FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between granite, marble and quartz?

A: The marble family consists of marble, limestone, onyx and travertine.  Marble applications include bathroom vanities and shower and fireplace surrounds. Marble applications are not recommended for kitchen countertops or bar tops because of their more porous properties. Granite applications include kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, bar tops and fireplace surrounds.  Although both are stones and are quarried from the earth, granite and marble are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep within the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. Marble starts out as sediment (animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt) at the bottom of bodies of water, after millions of years it solidifies into stone. Marble’s main component is calcium which makes it vulnerable to acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages. Quartz products, which are sold under brand names such as Colorquartz™, Caesarstone™, Silestone™ and Compac™, are man-made stone. While quartz products offer consistency in patterns and colors, granite and marble offer uniqueness and varied random patterns.

Q: Will I have seam(s) in my new countertop?

A: Seam locations will be determined by Bedrock Kitchen and Bath based on several variables including slab size, entry location into your home, access from the entry location to your project area, imperfections in the stone, grain flow, material usage, delicacy of the material, size of your sink, ceiling height and pieces that are intended to fit into an area that is trapped in between 3 walls or any post(s).

Q: Can I use my existing top mount sink as an under mount?

A: Most top mount or self rimming sinks can only be mounted the way they were designed to be mounted. We do not recommend reusing your old sink in a way it is not intended to be used.  The size of the lip/flange must be flat and at least 1 inch wide in order to consider under mounting. Your sales person or field technician can help in determining this.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my sink?

A: Weekly cleaning of your stainless sink is recommended in order to keep the brushed satin finish looking lustrous. Mild all purpose cleaners mixed with water will help reduce spotting and mineral deposits that are common in hard water. Do not use any abrasive sponge pads, wire brushes or steel wool to clean your sink. You can use a cook top cleaner to remove any stains and/or fine scratches that your sink may acquire.

Q: How often should I seal my countertop?

A: All natural stones are porous…even diamonds and other gemstones. This means they can be penetrated by water, oils and chemicals which can result in some granite and marble countertops needing to be resealed. Most light to medium colored stone require resealing every 3 to 5 years using a high quality heavy duty penetrating sealer.  Some dark colored stones may not require sealing, depending on the type of material.

Q: How do I remove a stain from my countertop?

A: It is recommended that you contact Bedrock Kitchen and Bath for a possible solution or to schedule an appointment to have a service technician come to your home to address the concerned area.

Q: I think my countertop has a crack in it. Could it be a fissure?

A: Granite and marble are natural stones and therefore will have veins, pits, pores and fissures on their surfaces. These surface marks are in no way a defect and in some cases they can be said to enhance the beauty of the stone.

Q: How many slabs will be needed to complete my project?

A: Each slab is produced to approximately 6ft by 10ft in size. Certain types of granite and most marble are produced to a considerably smaller size due to their fragile state. The shape and size of the countertop is a huge factor in determining how many slabs will be needed to complete the project.

Q: Can I have my sink delivered to Bedrock Kitchen and Bath’s facility?

A: No, Bedrock Kitchen and Bath does not allow the delivery of any sinks to our facility.

Q: Should I be concerned about my granite countertops containing radon?

A: Radon can be found in soil around your home, well water, outdoor air, building materials and public water supplies. Although it is also possible for granite to contain varying concentrations of radon, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that granite countertops are a cause of increased indoor radon levels.

Q: How far can the stone cantilever (overhang) be unsupported?

A: Two thirds of the stone must be supported by cabinetry, some type of bracket or corbel(s) support; the remaining one third can cantilever up to 12 inches.  The amount of cantilever should be reduced for any upper bar top applications.

Q: Why do the stones vary in their cost per square foot?

A: Factors in the pricing provided from our multiple suppliers include the grade of stone, pattern, rarity, visual brilliance, supply and demand.

Q: What size sink can fit into a sink base cabinet?

A: The size of the sink base cabinet is going to determine what size sink can be used. Most standard sinks are 30 inches in length and can fit into a 36 inch cabinet with no modifications. A 33 inch cabinet will require the side walls of the cabinet to be cut (scooped) out to accommodate the sides of the bowl and flanges of a standard sink. Bedrock Kitchen and Bath recommends the use of a sink and cabinet that will not require any modification.

Q: Is marble suitable for a kitchen countertop?

A: While Bedrock Kitchen and Bath does not recommend the use of marble for a kitchen countertop, we have installed many of them with spectacular results.  Marble is a less dense and more porous stone than granite.   Although it can be sealed, it is not as dense as granite which makes it is more susceptible to stains, especially in a frequently used area like a kitchen. Marble is also much softer than granite and it can potentially chip, crack and/or scratch during frequent use. Ask our stone specialists if marble countertops are right for you.

Q: What is the difference between 2cm and 3cm? And what is the most appropriate thickness for the tops?

A: The 2 cm thick stone is approximately 3/4″ thick, ranging from 5/8″ to 7/8″ in thickness. The 3 cm is approximately 1 3/16″, and 1 3/8″ .

Customer Responsibilities

During the Sale

  • Provide a basic drawing with all the dimensions for your project so approximate square footage can be calculated based off of your measurements. This number may change at the time of measure due to the accuracy of your measurements and/or the addition of new areas to the project from the original drawing you provided.
  • Choose stone for each area of your project. It is important that you physically see and touch the lot number of the slab and/or remnant you have selected. We suggest you bring a sample of your new or existing cabinetry and/or tile to find the best match.
  • Choose sink(s) for each area of your project. The sink for each area must be on site prior to the measure. If the sink is on order you must provide a template for the opening and have it on site prior to the measure.
  • Choose an edge profile for each area of your project
  • Discuss if and when cabinetry or any custom carpentry work will be complete
  • If a seam is required for your project, the seam locations will be determined by Bedrock Kitchen and Bath based on several variables:  slab size, entry into your home, access from the entry to your project area, imperfections in the stone, grain flow, material usage, the delicacy of the material, the size of your sink, ceiling height, the size of the piece not fitting into the vehicle and pieces that are intended to fit in an area that is trapped in between 3 walls or any post(s) scenarios.
  • Dates for field measure and installation will be scheduled during the sale process if your cabinetry is complete and ready for measure.
  • Any granite backsplash that must fit under existing tile, window sills, trim, upper cabinets, mirrors etc. Require a 2nd measure. The precise measurements will be gathered by the install technician on the day of the installation of your counter tops. The approximate turn around time for this step is 7 business days.
  • The tear out of your old counter tops is not included unless you request this service (at an additional cost) at the time of the sale.
  • The payment procedure is as follows: a 50% deposit is required to secure promotions and tag your material. The remaining 50% balance is due upon completion of the installation of your counter tops.
  • All border fees will be handled by Bedrock Kitchen and Bath on the day of your installation. You will not have to handle this portion of the process.

Prior to Field Measure

  • The customer must be present on the day of the measure in order to discuss all details of the project. No exceptions.
  • All cabinetry or any custom carpentry work must be complete and secured to the wall and/or floor prior to the day of measure. Any delays may result in a $160 per hour charge if the measure technician cannot perform their task.
  • Corbel supports must be secured in their permanent location prior to the day of measure.
  • The material for each area of your project must be selected prior to the day of measure.
  • The edge profile for each area of your project should be selected prior to the day of measure.
  • The sink(s), faucet(s) and /or cooktop for each area of your project must be on site prior to the day of measure.
  • Apron sinks or farm sinks must be mounted and secured prior to the day of measure.
  • Overhangs, radius/square corners, counter top shapes and/or particular details for your project should be determined prior to the day of measure.
  • The type of backsplash you are going to use should be selected prior to the day of measure.
  • Do not install any type of tile, finished wood panels or decorative trim backsplash etc. On the walls until the installation of your granite counter top(s) is complete.
  • Seam locations will be determined by bedrock granite based on several variables:  slab size, entry into your home, access from the entry to your project area, imperfections in the stone, grain flow, material usage, the delicacy of the material, the size of your sink, ceiling height, the size of the piece not fitting into the vehicle and pieces that are intended to fit in an area that is trapped in between 3 walls or any post(s) scenarios.
  • If you would like to speed up the measure process you can remove your current backsplash prior to the day of measure.

Prior to Installation

  • The customer must be present on the day of the installation.
  • The removal or tear out of the old counter tops must be completed the day prior to the installation.
  • The trueness or flatness of the cabinetry must be within a  ¼” tolerance overall. Any additional cabinetry or custom carpentry work must be complete and secured to walls and/or floors prior to the day of installation. No exceptions. Islands and peninsulas fall under this category. Any delays may result in a $160 per hour charge if the installers can not perform their task.
  • All corbel supports must be secured in their permanent location prior to the installation.
  • The sink(s), faucet(s) and /or cooktop for each area of your project must be on site prior to the day of the install.
  • Occasionally sink cabinet walls may need to be notched out in order to fit the sink.
  • Some weather may require the removal of snow and/or ice on the path into your home prior to the installers arrival. A path that has been salted is best for traction and is requested.
  • In new construction, there must be a clear path to the entry of the home and any stairs must be anchored to the foundation.
  • The path in your home from the entry to the project area must be clear and free from any obstacles. The least complicated path will be at the installers discretion.
  • Do not install any type of tile, finished wood panels or decorative trim backsplash etc. On the walls until the installation of your granite counter top(s) is complete.
  • Any low hanging lighting or pot racks should be bound out of the way or removed prior to the installation.
  • Sealing off the project area due to the cutting of any top mount item(s) is your responsibility.
  • Seam locations have been determined by bedrock granite based on several variables:  slab size, entry into your home, access from the entry to your project area, imperfections in the stone, grain flow, material usage, the delicacy of the material, the size of your sink, ceiling height, the size of the piece not fitting into the vehicle and pieces that are intended to fit in an area that is trapped in between 3 walls or any post(s) scenarios.

Faucet / Tap Information

  • Your faucet escutcheon (decorative faucet body) diameter may be too large in order to fit into the space allowed. This issue may be resolved by eliminating the backsplash or milling the backsplash down to a 2cm thickness (Applicable with certain types of material only).
  • The 1-3/8” diameter hole(s) drilled for the faucet are a standard diameter and will give plenty of clearance for all faucet hoses, tubes etc.
  • The plunger/stopper pull may not have enough clearance to extend up the full travel due to the design of the faucet, backsplash and/or wall behind.
  • Depending on the location of the faucet. It is possible that the upper snack bar, window sill, backsplash or wall could interfere with the spout and or control handle (hot and cold) path.
  • Some faucets are not designed to fit 1-1/4” thick stone surfaces. This means the length of the threaded faucet barrel that slides down through the hole may not be long enough to thread on the locknuts (mounting hardware) to the barrel under the counter top. Most faucet brands offer an extension union that can be threaded on to the faucet barrel base so that it can provide sufficient length to thread on the locknuts. Bedrock Granite cannot grind down the bottom surface of the stone so that the original faucet barrel will have sufficient clearance to thread on the locknut.
  • The locknuts supplied with your faucet may interfere with the edge of the sink flange due to the size of the flange itself. This may occur because the faucet hole placement must be positioned closer to the sink due to the minimal amount of space in between the opening of the bowl and the face of the backsplash or wall. This can occur if your sink has a larger opening front to back than most standard size sinks. In some applications, the locknuts can be mounted to the flange surface instead of the stone surface with a little creative ingenuity.
  • A professional plumber may be able to provide you with additional information.

Warranty Information

Click here to view information on the Bedrock Stone Protection Program

Bedrock Kitchen and Bath LLC warrants your new granite to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original installation. The warranty covers repairs of affected pieces of your countertop. Exclusions include incidental or deliberate damage caused by customer misuse, scratches or flaws that were not apparent at the time of installation, or stains caused by customer usage. Aggregate work needed to complete repairs (millwork, plumbing, etc) are not covered by the warranty and will be the responsibility of the customer. The warranty is applicable to the original purchaser only, and is not transferable to subsequent owners.

Bedrock Payment Terms and Conditions

Payment Terms: All prices quoted are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise specified on your order. We calculate Canadian exchange at the rate posted online at Google.com on the date of sale and will check for changes in that rate at completion of the project. Actual exchange rates charged by your bank may vary, and you will be responsible for any difference in exchange or cross border fees charged by your credit card company.

We take a deposit of 50% at the time of sale in order to tag your material and allocate dates on our calendar.  The balance is due in full at installation of your countertops.  Your deposit money is used to pay the supplier for your stone and reserve dates for production, templating and installation.  For this reason, deposits are non-refundable, but may be used towards future purchases.  Bedrock Kitchen and Bath may at their discretion provide a refund due to extenuating circumstances. Cancelled orders are subject to a 20% restocking fee.