🔥 Background: Why the ban?

Australia banned engineered stone with high crystalline silica content (like quartz countertops) starting July 2024, mainly due to rising cases of silicosis—a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust during cutting, grinding, or polishing the material. It’s primarily an occupational hazard for workers, not homeowners.

Quartz isn’t toxic to have in your home—the issue is with dust exposure during fabrication, which is being addressed. The industry is adapting fast with safer products and better safety practices, but public perception is definitely shifting. Expect a rise in alternative materials as homeowners become more cautious.

Granite – Yes (Usually Once a Year)

Granite is a natural stone and does need to be sealed to protect it from stains and moisture.

• Most granite comes pre-sealed, and resealing once a year (or every couple of years depending on usage) is usually enough.
• It’s a quick and easy process — spray-on sealers make it a 10-minute job.

Quartz – No Sealing Needed

Quartz is an engineered surface, made of natural quartz crystals mixed with resin.

• It’s non-porous and doesn’t require any sealing — ever.
• Super low maintenance: just clean with mild soap and water, and you’re good to go.

Quartzite – Yes (But Less Often)

Quartzite is a natural stone, like granite, but denser and harder.

• It typically needs to be sealed once every 1–2 years to prevent staining, especially with lighter colors.
• Once sealed properly, quartzite is highly durable and resistant to scratching and heat.

Quick Summary

That’s a great question—and one a lot of homeowners don’t think about until after install day. Here’s a clear explanation:

🪨 Why It’s Difficult for Homeowners to Keep All Remnant Pieces from Their Slabs

🛠️ 1. Remnants Are Often Cut Into Unusable Shapes

• After fabrication, what’s left from a slab is usually irregular, small, or full of cutouts (sink, cooktop, faucet holes).
• These pieces typically aren’t large or clean enough for future projects like vanities or tabletops.

🚛 2. Heavy, Fragile, and Hard to Move

• Even a small remnant of granite or quartz can weigh 100–200+ lbs.
• They’re fragile without edge protection or crating, so transporting and storing them safely is a challenge for most homeowners.

🧱 3. Disposal and Storage Is a Liability

• Fabricators often don’t want to load odd-shaped, heavy pieces into a homeowner’s car or driveway, due to the risk of breakage or injury.
• Homeowners usually don’t have a safe place to store them—leaving them exposed can lead to cracking, fading (in sunlight), or worse.

🗓️ 4. Most Remnants Are Recycled or Repurposed

• Fabricators typically recycle remnants into:
  • Small jobs (like vanities, laundry rooms, or bar tops)
  • Display samples
  • Shop use (test cuts, training, etc.)
• This also helps them keep pricing competitive—if they can reuse stone, it offsets waste.

💬 5. You Can Request Usable Pieces Ahead of Time

• If you know in advance that you want to keep a piece for a vanity, shelf, or table:
  • Let your fabricator know at the time of templating.
  • They may be able to plan the layout to preserve a usable section, but this isn’t guaranteed due to slab layout and yield.

Changing a sink in an existing granite or quartz countertop is possible, but whether it’s easy depends on a few key factors:

🧰 What Makes It Easier or Harder?

✅ EASIER if:

• You’re replacing with a similar-sized sink (especially if it’s a drop-in or top-mount).
• The new sink fits within the existing cutout—no modification needed.
• You’re using a licensed plumber and possibly a stone fabricator for guidance.

⚠️ TRICKIER if:

• You’re switching from a top-mount to an undermount (or vice versa).
• The new sink is larger or shaped differently, requiring stone cutting or polishing.
• The countertop is already installed and cut onsite—any modification risks cracking or chipping.
• You’re trying to change to a farmhouse (apron front) sink—this almost always requires cabinet and countertop alterations.

🔨 Things to Know Before Replacing:

1. Stone Modification = Specialty Work
   Granite and quartz are extremely hard materials. Modifying the existing cutout requires professional tools and expertise (usually from a stone fabricator).
2. Risk of Cracking or Damage
   Cutting stone that’s already installed comes with some risk—especially around narrow supports or corners of the cutout.
3. Plumbing May Need Adjustment
   A new sink may change drain locations or faucet hole layouts—some plumbing and faucet updates may be required.
4. Costs Can Add Up
   You may need to pay for:
   • A fabricator to cut or polish the stone
   • A plumber to disconnect/reconnect everything
   • Potential patch or cosmetic work

Great question—this is something every homeowner should understand before selecting cabinetry. Here’s why many people choose to avoid particle board construction when it comes to kitchen or bathroom cabinets:

🚫 Why You Might Want to Avoid Particle Board Cabinets

🌧️ 1. Poor Moisture Resistance

• Particle board is extremely susceptible to water damage. If it gets wet (think leaks under the sink or humidity in a bathroom), it can swell, warp, or crumble.
• Once damaged, it can’t be repaired—unlike plywood or solid wood.

🛠️ 2. Lower Durability

• Particle board is made from compressed wood chips and resin, making it more brittle than plywood.
• It’s more likely to crack, sag, or break under weight—especially with frequent use or heavy countertops.

🔩 3. Weak Screw Holding

• Screws can strip out easily in particle board, especially with repeated use (think door hinges or drawer slides).
• This leads to misaligned doors or hardware that eventually pulls out.

🪚 4. Limited Lifespan

• Particle board cabinets often don’t hold up over time—especially in high-traffic kitchens or humid climates like Virginia Beach.
• Long-term value is lower, even if the up-front cost is cheaper.

🧼 5. Difficult to Repair

• Unlike plywood or solid wood, particle board can’t be sanded, patched, or refinished.
• If damaged, you usually have to replace the whole panel or cabinet.

✅ When Is It Okay to Use Particle Board?

• Budget projects where longevity isn’t critical (like a quick flip or garage storage).
• Interior cabinet parts only, like drawer bottoms or backs—not load-bearing components.

ProCraft Cabinetry is another well-known brand in the RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) and assembled cabinet space, and it’s a solid option for both homeowners and contractors who want quality, style, and value. Here are the top benefits of using ProCraft Cabinetry for your kitchen or bathroom remodel:

🏡 Benefits of Using ProCraft Cabinetry

✅ 1. All Wood Construction

• ProCraft uses solid wood doors and plywood box construction, no particleboard or MDF in structural components.
• This makes them durable, moisture-resistant, and long-lasting, even in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

🚪 2. Stylish, On-Trend Designs

• Offers a wide range of modern and traditional styles: Shaker, raised panel, flat panel, and Euro-style frameless cabinets.
• Popular finishes include white, gray, espresso, navy, and walnut tones—great for resale value and modern aesthetics.

🧰 3. Soft-Close as Standard

• Soft-close doors and drawers come standard on most collections.
• Adds a premium feel to the cabinets without the upcharge you’d see in custom lines.

🛠️ 4. Flexible Options: RTA or Pre-Assembled

• Available ready-to-assemble (RTA) for cost savings or pre-assembled for quicker installs.
• RTA option is ideal for contractors or handy homeowners looking to save on labor.

💸 5. Excellent Value for the Price

• ProCraft hits the sweet spot between affordability and quality.
• Great choice for remodels, rentals, flips, or even primary homes if you’re on a budget but want something solid and stylish.

🚚 6. Fast Lead Times

• Often in-stock and ready to ship, meaning you can move from design to installation faster—especially helpful for time-sensitive projects.

🛡️ 7. Warranty & Dealer Support

• Backed by a limited manufacturer’s warranty, and available through local dealers who can help with design and layout support.

Yes we do.  US Cabinet Depot is a popular cabinet brand known for offering a great mix of affordability, quality, and style. Whether you’re a homeowner doing a kitchen remodel or a contractor looking for reliable options, here are the main benefits of choosing US Cabinet Depot cabinets:

🛠️ Benefits of Using US Cabinet Depot Cabinets

✅ 1. All Wood Construction

• Most US Cabinet Depot cabinets feature solid wood frames and plywood boxes—no particleboard or MDF in the main structure.
• This gives them strong durability and resistance to sagging or moisture over time.

🔧 2. Soft-Close Features Included

• Soft-close hinges and full-extension soft-close drawer glides are standard—not expensive upgrades.
• This adds to the premium feel without inflating the price.

🪚 3. Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) or Pre-Assembled Options

• US Cabinet Depot offers RTA cabinets (great for saving on labor and shipping), and many dealers offer pre-assembled options for faster installs.
• RTA doesn’t mean cheap—these are high-quality cabinets that assemble cleanly with the right tools.

🎨 4. Modern, Stylish Finishes

• Offers a wide variety of popular door styles: Shaker, slab, raised panel, etc.
• Trending finishes like white, grey, navy, espresso, and natural wood tones are all available—great for any design aesthetic.

💵 5. Budget-Friendly with High Value

• You get a custom look at a semi-custom price.
• Ideal for homeowners who want a high-end feel without going full custom or breaking the bank.

🚛 6. Quick Lead Times

• Cabinets are stocked and ship quickly—often in 1–2 weeks, depending on your location and supplier.
• This is a huge benefit compared to custom cabinets that can take 6–10 weeks.

🏆 7. Consistency + Availability

• US Cabinet Depot has a national footprint with great dealer support and consistent product availability, which makes it a go-to for contractors and designers.

Great question—and a super common concern for homeowners! Here’s the scoop:

Nope—you do not need to remove your existing countertops before a fabricator like Quality Stone Concepts can measure (or “template”) for your new ones. In fact, we prefer you leave them in place until the day of install.

🛠️ Here’s Why:

✅ 1. We Can Template Over Your Existing Counters

• Using digital laser templating tools, we can take precise measurements right over your current countertops.
• This lets you keep your kitchen fully functional during the design and fabrication phase.

⚠️ 2. Removing Your Tops Too Early = Big Inconvenience

• If you demo before templating, you’ll be without:
  • A sink
  • A cooktop/range (in many cases)
  • Any usable counters
• And you might be waiting 7–14 days with a torn-up kitchen while the new counters are being made.

🧱 When Do You Remove the Old Countertops?

• If you contract demo services with QSC we remove the old ones the same day we install the new ones (provided a plumber/electrician makes the plumbing/electrical disconnects). 
• This means your kitchen is only “down” for a few hours, not days or weeks.

Getting started with shopping for new countertops in Virginia Beach is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move confidently through the process:

✅ 1. Decide What You Need

Start by asking yourself:

• Are you replacing countertops only, or doing a full kitchen remodel?
• Do you want granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, or something else?
• What’s your budget?

🏢 2. Visit a Local Fabricator (Like Quality Stone Concepts 😉)

• Skip the big box stores and go straight to a local countertop fabricator.
• Fabricators (like Quality Stone Concepts) not only help you choose material, but also template, cut, and install your countertops.
• You’ll also get exact pricing—not just ballpark estimates.

🪨 3. Visit a Stone Supplier or Slab Yard

• Many homeowners work with both the supplier (to choose their slab) and the fabricator.
• In Virginia Beach, common suppliers include:
  • MSI
  • CRS Granite
  • Architectural Surfaces
  • ISG/Technistone
• Your fabricator can refer you to the right supplier and even tag a slab for you while they price your project.

📝 4. Know What Info You’ll Need

To get an accurate quote, bring:

• Basic layout or measurements of your kitchen (a sketch is fine!)
• Sink and appliance choices (undermount, range vs cooktop, etc.)
• Any backsplash plans (tile vs full-height stone)

💬 5. Ask About Lead Times

Fabrication usually takes 7–14 business days after templating, depending on availability and material. If you’re in a hurry, ask about in-stock options or remnants.

Bundling your cabinets and countertops with the same company can be a major win for homeowners—especially if you’re renovating a kitchen or building new. Here’s why it makes a lot of sense:

🧩 1. Better Coordination = Fewer Headaches

When one company handles both your cabinets and countertops, there’s:

• No back-and-forth between vendors blaming each other for delays or issues.
• Seamless communication on timelines, dimensions, and installations.
• One team ensuring everything fits and flows together, especially around sinks, walls, and appliances.

🛠️ 2. Faster Turnaround Time

• The company can schedule countertop templating as soon as they install the cabinets—no waiting around.
• They know their own install schedules, so you’re less likely to experience delays between steps.

🎯 3. Design Cohesion

• When one team is doing both, they help guide you through color matching, finishes, and materials so the cabinets and counters actually complement each other.
• You get a more intentional, designer look—not a pieced-together feel.

💰 4. Potential Cost Savings

• Bundling often means package pricing or incentives, like discounts on fabrication or delivery.
• You may save on project management, delivery fees, or multiple trips from different contractors.

📞 5. One Point of Contact

• One company = one person to call if something goes wrong.
• Less finger-pointing, more accountability.

A full-height backsplash made from the same material as your countertops (quartz, granite, quartzite, etc.) is a sleek, modern choice—and it’s growing fast in popularity. Here are the biggest benefits:

✅ 1. Seamless, High-End Look

• Using the same stone from your countertops creates a continuous, cohesive look—no grout lines, no busy tile patterns.
• It’s especially stunning with materials that have dramatic veining or movement, like Taj Mahal quartzite or marble-look quartz.

💧 2. Easy to Clean & Low Maintenance

• No grout means no scrubbing.
• Natural stone or quartz is non-porous (or sealable) and wipes clean easily—perfect for behind the stove or sink.

🔨 3. Faster Installation

• Your fabricator installs the backsplash during the same trip as the countertops—no waiting on a tile contractor.
• No tile layout or grout drying time.

🎨 4. Makes a Design Statement

• A full-height slab becomes a focal point in your kitchen—like a piece of art.
• Works beautifully with minimalist or modern kitchen designs, especially with white cabinets and bold stone.

🏡 5. Adds Perceived Value

• Buyers associate slab backsplashes with custom, high-end kitchens. It can help your kitchen stand out in photos and listings if you’re planning to sell.

A waterfall edge is when the countertop material continues vertically down the sides of an island or cabinet, all the way to the floor—like a “waterfall” flowing off the edge.

• 💡 It’s almost always done with a mitered edge to hide the seam.
• 🔹 Why it’s popular: It makes a dramatic statement and shows off the beauty of your stone (especially with marble-look quartz or veined quartzite).
• 🔹 Bonus: It can help protect lower cabinets from scuffs or wear.

A mitered edge is when two pieces of stone (usually the countertop and the front “apron” or side panel) are cut at a 45-degree angle and seamlessly joined together. This creates the illusion of a thick, solid slab, often 2–4 inches thick or more—without actually using that much material.

• 🔹 Why it’s used: To create a bold, chunky look—especially in contemporary kitchens.
• 🔹 Where it’s used: On island overhangs, waterfall edges, or to match the thickness of custom cabinetry.

If you’re trying to speed up your countertop install, here are smart moves you can make as a homeowner to help shorten lead time and keep your project on track:

🛠️ Tips to Shorten Countertop Lead Time

✅ 1. Finalize Your Material ASAP

• Visit the stone supplier or showroom immediately, prior to installing your cabinets to choose and tag your slab (especially if you’re using natural stone like quartzite or granite).
• For quartz brands (like Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone), pick an in-stock color instead of special-order options.

📐 2. Have Your Cabinets Fully Installed

• Your fabricator can’t template until the cabinets are 100% set and secured in their final position. Even a small shift means the template is off.

🧾 3. Confirm Sink, Faucet, and New Appliances Early

• You’ll need to have your sink on-site (especially for undermounts) and confirm all appliance models before templating. This avoids delays due to cutout changes.

📆 4. Be Flexible with Template & Install Scheduling

• Let your fabricator know you’re available for cancellations or earlier slots. If someone reschedules, you might be able to take their place.

💳 5. Approve Your Quote and Pay Promptly

• Fabrication typically doesn’t begin until you’ve signed off on the final layout and made a deposit. Don’t let paperwork slow you down.

🚚 6. Ask for Remnants or In-Stock Slabs

• If you’re doing a smaller area (vanity, laundry, etc.), using remnants can skip weeks of waiting.

There are several reasons why Taj Mahal quartzite tends to be one of the more expensive countertop materials:

1. Natural Rarity:
   Taj Mahal is only found in select quarries in Brazil, and high-quality slabs are limited. The more beautiful and consistent the stone, the higher the price.
2. Labor-Intensive Extraction and Processing:
   Quartzite is much harder than marble or granite, which makes it more difficult to quarry, cut, and polish. Specialized equipment and labor are needed, which drives up costs.
3. Demand and Aesthetics:
   Taj Mahal quartzite has a timeless, neutral look that works beautifully in both modern and traditional spaces. High demand means higher prices.
4. Durability and Performance:
   Unlike marble, Taj Mahal quartzite is scratch-, heat-, and etch-resistant—making it ideal for kitchens. Its performance makes it a long-term investment, which also factors into the cost.

Taj Mahal quartzite is a luxurious, natural stone that has become incredibly popular for countertops, backsplashes, and other interior surfaces—especially in high-end kitchens and bathrooms. Despite its name, Taj Mahal is quartzite, not quartz, and it’s prized for its elegant appearance, durability, and unique origin.

What is Taj Mahal Quartzite?

Taj Mahal quartzite is a natural stone quarried in Brazil. It has a soft, creamy beige or off-white background with delicate veining in warm tones—often gold, taupe, or gray. It looks very similar to marble, which is why it’s a top pick for homeowners who love the marble look but want something more durable.

🔷 Why Choose Cambria Quartz?

🇺🇸 1. Made in the USA

• Cambria is 100% American-made and family-owned. If supporting U.S. manufacturing is important to you, this is a major plus.
• Other brands like Silestone (Spain) and Caesarstone (Israel) are international, though they do have some North American operations.

🛡️ 2. Lifetime Warranty

• Cambria offers a transferable limited lifetime warranty on its products—more generous than most other brands.
• Silestone and Caesarstone also offer warranties, but they may have more conditions or shorter terms.

🎨 3. Unique Designs & Natural Look

• Cambria is known for its high-end, marble-look patterns with depth, movement, and veining that closely mimic real stone—often more convincingly than other quartz brands.
• Their design process uses exclusive technology, which results in very realistic and elegant finishes, especially in their Signature and Luxury Series.

🧽 4. Nonporous & Maintenance-Free

• Like other quartz brands, Cambria is nonporous, stain-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing—ideal for busy kitchens and bathrooms.

⚒️ 5. Fabricator & Distribution Control

• Cambria has tight control over who sells and fabricates their product, ensuring quality installations and consistency.
• It’s not sold at big box stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot—you typically get it through authorized dealers or fabricators like Quality Stone Concepts.

Ah, Fantasy Brown—a beautiful stone with a bit of an identity crisis! It’s one of the most popular countertop materials, but also one of the most misunderstood. Here’s the scoop:

Is Fantasy Brown a Granite, Marble, or Quartzite?

Technically speaking, Fantasy Brown is a metamorphic stone that falls somewhere between marble and quartzite. It’s often marketed as quartzite or marble depending on the supplier or region, which adds to the confusion.

The most accurate classification?
👉 It’s a dolomitic marble—a marble that contains more dolomite, making it harder and more durable than traditional marble, but not as hard as true quartzite.

Why Does That Matter for Homeowners?

✅ Pros of Fantasy Brown:

• Stunning mix of grays, taupes, creams, and subtle veining—works with tons of color palettes.
• More durable than typical marble—better resistance to scratching and etching.
• Often less expensive than quartzite, while still giving that natural stone wow factor.

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind:

• It’s not as hard or heat-resistant as true quartzite.
• Like marble, it can etch or dull if exposed to acidic substances (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.).
• Sealing is recommended to help prevent staining.

✅ Yes, consider upgrading if:

• Your existing countertops are dated, damaged, or very low-end (think laminate or tile with grout lines).
• You’re in a competitive market like Virginia Beach where buyers expect updated kitchens.
• You’re listing in a price range where quartz or granite countertops are standard features.
• You want your home to photograph well and stand out in online listings.

Buyers often make decisions based on emotional reactions—and nothing sells like a clean, modern kitchen. New countertops can be a major selling point and increase perceived value, even if you don’t recoup the full cost.

🚫 Maybe not worth it if:

• Your existing countertops are neutral, clean, and in good condition.
• The rest of the kitchen is dated and a full renovation isn’t feasible.
• Homes in your price range typically sell without high-end finishes.

In these cases, your money might be better spent on paint, curb appeal, or staging.

🔨 The Bottom Line:

Upgrading countertops can absolutely help your home sell faster and for more, but it’s most worthwhile when done strategically. If you’d like, I can even recommend a few color options that are popular with buyers right now.

Want help picking something affordable and resale-friendly?

Composition & Origin

• Quartz is man-made (engineered stone). It’s made from crushed natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, then molded into slabs under high pressure.
• Quartzite is a natural stone. It forms when sandstone is subjected to intense heat and pressure within the Earth, making it extremely hard and dens

2. Appearance

• Quartz comes in a wide variety of consistent colors and patterns, including looks that mimic marble or concrete. Because it’s manufactured, you know exactly what you’ll get.
• Quartzite has a more natural, organic look, often resembling marble, with unique veining and color variations from slab to slab. Each piece is one of a kind.

3. Durability

• Quartz is very durable, resistant to stains and scratches, but not very heat-resistant (because of the resin content).
• Quartzite is harder than quartz and highly heat-resistant. It’s also very scratch-resistant—but because it’s natural stone, it can be porous and may require sealing.

4. Maintenance

• Quartz is low-maintenance. No sealing needed—just wipe with soap and water.
• Quartzite needs periodic sealing (usually once a year) to protect against staining and etching.

5. Cost

• Quartz is generally more affordable and predictable in pricing.
• Quartzite tends to be more expensive, especially premium varieties like Taj Mahal, due to its natural beauty and more labor-intensive fabrication process.

Slabsmith™ is a specialized software solution designed for the stone fabrication industry. It enables fabricators to create highly accurate digital representations of stone slabs, capturing true-to-life color and dimensions through proprietary calibration techniques. This digital precision allows for meticulous planning and visualization of countertop layouts before any physical cutting occurs. ​

For homeowners, the integration of Slabsmith™ into the fabrication process offers several
significant benefits:

• Enhanced Visualization: Fabricators can provide detailed, true-to-life digital previews
  of how the selected stone slabs will appear in the final installation. This includes precise
  vein matching and pattern alignment, ensuring the aesthetic aligns with the homeowner’s
  vision. ​
• Informed Decision-Making: By viewing accurate digital layouts, homeowners can make
  more confident choices regarding material selection and design preferences, reducing the
  likelihood of surprises during installation.
• Efficient Material Use: The software aids in optimizing slab usage, which can minimize
  waste and potentially reduce costs, offering both economic and environmental
  advantages. ​

In essence, at Quality Stone Concepts, when we utilize Slabsmith™, homeowners benefit from a more transparent, precise, and collaborative design process, leading to outcomes that closely match their expectations. Also it’s free to Quality Stone Concepts customers. Other fabricators will charge up to $500 to use this software.

If you are shopping for granite or quartz countertops in Virginia Beach, it is important to
understand the difference between a natural stone supplier and a fabricator.

Natural stone suppliers like CRS, Architectural Surfaces, and MSI are wholesale distributors
that stock a wide variety of materials—quartz, granite, marble, and more. While they allow
homeowners to browse stone selections, they don’t sell directly to the public or provide exact
pricing. Instead, they offer general price ranges or material groupings since final pricing
depends on fabrication and installation.

On the other hand, Quality Stone Concepts is a full-service natural stone fabricator in Virginia Beach. We handle every step of your project—from helping you select the right quartz or granite slab, to cutting, polishing, and installing your countertops. Most importantly, we work with these suppliers to provide homeowners with an exact quote that includes the material, fabrication, and installation. No guessing, no vague ranges—just clear pricing and professional service.

In many cases, homeowners work with both the supplier and Quality Stone Concepts. You can visit the supplier’s showroom to personally select your slab, and we’ll coordinate with them to handle the rest—from pickup to fabrication to installation.

If you’re looking for quartz or granite countertops in Virginia Beach, working with a local
fabricator like Quality Stone Concepts ensures you get expert guidance, precise pricing, and a beautiful finished product.

Here’s a general guide to help you understand the price range of installed countertops:
Granite (Installed Price per Sq. Ft.)

• Entry-Level / Group 1: $50–$70
  (Common stones like Ubatuba or Santa Cecilia)
• Mid-Range: $70–$90
  (More movement and color – like New Venetian Gold, Steel Grey Leathered)
• High-End / Exotic: $90–$150+

(Rare stones, bold veining, imported from Brazil, India, Italy)

Quartz (Installed Price per Sq. Ft.)

• Entry-Level: $60–$80
  (Solid colors or simple patterns, imported brands)
• Mid-Range: $80–$100
  (Natural stone lookalikes from brands like MSI, Viatera)
• High-End / Designer: $100–$140+
  (Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone — bold marble looks, premium designs)

A Few Final Notes
• Final pricing depends on the actual stone, layout, edge details, and extras.
• Our quotes include template, fabrication, installation, and standard edge.
• Every kitchen is unique — the best quote comes after a quick layout review and material
selection.

The Best Way to Get a Quote for New Countertops
Getting an accurate price on new countertops is easier than you might think. Here’s a quick guide
to help you (and us) get the ball rolling:
1. Start with a Rough Layout or Measurements
• A simple sketch of your kitchen with dimensions is perfect — even a photo of a drawing
works.
• Don’t have that? Just give us rough square footage (length x depth of each section).
2. Choose Your Material
• Are you leaning toward granite, quartz, quartzite, or another option?
• Each surface has different price points and availability, so this helps narrow things down.
3. Share Your Style Preferences
• Do you prefer something clean and neutral, or bold and dramatic?
• This helps us guide you to the right tier — entry-level, mid-range, or exotic.
4. Consider Edge Profiles, Sink Cutouts, and Extras
• Features like edge style, number of cutouts (sink, cooktop), full-height backsplash, or waterfall
sides all factor into the final cost.
5. Schedule a Showroom Visit or Site Consultation
• Seeing actual slabs or samples in person makes all the difference.
• We offer free estimates based on your measurements or a showroom visit.

Absolutely!! Because Quality Stone Concepts actually cuts, polishes and installs your granite, we have over 50 types of slabs to look at. Swing by our newly renovated showroom and “tag” your material.

Granite typically comes in 3 different thicknesses. 1cm for tiles, 2cm (3/4” thick) for bathroom vanity tops and fireplace surrounds and 3cm (1 1/4” thick) for kitchen countertops. The average slab of granite is approximately 115”x65”.

Prefabricated granite is granite that has been cut and polished overseas to take advantage of lower labor costs. Quality Stone imports prefabricated granite vanity tops. We carry 4 colors in 7 standard sizes. These 2cm granite vanity tops are imported with the backsplashes already cut, the faucet spreads are already drilled and the undermount bowl cut out is already done. The labor savings are passed to the customer.

Absolutely, we have a large selection of remnant pieces of granite. The benefit of using remnant pieces of granite is that you can save money as well as eliminate the costly waste associated with buying an entire slab of granite. Remnant pieces of granite are optimal for single bathroom vanity tops.

In addition to the cost savings of bundling all of your materials though one supplier, we can provide a one stop solution for all of your remodeling needs. Instead of having one supplier provide your sinks, one supplier provide your faucets, another for your cabinets and a fourth company providing your granite countertops we can help you with all. This helps shorten lead times, lower overall cost and helps minimize numerous headaches that come along with a typical kitchen and bath remodel.

Lead times will vary. However, approximately 1-2 weeks after the final measurement have been take is a good estimation. Contact QSC for current lead times.

Absolutely, cabinets MUST be secure and LEVEL for QSC to take accurate measurements and start the fabrication process.

Also though it is optimal to have the existing appliances in the house, it is not necessary for the fabrication process to begin. As long as your appliance selection is final, we can use the manufacturers spec sheet to fabricate the granite accurately.

There are many variables in pricing granite countertops (i.e. square footage, type of granite selected, undermount sinks verses drop in, backsplashes etc), however a granite can start as low as $55 a square foot installed.

The first step would be to take BASIC measurements of your existing countertops. This will help us determine the approximate amount of square footage needed for your job. Once BASIC measurements are taken, you can either fax or email to QSC and we’ll help assist you with your selection of granite.