Friendly Asked Questions

What services does American Kitchen & Bath offer?

We specialize in custom kitchen and bath remodeling. We fabricate and install all natural and quartz stones in our facility and provide three lines of cabinetry and various types of tiles.

What is the hardness of granite and marble?

Marble is a relatively soft stone. On a measurement of hardness (MOHS), marble is approximately a three out of ten. Marble is made of calcium, just like your teeth. If you eat something too hard you will break your tooth. If you eat a lot of sugar you will get a cavity. Stone reacts the same way. If an improper chemical is applied to the surface, corrosion will begin to form cavities in stone.

What kind of stone material is right for my home project?

The answer to this really depends on where in the home you plan to get stone installed. For a bathroom vanity top, both marble and granite will be suitable. However, for kitchen countertops, granite is highly recommended due to the fact that it is harder and therefore sturdier for kitchen related projects. Marble may more easily chip under the cut of a knife or the heavy plastic and metal of kitchen appliances. In addition, marble is not recommended for kitchens because since it is a “softer” rock and thus tends to be more permeable. It may capture liquids from foods and vegetables placed on it, causing stains. Granite is denser, and will not stain from non-citric foods, and is therefore more suitable for kitchens.

How many locations do you have? What areas do you serve?

We have two locations. American Marble & Granite in Chantilly, VA is where we fabricate and install all natural and quartz stones. This facility has many actual granite and marble colors and hundreds of engineering stone samples in stock. American Kitchen & Bath is located in Stafford, VA. Our brand new showroom in Stafford Marketplace has four kitchens, one bar area, one entertainment center, three office areas, two bathrooms, two showers and one Jacuzzi. Our designer created the showroom to display our beautiful kitchens, bathrooms and offices to give inspiration for new ideas.

Are you licensed and insured?

We are licensed and insured in all of our service areas.

Do you provide a warranty?

We have two locations. American Marble & Granite in Chantilly, VA is where we fabricate and install all natural and quartz stones. This facility has many actual granite and marble colors and hundreds of engineering stone samples in stock. American Kitchen & Bath is located in Stafford, VA. Our brand new showroom in Stafford Marketplace has four kitchens, one bar area, one entertainment center, three office areas, two bathrooms, two showers and one Jacuzzi. Our designer created the showroom to display our beautiful kitchens, bathrooms and offices to give inspiration for new ideas.

Are you licensed and insured?

American Kitchen & Bath and American Marble & Granite provide a warranty on all work we perform. You will also receive various manufacturers’ warranties on the products used on your job.

How much will it cost to replace countertops or remodel my kitchen or bathroom?

The price for countertop and/or a new kitchen or bathroom will be affected by (1) which color and specifications you want to get (2) what features it includes and (3) which brands/models of cabinet, tile, appliance, lightening and fixture you select for kitchen, bathroom or office.

Do you provide free consultations and budgeting?

We do provide homeowners with a free consultation where initial budget ranges are provided. You can call and make an appointment for any countertop projects from American Marble and Granite at 703 817 9898. To make an appointment for countertops, cabinets, tiles, shower jobs or whole kitchen and bath remodeling from American Kitchen & Bath, call us at 540 657 707/80.

During what hours can I schedule an appointment?

American Marble & Granite schedules appointments Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. American Kitchen & Bath schedules appointments Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Do you do commercial work?

American Marble & Granite and American Kitchen & Bath do perform commercial work. Call to speak to an American Marble & Granite or American Kitchen & Bath Representatives for more details and to discuss prices and your project in particular.

What payment options do you offer?

We accept checks, cash, and major credit cards*. No financing is available right now.

When can you start my remodeling project?

Schedules will vary by location and time of year so it’s best to contact the offices for current information.

How long is a typical consultation?

Each consultation is based on individual need, however, our typical consultations will last about two hours. This allows us time to thoroughly discuss your project with you and answer any questions you may have.

What type of countertops do you provide?

We provide granite, marble, onyx and travertine natural stones. We provide Silestone, Ceaserstone and Zodiac man-made stones. We have a supply of granite and marble in stock and have sample displays for other stones to show you the exact color.

What is the advantage of natural stone?

Natural stone is the best product available for any kitchen. Laminate and other solid surface countertops have become outdated, and natural stone has a classic beauty that will always last. Granite is completely natural and is the most durable and longest lasting product available. It can resist heat of thousands of degrees, and diamonds (which is what granite polishing pads are comprised of) are the only stone harder than granite, making it virtually impossible to scratch. Granite is easy to clean and will not stain under normal use (see section regarding care of natural stone). In addition, no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, so it is easy to achieve a personal, unique look. Marble is the softest and is more widely used in bathrooms and other areas with limited amounts of traffic and heavy-duty use. Silestone countertops, which are 93% natural quartz, are a good choice if you are looking for a more uniform look on your countertop. It is also heat, scratch and stain resistant. Caesarstone is the original quartz-based engineered stone primarily used for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. It is also resistant against heat, scratch and stain. Other natural stones, such as travertine, limestone and slate can also be used for countertops, but require much more maintenance as they typically come with a rough, unpolished finish, similar to a honed or flamed finish.

What kind of stone material is right for my home project?

The answer to this really depends on where in the home you plan to get stone installed. For a bathroom vanity top, marble, granite or engineered stones will be suitable. However, for kitchen countertops, natural stone granite is highly recommended due its’ durability. Countertops are exposed to wear and tear which granite can stand up to. Marble may be easily chipped under the cut of a knife or the heavy plastic and metal of kitchen appliances. In addition, marble is not recommended for kitchens because it is a “softer” rock and thus tends to be more permeable. It may capture liquids from foods and vegetables placed on it, causing stains. Granite is denser, and will not stain from non-citric foods, and is therefore more suitable for kitchens. You can also use engineered stones for kitchen and other countertop projects.

Is it difficult to care for natural stone countertops?

Taking care of natural stone is actually very simple, and requires just about as much maintenance as any other countertop. Usually, all you need is warm water, soap or mild dishwashing liquid and a soft, clean cloth to thoroughly clean and maintain your countertops. With any counter, whether it is granite, marble or other natural stones, it is best to wipe up spills immediately, and protect countertop surfaces with coasters, placemats, or trivets. However, with natural stone countertops you do want to avoid using abrasive cleaners, such as ammonia or bleach. In addition, with the quartz surface of Silestone, Ceaserstone and Zodiac you get the added protection of micro ban. Please watch the video in the Stone Care section to see how to apply sealers and cleaners on countertop surfaces.

What are seams in a countertop?

Seams are where two pieces of stone are joined together on your countertop. Our measuring technicians and installers are properly trained and have many years of experience to ensure exact measurements are taken and installation is done in such manners to create the thinnest seam possible. We also pay special attention to match veining in a stone before it is cut. Each piece is laid out to create a consistent flow from one piece of stone to the other maintaining seams hardly noticeable upon completion.

What do I need for a free quote?

We require our potential clients to provide general overview of the project along with personal information such as name, town, state, zip code, a phone contact, and if known, the name of the stone and the desired edge finish. We can then process the specific measurements and respond with an approximate estimate for the job. This information can be faxed, e-mailed to us or brought to our showroom when the client comes in for a walk in our yard.

What are the procedures involved to get Natural Stone into my home?

The first step is to contact American Marble & Granite anytime during business hours (Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm).  Then, come to our showroom and warehouse to see and choose from our selection of over 70 types of granite and marble and more than 300 slabs in stock. Another way is to call American Kitchen & Bath during business hours (Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays).

Next, we will schedule a time to measure and/or make a template of the area where the material will be installed.  Next, we will provide an exact estimate for the entire project. If the project is for a kitchen or bathroom remodeling, you may select from our inventory of sinks and faucets as well, to be included in the price (we do provide plumbing).

Finally, we will present you with a contract and will require a 50% deposit on the proposal. We will fabricate and install countertops within one week (5-7 business days).  This installation should take no longer than a few hours. On the date of installation, we expect the final payment from the proposed estimate.