Since 1920
CL Frost, Inc.
Granite, Marble, Stone & Tile
831.899.1403
Licensed • Bonded • Insured
| 1831 East Avenue Sand City, CA 93955 831.899.1403 Fax: 831.899.1406 |
105 Leavesley Road, Bldg #1 Gilroy, CA 95020 408.847.3737 Fax: 408.847.6595 |
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E-mail: clfrostinc@yahoo.com | |
Homeowner's Checklist
Perhaps the most important step in meeting expectations is "hand selection of granite slabs". The specific slabs that will be used for fabrication should be hand selected and tagged by the homeowner. Keep the following criteria in mind when inspecting the slabs you intend to use.
1. Are there any spots, veins, or natural fissures in the slabs that you do not want to see in your kitchen? If yes, ask for a commitment from the fabricator to avoid them. It is not common for a fabricator to commit to avoiding natural blemishes. But, if you don't like what you see, then choose different slabs.
2. Discuss which way your kitchen will be cut with the slabs. The veining direction in you kitchen can make a big difference. Ask your fabricator for his opinion and discuss this thoroughly.
3. Many granite colors have natural fissures. Feel the surface and consider if there are any open fissures that you will not be happy with.
4. Discuss the edge detail and how it will look on your chosen granite. Some granites develop a patina over time from being exposed to sunlight or from airborne contaminates. When the granite edge is made, "fresh" stone is exposed and does not have the same patina. It will appear lighter in most cases even after it is polished. This is common with some red and green granites. Also, reconsider the edge detail style after selecting your granite. A very fancy edge on a very exotic granite will take over the room.
5. See full sized edge detail samples from the fabricator, preferably on kitchen that are completed at the factory. This will give you a clear idea of how your edge selection will look in you kitchen.
6. Discuss where your seams (if any) will be required.
7. Be sure that you are looking at the granite in the right lighting. Viewing granite outside on a cloudy day does not always present true color. Hopefully, you can look at the slab under good indoor lighting. Ask to take a sample home before committing to your choice.
8. Honed granite: if you are considering "honed granite", be sure to discuss the higher maintenance issues with the fabricator. Honed granite should be professionally sealed. We strongly oppose the use of black absolute honed granite for kitchens. While we understand the contemporary design intent, you will have high maintenance issues to consider such as fingerprints, continual dusting, and cooking oil marks that you cannot remove. Even routine cleaning can discolor honed black granite.
9. You are at the right selection yard if you received education from the sales person. After covering the issues above, if you still have several colors in mind, go with the granite choice that "moves" you. It is not uncommon that several granite colors will work in you kitchen. But, after the technical evaluation is complete, check your feelings and go for it. Your choice will be one you will enjoy for many years to come.
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