The process begins with the beauty of natural stone that is manufactured with precise specifications to ensure uniformity throughout the line. Bridging the gap between nature & technology, Natural Stone is a superior surfacing product that resists Heat, Scratching & Wear. Outlined below are some of the unique characteristics that distinguish Natural Stone over all other surfaces.

1. Scratch Resistant ~ with the hardness in Natural Stone varying due to amount of Quartz content, Quartz is surpassed only by diamonds, sapphires & topaz. This property gives your counters an extremely durable surface. However uncommon, if a scratch is made it can be repaired for a fee.



2. Heat Resistant ~ given the strength of the natural materials, quartz Minerals are among the most heat resistant material found in Natural Stone countertops. This resistance protects your counters from burning or scratching. Thermal shock can result if prolonged exposure to extreme heat occurs. Caution should be used when applying hot pots & pans directly from the heat source to the countertop.



3. Particle Size ~ various particles sized can occur in the Natural Stone Material. This is a natural characteristic of nature stone as it is formed with in the Earth. This gives each Natural Stone countertop its unique characteristics which is why no two Natural Stone countertops are alike.



4. Color Variation ~ color variation is another naturally occurring characteristic of Natural Stone. Different lots of stone can vary in color pigmentation from one lot to another. This is another important reason why it is recommended that you carefully view & choose your material prior to fabrication.



5. Seams ~ due to limitations set by the slab lengths & safety factor (i.e. breaking during handling) your countertops may have seams approx. 1/8" wide~this is unavoidable. While seams shall be filled with colored epoxies to match as closely as possible to the color of the stone, they can Not be made invisible.



6. Sink Cut-outs ~ unless the actual original sink template from the manufacturer states a specific cut-out size to "hide" the reveal of the sink. This alteration to the original sink template must be requested by the customer at time of the Measure & Template ONLY! No Exceptions! Waste material from the Sink Cut-Out is destroyed & unrecoverable during fabrication, therefore this material is not available to the customer.



7. Backsplash ~ as walls are rarely straight & level, some open spaces may appear between the wall & backsplash or the counter & the wall without the backsplash. Backsplash cannot be "scribed" to the wall.



8. Chipping ~ although Natural Stone is extremely durable, chipping can occur if impacted with enough force. Chipping is not covered under any warrantee, but can be professionally repaired for a fee.
   
   Warranty: Natural Stone is quarried from nature "as if": therefore it carries no warrantees.



9. Backsplash ~ as walls are rarely straight & level, some open spaces may appear between the wall & backsplash or the counter & the wall without the backsplash. Backsplash cannot be "scribed" to the wall.



10. Templating & Installations:
    
    
    1. An undetermined lead time for Templating & Measurements may be necessary.
    
    
    
    2. You are ready for templating when the following criteria are met:
       
       
       1. Existing Counters are removed.
       
       
       
       2. Cabinets must be of sufficient strength & level to support the stone.
       
       
       
       3. Base cabinets must be empty before installation.
       
       
       
       4. Or New Base cabinets are 100% installed or Cabinets must be of sufficient strength & level to support the stone.
       
       
       
       5. All appliances are at the jobsite (i.e. Cook-top, Dishwasher, Faucets, Instant Hot water, Soap Dispenser, Sinks, Slide in Range.)
          
          We can not template & measure lack of these items.
    
    
    
    3. A $200. Trip Charge will be assessed if any of the above items are not in place or at the job site upon the arrival of the Template person. Templating & Measurements will then be rescheduled, further delaying your installation.
    
    
    
    4. Customer must be present at time of Templating & Measurements for approval purposes (i.e. Seam locations, faucet hole locations).
    
    
    
    5. Due to delays beyond our control, exact time of arrival can not be set. You will be provided with a 4 hour window of arrival 24 hours prior to your appointment date. If there are any delays you will be notified promptly.
    
    
    
    6. Please do not schedule plumbers or electricians the same day as the installation of your Stone tops. We suggest the next day.
    
    
    
    7. IMPORTANT: CUSTOMERS MUST BE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION FOR APPROVAL & SIGN OFF ON ACCEPTANCE FORM & WAIVER or the installation will be rescheduled & a $150. Delivery Charge will be applied..

MATERIAL CARE: All Stone should be cleaned with an Ammonia Free Cleaner (Sun Tile recommends AKEMI Triple Effect Counter Refresher) all other cleaners may have harsh chemicals. All stones should be sealed periodically depending on color & use ~ Sun Tile recommends Miracle’s 511 Porous Plus Natural Look Penetrating Sealers or Bellinzoni’s Stone Polish ~from three months to twice a year.