The first step in creating a stone masterpiece is design. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Type of Material - What would be best - granite, marble, travertine, or slate? Slab or tile? The function along with the mood you are creating will drive this. For instance, when it comes to kitchen countertops, granite is the way to go. But there are other material choices with other projects.
• Color of Stone -You've decided which material, but there are a multitude of colors for each type of material. We can help narrow down the choices for what would work best with your décor and budget. We have a wide variety of sample colors, but you are not limited to those. We can fabricate from any locally available material. We also suggest that you select your own slabs and can provide information on local slab yards.
• Edge - Typically, we fabricate from ¾" slabs, and the edges are laminated to make it 1 ½" at the edges. The most popular is a 1 ½" bullnose edge, and that is our standard edge. But if you want to upgrade, there are a variety of edges to choose from which give a different feel to your project??
• Backsplash - The most common heights for backsplash are 4", 6" with a flat polished edge on top, or a full 18" backsplash that covers the entire wall up to your upper cabinet. You can select any size though that meets your needs. Some considerations would be the height of any windows, or switch plates. You can also mix the sizes by having a lower backsplash in most areas, but going higher in an area such as above the stove or cook top. There are many possibilities. For instance, you can upgrade to a fancier top edge on the backsplash, such as an ogee or bevel edge. A full backsplash goes up to the level of the cabinet, including above the stove. This makes for easy cleaning in addition to a fine look. When the cabinets end other than where the wall ends, you can have the full backsplash go straight down, or at a fancy curve. Another choice is tile of the same or a different material. which can be set straight or at a diagonal. Travertine makes an excellent choice for backsplash. Add a border listelle as part of your backsplash, or perhaps small random dots of another material, or perhaps a special design above the stove.
• Sink - Do you prefer an undermount sink or a drop-in (top mounted) sink? A drop-in typically has the faucet holes as part of the sink, and sets on top of the stone. There is no additional charge for one drop-in sink. An undermount sink is mounted between the counter and the cabinet and is generally easier for cleaning since there is no "lip". The sink cut is more exact and is polished, plus holes are drilled directly into the stone. This makes for a more stunning look, though there is an additional charge since it involves more labor.
• Island and Bar Designs - You can have one level or two levels. The edges can be squared off, rounded, curved. The lines don't even have to be straight, but could have a scalloped look.
• Corbels - If you have an overhang of 6" or more, you generally want to support the extra weight with a corbel. You can use wooden corbels that match your cabinets, or we can fabricate corbels from stone to match your countertops.
• Adjacent areas - Another consideration is whether there are any nearby or adjacent areas that could benefit from natural stone. We can create windowsills, caps for nearby pony walls, plant shelves, kick plates, baseboard, etc. We can also make cutting boards and Lazy Susans. It's often the extra touches that truly customize and beautify your home.
• Bathrooms - In a bathroom, you can use all one material, or you can use an accent of a different color or pattern. In a shower made from slab, we recommend adding a contrasting border for both good looks and a safer installation. A border listelle is especially beautiful. Whichever you choose though, you have the option of carrying the accent through to other areas, such as shelves, tub surround and vanity backsplashes, wainscoting, flooring accents, and medallions. You may also want to add soap/shampoo boxes, shelves, or stone windowsills to your shower or tub area.