FAQ
Q. How much will it cost?
A. This is an important question that is complicated to answer. We are always happy to visit your home in order to take measurements of the space you are planning to renovate. Having these measurements is the first step in beginning an estimate. Whether you are seeking design services to remodel your kitchen or bathroom; cabinets and countertops, or countertops only, the next step is to visit with someone at Counter-Tops by Tom about the styles and types of materials you are attracted to. From information you share with us we can recommend products that are best suited for your project and create a more accurate estimate.
Q. Will my cabinets support the weight of granite or quartz?
A. Yes. Granite weighs approximately 20 pounds per square foot. All of our bathroom and kitchen cabinets will support that weight, including our KraftMaid and UltraCraft cabinets.
Q. What is the difference between granite and quartz?
A. When properly installed, Granite and Quartz, will both enhance the appearance and value of your home for many years. The differences being that granite, a natural stone, is porous, whereas quartz materials (Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, etc.) are non-porous manufactured materials. Quartz materials, as the name implies, is comprised mainly of raw quartz that is combined with pigment and resins. While granite countertops should be sealed regularly quartz countertops do not require any special treatments or sealers. Also, with the recent concerns over potential radiation and radon emissions from granite being installed inside the home, quartz may be a safer alternative.
Q. Do quartz products need to be sealed?
A. No. Engineered Stone, generally referred to as Quartz, is a non-porous material that does not require any type of sealant.
Q. Do solid surface countertops have visible seams?
A. Corian, Hi-Macs, Livingstone, and similar solid surface products are joined in such a way that the seams are generally not visible to the naked eye.
Q. Do granite countertops have visible seams?
A. With granite and quartz most kitchen countertops have one or two visible seams. We try to minimize seams and place them in the least conspicuous areas possible.
Q. What types of Green countertop products do you carry?
A. We carry Richlite and Paperstone, which are both paper-based materials. We also carry Vetrazzo and IceStone which are both recycled glass materials. Additionally, Corian, Hi-Macs, Viatera, Silestone, and Caesarstone all have colors with recycled content.
Q. What solid surface options do you offer for kitchen remodeling?
A. Our solid surface options include Corian, Hi-Macs and LivingStone.
Q. Where are your cabinets manufactured?
A. UltraCraft Cabinetry is proudly made in Liberty, North Carolina.
Q. Why should I use UltraCraft cabinetry rather than fully-custom cabinets?
A. Semi-custom cabinets are still built-to-order specifically for your project, giving you the opportunity for customization, but without the steep prices and extended lead times of fully- customized cabinets. Also, the staining, or finishing, processes that these manufacturers utilize creates a furniture like finish that is rarely duplicated on a custom-built cabinetry. Also, UltraCraft cabinets are warranted for much longer periods than most fully-customized cabinets.
Q. Have a question about kitchen counter-tops, cabinets, sinks, faucets, showers or anything else for your kitchen or bathroom?
A. Please ask! We’d love to answer any questions you have.