Our First Job as StoneCraft Marble & Granite, LLC

This was our first job as StoneCraft Marble & Granite. Two major reasons for our success so far? #Networking and exceptional #Customerservice. Our first job was extra crucial as it was our first impression as a company.

We nailed it! 

Our customer was so impressed that she continues to support us through social media endorsements and word of mouth. This resulted in an abundance of other successful jobs and referrals.

It takes ONE person to believe in you for others to take that chance. We are thankful for our supporters and hope to continue down this amazing path of success!

Are you ready for new countertops? Here's what to expect!

 

Step 1: Consultation 

We recommend that you have all your cabinets in place as well as having the sink you intend on using (or the sink template) if you decide not to purchase one of ours. This ensures that we get the most accurate measurements for a flawless final result. Once all is in place, set up an appointment with a StoneCraft Marble & Granite team member to book a convenient date for us to come measure the job. Material and color options will be discussed and an estimated quote will be given.

Step 2: Choosing your stone(s)

 

StoneCraft Marble & Granite works with many local distributors around the Metro-Detroit area. We will set up a day to meet at a distributor of your convenience to choose a (granite, quartz, marble, quartzite) that you love, but is still within your budget! There are many beautiful slab options, reasonably priced to high-end, depending on which stone you prefer. Once you choose the stone of your dreams, we will come up with a final price for the job.

Step 3: Installation

 

The most exciting step is installation day! Set up a day that you would like your countertops installed. We kindly ask that the necessary entrance(s) are clear prior to installation for the safety of our team.  After the countertops are installed, our team does a final inspection with the customer to make sure everything is perfect. We will give advice on how to properly care and maintain your beautiful, new countertops!

Natural vs. Engineered Stone

Do you know the difference between natural and engineered stone countertops? Both types of countertops are beautiful and durable, but it’s important to know the differences.  

The Difference

Natural stones, such as granite and marble, are formed by molten rock and other minerals over time in deep quarries found in the Earth.  Engineered stone, such as quartz, is created in a lab using both natural and man-made ingredients. Engineered stone does contain a majority of natural stone, but it is also manufactured to imitate a natural slab by combining ground crystals, resin, and other pigments (Granite Gold, 2017).

Durability

Although natural and engineered stone are formed differently, they are both about equal in terms of durability and strength.  Both types of stone need to be properly cleaned and maintained in order to continue to appear as good as new.  Refer back to previous blog "countertop care and maintenance" for our tips on caring for stone countertops.

Appearance

Natural stone (top slab) has many different patterns and colors which gives it a unique appearance.  Every slab of natural stone is different in terms of patterns, irregularities, flaws, and colors much like an abstract work of art.  On the other hand, engineered stone (bottom slab) is manufactured to be consistent and uniform in pattern and color (Granite Gold, 2017). Your stone choice depends on preference and whichever kind of look your trying to reach in your house!

Source:
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Countertop Care and Maintenance

 

Things to avoid using on countertops

Stone countertops are very durable, but they are still capable of being damaged. Try to avoid direct contact of anything acidic such as wine, citrus, and vinegar.  Also, if you make a meal and it leaves oil residue on your countertop, be sure to clean them quickly to avoid any oil staining.  

 

How to clean countertops

 

The best way to clean your natural or engineered countertops is using a clean rag with soap and hot water.  It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and ingredients found in other disinfectant sprays.  Harsh chemicals can damage the stone sealer and make it more susceptible to stains as well as dulling your countertop shine.  

 

How to protect countertops:

 

Incorporating a stone sealer in your cleaning regiment will help protect your countertops and enhance its shine. Sealers are commonly found in the tile section of local hardware stores and it's recommended to be used every six months to a year, though stone can never be over-sealed. An example of a commonly used sealer is pictured.

Meet The Owner

The Owner 

Nikolai Kuzmak is the owner of StoneCraft Marble & Granite.  Nik started working at his first countertop job when he was 18 years old and is going on his eighth year in the industry.  His experience and passion for the countertop business has helped him master versatility, exceptional customer service, and many other valuable skills.  In the later months of 2018, Nik decided it was time to start his own company.

Nik started off establishing rapport by doing countertop jobs for family and friends. The positive feedback and recommendations helped make Nik's dream what it is today. StoneCraft Marble & Granite became an official business in January, 2019.