Granite Countertops, Quartz, Tile & Marble Installation

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Most common jobs are -
Kitchen counter tops, Kitchen back splashes, Kitchen floors, Remnant granite counter tops in bathrooms, Full bathroom remodels, Any type of flooring, We do much more granite than we do marble or quartz counter tops.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. As our customer, you can have total confidence in every purchase from Interior Finishes Complete / Steck Tile & Marble as your natural stone fabricator & installer. We stand behind our product & aim to make every customer completely satisfied!

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Now we will walk you through the process of granite, quartz, or marble installation. Although this outline focuses on kitchen counters, the process is very similar for all stone installations.

Once you have a job confirmation (signed contract, & paid deposit for the stone), the granite counter top project goes through the production steps of template, fabrication, tear-out, & finally installation. Tear-out & installation occur the same day.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. 1) Are you licensed?
2) Are you insured?
3) Will you do everything in your power to keep any dust contained?
4) Do you have references?
5) Do you have much experience in designing kitchens and bathrooms?
6) Will you and your installers take care of my floors?
7) Will you accompany me to the stone suppliers to help me choosing the right stone for my home?

At Interior Finishes Complete - Steck Tile & Marble You can count on us for service & quality on time every time!!! We are licensed & insured and can promise you that we will prove to you that we are the right choice for you!

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Q.- When building a house, when should I select my stone?

A.- Because natural stone has variations, it is not a good idea to select stone too early. Coloratons and veining may vary from one shipment to the next. Three to four weeks before the installation of the cabinets is a good time to make your final stone selections, based on current inventory.
Q.- What are remnants?

A.- Remnants are the smaller pieces of stone carried over from previous installations. If sufficient material is available. We can let them go at greatly reduced prices!

Q.- Is honed granite more likely to stain?

A.- The honing process slightly changes the porisity of the stone. However, use of the proper sealer will prevent it from ever staining.

Q.- What is honed granite?

A.- This refers to granite that has not been polished to a shine. It remains a smooth, matte finish. Honed granite is lighter in color than it’s polished counterpart, & can be deepened using a color enhancing sealer.

Q.- Is granite a natural or man made product?

A.- Granite is quarried in it’s natural form directly from the earth & is cut & processed by machine. Because of it’s extreme stability & mineral content, granite can be polished to a mirror like finish.

Q.- Is granite more expensive than man made materials?

A.- It depends on the granite. Availability, color, & country of origin are major factors that affect the price of granite. If supply of a particular stone is short & the demand is high, the price will also be affected. However, many granite colors are available at the same price or even less than man made products.
Q.- Is marble more expensive than granite?

A.- Whether you choose marble or granite, there is a broad spectrum of pricing. Origin, availability, and yield of a given quarry are all factors that determine the price of natural stone.

Q.- What determines the price of a countertop?

A.- There are many factors involved in the pricing countertops. These include material cost, quantity of slabs, design, & edge profile. Once you have chosen a particular stone,the fabricator will need either an accurate drawing or a field visit in order to give a firm estimate.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. The reason you should use Interior Finishes Complete - Steck Tile & Marble is that we ensure that every detail is to our customers satisfaction! I will help each customer from start to finish on where to start first, help in choosing and designing, making sure that every appointment is kept, and over-all satisfaction for you - my customer!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I like it when I help a customer to choose and design their kitchens, and bathrooms or any project that we do for them and see how happy they are when we finish their project on time and to their satisfaction! When they thank me and say that everything has turned out perfect!

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Q.- Will my granite sample match the actual slab?

A.- Because of the movement & veining in natural stone, an exact representation is impossible on a swatch. Stone varies from shipment to shipment, so if you have a sample from a previus batch, it may not match the current supply. We encourage our customers to select an actual slab prior to fabrication.

Q.- Should I approve my slabs before fabrication?

A.- We recommend that you do. This will prevent any surprises or disappointments once the material is installed.

Q.- Can marble be used in a kitchen?

A.- Yes, but weigh this decision carefully. Marble is susceptible to staining, scratching, and etching.

Q.- Is it okay to mix different colors & stone types?

A.- Yes, it is not uncommon to mix colors & types of stone within a room. When mixing stones, consider which material would be the most practical for each space. For example, when mixing granite w/ marble, the granite would be best suited for the area around the range because it is the most durable. The marble could be used on the island or as a dining room table.

Q.- Can I install granite countertops on my own?

A.- Fabrication & installation of natural stone is rarely a do-it yourself project. The cutting, edge shaping, polishing, & installation of a natural stone requires extensive product knowledge & specialized tools & machinery.

Q.- Can granite be used outside?

A.- Yes, granite is very durable and can be used outside. Granite is often used for out door kitchens, as pavers for driveways & walkways, as stair treads, & as exterior cladding on commercial buildings. Be aware, there are a handful of granites that could change color when exposed to UV rays. So tell your installer which granite you plan to use out doors.

Q.- Is polished marble too slippery to be used on the bathroom floor?

A.- Any polished surface is slippery when wet. Always use caution when exiting the shower, & tub, & other wet areas.

Q.-Can bacteria grow on granite?

A.- Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs food to live. Granite is not edible & performs second only to stainless steel in ability to resist bacterial growth. Just remember to keep your granite countertops clean.

Q.- Can I put a hot pot, or pan directly onto my granite?

A.-Yes, placing a hot pot or pan on granite will in no way affect it.

Q.- How can countertop seams be kept to a minimum?

A.- While planning your kitchen, keep in mind. On average, granite slabs are approximately 110″ x 66″ inches. Though in some colors, 120″ inch slabs are not unusual. The color selection in unusually large slabs are limited, so an especially large work surface may require a seam.

Q.- Are undermount or drop in sinks better to use with granite?

A.- This is a matter of personal preferance. If installed properly, both types of sinks are sanitary & safe. The aesthetic appeal & ability to wipe crumbs directly into the sink make undermounted sinks popular. Though they generally incur a small additional fee due to the process of finishing the edges around the sink.

Q.- Is granite too heavy for my cabinetry? Will I need additional support?

A.- 3cm (1 1/4″) granite weighs about 19 pounds per square foot.Typical cabinet construction is typically more than adequate for most installations. However large, self-standing, or furniture style islands may require additional corner bracing. It is advisable that you tell your cabinet installer that you are using granite to ensure proper support.

Q.- How far can granite extend beyond the cabinetry without additional support?

A.- According to the Marble Institute of America, corbels, or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10″ for 3cm granite & 6″ for 2cm stone.

Q.- Is it possible for granite to crack or chip?

A.- Yes it is. However severe settling, excessive impact, & abuse, is usually the culprit. A specialist can repair most minor cracks, & chipping in granite.

Q.- Must I use a cutting board when cutting on granite?

A.- No, you can cut directly on the granite countertops. However, this may dull your cutlery.

Q.- What is the difference between cast stone ( or quartz) & natural stone?

A.- Cast stone (quartz) is composed of finely ground stone mixed with resins or cement – based products. This is poured into a mold to produce either a slab or create sinks, mantels, Etc.. Natural stone, however, is hewn from the earth, then cut & polished to retain the origional, natural form.

Q.- What is antiqued granite?

A.- This refers to granite with a satin, textured finish. During the processing phase, the more typical polishing bricks are replaced with abrasive brushes to produce this unique finish.

Q.- What is a granite pit? Will I have them in my countertop?

A.- Pits are microscopic craters that naturally occur in granite. Most granite has some degree of pitting, usually invisible to the naked eye. With todays advanced processing, pitting is greatly reduced.

Q.- Are veins weak spots in the stone?

A.- Not necesarily. Some veins are strictly color variations. However, in some materials, natural flaws exist within a vein, enhancing the color of the stone. With todays processing, these materials still meet the structural requirements for countertop use.

Q.- Why do stones have mesh backing?

A.- Mesh backing gives stone sufficient stability required for shipping, fabrication, & installation.

Q.- Are textured granites more pourous?

A.- No. Textured granites are created when the origional slabs are flamed & brushed, creating a low sheen with an evenly textured finish. Although enhanced, the stone retains it’s superior durability over alternative countertop surfaces.

Q.- How long will my natural stone last?

A.- Some natural stones are as old as the earth. Take care of your natural stone & it will continue to last for generations.

Q.- What should I use to clean my natural stone?

A.- It is best to use a cleaning product specifically for natural stone. Depending on your stone, we can recommend the ideal product.

Q.- Will granite stain?

A.- Granite parosites vary. If not properly sealed, some granite can absorb liquid into the pores. This may initially appear as a stain. However, in many instances, a dark area on the countertop will dry, & dis-appear over time. If discoloration occurs, there are products to remove them.

Q.- Will the polish on my natural stone wear off over time?

A.- That depends on whether you have granite or marble. With normal use, granite will not dull, as things typically found in the kitchen should not harm your granite. Marble on the other hand, is a calcite that will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish. Proper sealing & maintenance is very crucial with marble countertops.

Q.- Is polished stone already sealed?

A.- The polish on natural stone closes the structure, making it less porous, still, it is best to seal all natural stone upon installation.

Q.- How will I know when to seal my granite?

A.- Many people recommend an annual re-sealing of your stone. However, some types of granite are harder than others & may never require re-sealing. If you notice water absorption into the countertop or darker areas around the sink, it is time to re-seal.

Q.- Must I hire a professional to seal natural stone?

A.- No, this is an easy do-it yourself project. Sealer is a liquid that is applied to a clean, dry countertop with a clean soft cloth. After sealer is generously applied, remove the access with a dry cloth. Check the back of the sealer to determine how long to allow countertops to dry before returning to normal use.

Q.- How often should I seal my granite?

A.- Once every 3 to 5 years.

Q.- Will the sealer wear or wipe off?

A.- No, the sealer is not a coating on top of the stone. Rather, it is an impregnator, which fills the pores in order to repel food & liquid. Over time, cleaners do reduce the effectiveness of the sealer. Re-sealing may be necessary every one to five years, depending on the material & sealer used. In order to increase the life of your sealer, use cleaners that are intended for natural stone use.

Q.- What is color enhancer?

A.- A color enhancer is used to enrich stones natural color. The color that a stone becomes when wet is a good indication of the color it will be once enhanced. Enhancers may need to be re-applied periodicaly & should be tested in a small area or on a sample peice of the stone prior to application.

Q.- Is color enhancer also a sealer?

A.- Yes, most color enhancing sealers retain the same properties of other sealers.

Q.- Can marble countertops be re-finished once they become scratched or etched?

A.- Yes, marble countertops can be re-finished through a process of grinding & re-polishing. The process will vary depending on the damage or wear. This project will require a professional re-finisher.

Q.- Are there granite quarries in America?

A.- Yes, granite is found in many states including, Utah, Georgia, North Carolina, Maine, The Dakotas, California, New York, & many more.
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Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. ***** (5 Stars) Sandy

Your company is great! The price is probably the best around ( I couldn’t find a better price ). Jason ( one of the owners ) is a great person himself & he personally came out to my house since I’m very sensative about my place. Such a humble individual (He still drives his first car in business). I guess money doesn’t change everyone. Very organized & polite. I would recommend 100%!

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. ABOUT US

Interior Finishes Complete / Steck Tile & Marble is the best place to find professional, value driven, & affordable service! With over 20 years in the industry, we are the leader in fabrication & installation of natural stone.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide our customers with the highest quality product & workmanship, at the most affordable prices. Interior Finishes Complete / Steck Tile & Marble offers a wide range of natural stone products. From granite kitchen counter-tops, & marble bathroom vanities, to jacuzzi & fireplace surrounds. To full wall & floor paneling. Our products are always fabricated with the upmost precision & quality.

AS OUR CUSTOMER

As our customer, you can have total confidence in every purchase from Interior Finishes Complete / Steck Tile & Marble as your natural stone fabricator & installer. We stand behind our product & aim to make every customer completely satisfied!

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I was an installer for about 20 years, and through time it started taking a toll on my knees, back, & neck. So I decided to get into the sales end of things. After a year I became a sales manager at a company and did that for another 2 1/2 years. Since then I teamed up with my current partner Brian Sommer and made Interior Finishes Complete - Steck Tile & Marble the company it is today!!!
You will be glad that you decided to go with us because we do go the extra mile for each and every customer!!!

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I am proud of every job that we do because I do take part in every job we do! So I can ensure that my high expectation of quality is always there. I have an excellent granite fabricator his name is Alex and he happens to be the pastor of his church, but is a drill sargent at work and has more pride in his workmanship than any one I know!
Our tile crew is run by George & he has been running tile crews for over 20 years! You can count on your tile job to be absolutely perfect!
Napolean runs the carpet crew and if you aren't absolutely satisfied for any reason I will pay 25% of your project and get the problem fixed!