man-made, the pattern is consistent with the sample that you viewed. Please note that the choice to view your material is up to you, however if you choose not to view your material (natural material) prior to fabrication, you will be required to sign a waiver. All natural material (granite, marble, onyx, soapstone, limestone, etc.) are products of nature and NO two pieces are exactly alike. Color Veining and texture may differ with each piece. ABSOLUTELY NO CLAIMS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER FABRICATION FOR REASONS OF COLOR, TEXTURE, CONSISTENCY OR VEINING.

What do seams look like?

For hard surfaces, the standard seam allowance between two pieces of granite can range from 1/16″ to 1/8″ wide. A color matched stone adhesive is used to join the two pieces of counter top. Once cured, this adhesive is food safe and cures in approximately 3 hours. Seams are necessary and are not invisible. We will do our best to provide a clean seam and color-match the basic color tone of the hard surface.

Can I have counter tops installed over old existing cabinets?

New countertops can be installed over existing cabinetry; however we will not install if the cabinets are not structurally sound or are not level. If the cabinets are not level or structurally sound upon arrival of our installers, your installation will be rescheduled once these issues have been rectified. Cabinets need to be leveled within _” for a 10′ length. A trip fee of $250 will be charged for a job site that is not ready to accept the new counter tops.

I have tile above my current backsplash. Will the new splashes meet these tile lines?

Your new countertops are cut straight and your tile may not be installed
completely level. We recommend removing existing tile prior to installation of your new counter tops and replacing the tile after new tops are installed.

Why is 1 _” (3cm) material for hard surfaces recommended for kitchens?

In most kitchens, you will have long lengths of countertop which could contain a large cut out (sink or cooktop). To minimize the risk of breakage during fabrication and installation, the 1 _” (3cm) material is recommended. _” (2cm) material is more common in bathrooms
and smaller countertops.

What is the longest counter top piece I can have without a seam?

For hard natural surfaces, this will be determined after the field measure. Generally natural slab lengths vary from 100″ to 125″; the average slab length is 110″. Engineered quartz slab sizes are smaller than natural stone, averaging sizes of 52″ x 118″. Also keep in mind the weight of hard surfaces, which can weigh up to 20 pounds per square foot. For example, an island measuring 48″ x 96″ could weigh up to 600 pounds and would require 3-4 men to carry. In addition, the entry into the home must accommodate this size counter top, which may even prohibit larger sizes depending on hallways, elevators or staircases. Long 4″-6″ splashes may need to be cut into more than one piece to prevent breakage during transit and installation. Seams in backsplashes are at the discretion of the measure and fabrication departments. The typical maximum length of a 4″-6″ splash is 84″ ‚ 96″ (7′-8′).

For solid surface, seams will be inconspicuous (not invisible). For plastic laminate, the material comes in different sheet sizes up to 12 feet.

What is the maximum overhang allowed?

For hard surfaces, any overhang up to 12″ will rely upon the 2/3 rule applies: 2/3 of the material needs to be supported for the 1/3 over hang. A 24″ cabinet can safely have up to a 12″ overhang without support. Generally any overhang over 12″ should be supported. Supports can range from wood corbels to metal ‘L’ brackets. Customers will be advised if supports are needed at time of measure and these need to be in place before the counter tops are installed. Supports must be installed by the customer, and are not part of the installation services provided by Art Stone.

Why would I want the underside of the hard surface polished on an overhang?

In the situation of a breakfast bar facing a family room, where the underside will be visible when seated, the undersides of the over-hang may be polished. This can be done for an additional charge. Please speak with your sales person for pricing.

Can I place hot items directly on my countertops?

For hard surfaces, Yes. Granite will tolerate temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees (F) and engineered stone is rated higher. You can safely place items from your oven, stove top or grill directly on the hard surface without a trivet or hot pad. WARNING: Due to the extreme temperature differences, hot glass dishes may crack when placed on the cool surface of the granite or engineered quartz; this is known as thermal shock. For this reason alone, glass or Pyrex dishes should be placed on a trivet or hot pad.

For solid surfaces and plastic laminate, no. These materials are much softer and direct heat is not recommended.

Can I use my counter top as a cutting board?

For hard surfaces, Yes. Diamond – tipped tools are needed to cut through granite and engineered stone. Regular steel knives are no match for their hardness; however you will need to sharpen your knives more frequently.

For solid surface, Yes, but not recommended. Please note that cutting directly on the counter top can lead to scratching. However, due to the renewable nature of solid surface, these scratches can be easily buffed out and your counter tops will look brand new.

For plastic laminate, No. Scratches can be reversed on this type of material.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Once given an installation date and time frame, please arrange to be home during the entire time frame. Even if your installation is scheduled in the morning, weather and traffic may affect arrival times, also it may take longer to complete than originally anticipated, as each project is different. If your installation is scheduled in the afternoon, arrival time will depend on traffic and completion of the morning installations.

What can I expect during installation?

Dust. Although we will make every effort to keep this to a minimum, any adjustments or cut outs that are done on site will create dust. The act of placing the tops on your cabinets can also shake loose dust inside the
cabinets themselves. To minimize your clean up and prevent any damage to breakable cook ware please remove the contents of your lower cabinets. It is also recommended to remove utensil drawers as well. You may also want to place plastic sheeting over doorways to prevent dust traveling to other areas of the house. If your home has central heating/AC you may want to turn it off during the installation to prevent the dust from traveling through your ducts to other areas of the home. Please be aware that walls are almost never square. Since hard surface counter tops are cut square, we may need to cut into the drywall in order to achieve an even overhang over the cabinets.

What we request during installation.

We will need place to park a large truck as close to the job site entrance as possible.
Our installers will require a wide clear path in and out of the area.
Please have as much furniture removed from the area as possible, (table, chairs, etc.).
Please have appliances such as refrigerators, under-counter wine coolers and slide-in stoves moved clear. Please put off painting or installing trim or wall paper around the area where your tops will be installed as well. These materials will scratch these surfaces and we can not be held responsible for any damage to these items.
Abiding by these guidelines will help to ensure a smooth installation. Please note that the materials being installed are quite large and heavy. There may be certain risks of damage to the premises during installation. The Client assumes the risk of these damages and agrees not to withhold payment of the contact price should such damages occur.

For everyone’s safety please keep children and pets well out of the work area.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”Section” global_module=”166″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” background_image=”https://atlantawholesalegranite.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Backgroundheader01_srcset-large.jpg” transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:5px solid #f86201;”][et_pb_row global_parent=”166″ admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text global_parent=”166″ admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” custom_margin=”||20px|”]

Contact Us Now For a Free Consultation and Estimate!

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button global_parent=”166″ admin_label=”Button” button_url=”#” url_new_window=”off” button_text=”FREE ESTIMATE REQUEST” button_alignment=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_button=”off” button_letter_spacing=”0″ button_use_icon=”default” button_icon_placement=”right” button_on_hover=”on” button_letter_spacing_hover=”0″] [/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section admin_label=”Section” global_module=”167″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” background_image=”https://atlantawholesalegranite.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Backgroundfooter02_srcset-large.jpg” transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_css_main_element=” border-top: 5px solid #f86201;”][et_pb_row global_parent=”167″ admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_text global_parent=”167″ admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Areas we serve:
All state of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama

Accepted Payments:
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″][et_pb_text global_parent=”167″ admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

Address:
1800 Wilson Way Suite 2
Smyrna GA 30082

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm
Sundays and Holidays: Closed

Call Us:
770-435-1881

Email Us:
artstonegranite@gmail.com

Facebook

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row global_parent=”167″ admin_label=”Row” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” custom_padding=”0px|||” padding_mobile=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” column_padding_mobile=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text global_parent=”167″ admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”center” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

FAQ´s

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Countertops

Contact Us Now For a Free Consultation and Estimate!