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Q: How much will it cost to replace my countertops and backsplash?

Once you begin investigating new countertop materials, you will undoubtedly need to make decisions that keep expenses within a budget. Forecasting a final cost is crucial, but can prove daunting.

There are several “costs” to consider. Of course, there is the dollar cost. This should be the easiest to understand, but may, in fact, be the trickiest. The number you should be most concerned with is the bottom-line figure, not the so-called cost per square foot. Often cost per square foot prices exclude many necessary items such as sink cutouts, cooktop cutouts, additional cost for making interesting shapes, holes for mounting faucets, soap dispensers, etc., and special charges for backsplashes.

Also, examine package prices carefully. The set price typically limits your choices to a few edges or colors. If you make a change the cost soars dramatically. If you’re satisfied with the few choices of a mass-produced product, this may be acceptable. We offer the full spectrum of options to ensure your countertop is unique and special for you at a reasonable cost.

Also, there is the cost in convenience. By now you know we can remove your existing countertop the same day we install your new countertop. What a concept! Others want you to be without the use of your kitchen for weeks between removal and installation. You get the convenience of single responsibility and efficiency with Artisan.

Finally, there is the notion of trust and confidence. Once you meet and know us you can feel at ease making decisions based on our knowledge, experience and honesty.

So, compare prices and rest easy with us as your contractor. You’ll love a job done right-on time, the first time.

Q: What is the step by step process?

The exact steps depend on the material chosen.

Granite: Once you focus on granite it will be a pleasure to select the actual slabs from which we will fabricate your countertops. We maintain a list (link to suppliers maps) of suppliers who have warehouses stocked with huge inventories to view. We encourage you to visit them (or any others you may choose) and reserve slabs under your name and ours. We will confirm our pricing based on your choice and once you agree, we can pick up the material to hold for your work.

We can now set a time to make the template – the pattern used to fabricate your new countertop. You will need to have your new sink ready for us when we come to template, so begin looking now! Also, if you are replacing your cooktop or oven, it should be available at the time we template in order to ensure a proper fit. We will need about 2 hours or less for this visit. We will also review and confirm all your specifications at this time. A 50% deposit is accepted at this time.

Within 2 weeks we will return to install your countertops!

Quartz or Solid Surface: Since either material is very uniform, the color and pattern you choose from the sample is very representative of the countertop you will get. There is no need to look at slab material. Once you select a brand and color, the quoted price is the total cost.

INSTALLATION

Typically, our installers arrive mid-morning on installation day, but we try to accommodate your schedule depending on your location and the necessary drive time. Installation may normally take one day, but larger projects take longer to finish.

The installation area should be clear so our crew can immediately go to work. Water and electricity should also be available to the installers.

If required, we will first remove the existing countertop and backsplash. Then we adjust the cabinets to level and put the new tops in place.

Once installation is complete, please make a final inspection to be certain you are satisfied with our work. Before our crew leaves we will be sure the work area is clean.

Final payment is due upon completion of the job.

SPECIAL DETAILS

Plumbing and electrical work, such as connecting drains, faucets, ovens and other items related to the countertop installation, are usually done by a licensed plumber or electrician. (Our installers are not plumbers or electricians.) Therefore, please arrange to have the sink and cooktop connected or ask us to specifically include this cost in your estimate.

You may do your own removal and disposal of the existing countertop or you may have us remove and dispose of the debris. It is entirely your option.

Q: What is a coved backsplash?

Coving is an option exclusively available for solid surface countertops that replaces the standard 90-degree backsplash joint with a smooth seamless bend at the material joint. The result increases both beauty and cleaning ease.

Q: What edge options are available?

These are some of our popular edge treatments available. We have others. Make sure to check with us to ensure an appropriate choice for your material.

Q: How do I care for my countertops?

Below you will find some general care hints. We would refer you to the web site for each brand we install for specific recommendations.

• Since Solid Surface is moderately scratch-resistant, avoid sliding objects across the material, especially clay flower pots or other items which might have sharp edges. Protect the counter from these risks with felt or other shields. Both Quartz and Granite offer higher resistance to marring. In particular, quartz offers very high protection from scratching or cutting in food preparation areas.

• Shield both Solid Surface and Quartz from high heat by using pads or trivets. Also, use care with some countertop appliances such as electric skillets, toaster ovens and the like, which could subject the material to quick, high-temperature change or sustained high-heat build up.

• Solid Surface and Quartz materials are highly resistant to stains. Both can be bleached, as necessary, and respond well to a liquid cleaning material such as Soft Scrub, if needed. Abrasive cleaners should not be used or necessary. Most Granite should be sealed annually, or more frequently under heavy use. Sealer will penetrate into the pores and block dark stains from oils and butter (fats). Sealer can be purchased at specialty granite stores or from home centers. Apply liberally to permit penetration into the material pores for a few minutes. Then wipe the surface dry.

• Citrus juices (orange and lemon juice, etc.) contain weak acids. Wipe away these liquids promptly to prevent the acids from etching into the Granite. Once etched, the only recourse is re-polishing, an expensive and inconvenient repair.

Q: How long have you been in business?

We started Artisan Surface Design in 2006 after having been in business with others for years. We saw a need for more responsive customer service at affordable prices. Therefore we set out to supply unequalled customer service and build a highly efficient fabrication operation.

Q: How long does it take to get new countertops?

Much of the time spent in arranging new countertops depends on how long you need to make an informed decision. This is not a decision to rush into or to make without adequate information.
 

We typically make appointments for the initial visit a few days in advance to fit your schedule. We meet with you for a couple of hours or less to develop some initial options and prices. If you are prepared at that point to accept our proposal, we both can begin working. If a new cooktop and/or sink will be required, you should make plans to have it/them available for our next step, templating. We will order the necessary material to prepare for templating. We will arrange to template generally in 2 weeks. This can vary, depending on our current work schedule. Templating involves making a guide to fabrication from your cabinets and usually takes about 2 hours in your home. During the next few days we make and polish your countertops.

Then we will make the final appointment for installation within 10 days following templating. With a date now in mind you can arrange for a plumber or electrician to follow behind us, as required, to complete water and power connections. For renovation work, we will remove the old countertops first, then level the cabinets, as required, and finally install the new tops generally the same day. So, from start to finish, this could take from 2-4 weeks.

Q: How can I get a price quote?

Follow the link  TO THE PROCESS

Q: Where do I see your marble and granite?

Here is a list of several granite distributors in Portland that make available to us a huge selection of in-stock Granite as well as the ability to special-order any specific request. We feel this freedom of choice benefits you, the customer, far more than offering a limited selection in our inventory. We also compare price and quality from our sources to ensure delivery of the best value to you.

Some of our stone comes from Pental, Oregon Tile and Marble, Intrepid, EleMar and Casa Bella.

VIEW MAPS TO GRANITE VENDORS

Q: I don’t want seams. What should I do?

If you have chosen solid surface material, seams will be virtually invisible. If you chose either Quartz or Granite, it is possible that you will need one or more seams. The slab size of Quartz material is about 53” by 114”, and Granite comes in widely varying sizes, usually near 67” by 114”. Look around your kitchen and see if you can fit the shape onto a slab size as mentioned above.

If a seam is necessary you can rest assured we will make it as tight as possible. However, notice the color variation in the material you have selected. If it is composed of one color, the seam will be inconspicuous. However, if the slab has several colors and veins that flow through the material, the seam will have noticeable color changes. This is part of the look of Granite and it cannot be avoided. With Quartz, the flecked color changes are also visible, but less so, compared to the veins in some Granite.

Q: I want to change my island by adding another level. Can you do that?

Yes, we work with business partners so that together we can make modifications and supports that will enable you to add space to your island or other countertops. We can discuss options such as end columns and steel framing that will add beauty and function inexpensively.

Q: I’m confused by 2 cm and 3 cm thickness in Granite and Quartz.

Both Granite and Quartz materials are generally available in two thicknesses- 2 cm. and 3 cm. (Solid Surfaces are generally ½” thick.) The cm. designates the metric term centimeter. Two cm. is equivalent to about ¾ inch; three cm. is equivalent to about 1¼ inch.

Most of the time, there is little meaningful cost difference between the choices. The material cost-saving of 2 cm is offset by the labor for an edge lamination. Sometimes there is no choice, as only one thickness may be available or one may be preferable in appearance.

When 2 cm material is used, a support structure such as plywood is necessary. In order to hide the plywood edge from view, a small strip of countertop material is laminated to the edge. Now the edge is 4 cm thick, a bit more than 1½ inch, with a tiny seam along the edge length.

If 3 cm material is used, no additional support will be needed. The material fits directly on to the cabinets. The edge is 3 cm thick. There is no laminated seam.

Your decision of 2 cm vs. 3 cm might me motivated by the thickness of the back splash. If the splash will be the same material as the counter top the 2 cm choice will be thinner and more like thick tile. Also, notice the color variation in the material you have selected. If it is composed of one color, then the 2 cm lamination seam will be inconspicuous. However, if the slab has several colors and veins that flow through the material, the seam will have noticeable color changes. This is part of the look of granite and it cannot be avoided. With Quartz, the flecked color changes are also visible but less so compared to the veins in some granite.

Q: Can you place the countertop under my appliance garage or over my lazy Susan cabinet base?

We will discuss the options during the first meeting and templating process to offer solutions. Generally, we remove the appliance garage, trim it and reinstall it to accommodate the new countertop material. If necessary, we will also remove cabinets and molding to access the area.

If additional support is needed around a lazy Susan we will add it. Please designate such concerns on faxes or emails to us as they require special consideration.

Q: Will my cabinets support Granite or Quartz?

We will closely inspect your cabinets once the old countertops are removed. If added support is required we will supply this within reason. If extensive extra support or replacement is necessary, we will discuss this extra cost option with you. Unless you have reason to doubt the structural integrity of your cabinets, there most likely will be no problem. If you are aware of previous water damage or pest damage, point these out to us so we can evaluate the situation early on.

How do I choose a sink?

Given all the styles of sinks available today, it can be challenging to narrow the selection to just one. Here’s an overview that can get you started.

While there are different styles such as single-bowl, double-bowl, farm house (or apron sink) and different materials such as stainless steel, composite, cast iron, porcelain, acrylic, etc., generally there are 3 types identified by the way they are mounted to the countertop: drop-in (or self-rimming), undermount and integral.

The drop-in sink mounts from above the countertop and is probably the sink style many of us grew up using. It is noticeable by the sink lip that rises above the countertop level that has to be cleaned around while most of the bowl hangs below the counter.

Under-mount sinks lock to the countertop from below. This type has achieved popularity recently for its good looks and ease of use. There is no surface lip line to trap food or water. Anything on the countertop surface can be wiped into the sink easily. A small seam exists below the countertop and is filled with silicone sealer for waterproofing.

An integral sink closely resembles an under-mount sink. However, there is no gap whatsoever where the sink meets the countertop. Usually, this sink is found in Solid Surface countertops (could be used in concrete also). As the sink and the countertop are composed of the same material they appear to “weld” together so no seam can be felt, although it is usually visible due to differing material colors.

Another type sink that is newly popular is the vessel, or bowl sink. It is a variety of drop-in sink, although it may actually sit totally above the countertop, rather than being partially above and below like most self-rimming sinks.

Any of these sinks will serve you well, but the newer vessel and under-mount sinks are exciting innovations in style and user-friendliness.

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