1327 East 75th Avenue    Anchorage, AK 99518

Alaska's Best Source for Natural Stone Products

 

FREQUENTLY

ASKED

QUESTIONS

 

North Coast Countertops offers a variety of informational resources to help you choose the best stone options for your home or office, as well as learn more about care and maintenance of your new countertops and process.

 

Visit the following pages to learn more!

 

FAQS about countertops

FAQS about
the process

10 questions
to ask
before buying countertops

 

NORTH COAST COUNTERTOPS IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNTERTOPS

This is a list of popular questions that many people have when starting a kitchen, bath, or other project. Please note that every project, house, and customer is unique and there may not be one right answer to every question. Please contact us for specific answers to any questions that you might have.

 

  •  What's the difference between natural granite & quartz countertops?

     

    There is one primary difference between the two, however, that everyone should be aware of – granite countertops are of a natural stone and quartz countertops are man-made. Granite is formed by magma, boiling molten rock that is found deep below the earth's surface. Quartz tops, meanwhile, are manufactured.

     

  •  Does brand matter when it comes to selecting a countertop?

     

    Every brand has its own unique characteristics. Our design specialists will help you to choose the best product for your project.

     

  •  How does lighting affect my countertop selection?

     

    Lighting has dramatic effects on the tone, depth, and overall impression of a countertop. The warmth or coolness of the lighting causes this change in appearance. For example, a white countertop under an incandescent light may appear warmer than it would under fluorescent. We encourage customers to look at samples under the type of lighting that will be used in their room.

     

  •  What is the standard thickness of a stone top?

     

    We fabricate our tops from one of the thickest slabs available. They are designated 3CM (centimeters), which is approximately 1 1/8” inches. This thickness provides optimal aesthetics and durability.

     

  •  Can I cut on a stone top?

     

    Stone tops are one of the hardest materials for kitchen and bath use. However, we strongly recommend the use of a cutting board.

     

  •  What are the backsplash options?

     

    Stone tops can be selected with or without backsplashes. The splash is usually the same as the top material.

     

  •  Can I select colors based off photos online?

     

    The true colors and patterns of stone are hard to capture in a picture. Samples can be viewed at our showroom or our dealer’s showroom nearest you.

     

  •  Where does granite come from?

     

    Granite is an all-natural stone that is cut from quarries. These quarries, located worldwide, produce a vast array of colors and patterns.

  •  Will granite vary in color?

     

    Yes. The appeal of granite is the uniqueness of each piece. Colors vary from slab to slab and even within the individual piece. Because of this, it is best if a customer visits us and hand selects their slab.

     

  •  How are quartz countertops produced?

     

    Quartz is one of the hardest minerals in the world. Engineers combine approximately 93% natural quartz with resins to create a product that is extremely durable (stain, scratch, and heat resistant) and beautiful.

     

  •  Will quartz vary in color?

     

    Natural quartz is more consistent in color and pattern than natural granite, so your selection can be made easier with a smaller sample. As with any natural material, color and pattern can change within an individual slab.

     

  •  Can I put hot things on quartz and granite?

     

    Quartz and granite are heat resistant. However, extreme heat may damage the stone, especially at the seams. We recommend using hot pads or trivets.

     

  •  What is solid surface?

     

    Solid surface is an acrylic product with consistent color throughout.

  •  What are the benefits of solid surface?

     

    Solid surface sinks are seamlessly installed for ease of cleaning and their pleasing aesthetics. If the top is damaged, a technician can sand and polish the surface back to the original finish.

     

  •  Will heat damage a solid surface?

     

    Hot items can damage the top. We recommend hot pads and trivets.

     

  •  What is soapstone?

     

    Soapstone is quarried much like granite. The mineral makeup of this stone gives it a warm soft look. It is non-porous and is impervious to virtually any type of chemical, but it is much softer and easier to scratch.

     

  •  What is a sealer and how often do I need to seal my tops?

     

    We treat all of our natural granite countertops with a 15-year impregnating sealer at the time of installation. This premium sealer provides exceptional stain protection, allowing you time to clean up spills.

     

  •  Will the seam be obvious in a stone top?

     

    Our skilled fabricators and installers use techniques to make the seam as inconspicuous as the color and pattern allow.

     

  •  What countertops are best for bathrooms?

     

    For bathroom or smaller spaces, we offer a variety of remnants, smaller size pieces with the same heat, stain, and scratch resistant properties as the larger pieces of stone used in kitchens and islands.

     

  •  Can excess material BE USED for another room such as the bathroom?

     

    The largest tops are digitally optimized from the slab first. The remaining stone is often able to be cut for vanities, utility rooms, sills, etc. We have an inventory of remnants, which can be used for a smaller project without the cost of purchasing a full slab.

     

  •  What is templating?

     

    Laser technology is used to measure accurate dimensions of your room and cabinets. This ensures a precise fit of your stone top.

     

    What you need to know:

     

    We template for tops once the cabinets are permanently installed in new construction. For remodel (new tops only - keeping existing cabinets), we prefer that the old countertops are removed. This allows for the most accurate templating and the best fit of the new countertops.

     

    All sinks, faucets, soap dispensers, and anything that will require a cutout in the countertop must be at the job site or in our showroom prior to templating.

     

    Typically, we install the countertops 7 to 10 days after templating for most products. We will give you an approximate installation date when we schedule the template.

     

  •  What do I need to prepare for templating?

     

    Cabinets must be installed. If you are remodeling, we prefer the countertops be removed.

     

    All items that will receive a cutout in the top (sinks, faucets, soap dispensers, cook tops etc). must be at the job or in our showroom at the time of templating.

     

  •  How long will I be without a countertop from the time of template?

     

    It takes us 7-10 working days from the time of template to fabricate a countertop when we have all the information. We need all faucet information and sink information if we are not providing the sink and sometimes we need range or cooktop specs.

     

  •  What can I expect the day of installation?

     

    Installation of countertops, as in all construction, produces some dust. Our installers minimize this, but you may want to cover nearby items.

     

  •  How long will installation take to complete?

     

    Many jobs are installed in one day. Larger projects naturally increase this time.

     

  •  How do I prepare for the installation of countertops?

     

    Download a copy of customer expectations for stone (quartz / granite) and solid surface countertop template / measure and installation.

     

  •  Can I install my own countertops?

     

    Our installers use time proven techniques and specialized tools. For a professional installation and a valid warranty, we install all of our stone countertops.