Selecting Stone

• Select a material color and pattern that you can live with for a long time.  Click on the menu item "Stones" on this page to view many of the different stones that are in the Quarry Direct Inc. inventory.
• Inspecting the actual slab block that will be used for your countertop should follow initial selection from a sample. Because they are natural materials, granite and marble samples may differ considerably from the actual slab block. Bring sample cabinet doors, paint chips and furniture material samples with you to place along side the actual slab block to confirm kitchen or bath color coordination. Quarry Direct Inc. maintains a large inventory of granite, marble and travertine slabs and tiles for your selection.
• Select an edge treatment that is compatible with the style and look of your kitchen or bath. There are many edge treatments to choose from, but generally a rounded or beveled edge is more resistant to chipping than a squared edge. More complicated edge treatments are more expensive. Sample edge profiles are available for inspection at the Quarry Direct Inc. showroom.  Just click on the "Edge" menu on this page to view various edge profiles.
• Provide drawings of your countertop along with the material and edge profile to your fabricator to obtain a material, fabrication and installation quote. It is helpful to include elevations and dimensions of the countertops and their supporting elements on the drawings. Yellow highlighting countertops on your blueprints would be best.
• Pricing quotes also depend upon backsplash preference, sink type (i.e. under-mount or not), countertop sub-base condition and overhang requirements.
• Be sure to have your fabricator place a material “hold” on the actual slabs you selected at Quarry Direct Inc. If you do not have a fabricator, Quarry Direct will be happy to provide a list of fabricators in your area.

GRANITE, MARBLE & TRAVERTINE QUALITIES

Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth. Used as a countertop material, it is resistant to scratches, acids, stains and heat. It is long lasting, durable and available in a wide variety of colors, textures and unique crystal patterns that create a warm and inviting environment for your kitchen or bath.

Marble and travertine are used as fireplace surrounds, flooring and countertops especially in the bath where the veining patterns and colors can be used to create exquisite designs. Marble and travertine are sensitive to acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon, tomatoes, wine, as well as some tile cleaners, mildew removers and other materials commonly found in the kitchen which will dull a polished finish. Some marbles and travertine with honed or matte finishes make exceptionally high quality bathroom countertops.