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(FAQ's) Frequently Asked Questions
[] [] What services or products does Paragon provide?
Paragon is what is known as a Fabricator. We take slabs of stone and 'fabricate' them into various things such as countertops, backsplash, fireplace surrounds, shower walls, etc. We also install tile!
[] [] Where do the slabs come from and does Paragon have it's own slab yard?
You can select from at least 7 different slab yards in the Fresno area. We can fax or email you this list. Plus we do have a slab yard on our property as well.
[] [] What is the typical size of a granite slab?
The average slab size is typically 115" +
long by 68" + tall. We will work with you to layout the job to
place as few seams as possible in a kitchen.
Seams are required based on slab size and may be needed
for handling purposes as well.
[] [] Why should I hire a licensed and insured fabricator?
For one thing, if your fabricator doesn't have liability
insurance or doesn't pay Worker's comp for his employees, if there
is an accident or a problem with the installation, it falls on you to
remedy the situation. Your insurance company will not cover you
because you knowingly hired an unlicensed provider. Click the word
license below to see the status of our license at the contractor's board
state license website. You can then search for other company's
licenses as well.
Click here to check for license.
[] [] Is that why there is sometimes a difference in the price
between the 'pickup contractor' and a legitimate licensed
contractor like Paragon?
Yes, for example, we pay over $60,000 per
year for worker's comp for our employees. It's expensive to
do things the right way!
[] [] Is granite a durable surface to use on countertops?
I heard it will stain and scratch?
Most of the time when we examine counters
that either scratch or stain, they are not granite at all. They are
usually marble, travertine or limestone. Granite is the only one
that contains Quartz, which is second in hardness only to diamond.
It makes up apx 40% of granite slabs. All granite is also
treated with an epoxy resin (glue) that is forced down into the
slab's surface to fill any fissures and pits before the quarry even
polishes it. This makes sealer less important in most cases.
[] [] Can we use marble, travertine or limestone in
our kitchen?
We strongly recommend against it. All 3 of these
are very susceptible to what is known as 'etching'. This is when
the shine will literally be eaten away by anything it comes in
contact with that is highly acidic, such as soda, fruit juice, wine,
ketchup, mustard, etc. Plus it is easy to stain. At Paragon, we
will allow you to put these into your kitchen but we will have
you sign a disclaimer and will educate you on care and
maintenance. Marble is ideal for low traffic areas such as an
adult bathroom, shower surrounds, vanity tops, fireplaces
and so forth.
[] [] Is heat a problem around granite?
Would you believe we actually use torches to
dry the stone during fabrication! Granite is very heat resistant
and can handle the heat associated with baking trays, pots
and pans that are placed on the counter. However it is not
recommended to leave a crock pot on your counter all day,
since the contrast in temperature under and around it could
cause the granite it crack as it is cooling due to expansion
and contraction. Not likely, but possible.
[] [] What do I do to maintain the shiny finish?
There is very little maintenance required with
granite counters. Warm soap and water for everyday clean up,
or even razor blades for scraping dried on food from the counter.
Non-oil based kitchen cleaners (no Orange Oil) and of
course no abrasive cleaners. Products like 409 are OK,
but no heavy ammonia sprays, etc. Your granite counter
has been machined to a high shiny finish with diamond
polishing pads so you can count on them being shiny for
generations to come.
[] [] I dont think I can afford this!
You may be right, but you should compare
prices with other popular man-made products offered today.
Although it's more expensive than tile, you can get beautiful
granite for the same price as the plastic, poured and molded
counters such as Corian and Formica.
[] [] Whats the difference between Corian and granite?
Corian was invented in the late 60's and was
a popular replacement for tile, ridding the kitchen of grout, and
because natural stone prices were so high at the time,
it became very popular.
Now that there is so much Granite and Marble being imported
into the US, the prices are in the same range as Corian.
[] [] How do I know if I need to seal my granite?
One method you can use is to sprinkle
some water on your countertops. If the water soaks into the
stone and does not bead up, but instead slightly soaks in
causing a dark area, then we would recommend resealing
your granite.
[] [] How will I know if my old cabinets can support a
new countertop?
Stone countertops will weigh apx. 12 pounds per sq ft.
If you are replacing tile counters, the tile is typically set on a
bed of concrete which is apx 1" thick. The concrete and tile
together will weigh the same or more as 2cm granite so there
is no problem if your cabinets had no issues supporting tile.
[] [] Will my countertop have a seam?
We try extremely hard to avoid seams if possible,
but the reality is that the majority of countertops will have a seam
no matter how hard we try.How is the seam placement determined?
Seams are determined by countertop layout, slab sizes, efficiency
of slab use, and material size. We involve you in the decision
making process by inviting you out to our showroom to do a layout.
Click Here to see a picture of the layout process.
[] [] Can I cut on granite?
Yes, Granite is an extremely tough, durable
material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface
without fear of scratching the stone (although this may dull
your knives). It is still best to use a cutting board.
[] [] Can I set hot pans and pans on quarts countertops?
NO, Quartz is a good product for kitchens
because under normal conditions it will not burn. However,
our experience has shown that the manmade elements of
quartz such as the epoxy resin can discolor.
Granite will not be harmed by hot pots or pans.
[] [] Does granite chip or scratch?
Granite is a very dense material and under normal
conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, pots, pans and
other heavy objects may chip the square edge around a sink area.
Several other edge profiles are available that will look beautiful and
reduce the chances of chipping.
[] [] Does granite stain?
In general, no. All stone is porous to some extent,
however granite has very little porosity relative to other stones.
Most granite colors will never show moisture but some colors will
show a dark spot if a puddle of oil is left on the counter for a
period of 30 minutes of more. The spot will eventually dry up
and no evidence will show. To be safe, Paragon seals all
countertops upon installation.
[] [] How can I limit the staining of granite or marble?
Wipe up spills on marble and granite as quickly as possible.
Avoid using acidic or oil-based products on marble.
[] [] Can granite be repaired?
It is also difficult to damage granite, however, if some
damage does occur, granite can always be repaired with a
mixture of custom-colored epoxy by one of our technicians.
[] [] Does granite have a completely smooth surface?
Granite is typically very smooth to the touch
but not always. Many granites contain small pits and fissures
that are naturally occurring characteristics of granite. Some
have more than others, and the lighting of the room can make
these marks more or less visible. These imperfections will typ-
ically be noticed during slab selection. Most of the tiny 'nicks'
will run adjacent to veins and color changes. They will be
filled in at the quarry with epoxy resin since most granite slabs
are now treated during processing, long before they are ever
shipped to the Valley. They never open up since granite is not
in the process of 'curing' like concrete and the epoxy is actually
harder than the stone.
[] [] What is the difference between 2centimeter and 3cm
thick granite slabs? And what is the most appropriate
thickness for the tops?
2 centimeter thk material is apx 3/4" inch thick.
3 cm is apx 1 1/4" thick. Paragon typically uses 2 cm material
because of it's ease of lifting and because we prefer to double up
the edge, especially in remodels, so the 'laminate' piece hangs
down and covers any damage or unstained areas the old tile may
have left. Paragon can do 3 cm counters but they are so much
heavier that is typically causes us to have to add more seams
so that the pieces are manageable. A 2cm island may weigh
500 lbs, whereas a 3cm piece the same size will weigh 750 lbs,
rendering it unliftable at your house for installation.
[] [] I already know how much total square footage I need.
How much is your price per square foot to fabricate and install?
We prefer you to come in with a drawing so we
can give you an accurate quotation, or you can have us out for an
in-home estimate. It only takes about 30 minutes. Things such as
'bump-outs', arches, narrow raised bar tops with edging on both
long sides, etc, will cost more to fabricate per sq ft than standard
24" deep tops against a wall, so it is difficult to guess without
seeing your cabinet configuration or dimensions first.
[] [] Why should we choose Paragon?
The Paragon family has the experience you
can depend on. Our company, has been in business in the Central
Valley for 10 years. All of our sales, fabrication, installation, and
support staff are dedicated to customer satisfaction, and to help
you with your project from start to finish. Paragon is a fully licensed,
bonded, and insured company. (Ca lic # 928276) Using a licensed
fabricator ensures that your countertops will be properly fabricated
and installed by a contractor who is knowledgeable and experienced
in the trade. There is nothing worse than thinking you are saving
money by hiring a company with questionable credentials, only to
have them make a mess of your job and then you have to call us
to tear it out and do it over again, the right way! What have you
really saved?
Like we always say, 'If you don't require quality you can always
hire the cheapest guy.'