Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, the only residential installation service that we self-perform is for manufactured countertops and dimensional stone surfaces. At this time we don’t offer installation of tile, cabinetry, fixtures and lighting for residential clients.

Generally, our work falls under CSI Codes: 066113 Simulated Stone Fabrications, 066119 Quartz Surfacing Fabrications, 93000 Tiling, 093100 Thinset-Tiling, 123600 Countertops, 12 36 40 Stone Countertops, 123661 Simulated Stone Countertops.

Absolutely! If you have found a slab you would like to purchase through a wholesaler we are happy to coordinate the procurement and delivery of the material for you. Please contact us for a full list of our wholesale suppliers.

Remnant is a term that refers to a small piece of stone that is left over after cutting a larger slab of stone. Remnants are a cost effective, eco-friendly choice for smaller projects such as powder room vanities, fireplace surrounds or desk tops. Our remnants selections change daily.

Think of a loaf of bread (the stone block) that is sliced into pieces (slabs). A bundle is a group of 6-8 slabs that were sliced from the same block of stone. Take a look at the raw edge of a slab and you’ll notice a series of numbers. These numbers identify the block of stone the slabs were manufactured from. This is called the lot number. If the numbers match, then you know those slabs originated from the same block of stone. This means each slab in the bundle will have comparable coloring, veining, and pattern to its neighbor. Choosing slabs from the same lot is critical when more than 1 slab is required for a project.

Buying slabs is similar to buying fabric. Like a seamstress or tailor, A&S buys the raw material and sells you a completed installation. How much material that is needed is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. A&S will lay out your job in a way that will minimize the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty of veining and pattern.

Availability, locations of quarries in the world (due to transportation expenses), the rarity of the color, and the amount of labor required to extract the stones all affect the price of natural stone. Higher price doesn’t mean higher quality. All-natural stones that A&S Sales carries, regardless of price, are of the same high quality.

Material that is honed has a matte or satin finish, rather than a high reflective polish. One feature of honed marble is that it doesn’t show etching as readily, or wear patterns on floors. This finish is preferred by some because “honed” materials have a less formal, softer appearance than polished.

A leathered or antiqued finish is a polishing technique that gives the surface of the stone a subtle textured felling. Similar to an orange peel.

Due to the limitation of slab sizes, seams on a countertop may be necessary and sometimes unavoidable. On average, granite slabs are approx. 110 x 66″, though in some colors, 120″ slabs are not unusual. Most engineered quartz slabs are typically limited to 56.5” x 120” or 65” x 130”. Extremely large islands may either require a seam, or color selections will be limited to those slabs that have longer lengths or widths.

You can cantilever most stones up to 12″ with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever an unsupported top where it might receive excessive stress like someone sitting on or stepping on a counter to change a light bulb. You must have proper support underneath for these situations.

Quartz is a man-made product consisting of natural quartz, resin and pigments (i.e. Caesarstone, Silestone, Zodiaq etc.). Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone and is quarried from the earth. Quartzites are becoming more popular because it combines the toughness of granite with the variegated veining characteristics of marble.

Quartz countertops are resistant to cracks, scratches, and stains. However, like most materials, excessive force and/or pressure from objects can damage the surface. Quartz is resistant to most stains caused by fruit juices, coffee, tea, wine, grapes and soft drinks.

No. Quartz surfaces are non-porous so you do not have to apply sealer to the surface.

It is not recommended. Prolonged UV exposure will fade the surface and excessive expansion and contraction could damage the material. Installing these materials outdoors will also void the manufacturer’s warranty. Currently there are only a few sinterized products which are rated for outdoor use. Dekton being one of them.