Frequently Asked Questions

On Granite...

Granite has emerged as the most popular kitchen countertop material because of its natural beauty and durability.

  • The elegance of granite countertops add value to homes
  • Granite does not depreciate in value
  • Granite can take the heat of a hot pan
  • It’s a “one of a kind” natural surface that has an almost luminous look
  • It’s easy to clean with warm water and a mild detergent
  • It is more affordable because of the abundant supply

Yes

If you don’t see it in our inventory we can gladly get if for you.

Yes & No

Only diamond is harder than granite.  Diamond is scored a 10 on the MOH’s hardness scale.  Granite is scored 7.  Steel bladed knives cannot scratch granite, however, a ceramic knives can. 

Other natural stones like Gneiss and Schist are commonly called granite, but they do not have a MOH score of 7 and can likely be scratched by most knives.

No

In fact, granite countertops require very little maintenance.  Mild soap and warm water is recommended for cleaning.  Granite should, however, be checked yearly for sealing.

Yes  

Granite can be serviced by a professional granite fabricator and may require a professional opinion. Chips or cracks that occur from accidental impacts can be repaired on a case by case basis.

  • Polished: A shiny, glossy surface.  This is by far the most popular.
  • Honed: A matte finish.
  • Leathered: A rough texture.  Suitable for outdoor kitchens, though some designers like to use it inside as well.

3 centimeters (1-1/8” to 1-1/4”). This is the most popular and readily available thickness of granite and quartz material in the Midwest. Some marbles, Dekton and Eco By Cosentino are available in 2 cm (3/4”).

On Installation...

In order to begin fabrication of your new custom countertop several things must happen.

  • “Final Quotation” and signed acceptance complete
  • Template at the job site complete
  • Material and ALL selections complete (including edge detail, sink, cooktop, faucet, etc.)
  • Purchase transaction completed (Down payment received)

Once all of these items have been completed you can generally expect your new countertop to be installed within 14-21 working days. The installation schedule shall be discussed to ensure all expectations are met.

Occasionally a delay may occur. This can be due to several unavoidable reasons. Atlantic Countertops will alert you ahead of the appointment to reschedule, however this is not to be misconstrued as a provision of our warranty or that Atlantic Countertops will be liable for any consequential damages resulting from a delay.

A final measurement (template) must be completed prior to the cutting of your countertop(s). It is your responsibility to make sure the following is completed prior to the technician’s arrival.

  • Countertops surface should be free of clutter
  • Cabinets must be completely installed and leveled
  • Cabinets must be properly secured to the floor and walls
  • All sinks must be identified, selected or supplied to ensure proper fit
  • All other aspects that could affect fabrication and installation must be identified
  • Appliance garages must be installed after the countertop is installed
  • Farm sinks should be installed prior to template

This is an exciting time and your new countertops have arrived. Installation times can vary and some complex installations may take several days to complete. Before the installers arrive, please check the following:

  • Cook-tops, ranges, downdrafts, hoods, top mount/under mount sinks, or anything else that may require on site cutting/placement must be at the jobsite. They should not yet installed or attached.
  • Sink plumbing and garbage disposals must be disconnected. Our installers will need to move the sink into position at installation. Faucets must also be removed if they are still installed. Prior to installation, discuss with SCI what services they can and cannot provide.
  • Provide a clear and easy path free from any obstructions for countertop delivery. Anything that can be damaged or cause injury is your responsibility to move out of the way to ensure that it is properly protected.
  • The installers will need access to electricity and water. Some detailing will be required on site and there will be some dust so please make sure things are covered and protected.
  • It is recommend all drawers and shelves below the countertop installation be removed where possible and emptied in any case and the contents be covered to avoid unavoidable dust and debris.
  • All appliances must be disconnected and removed prior to installation. This may include refrigerators. The installers will require free access to all countertop edges during the installation process. It is your responsibility to remove and disconnect all appliances prior to the installer’s arrival. Our employees are not responsible for damage to appliances that have not been properly removed as noted in this document.
  • We recommend that you remove wall mounted (hanging) mirrors or glass shelves. If you elect to leave these items on the walls during the demolition and installation process we will not assume any liability for damage and/or replacement costs.
  • All support brackets and corbels must be installed prior to the installation.
  • Final payment is due at installation, please be make arrangements to pay the balance to the installer.

No

You may choose to do your own demolition of any existing countertop you have, or you may decide to have Atlantic Countertops do this for you at an additional cost. This determination should be complete before the “final” quotation. Depending on the nature and requirements of the demolition there may be some services that Atlantic Countertops cannot perform (electrical, plumbing, etc.) so be sure to discuss the demolition process with Atlantic Countertops.

12” is the ideal overhang for comfortable seating without hitting your knees on the cabinet, however, the overhang does need to be adequately supported.
  • Countertops can often be extended beyond the cabinets to give an added functionality to kitchen spaces.

    The standard overhang is 1 ½” from the face frame of the cabinets.  This gives a good visual appearance because it creates a ¾” overhang from the door fronts.  You can compare this to the 1” overhang typical of the laminate countertops you are looking to replace with stone.

    The actual overhang may slightly vary depending on how straight the countertops are installed.  Having the cabinets not installed in a straight line is not an uncommon problem.  Our professional templaters will discusses issues with the homeowners to understanding variances and expectations.

    We can extend the 3 cm granite countertops up to a maximum of 8” from the cabinets unsupported.  We can be a little more liberal and extend them 10” with stronger granite verities.

    We have to be careful when we install upper bar tops that sit on a 5” knee wall.  These overhangs have to be supported by steel braces placed under the countertop and then screwed into the wooden studs in the knee wall.

    Any stone countertops with more than an 8” overhang should be adequately supported by steel braces.

    Extended islands, higher level bar tops, and peninsulas are some of the areas of the kitchen that may have an extended overhang, up to 12”.  The placement of wood or metal supports that extend from the cabinets, sometimes called corbels, can hit your knees and are not visually appealing.  The ideal solution is to place steel bars, secured adequately, and is a permanent support that is almost invisible and does not hit your knees.

No

But we can refer you to a great cabinet maker who we have worked with many times before.

No

We do not level your cabinets. You will need the help of your carpenter or your contractor for that.

The countertops are places on the cabinets and, after ensuring that everything is leveled, a bead of silicon is applied at the intersection of the cabinets and the underside of the stone. This is sufficient to hold the countertops in place in a normal situation.

If the cabinets are not leveled, which is not uncommon, we have to place shims underneath the countertops to level them. In this situation our installers place small blocks of wood pieces rinsed in epoxy to stabilize the shims.

Yes

While replacing the existing laminate countertops, many of our clients choose to keep their current tile backsplash. However, you must consider the following points for better results:

  • The thickness of laminate countertops is 1 ½” and granite, marble, or engineered surfaces, like Ceasarstone, are 1 ¼” thick. The replacement causes a visible gap of about ¼” between the new granite countertop and the existing tile. This scenario applies in cases where the tile goes all the way down to the countertops. You can solve this problem by using one of the following methods: Applying caulk in the gap with a matching color to the existing grout. The new caulk line will be about a ¼” thickness instead of the tile grout line of about 1/8”. It is barely noticeable and an acceptable compromise.
  • If you have kept the grout from the original tile installation, you can use that grout to fill the gap. This is the best case scenario.
  • You can purchase and install a trim line from any tile supplier that fits between the tile and the granite countertop. This should be done by your tile installer.
  • Installation of a 4” back splash of granite over the existing tile. This is another commonly used option.
  • In case the existing tile goes up to the 4” back splash of laminate countertop: 4” granite back splashes have to be placed between the granite countertops and the existing tile. You can choose to have 4 ½” height granite back splashes to cover the rough area created by the removal of the existing laminate back splash.

Dishwashers have to be attached to the under surface of the kitchen countertop to prevent tipping the machine forward when the door is opened. The attachment also prevents vibration during the dishwasher’s operation.

We attach the dishwasher with a well-designed and patented bracket. This attachment is rigid enough to secure the dishwasher safely, while still allowing you to easily remove it in case you need to repair or replace the dishwasher in the future, without having to call a granite fabricator to do so.

Newer dishwasher come with side attachment clips so that the dishwasher can be screwed to the cabinets as well. This has to be done by your cabinet installer or remodeling contractor.

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