Prefabricated Material Acknowledgement
WHAT IS PREFABRICATED GRANITE/QUARTZ? Prefabricated granite/quartz, commonly referred to as “prefab,” is granite/quartz that is mass-produced, usually ships from overseas and can be an affordable option for countertops. At the factory, the slabs are pre-cut to standard kitchen countertop depth, the edge details finished and then shipped in containers to be sold with reduced work to fabricate. Prefabricated granite slabs are created from real granite rock and will have the same characteristics that raw slab granite has; they will show natural fissures, lines and color variations throughout the stone. Prefabricated quartz slabs will have the same characteristics that raw slab quartz slabs have; they are manufactured from dye lots and color variations/patterns may vary.
Prefabricated slabs do have limitations:
Seams – Prefabricated slabs are designed for use as countertops for straight runs, bathrooms, desks, etc. They are not meant to be used in kitchens that make turns, have angles or curves. Trying to use prefabricated slabs in areas other than what they are designed for will create an undesired “patched” look, pieces will not match and there will be more seams than needed to complete the project. Raw slabs are always a better option for these situations.
Prefabricated slabs can also come “warped” or “bowed” which makes seaming the pieces difficult. It is often impossible to find out if the slab is warped or bowed until installation day when pieces are seamed together. There will be a slight “lift” to one piece in either the front or the back of the countertop at the seam which can not be altered.
Peninsula Pieces – These pieces come with one edge that is left unfinished and they are meant for use against a wall for a countertop that extends from the wall which helps create seating options in most projects. When these pieces are seamed with other pieces of prefabricated material, the color match is not always desirable. Patterns of the material will differ and colors will not match. Raw slabs are always a better option for these situations.
Islands – Islands can be created from peninsula pieces as long as the island does not exceed the dimensions of the available material. For oversized islands, a raw slab is always a better option.
Edges – Edges are pre-formed at the factory and are meant to be the finished product.
Color Matching – Each prefabricated slab used in the installation will not be from the same block or dye lot and color matching can be challenging and often impossible. If prefabricated slabs will be seamed together, we will do our best to help match the pieces as best as possible but we can not change the color or patterns of the material. Raw slabs are always the best choice in areas where pieces need to be seamed together.
Back Splash – If you are using prefabricated back splash, they usually come 6″ in height but we can cut them down to 4″ in height if needed. Please be aware that the back splash pieces are not color/pattern matched to the prefabricated slab that will be used in your project and the finished look is not always desirable.
Factory Fill – Factory fill is when the factory uses epoxy to coat the slabs to help fill the natural holes and gaps in the stone. This is seen more often with granite slabs. When left in the sun, these fill areas will discolor and turn yellow. These spots are considered part of the material purchased and often they will be in a visible area of the countertop.
Prefabricated Material Installation Acknowledgement:
GMT Stoneworks, LLC will fabricate and install prefabricated countertops for my home. I have read and understood the above notations and understand what may occur by using prefabricated countertops. I understand that GMT Stoneworks, LLC will care for the slabs during the fabrication and installation process and that installation of the countertops may not have the desired look based on the limitations of prefabricated slabs.
GMT Stoneworks | ROC#268634 | www.gmtstoneworks.com