Color Variations: Due to different minerals, natural stones often show a wide range of color variations within a single slab, a hallmark of their nature.

Veining and Patterns: Stones like marble and granite have natural veining and patterns formed by geological processes, valued for their decorative appearance.

Holes and Cracks: Inherent holes and cracks from formation are often filled during processing and do not affect structural integrity.

Pits and Pockmarks: Small surface pits or pockmarks, caused by trapped gases during formation, are natural features, not defects.

Surface Inconsistencies: Slight surface inconsistencies like uneven textures or rough spots are natural and enhance the stone’s unique look.

Mineral Deposits: Various mineral deposits create specks or streaks of color that enhance the stone’s individuality.

These inherent characteristics make natural stones desirable, contributing to their unique look and ensuring no two pieces are exactly alike.

Countertop installation typically takes 5-7 business days after the template is ready. We can prioritize orders for customers who are in a rush due to family gatherings, birthday parties, special festivals, or those who have paid in full. In these cases, installation can be completed in 3-5 business days.

For more information please refer to Question 3.

Step 1: After installing your cabinets, call your NHKB designer to schedule a kitchen template measurement. Our stone worker will usually visit within 1-2 days of your call.

Step 2: We will notify you 1 day in advance of the measurement time window. Our stone worker will then come to create the template and discuss details with you. Ensure someone is home to let us in.

Step 3: The template is typically ready the next day. We will double-check the sizes and contact you to confirm stone seams, sink types, faucet holes, backsplash, overhangs, and other details.

Final Step: Countertop installation usually takes 5-7 business days after the template is ready. We will drill the faucet hole on-site, ensuring a clean job with no dust. If needed, we may return to template a full-height backsplash, which will take an additional 3-5 business days to install.

Choosing the right countertop colors and style can significantly impact your kitchen or bathroom’s look and feel. Here are some tips:

Matching with Existing Elements:

1. Cabinets: Complement painted cabinets with contrasting or matching countertops. For natural wood cabinets, consider the wood grain and tone.
2. Flooring: Pair patterned floors with subtle countertops and solid floors with more dramatic options.
3. Appliances: Stainless steel appliances match various countertop colors, while white or black appliances may influence your choice.

Style and Design Trends:

1. Contemporary: Choose quartz with clean lines and minimal patterns.
2. Industrial: Opt for concrete-look quartz or dark polished granite.
3. Mediterranean: Use rich, warm colors and intricate patterns in granite or marble.
4. Scandinavian: Select light, bright colors and natural materials like white marble or quartz.

Material-Specific Considerations:

1. Granite: Offers variety, heat resistance, and durability but needs periodic sealing.
2. Quartz: Non-porous, stain-resistant, and available in many colors and patterns.
3. Marble: Luxurious with unique veining, but softer and more maintenance-intensive.

Visual Effects:

1. Small Spaces: Lighter colors make small kitchens appear larger.
2. Large Spaces: Darker colors add depth and warmth.
3. Patterns: Bold patterns can be focal points; subtle patterns offer a uniform look.

Long-Term Considerations:

1. Durability: Granite and quartz are durable; marble requires more care.
2. Maintenance: Quartz is low-maintenance; granite needs regular sealing.
3. Trends: Neutral and classic designs are more timeless.

The main purpose of a 4-inch backsplash is to protect the walls from water, grease, and other cooking-related spills. However, a 4-inch backsplash is now considered outdated. If you have already tiled the wall, there is no need to install an additional backsplash.

Full Height Backsplash: Extending from the countertop to the cabinets or ceiling, full-height backsplashes offer a seamless and modern look. They are great for showcasing materials with dramatic patterns, like veined marble or colorful tiles, and provide robust protection against splashes, making cleaning easier.

Waterfall with Mitered Cut: Waterfall countertops flow down the sides of cabinetry to the floor, creating a striking visual continuity. The mitered cut, where edges are joined at a 45-degree angle, enhances the seamless appearance and showcases the material’s patterns. This style adds elegance and protects cabinet sides.

Build-Up Edge: This technique enhances the countertop’s edge thickness by adding a strip of material underneath the edge, creating a luxurious and substantial look. Build-up edges can also reinforce the countertop’s structural integrity and are available in various styles to suit different design preferences.