I already bought my slabs, can you still fabricate and install them for me?
Of course! We will make arrangements to have your slab delivered to our fabrication shop.
I have been told that granite has to be sealed is this true?
Yes, this is true however, Traditional Designs seals all of our granite and marble with Miracle Sealants which gives you a 20-year stain-resistant warranty.
The color I want is not in your slab yard, can you still get it?
While we have a wide selection of colors to choose from, it is simply impossible for us to carry every color. If you have something else in mind, we will be happy to help you track it down through our preferred vendors.
What are blanks or pre-fab granites?
This granite is pre fabricated with a set edge and size. They are pieced together on the job site and will have a seam every few feet. You will often find colors and edges do not match up perfectly because these pieces may have been taken from different quarries. And if you have a raised bar top, an island or any radiuses it will be nearly impossible to get these pieces to fit into your kitchen. These are usually the $19.99 granite ads you will see out there. Traditional Designs offers a custom fabrication match for your countertop needs.
What is decking used for?
If you pick a 1 1/2″ edge profile, you will need plywood decking between your cabinets and the countertop to raise it up so that your drawers and dishwasher will open without hitting the granite. We use 5/8″ solid (not stripped) paint-grade birch plywood for our decking.
What is the difference between 2cm and 3cm?
The difference between 2CM and 3CM is 1 centimeter of thickness. Houston is a 2CM market; it is not typical to see a 3CM countertop here. We can get 3CM materials, but it costs more and will take longer to order the material.
What is the difference between undermount and drop in sinks?
An undermount sink is mounted underneath the counter top; the exposed edges are polished. With a drop in sink, they will cut a hole in the granite and set the sink on top of the countertop.
What kind of edging do you offer?
We have five different groups of edging available, with over 16 edges to choose from. In selecting, first you have to decide if you want to go with an edge that is 3/4″ thick or a laminated edge that is 1 1/2″. A 3/4″ edge is the thickness of 2CM granite, which is then modified on the exposed portions of your countertop to give it a different profile. If you opt for a 1 1/2″ edge, they will put a laminated piece on the 3/4″ edge profile in order to make it appear thicker.
Will I have any seams?
The square footage needed for your kitchen will determine if and how many seams you will have. All of our granite is custom designed especially for your project. At the time the template is done you can go over all seam placements with one of our experts.