29 straight answers
Countertop FAQ: Prices, Timing, Care and What We Don't Do
Countertop FAQ: the questions homeowners ask us before, during and after a countertop or cabinet project, answered in a sentence or two.
Not finding your answer? Ask us in a free estimate request and we reply within 2 business days.
This countertop FAQ covers prices, payments, timing, materials, care, installation, cabinets and warranty at Cornerstone Countertops & Cabinetry in Charlotte, NC. The short version: granite starts at $29.95 per square foot installed, quotes take up to 2 business days, installation follows 7 business days after template, and we never do plumbing.
Prices and Payments
Countertop prices start at $29.95 per square foot installed for Classic Granite, and you pay in stages, never everything upfront.
How much do countertops cost at Cornerstone?
Starting prices per square foot, installed: Classic Granite $29.95, Semi-Exotic $58.95 and Super Exotic $119.95. Semi-Precious stones are priced on request. See what the price includes.
What is included in the price per square foot?
The slab, templating, cutting, a flat polished edge, installation and setting your kitchen sink into the counter.
What costs extra?
Removing and hauling away your old countertop, shaped edge profiles, full-height backsplash and waterfall sides. Each appears as its own line on the quote.
How much is the deposit for countertops?
Half when you confirm the job, and the other half once installation is finished.
How are cabinet projects paid?
In three steps: 50% when you approve, 30% when the cabinets arrive at your home and 20% when they are installed.
Timing
Quotes take up to 2 business days, and countertops go in 7 business days after we template.
How fast will I get my quote?
Within 2 business days of your request, by email or phone.
How long from template to installation?
Seven business days. Template day counts as day one.
Can you install sooner?
Often, yes. Installation happens up to 7 business days after template, and it can be done in as few as 3 business days. Ask about the fastest date when you approve your quote.
How long do new cabinets take?
Lead time depends on the door style and color; our popular white shaker usually arrives in 1 to 2 weeks. The countertop is templated once the cabinets are installed.
Materials and Care
Every stone we sell is a good countertop; the right one depends on how you cook and clean.
Which countertop material is easiest to maintain?
Quartz. It never needs a sealer and wipes clean with mild soap.
Which natural stones need sealing?
Granite, quartzite, marble and dolomite. A quick water test tells you when it is due.
Can I put hot pans on my countertop?
Granite and quartzite tolerate heat well; quartz needs a trivet because of its resin. A trivet is a good habit on any surface.
What is etching?
A dull spot left when an acid, like lemon or vinegar, reacts with calcite in marble or dolomite. Sealing does not prevent it.
Can I choose the exact slab?
Yes. You pick the actual slab in our yard, and that is the slab we cut.
Which edge profiles do you offer?
Flat polished, included in the price, plus half bullnose, full bullnose, 1/4 bevel, 1/2 bevel, chiseled and ogee.
Still have a question? Call us or send your project: our written estimate is ready within 2 business days, and installation follows up to 7 business days after measurement.
Get a Free Countertop Estimate in CharlotteInstallation and Plumbing
We fabricate and install the stone; plumbing is never part of our work.
Do you do plumbing?
No. Sinks, faucets, disposals, dishwashers and water lines are disconnected and reconnected by your plumber.
Do you install the kitchen sink?
Yes. We set the sink into the new countertop. Your plumber then reconnects the water and drain.
Do you remove the old countertop?
Yes, as a separate line on your quote.
How do you measure for countertops?
With traditional templates made on site, on your installed cabinets.
Do you cut the stone yourselves?
Yes, on an automated CNC with water, in our shop at 7517 Orr Rd.
Cabinets
We supply cabinets, assemble and install them, and design them with you for free first.
Do you make the cabinets?
We supply them from our lines, then assemble and install them with our crew.
Which cabinet styles do you have?
Slim Shaker, 3/4 Beveled Shaker and European Design, on display in our showroom.
Is the 3D kitchen design free?
Yes, together with the in-home measurement. You pay only after approving the design and quote.
Warranty, Insurance and Visiting
Work is covered by our warranty, our crew is fully insured, and the yard is open without appointments.
What warranty do you offer?
One year on fabrication and installation for every job, plus a limited 15-year warranty on quartz after installation.
Are you insured?
Yes, fully insured for every service we provide.
Do I need an appointment to visit?
No. Come Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM or Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM. Outside those hours, call first.
How far do you travel?
We install within 100 miles of Charlotte, in North and South Carolina.
Do you work with contractors and designers?
Yes, through our trade program: special pricing for contractors and a referral commission for designers.
Still curious?
Didn't Find Your Question?
Call (704) 246-7462 during business hours, or see how our process works step by step. You can also get to know our family-owned team before you call.
Your project
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Every kitchen raises its own questions. Send yours with your sizes and request your free quote.