Frequently
Asked Questions
General Facts | StoneSelect | Care & Maintenance | Natural Quartz | Ordering/Technical 
ORDERING / TECHNICAL
- How large are the seams?
1/16" to 1/8" in width.
- How long are the slabs, and can seams be avoided?
The average slab size is typically 96" to 100" by 55" to 60". A Project
Manager will work with each customer to place as few seams as possible
in a kitchen. Seams are required based on slab size and may be
needed to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop.
- Why are there seams in my countertop?
The average length of a slab is 96". Other additional factors
that may require a top to have a seam include: weight of material,
cabinet structure, access to job, and type of material. Apex Surfaces
will work with the Kitchen Dealer and the customer in every way possible
to ensure that seams are kept to a minimum and are discretely
placed, while maintaining the structural integrity of the stone.
Seam location and quantity of seams may affect pricing.
- What is the difference between 2cm and 3cm? And what
is the most appropriate thickness for the tops?
The 2cm thick stone is approximately 3/4" thick. The 3cm is approximately
1 3/16" thick. We recommend using the 3cm for the kitchen countertops
for both aesthetic reasons and structural reasons.
- How much overhang can you have without supports, and
what type of supports is required?
For 3cm stone, we recommend supports with overhangs that are 10"
or greater. The brackets should be spaced every 3' to 4'. As to
the type of support needed, we recommend a cantilevered bracket
or corbel that matches the cabinet. The brackets should be spaced
every 3' to 4'.
- What type of sink can be used?
There are few requirements when it comes to sinks. In order to
maintain the structural integrity of the countertop, we require
at least 3" of stone in front and back of the sink cutout. Additionally,
when using a cast iron sink, we will require the cabinet installer
to build a 2"x4" wood frame under the sink to support it. Apex
Surfaces will need to know the sink type prior to fabrication
of the job.
- How big can my sink be?
In order to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop,
at least 3" of stone is required in front of and in back of the
sink cut out.
- Do my appliances have to be on site when templating?
Yes. The width of material and front and behind appliances and
cutouts is a critical issue that will vary from job to job depending
on material selection, dimensions, and appliances.
- Do my cabinets have to all be installed and level?
Cabinets must be permanently set and leveled prior to field dimension
by our field measurement team.
- Does Job Site Conditions have any effect on my countertop?
Each job is different and will offer unique challenges. Therefore,
seam placement, cutout options, and support requirements will
vary from job to job. Please discuss all issues and preferences
with your Apex Surfaces Project Manager prior to confirmation
of details with your client.
- Can you describe to me the process involving an order
with your company?
The whole process is designed for quality and speed. First, your
client picks a stone and an edge treatment. We then give a quote
of your cost based on their specific project. After that an order
can be placed with us for a template. From the time the template
is complete our clients can expect a turnaround time of 10 business
days.
- Do I have to call for an appointment to come down to
your place?
Yes; Apex Surfaces, Inc. schedules individual viewing times to allow each customer exclusive service & selections.
- Do I have to buy the whole sheet/slab?
If it is a non-program stone that has not been selected from our
onsite inventory, you will have to purchase the whole slab. Slabs
are always sold intact. Buying random slabs is similar to buying
fabric. Like a seamstress or tailor, your fabricator buys the
raw material and sells you a completed installation. In the price
is included the cost of transporting the material, making field
measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, bringing the pieces
to your job site and fitting them into place. How much material
he needs is determined by the layout and the amount of waste.
The fabricator will lay out your job in a way that will minimize
the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty
of veining and pattern.
- How long do you hold slabs for the client?
Our general policy is to hold a slab for 3 days without a deposit.
If a deposit is made, we can make the slab exclusive to the
client until its cut.
- Is installation included in the quote?
Yes, our quotes containing the stone, edge treatment, fabrication,
templating, delivery, and installation in one price.
- What do I need for a quote?
We require our potential Kitchen Dealers to supply us with information concerning their business, including showroom location, hours of operation and person to contact. Once reviewed and approved as an authorized dealer, fax over the drawing of the layout you are requesting a quote for along with the job name and location, material selected and edge treatment desired. You will receive your free quote within 24 hours of Apex receiving the information.
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