Before You Buy Guide

Material Thickness & Edge Profiles

Granite, marble, and quartz typically come in two thicknesses: 2cm (3/4') or 3cm (1 3/16').  3cm thickness is usually the most popular and cost effective. VVG stocks this size as it is generally not necessary to 'build up' the edge profile. Some materials, typically used in shower surrounds, fireplace surrounds, or decorative will be 1cm-1.6cm thick. Below are visual examples how edges are created.

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2cm Edge Profiles

3cm Edge Profiles

OUTSIDE AND INSIDE CORNERS

You can view examples of different corner types during your showroom consultation or shown below. Typically, square is a more modern look and round is a 'softer' look.

CORNER RADIUS OPTIONS

Radius corners refer to the degree of roundness the countertop corners will have. The larger the radius the softer the corners will look.

OVERHANGS AND BRACING

To prevent tipping, overhangs cannot be longer than 1/3 of the width of the countertop.

• 3cm natural stone can have an overhang up to 10" without additional support.
• 2cm natural stone can have an overhang of up to 6".
• 3cm engineered stone can have an overhang up to 15' without additional support.
• 2cm engineered stone can have an overhang of up to 10".
• VVG considers a 'standard' overhang 2" from the front of the cabinet box and 1 1/2" on the sides.

APPLIANCES

VVG Sales Consultants are not trained to determine the suitability of specific fixtures or appliances. However, we will work with you and your supplier to help evaluate whether the components' sizes and characteristics fit your project.

• It is important to ask about compatibility prior to purchasing appliances.
• It is necessary to supply VVG the make, model numbers, and spec sheet of appliances that need to be cut into the counter.
• Drop-in cooktops will need to be on-site at time of template. They will be 'dry fit' at time of installation. Failure to have this on-site will result in an additional 'trip charge'.
• Slide-In range or cooktop with the controls on the front will usually require a 'filler' piece of counter behind the range and may require the front of the counter to be 'notched.' This appliance will need to be on-site at time of install.'''

Freestanding ranges (most common), which have the controls on the back, will generally require a 30' opening and the sides will be polished. These ranges are not required to be on-site.

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Most dishwashers will attach to the cabinets on the side of the flange, however VVG will add a metal dishwasher bracket to all jobs that spans a dishwasher opening (24").

Shown below are the most common cooking range applications.

SINKS

VVG stocks a variety of high quality undermount sinks.

If you are providing the sinks, they need to be ON SITE at time of template and placed in the correct location. All farm style sinks need to be sitting in cabinet box with the top of sink flush with the top of cabinets at time of template. Custom sinks may require an additional drafting fee.

1. Undermount (most common): mounted underneath the polished countertop material
2. Overmount and Vessel: rests on the top of the countertop (harder to keep clean)
3. Dual Mount sinks may not work and are NOT recommended to be undermounted

We will need to know sink models, who is providing the sink(s)

Specify your choice of sink material.

• Stainless Steel - Generally durable and economically priced
• Granite Composite - Mid-priced, great look with many color options
• Porcelain (or porcelain coated cast-iron) -Very common with farm style sinks
• Custom Sink made from Countertop Material - Ask a sales consultant to show you some unique options.

FAUCETS AND FAUCET HOLES

Prior to template, provide the faucet model number and number of faucet holes required and the placement in relation to the sinks you choose.

The standard size of a faucet hole is 1 3/8'. A single hole faucet is generally easier to clean around. Will an 'air switch' be required for a garbage disposal in an island? Will a sprayer be installed?

BACKSPLASH

A backsplash between 2' and 4' will be billed as a 4' splash

PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL (REMODEL)

• It is recommended to have a plumber disconnect your sinks, disposals and faucets before we can remove your old tops and install your new countertops.
• We suggest that you call a licensed plumber or electrician for your connections.
• If we are doing a full splash we will have to remove the faceplates and pull the electrical outlet from the wall. If any outlets need to be moved, it is your responsibility to have them relocated before templating.

VVG is able to disconnect/reconnect electrical and plumbing for an additional cost. Ask your sales consultant for details.

CUTOUTS

• Cutouts will have a hole pierced in the middle during fabrication and are discarded
• If purchasing 'by the slab' all counters and 'extra pieces' will need to be defined prior to templating and will be fabricated and delivered at the time of installation.

CAULKING

• Undermount sinks, backsplash and counters are caulked during installation. Depending on the material, a white or translucent (milky) white caulking will be used. Typically, paintable caulk is used where stone meets sheetrock, and 100% silicone (non-paintable) caulking is used where stone meets stone or stone meets cabinets.
• Caulking requires regular maintenance and may shrink over time.
• As part of our ongoing annual stone care, caulking will be 'touched up' as needed.

Please inform your sales rep if you have any special color requirements for your caulking.

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If you want to learn more, please visit our website Super Jumbo Quartz Slabs.