Frequently Asked Questions

When getting an estimate, get the total price with everything included. Some companies will advertise a low price per square foot but will only include 1 or 2 unpopular colors and charge high mark-up fees for faucet holes, edging, cook top cut outs, corners, etc. 

How do I measure my countertops?

Draw your dimensions like the drawing above and e-mail or fax them to us.  This will help us determine your total square footage and amount of material required.  sales@TexasMGS.com or (469) 533-1981

What is the difference between "pre-fabricated" and "full slab" countertops?

Pre-fabricated  granite is material from China that is cut, polished, & fabricated into small pieces and sold to the public through discount retail outlets.  Pre-fabricated material is very porous, susceptible to cracks & color discoloration.  The pieces are small and many seams are visible once the installation is complete.  Every single piece of granite is from a different part of the quarry so when you install pre-fabricated granite you will have areas that do not match at the seam.  This type of granite is commonly seen in commercial projects and is not recommended for custom homes nor home improvement projects.  You can also find pre-fabricated material at Big Box Retailers in the metroplex, however these are not to be confused with "Full Slab Countertops."  If the price you are being quoted sounds very low, $14 or $20/ Sq.Ft., ask if you are being quoted for pre-fabricated granite.

Pre-Fabricated ---> Full Slab --->

On the other hand, Full Slab Countertops are made from slabs measuring 50 to 60 Square Feet.  The slabs are quarried in many places around the world including Brazil, India, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, Finland, then polished and prepared for shipment across the world.  We allow you to hand-pick the slabs for your project at a local granite warehouse (IMC, Louisiana Stone, Arizona Tile, Levantina, & Dal-Tile).  The slabs are custom cut according to the dimensions of your project & fabricated according to your selections.  All cutting, fabricating, polishing is done at our fabrication facility.

We only specialize in  Full Slab Countertops.

Why should I go directly with the fabricator?

Most contractors, retailers, or salesmen, do not have a fabrication facility meaning they do not cut, fabricate, nor install the product they sell.  Rather the project is outsourced to different fabricators & installers.  When you go directly with the fabricator you are saving the mark-ups you would otherwise be paying and you know exactly who is responsible from start to finish.  Insurance protection & warranty is also provided by the fabricator.

What is a "Group One Category" or "Group One Colors"?

This is a way to describe a group of colors in a certain price range.  A lot of companies will include 2 or 3 unpopular colors in this category, advertise a low price, and then put all the good and popular colors in higher priced categories.  We like to be direct with our customers so if we get a color at a certain price we will pass on the savings to our customers.  Our commitment to this is evident as our Group One Category includes over 15 popular colors.

Why are Group 2, 3, & 4 colors more expensive than Group 1 colors?

The price difference is based solely on the color of the slab and not on the quality of the Granite.  Slabs with a lot of movement like Typhoon Bordeaux & Yellow River will have huge waves and beautiful colors and will be in the higher Group Categories.  Colors with less movement and uniform patterns will be in the Group One Category. (ex. Santa Cecilia, New Caledonia, & Uba Tuba) Click Here to see our Group Colors.

What is the difference between 3CM and 2CM Granite?

3CM is 1 1/4" thick and 2CM is 3/4" thick.  3CM is standard for kitchens.  2CM is popular for vanities, table tops, & bars.

How much will it cost?

The cost of your project will be based mainly on two things.  The amount of square feet your project has & the color of granite you pick.  Whether your project will require 1 or 2 slabs can also affect the price. Click here to see our prices and current specials.

Can I purchase material directly from stone yards / stone suppliers?

No, stone suppliers like IMC, Levantina, Louisiana Stone, etc. only sell to qualified customers including, fabricators, contractors, & retail stores.  All pricing is privy to fabricators, contractors, & retail stores.  When you visit the stone yard they will not give you pricing but they will tell you the price range of a particular color.

How long will it take?

From the day you pick out material and we make templates, we ask for for a seven day time-frame.  This gives us enough time to properly cut, fabricate, & polish the slabs at our facility. 

An average size kitchen installation is complete in one day.  This includes both the tearing out of the old countertops and the installation of the new countertops.

Why Granite?

Granite is very durable and recommended for any countertop surface.  It's a natural stone so no two slabs of granite are alike which gives each kitchen a unique and personal touch.  Granite countertops also keep their value better than any other home improvement and increase the re-sale value of any home. 

Where do we go to view & select material (Granite Slabs, Tile, etc.)?

We are partners with all major stone suppliers in Texas.  Our suppliers include, Louisiana Stone, IMC, Arizona Tile, Dal-Tile, or Levantina.  Call us to schedule an appointment to view and select material for your project.

Do you install backplashes?

Yes, backplash installation services are available.  A backsplash is typically installed 1 to 2 days after the countertop installation.  You can pick any type of material including:  Tumbled Stone, Travertine, Marble, Slate, Glass, Porcelain, and more!

Can I place hot pots directly on my granite countertops?

Yes, granite is not harmed hot pans.

Do I have to seal my granite countertops?

Sealing granite is optional.  However all granites are sealed by the fabricator upon installation. Penetrating sealer is used to protect and help prevent staining.  Sealing your countertops at least once a year is recommended. Natural stone sealer can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Will my countertops have a seam/joint?

Seam(s) may be necessary depending on countertop layout, slab size, and amount of slabs purchased. Seams are colored to match the color of your granite. So if you have a black colored granite, the seam will also be black.

Click here to view our stone selection and prices.

Written information above is property of Texas Marble & Granite Services and cannot be duplicated or copied.