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Here are answers to many of the common questions that we receive.
1. How does natural stone compare to Cambria, Corian® or other plastic solid surfaces?
Natural stone is elegant, durable and each piece has a distinct design that makes it 'one-of-a-kind'. That means the stone that you choose is distinctively yours. Manufactured stone products are made with stone fragments held together by an epoxy or resin and colored with pigments. These products can have the look and feel of stone, but they are mass-produced and not 'one-of-a-kind'.
2. Which stone products are best suited for different applications?
Granite is the preferred choice for elegant kitchens. Marble is widely used in bathrooms. Other stone can be used in either location, or in other areas of a home or office. For more specific information see the descriptions under products (hot link)
3. How does the price of natural stone compare to manufactured surfaces?
Natural stone typically carries a premium price, but is very comparable to high quality manufactured products.
4. What are the benefits of using natural stone?
Beauty, durability, distinctiveness, strength and 'a quality look'.
5. What slab sizes of stone products are available?
Most slabs are available in rectangular sizes from 48-50" wide by 8-9' long. Other sizes can be special ordered.
6. What colors are available for stone products?
Stone products are available in a wide range of colors. See our products (hot link) section or visit our showroom and see our floor samples for specifics.
7. Are stone products covered by a warranty?
Stone products fabricated and installed by Northwestern Marble & Granite are warranted for
workmanship. Damages such as discoloration caused by product spills, cracks, chips, or breakage caused by excessive force and pressure are not covered by our warranty.
8. What care is required for stone products?
Cleaning with soap and water and wiping with a non-abrasive cloth is all that’s required. Sealers and finish enhancers can be applied (see care products).
9. Are stone products damaged by heat or cold?
Some natural stone products are more sensitive to heat than others. A pan with boiling water will not affect granite, for example, but a frying pan with extremely hot oil may discolor the surface. In the kitchen it’s always a good idea to use a trivet or heat pad under pans or cooking dishes just removed from the stove or oven. Extreme cold usually doesn’t affect stone. In fact, many stone products are used for building exteriors, walkways and decorative purposes.
10. Are stone products safe for food preparation?
Stone products need to have a sealer applied before they can be used as a preparation surface for raw food.
11. Where do natural stone products originate?
Natural stone is mined in countries all around the world. Stone imported from Europe, the Middle East and India has very distinct characteristics and colors that make it a preferred choice for many.
12. What kind of hardware can I use with stone products?
Any high quality hardware can be used.
13. What kind of sink can I use with a natural stone countertop?
Any type of under-mount or drop in sink can be used, including stainless, porcelain, solid surface or cast iron.
14. How are seams and joints done with natural stone?
Natural stone is cut to a prescribed dimension and edges are honed to create a smooth seam surface. Resin and epoxy are used to permanently adhere the pieces together.
15. How do I get an estimate for stone from NWMG?
Click on the stone estimator hot link on our website and fill out the document. Or, stop at our office and visit with a salesperson, who will take the specifications for your job.
16. What builder can I work with when using stone products for a house?
Any builder who knows and understands the framing and specification requirements for flooring, walls and cabinetry where stone will be applied, and what under layment materials are needed for the final stone application.
17. Who measures and verifies the specifications for the product installation?
When a job is roughed in and cabinet specifications are known, Northwestern will verify measurements on site before fabricating materials for the job.
18. Who installs your stone products?
Northwestern installs all of the stone products that we fabricate in our plant.
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