Can you describe the process involving an order
with your company?
The whole process is designed for quality and speed.
First, the client sets up an appointment for a project estimate.
Once square footage is determined, and an edge design selected, the
only variable is the slab material to be used. Granite and marble
slabs can range from approximately $13 to $113 per square foot, so
stone selection is very important. Once the stone has been selected
from our slab yard, or from one of the stone importers we employ,
and delivered to the shop, our clients can expect
the countertops to be completed within 3 to 5 business
days.
What is the appropriate thickness for a granite
countertop?
Standard thickness for a kitchen countertop is 2 cm. (¾")
with a 4 cm (1½") edge.
Do I have to call for an appointment to come down to the
slab yard?
Setting up an appointment is preferred, so that you do not
waste any of your valuable time waiting to be served.
Where do you operate?
Stricklin Custom Home Products operates throughout
southern California. We are a direct fabricator of kitchen
countertops, vanities, Jacuzzi™ surrounds, fireplace surrounds, BBQ
tops, and other custom designs.
What is your payment policy?
Stricklin Custom Home Products accepts cash, certified
checks, Visa, Master Card, and American Express. If payment is done
by personal check, we will not start the fabrication process until
the check has cleared. Once the order is placed, the grand total is
broken up into two payments. Can I use marble countertop in my kitchen?
Marble countertops are more easily scratched than harder
stones such as granite. Marble is, however, sometimes used in the
kitchen as a pastry slab; its perfectly smooth and its cool surface
is ideal for rolling out dough and piecrusts. The ideal material
for the kitchen countertop, however, is granite. since marbles (and
limestone) are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more
vulnerable to household acids, including vinegar, mustard, catsup,
citrus and a host of other food-related products. These acidic
substances cause a chemical reaction that will remove the
polish. | Why is it a good choice to have a kitchen granite
countertop?
Because granite is an extremely hard stone that's formed
at very high temperatures deep in the earth, its polish is not
subject to etching by household acids or scratching by knives,
pots, and pans. Also, it's unaffected by typical kitchen heat, such
as hot pans or spilled liquid. Can granite countertop be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite
countertop. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if
subjected to sharp, hard objects. Unsealed, granite countertop can
absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or
discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not
affect granite countertop under normal circumstances. What is flamed granite?
Granite is flamed by applying blowtorch-strength heat to
the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some
of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface which
is ideal for exterior paving or wet areas where optimum
non-slipperiness is required. What is honed granite countertop?
Strictly speaking, granite is called "honed" when the
polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface
is achieved. This gives a softer, matte appearance to the stone.
Some fabricators can hone polished granite if they have special
equipment to remove the polished surface, but this can sometimes
result in wheel marks from the polishing head. My little sample of granite has pits on the
surface—will I have these on my granite countertops?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has
tiny pits—spaces between the various mineral crystals. You don't
see them on a larger piece, because the overall appearance is
polished and mirror-like. Granite countertops sometimes have
natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not
structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the
immense heat and pressure that formed the granite. These
characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will
not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of
nature cannot be expected to look manmade. Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Yes. However, granite is harder than your knife blades and
will dull them quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting
surface. Also, if you do not seal your granite countertops, you
could stain them. NEVER CHOP on your granite countertops. While it
is unlikely you will damage your granite countertops, it is
possible. It's a good practice to always chop on a wooden or
plastic cutting board. |
