Serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, RTP and all of North CarolinaServing the Triangle + all of NC Call or text (919) 802-4359
Planning resources

Plan your project with confidence.

Everything we share with clients before the work begins: how to choose your slab, how to get ready for your template, how to care for your stone and answers to the questions we hear most.

Slabs of quartzite, marble and granite at the Francini showroom in Raleigh
Francini Inc ShowroomRaleigh, NC
01 · Choosing your slab

We'll go with you to our partner showrooms.

We don't keep a showroom of our own. Instead, we take you to the slab yards and showrooms we work with across the Triangle, where the selection is far bigger. You walk the slabs with us and pick the exact one your countertops will be cut from.

Stone & slabs
  • CRS Granite
  • TVS
  • Cosmos Surfaces
  • MSI
  • Francini
  • Rock Point Granite & Marble
Tile
  • Daltile
  • Florida Tile
  • Mosaic Tile
  • Byrd Tile

Showrooms we recommend and work with. We'll meet you there, or tell us which you'd like to visit.

What to bring

  • Photos of your space

    Wide shots of the kitchen or bath, plus any finishes you're keeping.

  • A cabinet door or color sample

    Seeing stone next to your cabinets and floors makes the choice much easier.

  • Rough measurements or plans

    Even a hand sketch helps us estimate how many slabs you'll need.

  • Sink and appliance details

    Model numbers for the sink, faucet and cooktop, if you have them.

  • Your inspiration

    Saved photos or a Pinterest board of looks you like.

  • The people who decide

    Bring anyone who'll have a say. It's easier to choose together, in person.

02 · Before your template

Getting ready for measuring day.

Our own crew measures every kitchen and bath. A little preparation makes the visit quick and the fit exact.

  • Cabinets installed and level

    We template on finished, level cabinets so every piece fits.

  • Sink and faucet on site

    We need the actual sink, or its cut-out template, to measure for it.

  • Cooktop and appliance specs

    Model numbers let us cut openings to the manufacturer's sizes.

  • Counters cleared

    Clear the cabinet tops so we can measure every edge and wall.

  • Someone home to decide

    We'll confirm overhangs, seams and edge details with you on the spot.

  • Old tops: tell us first

    If tear-out is in your quote, we'll plan for it. Plumbing should be disconnected beforehand.

03 · Caring for stone

Simple care keeps it looking new.

Every material is a little different. Here's how to look after the most common ones. Not sure what you have? Call or text and we'll tell you.

Quartz

Wipe down with warm water and mild soap. It doesn't need sealing. Use trivets for hot pans, since high heat can mark the surface.

Granite

Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth. Wipe up oils and spills promptly, and reseal when water stops beading on the surface.

Marble

Acids like lemon, wine and vinegar can etch it, so wipe spills quickly and use cutting boards and coasters. Over time it develops a soft patina.

Quartzite

Very hard and heat-tolerant, but still natural stone. Keep it sealed and clean it with a pH-neutral cleaner.

For every stone

Skip bleach, abrasive pads and harsh cleaners. Don't stand or sit on countertops, especially near sink cut-outs and overhangs.

04 · Questions

Frequently asked.

Estimates & paperwork

Is the estimate free?

Yes. Send us photos, a sketch or plans and we'll put together a free estimate.

Will I get everything in writing?

Yes. You'll receive a written estimate that spells out material, edges, cutouts, tear-out and installation, and a written contract before any work begins. Nothing is cut until you've signed off.

Who will I be dealing with?

Yash Mehta reviews every inquiry personally, and you'll have one point of contact from the first estimate until the final walkthrough.

Choosing stone

Can I pick out my exact slab?

Yes, and we encourage it. We'll take you to our partner showrooms and slab yards and walk the slabs with you.

Do you have a showroom?

We're fabricators and installers, so instead of a showroom we have our own fabrication facility. For choosing stone, we take you to our partner showrooms, where the selection is far bigger than any single showroom could hold.

Which material is right for me?

It depends on how you cook, clean and live. Our materials guide compares the options side by side, and we're happy to talk it through.

Template & install

Do cabinets need to be installed first?

Yes. We template on installed, level cabinets for the most accurate fit. If we're doing your cabinetry too, we schedule both together.

Do you remove old countertops?

We can. Mention it in your inquiry and we'll include tear-out and disposal in your quote.

How long will my project take?

Every project is different, so we don't quote a standard timeline. Once we've seen your plans, we'll give you a schedule for your project.

Ready to start planning?

Free estimates, and we’ll get back to you within the hour.