We are in the final stretch of a full kitchen remodel. We decided on granite for the countertop because of a savings by not replacing all of the appliances. We were ready to place the order and start the process when I came across the website for marble masters http://www.marblemaster.com/
They will prepare the granite to our specifications and ship out. I would be paying about 30.00 Sq (self installed) compared to about 65.00 sq installed. My kitchen is a galley style with 2 10 foot runs on each side. One of the 10 foot runs ends at a peninsula/bartop. I would have 1 seam to join. We are using a stone tile for the back splash so that will not be granite. My question for the pros is tell me why this would be a bad idea. Thanks for any input

 

luvthewater,

If it were me, I would not order via internet in this process. What you feel would be a cost savings could turn into a cost savings nightmare. This seems to be more money motivated issue than practical.

Since you are wanting to do a slab versus tile, I would highly suggest getting it from someone local and good.

Here's the problem.

If you make a mistake in measuring, it is going to be on you, not them.

If you have a problem with the product when it arrives - nicks, flaws, etc. who is going to pay for the shipping and handling of it to get it right?

You have a seam, getting installers to take care of a product that they didn't sell you may be difficult and expensive.

I would think that you are at the point when you should "see" this countertop before ordering from what you see on line. If I am going to pay for a countertop, no matter what it is, I want to see it, touch it. I also want to know that they will back it up!

I would rather pay the extra dollars to buy it local, have them install it and know that if I have a problem, I am not waiting weeks for replacement or repair! Granite is not a maintenance free item and knowing that the company I chose to install can take care of all my needs.

If you want it professionally fabricated and installed, open your phone book and check out a few places. Actually go to the showroom and look at their work. Remember, you get what you pay for!!! The cheapest price is not always the best deal.....

My thoughts only

 

This is a 'fabricated' granite top. It is not the real thing. Granite dust & resin. Go back & read the description of their granite: "Our goal is to deliver the finest quality custom fabricated granite products at the lowest possible price." Note the word "fabricated."

 

I believe the are selling genuine granite. They custom fabricated-----granite slabs.
Don't look like such a great deal though. Their granite is 2 cm thick=like 3/4 inch+ with a 4 cm=1.5 "+ edge glued on with epoxy. Pound for pound it is no cheaper and I agree with Doug Aleshire that it is not a good idea.. It should only be considered if you can't afford the solid slab. This one needs a 3/4 piece of plywood + a waterproof coating under the slab. Is there a sink cutout. Trying to install a 3/4 " slab with a sink cutout already in it is madness.

Why not just self install the one you buy local and get the real thing. Just kidding. I know they would only knock off $100.00 or so. Or tell you the installation if free with the purchase

 

Just finished an addition and renovation. We used Silestone (a quartz composite) and are very happy with it. The kitchen was done by a local company with a top notch installer. Measuring is the big plus here. For the baths, we also used Silestone but ordered them online. The company we used was very good with fabricating what we wanted but shipping is the real problem. We ordered 3 vanity tops. The first two came in fine. The 3rd one had to be redone 4 times due to fractures and damage attributed to shipping. We are just getting it installed now and we moved into the addition before Christmas. Also, it took some additional carpentry work to have it installed properly. Our builder is extremely patient and didn't balk at the delay but others may not have been so happy to send a crew back.

Tree

 

Tree,

Good point you bring up to validate my earlier comments. I am assuming that you felt the "price was right" in getting this on-line. My concerns would be shipping problems or delays in acquiring the product.

The point you bring up that is even more critical is the fact that at what price does this all become a "good deal". In your case, your carpenter was more than accommodating in dealing with the delays. Not sure if he added more costs in the install because of this or additional work to get the new counter in. It is true that making repeat visits would in fact cause installation price to go up in most cases.

Thanks for the feedback!