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| Before choosing which stone to use there are two important decisions to make. Deciding between prefab and custom
as well as between 2cm and 3cm will impact the availability of stones and design features for you to choose from. Granite is the only
prefabbed stone available and limits your design options. There are roughly the same amount of stones and
design features available in 2cm as 3cm. |
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| Prefabricated vs Custom Fabricated |
The first choice when it comes to planning your project is deciding between prefabricated or custom fabricated. When you are ready to get bids on the project, it's critical to know the difference.
Prefabricated counters come from smaller pieces of granite that already have the edge profile finished. These pieces are then seamed together to make your counters.
The two advantages to choosing prefabricated are it costs a little less and is easier to fabricate since most edges are already done. The drawbacks to prefabrication are individual pieces can have a poor color match and tend to be a patchwork instead of having a consistent look throughout. Prefabricated counters also have more seams and offer less options for shapes that aren't rectangular
or square. While we understand staying in the budget is critical, there is a bigger difference between the quality than there is the price of custom fabrication. We will fabricate and install prefabricated counters for you, but we want you to know the difference before you make that decision.
Custom Fabricated counter tops are made from full slabs. Each piece can be as wide or long as the slab of material being used. With each piece coming from the same slab the color match is as good as it gets. There are less seams, more shape options and much better outcomes with custom fabricated. While the average kitchen might cost $300 to $500 more, the finished product will be worth much more than that. |
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| 2cm vs 3cm |
With prefabricated counters, you are limited to using two centimeter thick stone. If you decide to go with custom fabrication, the next decision to make is between 2cm and 3cm material.
2cm slabs are obviously thinner than their 3cm counterparts. Because they are thinner, plywood underlayment is required on top of your cabinets to give extra support for the stone. Because the stone sits on plywood
extra material is glued (using epoxy) on the edges which extends down to cover the plywood. This also provides a thicker appearance to the counter tops which would otherwise look thin. However; because of the color variance and veining in stone, the seam between the two pieces of glued stone will always be noticeable although sometimes more than others. Where you'll really notice the thinness of the material is the sink and stove cut outs where the edge of material is only ¾ of an inch.
3cm slabs are thicker and more durable than 2cm and can be installed directly on the cabinet boxes with no underlayment. Since there is no plywood edge to cover, the edge profile is cut directly into the edge of the stone. With the material being 1¼ inches thick, the profile of the edge matches the profile of the sink and stove cut outs creating a more consistent and uniform appearance. While the thicker material does cost a little more,
the thinner material requires more labor to glue all the edges on and polish them bringing the finished cost of 2cm to the same level as 3cm. So with 3cm, for the same amount of money you end up with a stronger more durable product with a better overall appearance. |
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Intown Granite & Marble
Phone: (425)306-8522 or (206)458-5401Fax: (425)502-7407
3250 NW B Street Suite A/B - Auburn, WA 98001
License Number: intowgm915dc
©2009 - Intown Granite & Marble
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FREE VANITY W/ SINK W/ 4” BACK SPLASH |
