This is a matter of personal preference. If installed properly, both types of sinks are sanitary and safe. The ability to wipe off the counters directly in to the sink and the aesthetic appeal make under mounted sinks the most popular. Typically an under mount sink installation would be an additional expense (though minimal) due to the finishing process of the edges around the sink. When choosing a sink, it is vitally important to make certain that the sink will fit in the cabinet in which it is to be mounted. Keep in mind that the cabinet must always be wider than the sink, i.e. a 30” sink will not fit in a 30” cabinet. There must also be ample room available for the faucet of your choice and any other accessories you may select. We carry a complete line of sinks for any application, stainless, copper, granite, glass and composite.

Because of the movement and veining in natural stone it is difficult to accurately represent stone with a small sample. Also, stone varies from shipment to shipment, so if you have a sample from a previous shipment, it may not match the current supply. It is advisable to view the actual slabs in our warehouse/showroom prior to fabrication.

It is always a good idea to view and approve of the actual slabs prior to fabrication and is strongly encouraged. This will help to prevent any surprises or disappointments once the material is installed. Slabs could be viewed at a stone wholesaler or at the fabrication warehouse prior to being cut.

According to the Marble Institute of America, corbels or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10” for 3cm material or 6” for 2cm material.

There are many factors involved in pricing countertops: material cost, quantity of slabs, design and edge profile are primary considerations. Once you have chosen a particular stone, Trinity Granite + Marble will need either an accurate drawing and/or a field visit in order to clarify all the details. We will then provide you with a finished installed price.

On average, granite slabs are approx. 110” x 66”. Though in some colors, 120” slabs are not unusual. While planning your kitchen, keep these sizes in mind. Extremely large islands may require a seam or the color selection in unusually large slabs will be very limited.

Remnants are the smaller remaining pieces of stone from a previous job. They can be used in any stone application, size allowing.

The cutting, polishing and installation of natural stone not only require specific tools and machinery, it also requires extensive product knowledge. Fabricating and or installing natural stone countertops really are not “do it yourself” projects.

On new construction, the base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before a template can be made. On a remodel project, existing tops may be removed prior to measurement. Any sinks, faucets, cook tops, or any other item that requires a cutout or a hole in the top must be on site and readily available at the time the template is made. The fabricator may need to take some items with him to complete the fabrication.

Please note that any delay in acquiring the accessories may also delay the installation, the countertop installer will not be responsible for connecting of dishwashers, cook tops, or plumbing, and no changes can be made once the installer takes his measurements and makes the template. All cuts are final; it is impossible to reattach a piece of granite that has been cut from the slab. Additionally, once the granite is secured in place on the cabinets, moving it is very difficult and risks damaging the cabinets.

If a cook top is to be mounted in the granite, be sure that there is room inside the cabinet to hold the top and any pop-up vents that will be installed with it. If the top is replacing an existing top, be aware of the differences in thickness of the two materials. Any upper cabinetry that currently rests on the existing top will probably not reach the granite, so adjustments will have to be made. Allowances must be made for the thickness of the back splash when measuring for the placement of these fixtures. If thicker granite is used, a wider space will be needed.

The sink and kitchen appliances built into the countertops like a cook top or drop in range must be on the job site before a template can be made.

All ordinary cabinets with frames that are securely fastened to the wall will easily support granite countertops. The weight of an average person standing on the cabinet puts more strain on the cabinets than a granite countertop.

Counter tops are measured in much the same way as other solid surfaces. First, a template must be made to use as a pattern. For this reason, base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before measurements can begin. They are to be installed only by the fabricator who will assume responsibility for a proper fit. Improper installation of kitchen countertops may void the manufacturer’s warranties and result in damage to your fine surface or other areas of your kitchen, such as cabinets, drawers, sinks, and fixtures.

It will take 2 to 4 weeks to complete the installation after measurements are

Taken, so be sure to allow sufficient lead-time for the project to be completed. If anything goes wrong during the fabrication process, or if the top is damaged and has to be replaced, that time will be extended.

Because granite is usually sold in slabs no more that 10’ long, some countertops will require at least one seam. And since granite is sold in rectangular pieces, using seams may also reduce the costs, as in an “L” shaped corner.

Fabrication costs can significantly affect the final price. Generally, the more complex the shape of the project and particularly the shape of the finished edges, the higher the price will be. Fortunately, a single thickness plain polished edge makes an excellent appearance and most customers choose this standard. Occasionally, a customer will want a custom edge pattern, possibly to match the edge to detailing on the cabinetry, and this can also be done. But, keep in mind that if the fabricator has to buy custom cutting bits, he will add that cost to the price.

Granite is usually polished to a high gloss finish. We sell finished pieces, but slabs are always sold intact. The price includes the cost of transportation, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, delivery, and final installation. The total material required is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. We will try to lay out each job so as to minimize waste yet maximize the natural beauty of the veining and pattern.

A patina refers to the smooth sheen that is produced by the aging and use of natural stone over time.

Not necessarily. Some veins are strictly color variations in the stone. However in some materials natural flaws can exist within the vein, which enhances the color and is characteristic of that stone. Structurally, with today’s processing, these materials do meet the strength requirements for countertop use.

Mesh backing improves the stability of the stone for shipping and fabrication. Many exotic materials would otherwise not remain intact during processing. Once these materials are installed however, they do meet the strength requirements for countertop use.

Cast stone is made up of finely ground stone mixed with resins or cement-based products, then poured into a mold to create either a slab of cast stone or to create sinks, mantels, etc. Natural stone is strictly cut from the earth then cut and polished in its original, natural form.

Most granite has some degree of pitting, whether microscopic or visible to the naked eye. With today’s advanced processing, the natural pitting or tiny craters in a granite finish are greatly reduced. These natural pits pose no maintenance or wear issues. The depth of these pits is virtually immeasurable.