Do I have to buy my countertops from Metropolitan?
How much do countertops cost?
What is the difference between granite and quartz (engineered stone)?
Do I have to pick out my slab of granite?
What do I need installed before I can get my counters installed?
How long will I have to wait to get my counter templated?
Do you template for laminate countertops?
How do I care for the different materials?

Do I have to buy my countertops from Metropolitan?
It is strongly recommended that you do get your countertops at Metropolitan because we fabricate our granite, marble, quartz, Corian & laminate countertops on-site using state-of-the-art equipment.  This gives us an advantage over competitors because we can keep prices low, control production times and monitor the quality of the job.  It also allows less work for you since you won’t have to coordinate with two different companies.  We do the coordinating for you!

How much do countertops cost? (top)
Depending on the material, prices can range from hundreds to thousands.  The least expensive material to use is laminate.  Depending on the size, usually you can purchase a laminate top for under $1000. Corian, granite and quartz tend to be more expensive, but are more durable and will last a lot longer.  Your designer will provide you a quote based on your material choices and room layout.

What is the difference between granite, marble and quartz (engineered stone)? (top)
Granite & marble are natural products quarried from the Earth.  Quartz  or engineered stone is a man-made product consisting of 93% quartz. Quartz is non-porous and elements like oils and vinegar cannot harm the stone and bacteria tends not to linger.  Granite & marble can be porous and sealer is required and applied when necessary.  Also, quartz does have a more uniform look and feel where granite & marble can have a lot of color variation and extreme movement.  These unpredictable elements, however, are often viewed as the beauty of the stone and are why granite and marble are still one of the most popular choices of countertops today.

Do I have to pick out my slab of granite or marble? (top)
No, but we strongly encourage it.  Because granite & marble are natural products quarried from the earth, there can be a lot of variation.  Each slab, even if it’s from the same lot and has the same color name, can have incredible differences.  Tones may vary from stone to stone and flaws may be more apparent in one slab compared to another.

What do I need installed before I can get my counters installed? (top)
All cabinets must be in place and installed.  Appliances should be out of their boxes and placed in their permanent location, but do not need to be installed.  We will not template if these items are not there and in place.  This is because our installers cannot anticipate any adjustments that might be made when the contractor installs the appliances and cabinets after the template has been done.

How long will I have to wait to get my counter templated? (top)
We try to get our templaters out there as soon as possible.  Usually we can set up the appointment within a week of your request depending on our availability.  We know that our customers are anxious to get their countertop at this point since it is one of the last things needed to complete the project.  We always try our hardest to accommodate you.

Do you template for laminate countertops? (top)
We can template, but there will be an additional charge.  This charge will vary depending on the job size and job location.  Most contractors will either measure the counters themselves or order the sizes based on the provided layout.  Unlike stone or Corian counters, laminate usually can be modified onsite if necessary.    

How do I care for the different materials? (top)
Butcher Block Care Guide
CaesarStone Care Guide
Corian Care Guide
Edge Details
Formica Care Guide
Spekva Care Guide
Stone Countertop Guidelines
Zodiaq Care Guide