How To Choose Stone
When choosing the right stone for your job, there are several things to consider.
1. Color. Take samples of cabinetry, flooring, and any other decorating elements to the slab yard. Dark solid colors may require more care as they show more glass rings, fingerprints, etc.
2. Texture. Patterns in the stone can make your countertops the focal point or a design element of the room.
3. Quality. Some varieties of stone are more prone to natural flaws, such as small cracks or pits that have been filled. Stone with a mesh backing is likely to have more chance for these natural flaws. As fabricators, we try to avoid defects in the finished product but may not be able to cut around them all.
a) Look at the stone from many angles (reflection off the stone reveals defects and dull spots).
b) Rub your hands across the surface and feel for rough spots or uneven textures that may bother you.
Reserve your stone. Have the person who helps you reserve the exact slabs you want for your job to the Ken Law account along with your name as a job name. Stone held for more than 14 days may require a deposit.
***Disclaimer Stone is a natural product, and it is not perfect. Be sure of your choice. Once the stone is delivered and the cutting starts, you own the stone. You, the customer, are responsible for your stone choice. We, the fabricator, are responsible for the workmanship. We carefully inspect the stone before cutting, but some imperfections are not visible. If we notice problems after cutting the stone, we do all we can to stabilize the material and fix the defect.
Pricing Basics
Most suppliers group materials based on price.
- Price groupings have very little to do with quality.
- Price groupings are different for every supplier. No supplier will tell you the wholesale price; therefore, you need to call us (or show them the table below) with your choice so we can provide an accurate quote.
About Quartz:
Quartz materials are manufactured, and every brand is made essentially the same way and has similar properties. Different patterns and manufacturers have different prices, which vary considerably.
All quartz materials can be damaged by heat, and even low heat for extended periods is a problem. Inside corners are especially vulnerable, and you should never use appliances that get warm there. They will eventually crack, and there is no good way to fix them. Always use a cutting board with an air space between it and the countertops.
Before you go shopping for stone, call us so we can explain how the different suppliers do business. This will save time and possible frustration.
Stone Supplier Links
The Top Three
MSI : Go here first. Slab Products: granite, marble, quartzite, and man-made quartz. They have some of the most competitive pricing on quality materials. They have a lot to choose from, including some of their quartz manufactured here in America. Because they are the largest, they can usually have special orders from other locations within ten days, which is impressive, in my experience. This supplier is new to the Utah market, but they are the largest in the country I know of. They do business differently than most of the others. They have a sign-in process that helps them, me, and you to document your visits to their facility and creates a link between me (the fabricator) and you (the client) along with your choices of materials. The benefit is that it streamlines the communications necessary to complete your project or job. I’m impressed, and I think you will be too.
Arizona Tile : Go here second. Slab Products: granite, marble, quartzite, and man-made quartz. The prices are competitive. They do not carry exotic materials or porcelain. They cater more to the builder market, so the choices are somewhat limited. They have been my go-to supplies for years because they have more 2cm materials than most other suppliers.
The Stone Collection : Go here third. Slab Products: granite, marble, quartzite, and man-made quartz, and porcelain. The prices are somewhat higher. They carry a few lower-cost materials but have higher-end ones too. They carry a wide variety of exotic stones. The showroom is awesome and worth the visit.
Some Others
Contempo Tile & Stone : Slab Products: granite, marble, quartzite, and man-made quartz, and the best selection of porcelain.. The prices are competitive. They do not carry much natural stone in 2cm (which is what we prefer).
Bedrosians : Slab Products: granite, marble, quartzite, and man-made quartz. The prices are a bit higher.
Daltile : Slab Products: granite, marble, quartzite, and man-made quartz. They have quartz materials in extra large slabs if your job requires larger pieces.
Venetian Tile & Stone Gallery : Specializes in marble and quartzite natural stone products and some porcelain. They do not carry any 3cm materials and very little granite or quartz. Their inventory is of the highest quality materials at a fair price. They do not carry low-cost materials. The owners are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Easy Stones : Slab Products: granite, marble, quartzite, and man-made quartz. If you are on a budget check them out.
Italia Granite and Marble : (no website available. Google them.) Slab Products: granite, marble, quartzite. The prices are higher. They are worth checking out.
All these suppliers have qualified consultants to assist you.
This is not a complete list but it covers virtually every kind of material available.