The Do’s and Don’ts When Buying Granite Countertops

The preferred choice for today’s countertops in San Diego is undoubtedly granite. Due to its durability, beauty and uniqueness there is no other countertop material that is as popular. However, not all granite and not all San Diego fabricators are equal.

Many San Diego slab yards are less than discerning in what they sell for kitchen countertops. Granite slabs can vary dramatically in density and hardness and therefore yield different results for durability. A stone called Cosmos is carried in most slab yards because it is stunning to look at and sells well. However, it can be a poor choice for a heavily used kitchen as it is not as durable and scratches easily. In fact it is not granite at all. My bet is, most of the consumers who purchased this stone had no idea that it was not granite and that easily scratches. Don’t rely on the slab yard to inform you as many don’t. Perform your own scratch test on the corner of the slab; it is easy and quick.

Finding a knowledgeable and skilled fabricator is your highest priority... even before your search for the perfect slab. These are the guys who work with the stone every day and know its characteristics. They can help guide your selection.

Your research into finding a fabricator should include the following:

1. Make sure they carry the appropriate licenses and insurance for your state. In most states this can easily be done on line.

2. Check with your local Better Business Bureau. If there are many complaints and/or unresolved complaints, move on.

3. Go to their place of business and check out their fabrication facility. A clean, neat and orderly shop tells you what these people are about and what kind of quality they are likely to deliver.

4. Get the names and phone numbers of the very last three customers they did work for. Don’t let them cherry pick a job they did 6 months ago. Call these home owners and get feed back about quality and service of work performed.

After you have selected your fabricator the real fun begins. Be sure to take a drawer or door front of your cabinets with you to the slab yard. Putting the drawer up to the entire slab will help you coordinate colors and give you a feel of how the granite will look in your home.