CFM's non-commissioned sales professionals are here to help you select the right slab for your countertop project! We've put together a countertop buying guide with 4 easy steps to help you prepare for your visit with us.
Step 1: Measure & Sketch
To begin the countertop planning process, you will first need to get an idea of how much material is needed for your countertop. You can download our countertop measuring guide or use some graph paper to sketch out your space.
Draw a diagram of your countertop space on the paper.
Include the spaces for your sink, cooktop, bar sink, etc.
Please indicate what type of sink you will have - top mount, undermount, farmhouse, etc.
Indicate where there are walls in the space (if possible).
Measure the countertop length from wall to wall (in inches).
Write down the length in the appropriate space on your drawing.
Measure the depth of the countertops from the wall. (Standard countertop depth is 26” - overhang of cabinets)
Repeat this process for every section of your countertop.
Make sure to measure bar tops, islands, peninsulas, etc.
If you have an island, please include the measurements of the overhang.
Bring your sketch with you when you come visit our countertop experts or upload your completed sheet below in Step 3.
Step 2: Select Your Material
We offer an amazing array of countertop materials, looks and features. From traditional to modern and every style in between, CFM has a countertop material that will complement your space's overall design. Mix & Match: Bring paint swatches and use our cabinet door samples to help with your decisions as you browse the hundreds of countertop options. Knowing what color combinations you want to go with, such as greys and whites, or beige and tans can help you narrow down your search as well. Backsplash: Your visit is a good opportunity to select your backsplash - be sure to save time to wander through our tile section!
Quartz
Quartz, also know as engineered or man-made stone, is the emerging leader in countertop choice, for kitchens and also bathrooms, both in residential and commercial spaces. It's mostly made up of natural quartz and filled in with resins and pigments. It's a great choice for busy families, yet also offers a contemporary, high-style appeal.
Granite
Granite is natural stone quarried from the earth in mines across the globe. It's composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with a mixture of other minerals. The percentage of these ingredients combine to provide variations in color and pattern. Like a fingerprint, no two granite slabs will be the same.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic natural rock that originated as sandstone. Through a process of high heat and pressurization, sandstone is transformed into quartzite. For customers who desire the look of marble and the durability of granite, Quartzite is a great countertop option. Most varieties have the light color tones of marble with similar grey veining patterns. This hard wearing material is scratch resistant but still requires sealing.
Marble
Marble has a classic and timeless beauty, however, since they are softer and more porous than granite, marble can scratch, stain, and etch. If you love the look, don't be afraid to go with marble. Just think, marble has been used for centuries in architecture around the world. It ages gracefully and gains more character over time. To help slow down the aging process, make sure to keep this stone sealed and wipe up any spills immediately!
Porcelain/Dekton
Porcelain countertops are made from non-porous ceramic clay that contains various minerals, such as kaolinite and silica. The material is baked at extremely high temperatures. This high heat produces a durable countertop material that is resistant to scratching, cracking, UV light and heat.
Dekton is a newer type of countertop surface created with a unique fabrication process called Sinterized Particle Technology. The process involves mixing the raw materials, like porcelain, glass and quartz, under extreme pressure and heat. It creates an extremely durable and beautiful surface.
Other stone/solid surfaces
We offer several other stone options like soapstone and limestone and solid surface materials like Corian, butcher block and concrete. If you are looking for a unique countertop, we have you covered!
Step 3: Get a Bid from CFM
We invite you to come into any of our showrooms to talk directly with a team member or you can submit your bid request online.
We will get a custom quote for your project using your rough sketch. We use it to obtain bids from our fabricators allowing us to get you the best value we can. The quote you receive will be the installed price. Pricing will vary depending on a number of factors with your project including size, material, edge detail and cut outs.
Timeframe: CFM will put together a quote within 2-3 days
Step 4. Template & Installation
Template
Once you receive your bid and approve it, we will order the material and a slab fabricator will schedule a time to complete a template for your countertops. Your fabricators will visit your home and make a template for your new countertop. It's important for you and your contractor to be there while the template is made. Your fabricators will discuss where they will put seams, where the faucet will be located, how much of an overhang you would like and what type of radius you want on the corners.
Timeframe: Once scheduled, template usually takes 2-3 weeks to complete
Installation
Once fabricated, a team of professional installers will come to your home and install the finished product. Depending on the size of the area, installation normally takes 4-6 hours.
Timeframe: Fabrication and installation usually happens within 2-3 weeks