FAQ
MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
This is the most important page on our website, because here is where the majority of your questions will be answered. If your questions are not answered just click on the "Contact Us" link to find a convenient way for you to get your question answered. Granite and marble purchases are a first-time purchase for approximately 90% of our clients, and many customers do not know which questions to ask. Buying granite or marble is not like buying a refrigerator. If I go to HomeDepot, they are not manufacturing refrigerators. They have already been produced. The only differentiator is the service and price, at the time of purchase. The reason this purchase is remarkabley different, as a fabricator, we take the raw stone and actually manufacture the stone into its final product here at our shop. The process by which we do that is completely varied by fabricator to fabricator. That inherent variation will naturally produce variations in the end result. From the way we template, to fabrication, and lastly installation, Storia has its own procedures that have helped us consistently exceed our customers expectations. First and foremost, Sergio, the owner, does all templating, and oversees all operations of fabrication and installation. If you're still not convinced, we'll be glad to have you meet any of our customers, and more importantly my customers would be more than happy to "show off" our work! *Note - Make sure to ask if other Granite and Marble companies fabricate locally. There are some companies who will fabricate in other cities, and ship down the granite. Do you trust your stone in the hands of someone whom you've never met?
Q: WHAT MATERIAL SHOULD I USE FOR MY COUNTERTOP? Marble vs. Granite We know more than likely you’ve seen marble, kitchen countertops in the latest issue of architectural digest or a mock layout at a design center. It can be done, and has (looks incredible), but did you know that Marble is a more porous stone? This means, there’s more of a chance for stains. If you’re okay with the stains likely occurring, then marble is an option for you. Granite vs. Quartz To understand the differences, customers have to understand what Quartz is and why its called Quartz. A Quartz countertop is a man made product that takes small granite chips, dye, and polyesther resin (fancy name for glue) puts them all together in a furnace and out pops a slab of Quartz. You may know Quartz slabs by their manufacturers’ names such as Silestone, Technistone, Compaq Stone, Caesar Stone, Zodiac Stone, etc. The list goes on and on as more manufacturers begin to make slabs. The reason why these slabs are called generally Quartz slabs is because Granite is composed of 3 materials, the main component is Quartz, the others are feldspar and mica. In essence what you are purchasing is a bunch of granite chips glued together. In terms of hardness the Quartz slabs are as hard as granite (remember: it is made of granite). The only thing that makes me wary about Quartz products are some of the claims that the manufacturer has made, which I have heard through customers. Examples include... “You can’t stain Quartz.” “The Quartz tops are anti-bacterial” “You can’t burn Quartz.” If you read the fine print, all of those statements are followed by resistant. I recommend Quartz products to customers who want the strength and durability of granite, but in a more consistent pattern, than might otherwise be found in natural stone.
Q: IS MARBLE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN GRANITE? The answer simply is “it depends.” Granite and marble are generally grouped into different price categories or “levels.” Again different fabricators will use different approaches to how they price their granite or marble. But for us, a level 1 marble will cost the same as a level 1 granite. Pricing is a delicate issue that should be addressed. At Storia, I always ask the customer to allow me to price out their project based on measurements they bring in, or set-up an appointment with me to go measure their project. Most consumers ask how much do you sell your granite or marble per square foot. Like the fabrication process, pricing is not standard and simply asking for per square foot pricing can be deceiving. For example, a fabricator tells you over the phone that his granite starting price is $48 per square foot, and you call another fabricator and he tells you $54. Your first inclination is to simply conclude that the fabricator who has just quoted you $48 per square foot without seeing your layout and set-up of your countertops would be cheaper. “Caveat emptor”, a popular Latin phrase meaning let the buyer beware. The natural questions you should ask are: - What is included in the $48 per square foot? - What edge does that include? - Do they charge for Radius Cutouts? - What about Outlet hole cutouts? - Undermount sink charge? - Installation? There are even more questions to be answered, so if you want an idea of how much a particular fabricator would charge you for your project, have him take a look at your project and give you an accurate estimate, not just toss out a random number and hope to confuse you into thinking you have found the cheapest fabricator. Then go to his fabrication site and see if they have a showroom. Ask them to show you how they fabricate.
Q: WHAT MAKES DIFFERENT COLOR GRANITES MORE EXPENSIVE? There are technically different grades of granite, but at Storia Marble & Granite, Inc., we only buy first choice (the best) for all colors. All fabricators should do this but do not. So in our case the quality of the stone is not a factor in the different levels. The color itself is the determining factor price. Natural stone is quarried all over the world, and in different locations and conditions. Depending on the location of the stone and how easy it is to extract will naturally affect its cost. Also shipping from countries that are further away from the United States will have an impact. As my wife says, “if it sparkles, then it’s usually more expensive.” Still have questions?
FAQS ABOUT CABINETS
Our Solution Replacing your cabinets requires organized, honest, and quality individuals to achieve your vision. You'll work directly with the owners, and be updated every step of the way to ensure success.. We like to provide a level of service the way we'd expect it from others. We'll be honest and fair to make sure you stay within budget and do our best to limit surprises! From the start, we'll discuss your vision for your new cabinets. Rest assured that all your questions will be answered and you'll get what you want while staying within your budget. We'll help schedule all other services and keep you updated on the arrival of your cabinets, installation, and progress of your countertops. Our hands-on approach ensures successful communication and understanding. We're here to ensure your experience is a pleasant and successful one.
Q: WHAT KIND OF CABINETS CAN YOU USE IN YOUR GARAGE? If you’re looking for something that will last in a garage, stainless steel cabinets are the way to go in Florida. Because of moisture; wood cabinets will warp. Other options tend to be more expensive and less convenient for garages.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BEST GARAGE ORGANIZERS? This depends on what you’re utilizing your cabinet for. We have multiple types of cabinets and pantries for the garage. We’ll discuss what you utilize your garage most for, and what’s most convenient for your needs.
Q: WHAT'S A GOOD QUALITY GARAGE CABINET? Characteristics to consider are: stainless steel, ball bearing slides for drawers, adjustable legs for height, fully lockable, and can hold enough weight for your needs.
Q: WHAT'S THE BEST TYPE OF CABINET FOR FLORIDA? There is a great deal of debate on what’s the best Florida cabinet. Here are some things to think about: 1. Thermofoil may look good in the beginning, but it will peel, bubble, discolor, and doesn’t add much value to the project. It’s a cheap alternative, but if you’re in it for quality and time, stay away. 2. Laminate can have the same characteristics as Thermofoil. However, recently, we’ve seen a big push on making this product better. It’s still not our favorite, but if done right, can be an alternative. Our Schrock cabinetry: - Is environmentally friendly, nontoxic, cellulose-based - Bridges the gap between thermofoil and painted wood (price and consistency) - Has a true 5 piece door construction - Has a fully wrapped and protected MDF substrate - Uses dowel & glued joinery 3. Wood is our personal favorite. Because of the high humidity; there will be natural expansion and contraction in the wood. This will leave painted wood doors with hairline fissures throughout time. You can always touch this up. Wood is overall a better quality product, and provides more depth and color variety.
Q: WHAT'S THE COST TO RE-FACE CABINETS VS. REPLACE? Depends!!! Most people we know tell us that refacing is about 75-85% of the cost to replace. However, you better have ok cabinets to start with, or it’s going to be a waste of your money!
Q: WHAT IS THE NEW CABINET STYLE? Everyone loves a shaker or modified shaker cabinet. Clean lines and transitional is in, but there’s a variety of cabinets to choose from depending on the look you’re going for.
Q: WHAT ARE GOOD QUALITY LOW PRICE CABINETS? As discussed above, there are many types of cabinets. We still believe in wood cabinets, and can find ways to minimize cost to be in budget. However, if laminate is needed, we can discuss pricing options. We do free estimates and would be happy to quote your next project.