Frequently Asked Questions

These are answers to some of the questions we’re asked most about stonework. If you don’t see your question answered here, please call our sales showroom for help.

Also please feel free to refer to our Project Policies where several questions can be answered and our Client Project Checklist for detailed instructions on preparing for a template.

FAQs about Creative Stone…

  • We specialize in custom fabrication in everything from kitchen and vanity countertops, full backsplash, custom built stone sinks, shower walls, floors, curbs and thresholds, fireplace hearths and surrounds, and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces and tops.

    We have invested in our team members and in the latest technology to ensure the template, fabrication, and installation of your custom stonework is done with precision and expert craftsmanship.

  • We source high quality natural stone (granite, marble, dolomite, quartzite, limestone, onyx, travertine, soapstone and slate) and manufactured surfaces (quartz, porcelain, Dekton and Neolith).

  • There is no certification for fabricating and installing natural stone. Creative Stone is certified in the fabrication and installation of Caesarsone and Silestone quartz. These are the only two companies that certify their fabricators. We are also certified to fabricate porcelain, Dekton, and Neolith.

  • With our large network of suppliers and over 500 slabs at our warehouse, your selection and choices with Creative Stone are nearly limitless. Our in-house selection includes (but is not limited to) granite, marble, quartzite, quartz, soapstone, slate, travertine, limestone and onyx. Each stone type offers unique characteristics and beauty, allowing you to choose the perfect stone to fit your needs. Through our suppliers, you also have access to any natural or engineered stone countertop surface on the market.

  • Granite, quartzite, and marble (and marble’s relatives–limestone, onyx and travertine) are natural stones. Although all these natural stones are quarried from the earth, they are very different from each other. The greatest difference lies in the porosity, softness, and durability of marble, limestone, onyx and travertine when compared to granite and quartzite.

    Granite and some quartzites are exceptionally durable and can withstand heavy use and traffic. Read more about caring for granite and quartzite.

    Marble, limestone, onyx, and travertine, however, require some special care and maintenance due to their porosity and softness. Read more about caring for marble and its relatives.

  • We offer polished, honed, and antiqued finishes.

    A polished finish on the stone has a glossy surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and markings of the material.

    A honed finish is a satin smooth surface with relatively little light reflection.

    A flamed or antiqued finish is a rough textured surface.

FAQs about working with us…

  • Booking an appointment with one of our sales representatives is a good idea to ensure you get the time and attention needed, but it is not necessary. We welcome walk-ins.

  • To facilitate the process, you can bring rough dimensions or cabinet drawings of the space where you are adding stone. Other than that, just bring your imagination! We will take it from there.

  • All countertops should be clear and free of debris before our arrival. Cabinets must be fully installed and secured in their final location before a template may occur. Read our Project Policies and Client Project Checklist for detailed instructions on preparing for a template.

  • At the template, we will come to your home to take exact measurements which will be used to complete the fabrication. Creative Stone has invested in the latest technology, from software systems to laser templating, to create the most accurate measurements for your project resulting in a high quality, expert fabrication.

  • To begin stone fabrication, we will need:

    Cabinets must be fully installed and secured in their final location before the template may occur.

    Confirmed dimensions that are taken at the time of templating and all project specifications: stone selection, edge details, cooktop, sink, faucet and fixture models and placements.

    A deposit and signed quote are due before the project begins or stone is secured.

    We cannot schedule, template, or fabricate your project until the above items are received.

    Please refer to our Project Policies.

  • Before our arrival, please clear ALL items off countertops and empty all cabinets and drawers underneath the counters. Due to the fact that shut off valves do not always close completely, we do not remove faucets or fixtures from counters or sinks. Please arrange with a certified plumber to disconnect all your plumbing and disposals and remove all existing faucets prior to our arrival.

    Read our Project Policies and Client Project Checklist for detailed instructions for preparing for installation.

  • We will remove old countertops the same day as the install. Everything we tear out will be thrown away. If you would like to keep your old countertops, fixtures, sinks, or anything else we tear out, please let us know upon arrival. Due to the fact that shut off valves do not always close completely, we do not remove faucets or fixtures from counters or sinks. Please arrange with a certified plumber to disconnect all your plumbing and disposals and remove all existing faucets prior to our arrival.

  • No, we do not do any plumbing or electrical work. You will need to bring in your plumber or electrician for plumbing reconnection, faucet, disposal, or fixture installation. Please wait 24 hours after the installation to schedule your plumber or electrician.

  • Please allow 24 hours after installation before bringing in your plumber to connect any plumbing. We may add a sink support at install. If we attach this support to the cabinet, do not remove it. If the sink support is temporary, allow at least 24 hours for the seal to set before removing.

  • If Creative Stone is installing a full splash, measurements will be taken at the time of the countertop installation and the splash will be installed at a later date. Occasionally, the full splash is installed at the same time as the counters. Standard height splash is always installed at the same time as the countertops. Any range or cooktop that will have full splash behind it must be installed AFTER the full splash installation.

  • Creative Stone applies professional grade sealant to all natural stones to offset staining. Sealant is not applied to quartz or any engineered countertops.

FAQs about natural stone care…

  • A good rule of thumb: avoid vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, bleach, and glass cleaners like Windex or Glass Plus. Purchase a cleaner specifically made for natural stone countertops. Clean surfaces with a microfiber cloth or sponge, never with scouring pads or abrasives.

    More specifically, natural stone can be classified into two general categories according to its composition: siliceous stone or calcareous stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products.

    Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles. It tends to be very durable and relatively easy to clean with mild acidic cleaning solutions. Types of siliceous stone include granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone and bluestone.

    Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone. Types of calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone and onyx. What may work on siliceous stone may not be suitable on calcareous surfaces.

  • With natural stone there is always a possibility of scratching and staining. Using coasters and cleaning up spills immediately will help prevent staining and preserve the beauty of your stone.

    Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under dishes and silverware or other objects that can scratch the surface.

  • DO Clean surfaces with mild detergent or natural stone cleanser.

    DO Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing with detergent.

    DO Blot up spills immediately.

    DO Protect countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats.

    DON'T Use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, onyx or quartzite surfaces.

    DON'T Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners.

    DON'T Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.

    DON'T Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

    DON'T Ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.

  • Etching occurs when acid in some form meets a quartzite, marble, travertine, onyx or limestone surface. Their surfaces are more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, ketchup, citrus, and a host of other food-related and household products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction called etching, which will remove the polish and eat away at and roughen the surface of the stone.

    To avoid etching of quartzite, marble, travertine, onyx or limestone countertops, always use cutting boards. Keep soap dispensers and acid containing products, foods, and beverages off the counters and use coasters for glasses and mugs. Clean up spills immediately.

  • Yes, limestone is more porous, softer, and chemically sensitive than either marble, onyx or travertine. It is easily etched by acids, including soft drinks and juice. It absorbs oils and other liquids and is easily stained. Putting limestone in a kitchen, eating area, cooking area, or heavily used bathroom is not recommended.