SET N STONE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF ORDERING WITH SET IN STONE?
A: First you'd come and choose a slab. After that, we give you an estimate based on the stone you picked, the edge treatment desired, and the size of the job. If you agree with the price, we go to your house and do a template. For the template, we'd need to have the cabinets in place. After that, we're ready for the fabrication of your piece.
Q: I WOULD LIKE SOME HELP TO DESIGN MY KITCHEN OR AREA THAT I'M GOING TO USE STONE, WOULD YOU HELP?
A: YES, we have a knowledgeable staff prepared to help you with all your design needs.
Q: WHERE CAN STONE BE USED IN MY HOUSE?
- Countertops
- Floors: kitchen, bathroom, etc.
- Walls: protective or decorative
- Showers
- Decoration around mirrors or other frames
- Outside patios
- Outside doors
- Kitchen backsplashes
- Window sills or window seats
- Garage
- Around pools
- Basement
- Sink or tub / basin area
Q: I'M BUILDING A NEW HOUSE, WILL YOU WORK WITH MY BUILDER / CONTRACTOR / ARCHITECT?
A: Yes, we have already worked with many builders/contractors on new houses and renovations. We'll even open up during non-showroom hours by appointments.
Q: DO I NEED TO BUY THE WHOLE SLAB?
A: We'll determine how much material is needed for your countertops. We don't charge you the price of full slabs. You pay for what is required to fabricate your tops. After you decide on the slab and agree on our estimate, we need a deposit of 50% of the total job. On the installation date, we'd need the rest of the payment.
Q: WHEN I DECIDE WHICH STONE I WANT, HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO INSTALL IT IN MY HOME?
A: After template, it would take 1 week to install it.
Q: WHY DO WE SUGGEST STONE?
- So many choices — colors, patters, types
- More durable, less likely to scratch or go dull
- Gives added value to houses
Q: WHAT ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS DO YOU HAVE?
A: We have onyx, silestone, Caesar stone, slate, and limestone.
Marble FAQ
What Is Marble/ Natural Stone Etching?
Marble etching is surface damage due to a chemical reaction in the form of a dull mark on the natural stone that contains calcium carbonate. The etching is caused when an acidic substance comes in contact with a Marble surface. If acid is exposed to Marble for too long it will begin to dissolve and break down the stone’s sealant and minerals. This can leave permanent damage to the surface causing discoloration, uneven texture, and loss of its polished finish. Etching does not only happen to Marble countertop surfaces but also other natural stones such as travertine, limestone, and onyx, less in granite. Can also occur in engineered quartz.
Is Marble a Hard Stone?
Hardness is measured by the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 to 10 based on their hardness, 1 being extremely soft and 10 being the hardest you can get. Marble is ranked at a 4 on the scale, meaning that it is relatively soft, albeit not the softest material you can find.
Marble Maintenance
Marble is a mid-high maintenance stone if you want to keep it looking as good as new. Marble is more porous than its biggest competitor granite, which is why marble countertops will require re-sealing more often.
Preventing Damage
To prevent damage do not use cleaners containing acidic substances, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Stick to cleansers formulated specifically for stone or use mild dish soap. A good rule of thumb is to use a cleaner that has a neutral pH.
Be sure to use a cutting board while preparing food so you do not leave marks or scratches on your surface allowing for it to be more easily penetrated by stains. Keep your countertops clean by wiping up any spills or splatters especially from acidic fruit and juice, tomato-based foods, soda, coffee, and wine.
If you are worried about Marble etching for whatever reason you may want to consider specific marble colors and finishes. Etching is most prevalent on polished marble surface finishes and darker colors
Household Items that may cause Etching on Kitchen Countertops:
Can Damaged Marble Be Repaired?
The simple answer is yes, damaged Marble can be repaired. However, depending on how damaged or etched the surface is will determine the method of repair you should take. It is important to note that removing etching from Marble and removing scratches are two separate processes. In most cases, call a countertop specialist, like Set N Stone.
Quartz is a very stain-resistant material, but it is not stain-proof. While daily maintenance is easy with warm water and mild soap, it’s important to know that it can stain.
PROTECT YOUR COUNTERTOPS
There are a number of ways to care for engineered countertops by protecting them from unwanted blemishes. For starters, protect the surface from extreme temperature swings. Always put down pot warmers or stands for hot pots and pans, and use coasters for coffee and cold drinks, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus. Quartz for Kitchen Countertops is fine in temperatures over 300 degrees Fahrenheit, but it does not handle abrupt temperature swings very well.
Like other hard surface materials, engineered countertops are non-porous so they resist staining much better than granite, marble, and concrete. Remember, that doesn’t mean that is stain proof. For cleanliness, a non-porous surface means that it will not harbor bacteria or viruses. You can always be confident that it is quite easy to care for engineered countertops, and that’s a great benefit in both the kitchen and the bathroom.
DON’T CUT ON YOUR ENGINEERED COUNTERTOPS
You should avoid cutting directly on the engineered surface. Use a cutting board instead as this will protect the surface from becoming chipped or damaged. Quartz can handle a lot of abuse, but it is possible to scratch it with a sharp knife or any other cutting tool.
THERE ARE SPECIAL CLEANERS FOR ENGINEERED COUNTERTOPS
Despite the non-porous surface of a quartz countertop, some messes are too big for your everyday cleaning routine. The best cleaner for these messes is still a mild liquid dish soap. Never use harsh chemicals, as these may react with the resins and etch the surface. Also, avoid using anything abrasive, such as scrubbing cleansers.