Granite – The Learning Center

Knowledge Is Power

Welcome to Rembrandt's Learning Center. At Rembrandt we believe that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. After reading the following sections on Selecting your Stone, Features, and Services & Terms, it will become obvious that whatever choices you make have a direct impact on the price of your project as well as the quality level of the workmanship. Understanding where each choice impacts your outcome and cost is the intent of this section as well as to empower you with enough Knowledge to make Informed Intelligent Choices.

Features, Services & Terms

Features include the choice of Edge Profile; Radius Corners and their size and location; Curved or Arced shapes; Sink Holes for undermount or drop-in sinks, faucet holes, and other openings; Back and Side Splashes; Finished Ends other than profiled edges; Overhangs; Electrical Outlet Cut-Outs; and Other miscellaneous items.

Rembrandt can provide any or all of the following Services. The more Rembrandt provides, the greater your cost becomes. Therefore, the more you want to do yourself, the more you save on your project. Rembrandt's services include: Templating; Tear-Out; Installation; Delivery or Pick-Up; and Connect and/or Disconnect the Plumbing and/or Electrical.

Rembrandt offers the following Terms for all of its clients. As Rembrandt regards Cash as King, all Cash accounts enjoy a savings over open accounts. Retail clients, paying cash, will receive a discount over the use of a credit card. Commercial accounts that have established credit with Rembrandt can choose from being billed on open account with payment terms or paying by cash and saving money.

Overview

Selecting Granite takes care and knowledge of what to look for. The following information is intended to enlighten the novice as well as the experienced person as to what to look for when physically selecting granite slabs for your project.

1. Of all of the materials used for countertops, granite has the broadest range of pricing. It can range from the very inexpensive to extremely expensive. As cost is always a primary consideration, knowing what the granite cost, or what price group it is in, could save time in the selection process.
2. As granite is quarried stone created by nature, it inherently has many flaws and defects. The quarries will patch, fill, reinforce the back of the slab, and make other cosmetic enhancements in order to avoid scraping slabs. Thus, carefully and thoroughly, visually inspect each slab. Look for repairs, cracks, voids, fissures, and other imperfections. If these material imperfections are in the center of the stone, it will become part of the countertop. If they are on the edges of the slab, it may or may not be eliminated from the countertop. Will these imperfections be acceptable? If not, DO NOT select the slab.
3. After completing the visual inspection, run your fingers over the granite's surface. Your touch will uncover flaws that your eye missed.
4. Finally look at the back of the slab. If there is a mesh adhered to the back of the slab, the material is more prone to cracking and breaking. The mesh is a red flag to look for quarry made repairs to cracks, voids, and fissures in the stone. Even without the mesh backing, inspect closely for quarry made repairs and for un-repaired cracks, voids, and fissures in the stone.
5. Does the granite being selected have dramatic color variations and/or veining throughout the slab? If so, seams in the fabricated countertop will be more apparent due to the color and/or grain shift from section to section. In order to minimize the apparent discontinuity, bookmarked slabs should be selected. That is, the slabs are quarried from the same stone block and are taken from the block in consecutive order. Bookmarking generally creates more waste from slabs as the color and pattern matching are more important than yield.
6. To assure consistency in the granite slabs, Rembrandt conducts this extensive and rigorous inspection process when material is received from the distributor.

Prices & Choices

Price on your project will be determined by many factors. Consider them in the following order:

1. Selection of the stone. As granite is quarried from worldwide locations, similar looking colors and patterns may have significantly different costs. Thus, the material selection process is your first opportunity to determine your cost. Once your specific granite is chosen, YOU continue to control the outcome of what your project costs. Your other choices include: Quality Level; Features of Your Project; and the Services Provided by Rembrandt.
2. Determine the Quality Level of your countertop based on your expectations and design requirements. Rembrandt only offers one level of quality – Premium Quality.
3. Select the Features that make your countertop unique to your needs and wants. Consider the following:
   1. The look of your countertop's finished edge. This is referred to as the countertop's Edge Profile. The selection of a profile will also determine the material thickness and if a bonded built-up edge is required. Make sure that the stone you select is available in the thickness necessary to create your chosen profile. Consider the difference between 2cm & 3cm material verses the cost to create a 2cm/4cm or a 3cm/6cm countertop. Is the look worth the difference in cost? Consider both the material cost plus the fabrication cost.
   2. Does your countertop require an inside or outside Radius Corner? If so, the size and location may impact cost.
   3. Does your countertop call for a Curved or Arced Top? If so, this feature will impact cost.
   4. Select a Sink. In addition to the cost of the sink, the selection will determine if the sink is designed to be installed as a Drop-In or is to be Undermounted. It will also determine if holes are needed to be cut into the granite for the faucet. All of these factors play a part on the cost.
   5. Do you want Other Holes for a soap dispenser, RO, or another purpose? If so, how many holes will be needed? More than three holes will add to the cost.
   6. Does your countertop call for a Cook-top or Slide in Range? If so, which one?
   7. Do you want a Backsplash? If so, how tall? Splashes may or may not be used. If used, they generally are 4" tall, but they can extend all the way to the bottom of the upper cabinets or even to the ceiling. They may also vary in height in different areas of the countertop. Determine what height(s) you want.
   8. Splashes taller than 4" may cover Electrical Outlets and switches. If this occurs, appropriate openings will be necessary. These openings in the splash will add to the cost.
   9. Does the counter Overhang the cabinet by more than a few inches? If so, where and how far? Different stones and their thicknesses will determine if the overhang needs to be supported or if it can carry the anticipated loading. Generally overhangs greater than 6" need support and will need supporting elements. Thus, overhangs may add to cost.
   10. The Finished Ends of countertops are finished differently, depending on where they occur. They are unpolished when they are butted against a wall or cabinet. A Profiled Edge is finished differently than the edge that is next to a refrigerator or range. Thus, the end treatment of the material is dependent on its location to a wall, appliance, or if it is a Profiled Edge. A well defined layout of the project will help determine if there are any additional costs not normally included in the fabrication process.

Quality Level

Rembrandt produces ONLY one level of fabrication quality - Premium Grade verses what most other fabricators provide – Builder Grade. Many times the consumer isn't offered a choice and isn't even aware that there are different levels of quality available.

The major difference between the two quality levels is the limited handwork done to enhance sloppy hand fabrication or to enhance the CNC machining and polishing of profiles, tightness of buildup seams, and matching of the stone's graining pattern. In addition, Builder's Grade can be limited by certain design features and choices.

BUILDER GRADE
Builder Grade is an industry-wide accepted level of quality and workmanship where granite and other natural stone is widely used in moderate to upper level new home construction. The simplest way to describe Builder Grade is to understand that Builder Grade sacrifices hand work for high production fabrication.

Builder Grade fabrication may or may not be done with CNC machines. CNC machines are capable of producing consistent quality machining of countertops but fall short on touch-up, hand workmanship and attention to detail. Typically, "bargain" priced granite countertops are imported from Asia and exemplify the lowest end of Builder Grade quality.

Rembrandt uses its state-of-the-art CNC machines on all of its fabrication from high production to one-of-a-kind creations without sacrificing quality.

As Builder Grade is intended to produce an acceptable quality product at a more affordable price, the following Builder Grade characteristics include:

1. Maximizing the yield from each stone slab. Choosing a stone with the minimum amount of veining and dramatic color variations, minimizes the discontinuity of the stone's pattern. Thus, Builder Grade usually offers a limited selection of stone colors.
2. There is no Bookmarking option with Builder Grade. Usually a greater number of slabs are required, which reduces the yield and increases the cost.
3. When the front edge of the countertop is built-up with a bonded layer, the facing surfaces are not ground to assure a tight fit. As thickness variations occur in the quarried slab, bonded seams may be somewhat more visible than with Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade construction.
4. The bonding epoxy used for lamination is not tinted to match the stone's basic color. Builder Grade uses one clear adhesive for all stones regardless of its color. Thus, bonded seams may be somewhat more visible than with Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade.
5. When seams are required, Builder Grade countertops generally will have more seams than Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade. With Builder Grade expect a seam at every interior corner.
6. Builder Grade does not allow the use of Curved Shapes, Interior and Exterior Radius Corners, or any other conditions that would require cutting by hand or on a waterjet, and that would require profiling by hand or on a two dimensional stone profiling CNC machine.
7. No profiling handwork or polishing handwork is done on Builder Grade.
8. Sink cut-outs are not custom fitted to the specific sink being used. Cut-outs are done with existing shop templates or from the sink manufacturer's provided digitized templates. The result is that for undermount sink installations, the granite overhang may not be uniform.
9. Cutting of stone may cause some of the stone's crystals or minerals to loosen and break away from the cut edge. Builder Grade does not repair nor grind these voids. Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade does polish and repair major chip voids should they occur.

REMBRANDT'S STANDARD PREMIUM GRADE

As the name implies, Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade elevates Builder Grade to a much higher quality level. In fact, all of the above enumerated items not typically done or offered with Builder Grade are included as standard with Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade. These features are what make Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade a higher quality product. In addition, it offers the opportunity to create unique, one-of-a-kind, customized countertops.

Edge Profiles

Granite and Engineered Stone are available in 2cm (about 3/4" thick) and 3cm (about 1-1/8" thick). The 2cm material can have a bonded front edge, creating a 4cm look. Similarly the 3cm would become a 6cm thickness. Different edge profiles and thicknesses require their own specific tooling. Therefore the following table describes the available profile for each thickness.

From a price consideration, a Bullnose is the least expensive Price Group 1 profile to fabricate.
Price Group 2 includes the Bevel, Double Bevel, Waterfall, Crescent, 3/4" Roundover, and Eased Edge.
Price Group 3 includes the Ogee and Miter.
Price Group 4 includes the Chiseled.
Price Group 5 includes the Double Coved and Double Waterfall.

Mouse over a profile to view it larger.

Radius Corners

Radius corners are usually placed on outside corners of countertops. Inside corners may or may not have a radius corner. Generally with Builder Grade, radius corners are not available. With Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade both inside and outside radius corners are available. A 3/4" outside radius corner is included without an additional charge with Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade.

Outside corners fall into five price groups.
Price Group 1 is a 3/4" radius corner.
Price Group 2 is from over 3/4" to a 3" radius corner.
Price Group 3 is from over 3" to a 6" radius corner.
Price Group 4 is from over 6" to a 12" radius corner.
Price Group 5 is from over 12" to an 18" radius corner.
Price Group 6 is over 18" radius corner.

Curved & Arced Shapes

Curved or Arced shapes are available with Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade. There is no limit to outside curves or arcs. They can be single, compound, convex, or concave to meet the most demanding design requirements. Interior curves are limited to a minimum of 2-1/2" radius like those found on inside corners.

Curved and arced shapes require more material and slower fabrication methods than straight tops. Therefore, the cost of these shapes are more than straight tops.

Sink Holes

Sink Holes are of two types: Drop-In and Undermount. In either case, there is no build up at the edge of the opening. Drop-In openings are not polished and the cut edge is as it comes off of the waterjet Rembrandt uses to cut sink holes. Similarly holes for the faucet, soap dispenser, and other small holes are not polished. Sink Holes cut for undermounted sinks have a polished edge and the edge is eased.

As more labor is required to produce a finished undermounted sink hole than for a drop-in, therefore the undermount charge is higher than the drop-in charge. When a sink hole is required, Rembrandt will cut up to 3 faucet holes at no additional charge. More than three holes per sink will be charged per hole.

Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade includes digitizing undermount sinks to assure a more uniform overhang at the sink opening. It also provides the cutting of faucet holes in a variety of hole locations without additional cost.

Back & Side Splashes

Back and side splashes may or may not be required for your specific project. Therefore, should they be required, there is an additional charge. Usually, when splashes are required they are made 4" tall. However, they can be made to any height you may want up to the full height of the cabinets or ceiling. Splashes are single thickness, rectangular, and made with an eased edge profile unless otherwise specified. Side splashes extend from the face of the backsplash to 1/4" from the beginning of the edge profile. Similarly, where there is no sidesplash or wall, backsplashes extend to 1/4" from the beginning of the edge profile.

Decorative sculptured splashes add a unique character to your countertops. The shape they take is virtually limitless. Depending on the time to program, machine, and polish the edge the additional cost is quoted on a per job basis.

Finished Ends

Finished Ends other than profiled edges occur at the ends of countertops where an appliance is located, like a slide in range or refrigerator. These ends will be polished and included with Rembrandt's Standard Premium Grade. There is no buildup on these edges. Any other treatment of these edges will add additional cost.

Overhangs

Overhangs occur when a countertop is extended past the edge of the supporting cabinet by more than a few inches. Typically this occurs when there is a bar top, pass through countertop, etc. The practical overhang distance is dependent on the stone's thickness and structural strength. Typically a 6" overhang is the maximum unsupported distance for an overhang. When the countertop extends more than 6" past the supporting cabinet or wall, the countertop requires additional support. Depending on how the support is constructed, there may be an additional cost charged by Rembrandt.

Electrical Outlet Cut-Outs

Splashes that are taller than 4" may interfere or cover electrical outlets, phone jacks, etc. Therefore, holes must be cut to allow access to the outlet. When this condition exists, there is an additional charge for each cutout.

Other Features or Requirements

Other non-standard conditions in the construction, fabrication, and installation of a specific project will incur additional charges.

Other Services Available

As a licensed general contractor, Rembrandt can provide any one of the following services. You can save money on the production of your project by doing and/or providing Rembrandt with any or all of the following items:

Templating

All projects begin with a description of the project. Once a general description and estimate has been prepared, the next step is providing working drawings and or a template for the project. There are three methods that are used to convey this information. They are by a Dimensioned Drawing, a computer generated drawing in DXF or DWG format, or making a Physical Template. There is no up-charge when a dimensioned drawing or DXF/DWG file is provided. Physical templates provided to Rembrandt will have a small up-charge to digitize the template.

If you provide any one of the above forms of working drawing or template, you will save over having Rembrandt creating them.

As the name implies a Dimensioned Drawing provides the necessary dimensioned information to build the countertop. Unless otherwise stated on the drawing it is assumed that all corners are 90 degrees and diagonals are 45 degrees. When Rembrandt works from architectural drawings, Rembrandt's standard overhang will be added where applicable unless stated otherwise on the drawing.

A DXF or DWG file has all of the fabrication information in digital form. Rembrandt uses AutoCad 2007 to read and process these files. Rembrandt DOES NOT add, subtract, or modify the drawing in any way. Therefore, all the information must be accurate and complete. DXF and DWG files are production files. The final result is solely the responsibility of the party that created it.

As the name implies a Physical Template is created actual size to duplicate the requirements for the countertop or whatever is to be fabricated. Usually, a Physical Template is made by an experienced fabricator, like Rembrandt, in order to convey all of the information required for fabrication. Physical templates can be made from a wide variety of materials. If you would like information on creating a Physical Template, contact Rembrandt.

Tear-Out

Like with templating, if you choose to do your own tear-out, it is one less thing that Rembrandt will have to do. Included within Rembrandt's tear-out service is hauling away and disposal of all refuse.

Installation

Countertops and any other fabricated item can be picked up at Rembrandt's facility, ready for installation. Should you choose to do your own installation, Rembrandt offers instruction and recommendations. Rembrandt employees highly qualified installation crews to install any job that you choose not to do yourself.

Delivery or Pick-Up

Should you wish to do your own installation but need delivery assistance, just ask. For a nominal fee Rembrandt will deliver your project anywhere in Arizona.

Connecting & Disconnecting of Plumbing & Electrical

Rembrandt holds a general contractor's license and is qualified to disconnect and reconnect all plumbing and electrical connections required for your project. Should this service be of interest, it is available upon request. Pricing is dependent on the work to be done and any estimate is subject to revision once unseen problems are encountered and/or discovered. This service is completely optional.

Like with Rembrandt's plumbing and electrical service, Rembrandt also offers wall removal and replacement, tiling, drywall, texturing, and painting that is related to the normal work Rembrandt is providing at the time.