Can you give me a quote over the phone?
Yes, we can certainly give you a quote over the phone. However, it is easier for us to give you a quote if your plans are simple enough to be described over the phone. Even though we can help you out over the phone, it would be great if you could send your drawings over to us by fax. This would give us a much better idea of what you are looking for and what budget we could work within. Also see the quotation form which should give an initial idea of price. It would be very helpful if you could tell us which colours you like
Will you provide granite, natural stone or Silestone stone samples to take away?
Why not? We could definitely give you samples to take away so that you could get a good idea of what you want. All you need to do is come and visit, we will show you a selection and explain what is and is not available. Stone samples will give you a good idea, but may be different from the final product due to the nature of stones.
Can I look at a slab before cutting?
We are always open to comply with your every whim and fancy with regard to stones you want to choose. If you would like to have a look at a slab of stone before it is cut, you sure can. Please do phone us first to make sure the particular slab of stone is in stock and that it is accessible. Due to health and safety reasons we may need to make special arrangements for you to come and inspect the piece of rock.
Can I look at any finished works that have been cut and polished?
StonebyDesign has a few showrooms that showcase our very best works of stone. Our show rooms have several kitchens that have used stone that has been supplied by us. All the stone has been cut and polished by us. Nothing is outsourced. Everything is done by StonebyDesign. We are open from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Can you visit us to make templates?
Yes this can be done. Sometimes a simple survey is enough.
What is the process?
Well, to give you the best results, we make a slab of stone go through six different stages. These six stages are:
1. Drawing:
In this stage, we work out the drawings and consult you with regards to what stone will suit your needs and taste. This is to help with the pricing after which we can discuss the next stages.
2. Templates:
Once we've finalised on a drawing and what stone needs to be used for your work area, worktop, or any other use, we will start working on a template, if need be we come to your home and make exact replicas of your work surfaces using MDF. If it is an old house or a house with uneven walls, then generally we make templates. We ALSO collect the deposit at this stage (money).
3. Cutting:
We use a bridge saw to cut, using the template and or drawings.
4. Shaping and Polishing:
By using a combination of good shaping tools and skilled craftsmanship, the units are shaped to fit the requirements exactly. After that, we give your slab of stone a high grade polish that not only makes the stone look marvellous but also protects it appropriately from the elements and other daily wear and tear it will face. Our polishing standards are very high and ensure that your slabs of stone gleam.
5. Fitting:
All the units should be fitted and levelled appropriately after they are polished. Once that is done, we make sure that your slab of stone fits in the place desired by you perfectly; and that the fitting is done safely without chipping or scratching the stone. At this stage, we also collect final sums of money.
6. Final sealing and cleaning:
The joints are done during the fitting. The last stage is sealing the stone. And yes, we leave your house clean after our work is done.
Can I do the tiling prior to fitting the stone work tops?
No – please tile last. It is always advisable to start from the top and work your way right to the bottom of the floor. Because the floor tends to get a little messy while working with the worktops and this mess can spoil and scratch new tiles that have already been laid. So, please, take it from us, do your tiling last.
Do I need to be around when you fit?
Yes, you certainly have to be present when we are fitting as we collect the outstanding money at this stage. Besides, we may have a few questions about the technicalities involved with your house. A few decisions may also have to be taken regarding the fitting. Also, you need to be fully satisfied with the fitting job.
Can I fit my wall cupboards prior to work tops?
We prefer not. The wall cupboards can hinder and obstruct very large and heavy pieces of stone. We may have trouble lowering it into place. All other fitting work other than worktop fittings should be done after the worktop has been installed. Any other fitting should be done after the setup of a worktop, because a worktop installation is the most important and is also a very delicate job which needs adequate space.
Can the joints be seen?
We try to give your worktops the best finish possible and we try our level best to make it look good. We try to put the joints in places where you are least likely to see them. We try to make them as flush as possible.
Where do you put the joints?
We try to put the joints in places where you are least likely to see them. We try to make them as flush as possible. We may be able to reduce the size of the joins by working with the sinks or hob cut outs, but that is just another alternative.
What about the plumbing?
We deal only in stone, not pipes. This ball is in the plumber's court, not ours.
What about the electrical side it?
As mentioned before, we deal only in stone and nothing but stone. We don't do wires, switches, lights, heating systems, and the like – we do only stone.
Can the stones be repaired?
A stone is a hard wearing piece of matter but it can get scratches if not handled with care. It should not be abused badly. Scratches are very, very, difficult to remove; some minor chips and joints can be filled. But if it is a major chip off the block, it could be difficult or nearly impossible to repair. So, be careful.
Can I add later to my worktops?
This is a very important issue. You work tops and granite natural stones will be unique as they will come from a single source. Any later additions may vary in the colour and patterning. So the answer is yes, but it may not be a perfect match.
Where does stone come from?
There are three types of stone igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic stone. Igneous stone is formed slowly as it cooled deep under the earth's surface. Granite is a good example of this stone. Sedimentary stone is formed by the slow compacting of grains or pieces of any kind of existing rock material. These existing rocks may have been weathered, transported, deposited and then cemented over millions of years by the movement of the earth’s tectonic plates. Limestone is a good example of this kind of stone. Metamorphic stone is formed at extremely high pressures and temperatures below melting. Marble and slate are good examples of this kind of stone.
What is granite?
Marble is metamorphosed limestone, composed of fairly pure calcite (a crystalline form of calcium carbonate, CaCO3). It is extensively used for sculpture, as a building material, and in many other applications.
What is Silestone stone?
Silestone stone is an engineered quartz-based surface, manufactured through a highly advanced process. Silestone stone has some unique characteristics such as strength, hardness and flexibility that make it more suitable than any other natural stone for a wide range of domestic, commercial and industrial applications.
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