Question 1

Do you remodel bathrooms in San Diego?

Accepted Answer

No. We specialize strictly in kitchen remodeling and kitchen countertop installation. By focusing exclusively on kitchens, our fabrication and installation teams maintain a high level of expertise in dealing with large kitchen islands, heavy kitchen sinks, and complex cooktop cutouts. We do not install bathroom vanities, shower walls, or fireplace surrounds.

Question 2

How much time does the countertop installation process take?

Accepted Answer

The overall timeline from the day we measure your cabinets to the day we install the stone usually takes between one to two weeks. The actual installation day goes very quickly. Our crew arrives in the morning and generally finishes installing, seaming, and cleaning your new countertops within four to six hours.

Question 3

What is the difference between custom slabs and prefabricated countertops?

Accepted Answer

Custom slabs arrive as massive uncut pieces of stone. We use custom slabs when you have a very large or uniquely shaped kitchen island that requires a continuous piece of stone without seams. Prefabricated countertops arrive pre-cut to standard rectangular sizes with pre-finished front edges. We use prefabricated pieces for standard straight cabinet runs. Prefabricated pieces cost less because they require less labor in our cutting shop.

Question 4

Which countertop material handles the San Diego heat the best?

Accepted Answer

Granite and porcelain offer the highest level of heat resistance among all our materials. You can confidently set hot roasting pans or boiling water pots directly on these surfaces without causing thermal shock or burn marks. While quartzite also handles heat well, we still recommend using trivets to protect the chemical sealer sitting on top of the stone.

Question 5

Will you tear out and remove my old kitchen countertops?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you choose to include demolition in your project scope, our team will safely remove your existing countertops. We carefully detach the old material to avoid damaging your existing cabinets. We load the old materials into our trucks and handle all the disposal fees at the local waste facility.

Question 6

How do I properly clean my natural stone countertops after a trip to the beach?

Accepted Answer

You should clean daily sand or food messes using a soft cloth, warm water, and a few drops of mild dish soap. You must actively avoid harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, ammonia, and acidic products like vinegar. These harsh chemicals break down the protective sealer and eat into the actual stone over time. You should dry the surface with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots.

Question 7

Do you seal the stone before you leave my house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We apply an initial heavy layer of professional stone sealer to all porous materials like granite, marble, and quartzite immediately after we finish the installation. This gives you immediate protection against liquids. We will instruct you on how to test your stone with water drops to know exactly when you need to reapply sealer in the future.

Question 8

Why does marble etch and how can I prevent it?

Accepted Answer

Marble etches because it contains high amounts of calcium. When an acidic liquid touches calcium, a chemical reaction occurs instantly. This reaction dissolves a microscopic layer of the stone and leaves a dull chalky mark. You prevent etching by using cutting boards for all food preparation, placing coasters under all drinks, and wiping up any spills the exact second they happen.

Question 9

Do I need to reinforce my cabinets for heavy stone countertops?

Accepted Answer

Standard structurally sound base cabinets easily support the weight of granite, quartzite, or porcelain countertops. However, if your cabinets show signs of water damage, rotting wood, or loose joints, you must repair them before we install the heavy stone. Our templating technician will inspect your cabinets during the measuring appointment to ensure they can hold the weight.

Question 10

Can you hide the seams in my kitchen countertops?

Accepted Answer

We cannot make seams completely invisible, but we do make them very hard to notice. When your kitchen layout requires two pieces of stone to meet, we use a specialized machine to pull the two pieces tightly together. We then mix a strong epoxy resin and tint it to match the exact background color of your specific stone. We fill the joint and shave it flat so the surface feels entirely smooth to the touch.

$1,500 Kitchen Hardware Credit

Kitchen Countertops in San Diego