1. MEASURE
This is the first step to get your new counter-top. The measurement of the area can be done by the sales representative at the job site, by a take off of the blue prints of the house or the cabinets layout or it can be done by the customer and brought to the store to get a ballpark figure of the job size. The measurement is very important because we will be able to configure the amount of slabs that will be necessary to accomplish the job. In this beginning stage, not a lot of details such as overhangs, locations of the seam, among others will be discussed because that will happen in another stage called Template. We will talk about it a little later!
2. SLAB SELECTION
In this step, the customer have to go the stone yard to pick up the color and style they want. At North Lion we stock over 100 different types of Granite, Marble, Quartzite and Quartz to choose. The customers will be able to pick the actual slabs that will used for their project. Some places do not have the material to show, only samples, meaning that clients cannot see the slabs that will be cut and installed in their houses. It does not happen here. After they pick the slabs we tag and put them on the side in case the cabinets are not ready yet. In most cases we give the customer a small sample piece of the slab, it can help picking up other stuff like paint, flooring, fixtures and backsplashes.
3. TEMPLATE
The template is probably the most important part of this whole process. It is going to be in this stage that all the details of the job will be discussed between the customer and the installer. Details such as seams, overhangs, corners radios, fixtures, stove, sinks and a lot more. There is no turning back with stone, once you cut it, that is it. That is one of the reasons that after the template is taken nothing can be moved around, if one cabinet has to be changed or moved from its original place, a new template has to be done after that. It may not looks like but one inch can be crucial. Well, because the template is so important, is very important for the customer to be there at the time. Get done right the first time!
4. fabrication
Fabrication involves making a final inspection for stone flaws, including blemishes, fissures, cracks and scratches. The slab is laid out to ensure the best appearance of both color and vein texture. Then, the stone is cut to approximately 1/16 of an inch of its final thickness. Edging and any special scribing will further shape the stone. Support rods and drain boards that the slab may require are installed next. A multi-step process involving ever-increasing grit polish is used to smooth the stone surface; finally, your stone is washed, dried, and the sealer base coat is applied. All of this typically occurs off the job-site so the stone is ready to be installed when it reaches your home.
5. installation
The installation is the favored step of all customers. The last piece of the puzzle, where every other step come together. The installation can be a little messy sometimes, after all it is a heavy duty construction work. It is part of the game. Our team is trained and prepared to work in every environment, kitchens, bathrooms, commercial places. The final result is fantastic and the best part for us here at North Lion is, to look at the customers faces after each install and see how happy they are.