FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Every stone project is priced individually, because the number moves with the material you pick, how many slabs your layout actually needs, the edge profile, cutouts for sinks and cooktops, and what we find at your site. That's why we don't publish a flat square-foot rate — a quote built from your real measurements is worth more to you than a range that changes the day we template. Consultations and estimates are free. We'll walk you through what each material costs and where you can save without giving up the look. If you're working to a budget, ask us about remnants, surplus pieces from larger slabs that are an economical fit for vanity tops, bar tops, fireplace hearths, tabletops, and window sills. Our remnant inventory changes weekly, so it's worth calling or stopping by the Auburn shop to see what's on hand.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
1. Free consultation. Tell us about the space, the look you're after, and your budget. You can visit our Auburn shop to see slabs and remnants in person, or browse our online stone gallery first. 2. Choose your material. We help you weigh quartz, granite, marble, quartzite, porcelain, and tile against how you actually live in the space heat, staining, maintenance, and the pattern you want. 3. Measure and prepare. We use digital templating and laser scanning to capture your space precisely, then plan seam placement and vein matching before anything is cut. 4. Fabrication. We cut, edge, and polish in our own shop in Auburn — nothing is farmed out. 5. Installation. Our own crew installs, cleans up, and walks the finished work with you.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
TrioSurfaces was founded by three partners with more than 80 years of combined experience - that's where "Trio" comes from. 1. Ann Gildner - 20+ years in construction and design. She was born into a builder family and specializes in stone selection and collaborating with designers and homeowners. 2. George Kimpel - 15 years in commercial construction, with a focus on 3D visualization and solving the technical problems that come with complex installs. 3. Paul Khala - 20 years as a stone fabricator, leading production, material innovation, and quality control in our shop. Beyond that, our training is ongoing and hands-on: digital templating and laser scanning, large-format porcelain handling, and the fabrication techniques each new material generation demands.