Rock Tops Granite and Marble Fabricators are the Leading Experts with over 100 Years Combined, Specialized Experience
Rock Solid Service with Rock Tops Quality Features:
The Advantages of Rock Tops Granite Countertops:
The Many Uses of Rock Tops Granite:
Rock Tops Granite is available in a large variety of produces for a wide range of purposes from Residential Kitchen Island Tops to Corporate Conference Tables and Hotel Counters, and Commercial Building Exteriors.
Rock Tops Granite Finishes:
Visit us to learn more:
Rock Tops Granite
11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300
Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Toll Free: 877-762-5867
Website: http://www.rocktopsgranite.com
Email: Info@rocktopsgranite.com
Service area: St. Louis County, Maryland Heights, Florissant, Ferguson, St. Ann, Overland, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Wildwood, Fenton, Eureka and neighboring cities and communities.
Your kitchen designer has met with you, educating you about the different types of stone countertops, and now you, the homeowner, have chosen granite for your natural stone countertop.
The next step, which is also the most important, to a successful and pleasing expectation is what we call the, 'hand selection' of the granite slab. You will actually touch, feel and inspect the granite slab in order to find the granite slab that will complement your kitchen layout, touch and appearance of the surface, maintenance, and the aesthetics of your kitchen. Our checklist is to assist you in keeping the following requirements in mind when inspecting the granite slabs to find the one that best suits you.
1. Inspect the stone surface. If you see any blemishes (veins, fissures, spots, etc) that you do not want to see when the granite slab is installed in your kitchen, then bring it to the attention of the fabricator so that those areas can be avoided. Or you might need to choose another slab
2. Discuss how the slab will be cut and the affect it will have on the veining (direction and durability) and aesthetics in the kitchen
3. Notice the feel and texture of the natural fissures, especially found in the colored granite slabs. Are you pleased? If not, choose another slab in the same color family or another color.
4. Discuss maintenance requirements. Who will seal the granite slab after installation? Will it be you or will it be the installer? What type of maintenance will be required going forward? You will need to have a clear of understanding before making your final selection.
5. Ask about the proposed edge detail and how it will affect the aesthetics of the kitchen. Keep in mind that some colors will change over time (which is called 'patina') due to the granite's exposure to sunlight and the environment of the kitchen. There could be a difference in appearance of the edges compared to the granite slab surface. You also want the style of the edge detail to complement the kitchen layout versus consume the room.
6. Tour finished countertops at the factory. This opportunity will allow you to get a realistic expectation of what our edge detail design will look in your kitchen.
7. Ask about the seams of the granite slab. Can the fabricator avoid seams altogether or will the granite slab have to be positioned to be less noticeable? A good Fabricator will be mindful of this requirement.
8. Lighting is very important - You will want to be pleased with this key requirement before making your final selection. Be sure it is a sunny day if outdoors and that you have also observed a sampling of the slab indoors as well. Ask if you can take a sample home with you.
9. Know that 'honed' granite requires a greater amount of maintenance and care due to its matted finish. Talk to your fabricator about choosing Black Honed Granite for the kitchen. This stone, unlike other colors of granite, is not as durable and is less resistant to the kitchen environment (water, finger prints, hot objects, etc)
10. Choose what appeals to you. In making the right selection of granite slab, you want to work with a fabricator whose focus is on developing an informed customer and not just making the sale. After all the technical requirements have been addressed (you might have several colors to choose from), choose the granite slab color that you feel the best about. It's all about how you feel at this point. Go with what's in your heart, and enjoy your choice for many years to come!
This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, the leading experts in granite and marble countertops fabrication and installation. With their use of the latest technology for cutting, shaping and finishing the stone to perfection, they produce the highest quality custom countertops at the lowest price of their competitors. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom where you can learn more.
Granite makes an intriguing statement in a Kitchen, whether a smooth or mirrored finish, curved corners or intricate edge details, granite is assured to complement any kitchen design or layout. Granite's durability causes it to be resistant to water, stains, even heat; causing it to be able to handle any kitchen chores.
When making your choice of granite to install in your kitchen, you will want to consider colors and veining. It is the degree of veining that influences the durable qualities of the countertop. Your fabricator / installer will guide you in also choosing the right type of counter to complement your cabinetry. If you want to make an aesthetic statement in your kitchen, granite is the choice to make.
When considering cost, granite (from slab) will typically be more expensive than laminate or such, however, to reduce the cost, consider a simple four inch backsplash and a self-rimming sink cutout, or use granite tiles for the backsplash.
This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, the leading granite and marble countertop fabricators in the US. Rock Tops technology sets them apart from other companies. With computer numerically controlled (CNC) stone processing equipment, they get a perfectly cut and polished edge on every countertop. Artfully merging the latest technology with old world stone craftsmanship, http://www.rockgtopsgranite.com is the expert at creating quality granite and marble countertops which they professionally install.
Marble comes in various varieties from which it is named, from the quarry that it comes from - such as Paros, Pentelli of Greece and Carrara of Italy.
Marble, crystallized limestone is composed of quartz and orthoclase, or sometimes microcline. Typically marble is used on construction of buildings, sculpture and monuments. Advantage technology and surface finishes have made marble applicable for other types of surfaces. A polished finish provides depth and richness of color for sinks and vanities and honed finishes creates non-slippery flooring.
Faux marbling is a painting technique that is used to mimic the color and pattern of marble. Marble can also be mixed with synthetic resins to create a cultured marble appearance.
Although marble is primarily used in the construction industry, today marble is a popular decorative choice and is also synthetically imitated due to its colorful pattern.
This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, the leading experts in granite and marble countertops fabrication and installation. With their use of the latest technology for cutting, shaping and finishing the stone to perfection, they produce the highest quality custom countertops at the lowest price of their competitors. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom where you can learn more about beautiful granite and marble countertops.
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There are many finishes to choose from when selecting granite slab - polished, satin, and honed are just a few. Each finish creates a distinct appeal to the face of the granite (that is the surface you see), in terms of appearance, feel and aesthetics to a room. We have provided short summary on these types of finishes for your consideration.
Polished Finish
The natural granite slab is passed through an automated system to prepare the slab for the polishing process. After the pre-stage is completed abrasive, polishing pads, and buffing are applied to the surface of the granite slab to achieve the desired polished or mirrored finish. This mirrored finished gives a full and rich color, accentuating the granite slab's natural character. The polished finish is considered to be the best type of surface finishing for granite, for its appeal, maintenance and durability.
Satin Finish
The satin finish is considered to be the middle of the road; it's not as intense in depth of color and richness, (not as reflective with the light) but not as matted as honed. The pre-stage process is the same; however, the polishing and buffing process is not as intense as the polished finish. The satin finish has its own unique style of appeal, maintenance and durability.
Honed Finish
Honed surface finishing is very different in that the granite slab is processed to a smooth finish, but no buffing is done. This makes for a surface that has no reflection with light. Usually this type of finish is used for flooring and high-traffic areas. However, honed granite slab can be used as for countertops, just, know that the richness of the granite's character and durability is greatly diminished and it is less resistant to water, cooking oils, scratches and the overall kitchen environment.
This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, the leading experts in granite and marble countertops fabrication and installation. With their use of the latest technology for cutting, shaping and finishing the stone to perfection, they produce the highest quality custom countertops at the lowest price of their competitors. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom where you can learn more about granite countertops.
Rock Tops Granite artfully merges the latest technology with old world stone craftsmanship to create quality products adding beauty and elegance to any home or commercial building.
Rock Tops Granite's goal is to artfully merge the latest technology and old world stone craftsmanship in creating quality products, professionally installed. At Rock Tops, with over three million dollars of the most up to date computer controlled cutting equipment, we deliver an unmatched polished edge and a perfect cut and outline every time.
At Rock Tops Granite your satisfaction is set in stone.
Due to the escalating prices for artificial hard surfaces you can enjoy the natural beauty and durability of granite and other natural stone for almost the same price. At Rock Tops we have a huge selection of full slabs. Many of our customers have described the viewing of the stone in our showroom "like going to a fine art gallery."
So if you're ready for the most perfect countertops at the best possible price, or if you simply enjoy looking at beautiful things, stop by Rock Tops brand new showroom and manufacturing facility.
Bring Mother Nature's Art Gallery into your home.
No other granite and marble fabricator can beat the experience of Rock Tops. The owners of Rock Tops and its management team have over 100+ years of combined /specialized experience.
Owners
Charlie Thiede
Bob Gasiorowski
Management Team
Jeff Rogers - General Manager (Michigan Home Operations)
Gary Wiley - General Manager (Out-state Operations)
Scott Smith - Installation Manager
Don Ott - Master Fabricator/Installer
Sales Team
Sal Delacasa - Macomb, MI - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley - Wixom, MI - Sales Manager
Mike Eubanks - Saline, MI - Sales Manager
John Baird - Holly, MI - Sales Manager
John Caterina - Grand Rapids, MI - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley- Noblesville, IN - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley- Columbus, OH - Sales Manager
Computer Controlled Cutting Technology
At Rock Tops we have invested over one million dollars of the most up to date computer controlled cutting equipment. We deliver a superior polished edge, and a perfect cut and outline every time. The use of computer numerically controlled stone cutting and shaping equipment delivers unmatched accuracy, quality cuts and a superior polished edge - over and over again. Then our skilled stone craftsmen hone our products even further to deliver superior customer satisfaction.
This system also expedites the field measuring process, and it is especially attractive for remodels because the technology allows for detailed measurements to be taken, and accurate data to be collected, without having to remove the existing counter tops. Now you don't have to live without use of your kitchen while your replacement counter tops are being fabricated. It also helps to map uneven wall surfaces for an accurate fit and finish. Again, our skilled stone craftsmen finish the job to your complete satisfaction.
Natural stone, and granite in particular, provide organic beauty, indisputable strength and ultra durability. Granite is one of the oldest and most respected building materials. Traditionally, it is the ideal material chosen by architects and engineers when permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are paramount.
Granite can be used indoors and outdoors. Both eye-catching and ageless, Granite is available in a slew of striking colors, textures and finishes that will complement any dècor. Granite is the ultimate material for interior design on countertops and bath vanities, reception desks, conference tables, fireplaces, pedestals and bistro tables.
As an architectural stone, granite can be installed on stairs and copings, window sills and moldings, columns, interior and exterior cladding panels. Granite can hold up in the most demanding situations, such as commercial kitchens in restaurants and institutions. Its inherent strength makes it highly resistant to wear and tear on interior flooring applications.
When used outdoors, granite's mineralogical composition can endure freeze and thaw cycles. The diamond-like hardness of granite makes it impervious to extreme heat, ultraviolet light, acids, and abrasions. However, it is somewhat porous and requires a penetrating sealer to deter stains. Elite sells the stone care products for household use to carry out this annual maintenance procedure.
Product Variety
Our expertise allows us to offer a large variety of products - from kitchen island tops and corporate conference tables, to hotel counters and building exteriors.
Finishes
Granite surfaces may be finished in a number of ways. In general, smooth finishes tend to emphasize color and veining, whereas rough finishes tend to subdue the veining or markings. Typical finishes are:
Polished - A glossy surface that brings out the full color and character of the granite.
Honed - A satin smooth surface with little or no gloss.
Fine Rubbed - Smooth and free from scratches, no sheen.
Rubbed - Smooth, flat, non-reflective surface, with occasional light trails or scratches.
Sawn - A comparatively rough surface.
Thermal (flamed) - Rough surface produced by application of high temperature flame to the surface.
Other finishes such as shot ground, sand blasted, and bush hammered are available. Some stone finishes can affect strength and durability. Examples are bush-hammered and thermal finishes which initially reduce a stone's thickness and also make it more vulnerable to weakening from exposure to freeze and thaw cycles. The type of finish desired bears some relationship to final cost.
Natural Color Variations
Granite is a natural product, with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. The samples you see will not be the same when compared to the slabs you receive. A sample is a piece from the slab, and since granite is a product of nature they ought to differ.
Granites such as absolute black, black galaxy, and a few more are similar through out having no or very little variation. It is always wise to see the slab and not judge by the sample.
Click here for color samples.
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