Material

What's the difference between marble, granite and quartz?

My natural stone counter top has little pits all over, is this normal?

Why are some colors of marble or granite more expensive than others?

Are all the slabs of natural stone of the same quality?

Where can I go to see slabs of natural stone?

How thick is the raw material?

How important is it for me to see the actual slabs instead of samples?

Is it possible to have marble counter tops in the kitchen?

• What’s the difference between marble, granite and quartz?

  Please refer to our “Products/Slabs” section for explanation.

  » Back To Questions

• My natural stone counter top has little pits all over, is this normal?

  Every natural stone consist of a variety of different minerals. Once the block is extracted from the ground it is sliced into slabs, which go through a polishing process. Due to the pressure applied by the polishing machine the softer parts of the stone may be eroded.

  » Back To Questions

• Why are some colors of marble or granite more expensive than others?

  Primarily the cost of the stone is dictated by its availability on the market. In other words, if a certain color will be in abundance, then it will drive the cost of the material down. Other factors may include the difficulties involved with extracting the stone from the ground, transportation costs or currency exchange.

  » Back To Questions

• Are all the slabs of natural stone of the same quality?

  The slabs are categorized by various criteria which determine its quality and ultimately the cost. There are certain factors which truly do make a difference in terms of quality.
  
  For instance, the way the slabs were cut or polished. Furthermore there may be cracks or pits in the stone. These are technical issues which are important, and we do point them out to our customers. Unfortunately, this is also an arbitrary classification because some of the factors may include the visual aspects of the natural beauty of the stone. A good example would be veining.
  
  Certain colors of natural stone, by default, are considered to be very consistent. A vein in such color would render that particular shipment of lower quality. However, we found that this is a matter of individual preference of our customers, as some of them consider these nuances to be very appealing.

  » Back To Questions

• Where can I go to see slabs of natural stone?

  Please refer to our list of suppliers

  » Back To Questions

• How thick is the raw material?

  Both, natural and synthetic stone come in two thicknesses. 2cm (3/4”) and 3cm (1-1/4”). Both of them can be laminated, although the latter one usually is not.

  » Back To Questions

• How important is it for me to see the actual slabs instead of samples?

  We believe that it is very important. Most natural stone will change in tone or visual texture with every shipment. A block extracted a few meters deeper in a mountain may have different sediment which will render a change in color.
  Furthermore, a lot of slabs have veins going across which would not be visible on a small sample.

  » Back To Questions

• Is it possible to have marble counter tops in the kitchen?

  Yes it is, but you should be aware of the fact that such soft stones are not very practical.

  They will scratch and stain very easily, which to some of our customers is exactly what they expect.

  » Back To Questions

Quotation

How does the pricing differ between natural and synthetic stone?

What kind of information do I require to submit in order to get an accurate quotation?

How long will I have to wait for my quotation?

• How does the pricing differ between natural and synthetic stone?

  There is no way to determine any general guidelines which would show the pricing difference. Each color of natural stone comes with a different price. Furthermore, these tend to change due to currency exchange.
  
  Synthetic materials, on the other hand, differentiate in pricing from manufacturer to manufacturer. And in addition each of them will offer various pricing levels for various colors.

  » Back To Questions

• What kind of information do I require to submit in order to get an accurate quotation?

  Please refer to the quotation examples. Each fixture will require a different set of information:
  
  » Counter tops:
     - Layout
     - Type of sink openings
     - Either 4” or full back splash (if any)
  
  » Tub decks:
     - Layout / overall size of the deck (not the tub)
     - Type of tub (top mounted or under mounted)
     - Back splash (if any)
     - Raisers (ie. Full slabs installed vertically between the floor and the tub deck.
  
  » Fireplace surrounds:
     - For a standard 3 or 4 piece fireplace surround a small layout with measurements, plus indication of exposed edges which would need to be polished.
     - Please submit copy of architectural drawings for other designs.

  » Back To Questions

• How long will I have to wait for my quotation?

  We usually process the quotation within 1-2 business days.

  » Back To Questions

Template

When can I call to have template prepared for my new counter top?

How long will it take to prepare the template?

Do I have to be present when templates are being prepared?

Will my counter top have seams?

• When can I call to have template prepared for my new counter top?

  We require the following to be prepared in advance:

  At least the base cabinets to be completely installed before we can proceed with template preparation. However, in case of a kitchen counter top, it would preferable that all the cabinetry is in place.

  Sinks, unless provided by us, should be already purchased and either at your house or arranged for delivery to World Stone Ltd. Apron or cast iron sinks have to be positioned in their proper spots before we can prepare templates.

  In case of vanity tops, we prefer to bore the faucet openings at our plant therefore either the fixtures or their specs should be on hand.

  » Back To Questions

• How long will it take to prepare the template?

  Depending on the complexity of the counter top, it may be anywhere from 10 minutes to measure a small vanity top, to a couple of hours to prepare a template for your kitchen counter top.

  » Back To Questions

• Do I have to be present when templates are being prepared?

  We would like you to be there to approve the final templates. This is a very important step, and we do this primarily so that you can see what your counter top will look like.

  » Back To Questions

• Will my counter top have seams?

  We will not know that until we have the templates and slabs at our facility. We try to avoid them as much as possible, but fairly often we are limited by the physical size of the stone or logistics issues.
  We will determine the ideal space where the seams will be located and submit the information for your final approval.

  » Back To Questions

Fabrication

What does a finished edge profile look like?

How visible is the line on a laminated edge?

• What does a finished edge profile look like?

  - View 2 cm. Edging Profile Sheet
  
  - View 3 cm. Edging Profile Sheet

  » Back To Questions

• How visible is the line on a laminated edge?

  This depends primarily on a couple of factors. First of all the granularity of the stone and how brittle it is while cutting. Secondly the consistency of the color of the stone. The more consistent the color, the less visible the seam.

  » Back To Questions

Installation

Will my sink be installed?

What about plumbing?

I need openings for my soap dispenser and water dispenser.

Do I need full plywood support under my new counter top?

I am planning on removing the old counter top myself, when should I have it done?

How long does it take to install the counter top?

• Will my sink be installed?

  We will mount all stainless steel under mounted sinks to the stone. As for apron or cast iron sinks they have to be installed in advance.

  » Back To Questions

• What about plumbing?

  We will not provide plumbing services and they are not included in the quotation. Should you require a plumber, we will be more than happy to recommend a licensed plumber who will do the job for you.

  » Back To Questions

• I need openings for my soap dispenser and water dispenser.

  Providing that all these fixtures are present at the time of installation of your counter top, we will bore the openings free of charge.

  » Back To Questions

• Do I need full plywood support under my new counter top?

  Most of the time you don’t. As a matter of fact we will not recommend full plywood aside from few exceptions. Properly installed counter top will be strong enough to withstand your normal every day use, by being supported only by the cabinet gables.
  
  In our opinion, the plywood could lead to potential problems in a long run. The only time we would advise the use of full plywood support are at sitting area protrusions, bar tops or long spans where no other means of support is available.

  » Back To Questions

• I am planning on removing the old counter top myself, when should I have it done?

  You can continue using the old counter top until the very last moment before we come in to install the new one. Please make sure, in advance, that you have the hot and cold water shut off valves installed. Otherwise you’ll have to shut the water off to the entire house.

  » Back To Questions

• How long does it take to install the counter top?

  This depends on the size and layout of the counter top. An average vanity top should be installed within 45 minutes to one hour. With regards to the kitchen counter top anywhere from two to four hours for an average counter top should be allowed.

  » Back To Questions

Sinks

Do I have to purchase a sink from World Stone?

Are the sinks that you sell of good quality?

Do you provide warranty for your sinks?

Can I also purchase sinks from other manufacturers through World Stone Ltd.?

• Do I have to purchase a sink from World Stone?

  We offer our line of sinks for your convenience only. It doesn’t matter whether you will purchase the sink from us or from any other retailer. We simply offer our sinks at very competitive prices for your convenience only.

  » Back To Questions

• Are the sinks that you sell of good quality?

  We have been selling these sinks for years, and never had one complaint yet. They have been thoroughly tested by us to determine if any rusting may occur in the future. And we are happy to say that they are made of very good type of stainless steel which will not cause any problems in the future.

  » Back To Questions

• Do you provide warranty for your sinks?

  Yes we do provide limited warranty for the sinks which we sell.

  » Back To Questions

• Can I also purchase sinks from other manufacturers through World Stone Ltd.?

  We offer sinks from dozens of manufacturers. Please email us a request for pricing for a particular make and model, and we would be happy to supply a quotation.

  » Back To Questions

Backsplash

Do you do install tile backsplash?

I would like to get a full height back splash in the same slab material as my counter.

Will my full height back splash have seams?

• Do you do install tile backsplash?

  No, we do not install tile back splash. However, if you require an installer we would be happy to provide phone numbers for tile setters.

  » Back To Questions

• I would like to get a full height back splash in the same slab material as my counter.

  Most definitely a great choice rendering beautiful results. There are however a couple of things that you should know in advance. Once we install the back splash you will need your millwork contractor to come back and cut down your valances as they will be too long.
  Furthermore, you will need to get an electrician to come back and reinstall your electrical receptacles and their plates.

  » Back To Questions

• Will my full height back splash have seams?

  Yes, full height back splash slabs are joined to each other at every change of its height.  For instance under the window sill or behind the stove.

  » Back To Questions

Ordering process

What is the procedure for ordering my counter top?

What are your terms of payment?

How much time do you require before my new counter top is installed?

• What is the procedure for ordering my counter top?

  From the moment of you placing the order, we will do the following:
  
  » Have someone contact you to make an appointment for template preparation
  
  » Order the stone you selected
  
  » Once the template and the stone will arrive we will review both and fabricate the order
  
  » Within 10 business days from the date of template we will be calling you to schedule an installation date.

  » Back To Questions

• What are your terms of payment?

  » We will collect approximately 50% of the final price at the moment of placing the order. The balance will be collected by the installers upon completion of the job.
  
  » You have an option of paying by check, money order, cash or wire transfer.

  » Back To Questions

• How much time do you require before my new counter top is installed?

  We reserve up to 10 business days from the moment of taking templates for fabrication and installation.
  There are exceptions to this rule, as there may be some unforeseen set of circumstances which will prevent us from meeting this deadline. Should this take place, you will be informed and updated of our progress.

  » Back To Questions

Care & maintenance

What do I use to clean my counter top?

Do I have to seal my new granite counter top?

How often do I need to reseal the counter top?

Do I need to call anybody to have the counter top resealed?

I have my new counter top sealed. Does that mean that it is bulletproof?

How do I remove a stain from my counter top?

How to avoid staining?

Something fell on my counter top and now there is a chip in it, what do I do?

• What do I use to clean my counter top?

  Mild soap and warm water are the only two things that you should be using on your new counter top. There are also special substances to clean marble and granite surfaces which claim to give the extra shine.
  
  Under no condition should you be using any substances which are acidic or abrasive as they will lead to deterioration of your new stone.

  » Back To Questions

• Do I have to seal my new granite counter top?

  Initially we will do the sealing at the time of installation. As each stone has a different density to it, three things may potentially occur.

  » The amount of sealer applied may be more than necessary. Should this happen, you will find the counter top is not as shiny as it should be. The excess will eventually disappear after it has been washed several times.
  
  

  » The amount of sealer applied is not sufficient. This is usually the case with limestone, marble or granite which is light in color. You will find that water left on the counter top creates stains, even after the stone has been sealed. Sometimes the stone will require more sealing applications than just one.
  Please purchase a can of sealer and reapply it as necessary.
  
  » The sealing has been sufficient. There are no stains or dullness appearing on the surface. Please test your counter top every few months, especially around the sink and stove/cook top area by pouring water on the counter top.
  As long as the water will stay on the surface the counter top is sealed and does not need any maintenance. Otherwise clean the counter tops and reapply the sealer.

  » Back To Questions

• How often do I need to reseal the counter top?

  This depends on the usage and the density of the stone. That is why it is so crucial to test it every few months and observing whether any fluid penetration takes place.

  » Back To Questions

• Do I need to call anybody to have the counter top resealed?

  You can, but it’s not absolutely necessary. This is a very easy task which you can do completely on your own. It is important to clean the counter top first of any debris before applying the sealer.

  » Back To Questions

• I have my new counter top sealed. Does that mean that it is bulletproof?

  Most of the time unfortunately not! No matter how well is your counter top sealed, if you expose it for an extended period of time to certain fluids which are not PH balanced they will stain. The acidity of the liquid will eventually allow the sealer to be dissolved and saturation to occur.
  Similar results may happen if a hot pot, which has oil stains on the bottom, will be placed on the natural stone surface.

  » Back To Questions

• How do I remove a stain from my counter top?

  Each stone will react differently to various treatments. Furthermore each type of stain will require a different treatment as well (providing that it will be possible to eliminate it at all). There are many products which have been developed specifically for the purpose of stain removal.
  Furthermore, there are dozens of forums on the internet, devoted to this topic, which describe homemade solutions which may or may not resolve a stain problem.

  » Back To Questions

• How to avoid staining?

  It is always a great idea to use trivets or other means of buffering elements from the counter top.

  » Back To Questions

• Something fell on my counter top and now there is a chip in it, what do I do?

  Although it will not be able to recreate the granite piece missing, there are ways of filling the missing pieces and thus masking the damage. Almost always the results are very satisfactory.

  » Back To Questions