What Is Countertop Fabrication
The stone countertop fabrication process includes 5 steps: choosing the stone, measuring, layout, cutting, polishing and installation. Metropolitan handles each step in house – from stocking the stone slabs to installing the counters in the home. Our dedicated stone team has members assigned to each step in the process to make sure no stone goes unturned.
Our processes abide to the highest quality standards, consistently exceeding customers’ expectations. Metropolitan’s stone team consists of designers, customer service employees and a fabrication team, enabling us to guide clients through the entire stone countertop fabrication process. Let us walk you through the 5 step process of stone countertop fabrication.
Picking the Stone Countertop Material for Fabrication
Step one in the stone countertop fabrication process is choosing the stone. We keep a large in-stock inventory of stone at Metropolitan, which clients can conveniently browse in person at our stone showroom in Norwood, Massachusetts.
We offer a wide selection of colors and materials, including quartz, granite, marble, quartzite and soapstone. We are consistently updating our inventory to meet consumer demands.
When visiting our stone showroom, clients are guided by our dedicated stone specialists who are able to explain each type of stone and discuss the different properties of each material.
Countertop Measurements for Fabrication
Metropolitan will schedule a countertop template at the project site after the material is chosen. A countertop template is an actual model of the surface with plywood sticks. We create templates for all of our stone projects, including for countertops, fireplaces, bathrooms and more.
The template measuring takes place at the job site, and at this time the templater can answer any countertop questions about what is the countertop fabrication process.
Countertop Layout
Once the template is finished, a layout is done with the project’s owner at our stone showroom in Norwood, MA. Our stone team will go over the exact layout of the project and clients can see how the countertop will look once it’s cut. At this time, we will review the stone fabrication process, and clients can even check out our fabrication shop! We make sure all details are covered so that there are no surprises at the job site.
Stone is Put Into Fabrication
After layout approval, the project is put into fabrication. Our fabrication shop features state-of-the-art machinery. Our facility consists of the latest technology and computer-driven machinery:
CNC machinery – machine tool with computer number controlled for stone machining and accuracy
Saw/Water jets – a high-pressure waterjet cuts materials in a variety of thicknesses with extremely high precision
Bridge saws – this saw runs on a bridge or beam to ensure professional and quality cut
Slabsmith™ layout technology – this software produces digitized slabs that are highly accurate and detailed
All stone pieces are hand-finished and hand-polished in the shop for stunning final results.
Stone Countertop Installation
Metropolitan does not sub out our work and has a team of professional installers who install each stone project. Homeowners and trade partners consistently commend our stone installation team for their skill and professionalism.
How Long is the Stone Fabrication Process?
Each stone countertop project is unique and so the timeline will vary. Variables include the level of fabrication shop is and the level of difficulty of the project can impact the fabrication timing. At Metropolitan we strive to make the process as smooth as possible, therefore due to our level of thoroughness, we do not rush jobs.
Want to Begin the Stone Fabrication Process?
To start your next stone project or to receive a quote, email or call one of our four showrooms.