Frequently Asked Question's
with
Old Man Cobbler
On this page we posted the questions we entertain most frequently, we hope this helps to answer any questions you may have. If your concern or question is not answered here please feel free to visit our CONTACT US page and either fill out a questionaire form or give us a call or an email.
 We will be happy to answer your questions.


Q: Will my Countertop need a Seam?
A: Ahhh the seam question. People don’t ever initially like the answer to this one. Sometimes a seam is unavoidable due to sheer size or weight. There are times we cannot avoid a seam. If at all possible it is in our best interest to avoid a seam as well. Rest assured if possible we would avoid a seam. Some things you should know regarding the factoring of a seam and its placement. How long is the run of area to be covered by Granite or other Natural Stones. Typically slabs are anywhere between 108” and 135” in length. 135 “ being an extremely large slab. Typical height is ranging between 55” and 70” again 70” being extreme. So if you are in the planning stage of your Kitchen Remodel choose your runs and your Island sizes carefully. If you require assistance contact us anytime.

Q: Can I cut on my Granite Countertops?
A: Yes, it is a natural cutting surface, though be warned, keep a knife sharpener handy it will dull the blade of your knives. You will not harm the surface with a knife. Use your Countertops. Granite Countertops are second to none.

Q: Will a hot Pot damage my Granite Kitchen Countertops? 
A: Granite is a tool in the Kitchen. Yes a tool, it serves as a natural hotplate. It was created in the core of the earth under extreme temperatures. Feel free to take a casserole dish from the oven and place it on the Stone surface. 
Use your Countertops.

Q: Why should I choose Granite?
A: For everyone it is different. Some choose it for its beauty alone while others think about the re-sale of their home in the coming years. Remember that kitchen improvements payback an average 88% of invested cost. Did you know that there are thousands of Stones available for your Kitchen Countertop? Compare that to the few selections you will get from any other surface. Some choose it for the inherent qualities Granite offers such as its ability to serve as a natural heat plate, right from the oven to the Granite Countertop; it won’t melt, burn or crack. Go ahead and cut on the Granite too, you won’t scratch it with cutlery. When all is said and done there is no comparison. No other surface matches the durability and beauty of Granite Countertops in the Kitchen. Choose Granite for a lifetime of Beauty, Durability, and practicality. A leading consumer magazine compared granite with engineered stone, ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block and other manufactured surfaces. Granite received the highest overall performance rating for the use as Kitchen Countertops.

Q: Where is the Stone fabricated?
A: All jobs are done at our Fabrication facility adjoined to our beautiful showroom in Worcester. No jobs are sub-contracted. At times we are required to do some cutting at the job site. We do this work to protect both our customers and our family. Examples of site fabrication are items like Drop-In Sinks and Cook-Top Cutouts. These cutouts are typical job site fabrication that ensures the Countertops travel securely to their final destination.

Q: When are you open to the Public?
A: Our doors are always open to the public during business hours. Our Current hours are as follows: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00 pm Saturdays 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Sundays Closed Please be advised our schedule fluctuates during Holiday seasons. Please call to check our Holiday schedules.

Q: What is your lead - time for jobs?
A: Lead-time may vary from season to season especially during the Holiday rush. A quick estimation at our most efficient rate is about 7 days from template. Now if we know Christmas is always on December 25th don’t wait till December to get the project started. This is our busiest time of the year. You will need to allow us time to fabricate a job worthy of The Stone Cobblers high standards. We will not jeopardize our reputation to rush a job just to have it end up with issues. So plan according to the season.

Q: What is Venezian?
A: Venezian (Venetian) is simply Granite that has been flamed and then brushed by specialized machines in Italy to create a wonderful velvet-like finish to the Granite. Venezian is unlike any other Countertop material on the Market today. It has a great texture and does not create the glare that polished Granites produce from reflecting light. It could be compared to a an eggshell finish in paint it absorbs the light creating a more subtle look.
Venezian is easy to clean and maintain just like the polished Stones.

Q: What is the difference in Polished and Antiqued Stones?
A: The real difference is in the texture and reflectivity. Whereas a polished stone is going to reflect light and produce a glare the Antiqued Stone like the Venezian are going to produce a subtler look by absorbing the light rather than refracting it. Antiqued Stones also feel good to the touch and feel warmer and add a timeless look sure to enhance any living area in the Home especially the Kitchen.

Q: What is the actual thickness of the Granite (Natural Stone)?
 A: Two-part answer. Granite Installations by the Stone Cobblers will have a nominal thickness of 3cm converted to U.S. about 1¼ “ in thickness. We like this thickness for a few reasons. The Edge Profiles are far more attractive and durable in this thickness. This thickness will provide a much stronger Countertop that will with stand the abuse associated in busy areas such as the Kitchen. With that said the Limestone, Marble, Travertine and Onyx materials are more typical in ¾” thickness, though the industry seems to be heading towards 1¼ “ for those materials which in our opinion is a wise direction.
When and if available we will obtain these Stones in the 1¼ “ thickness.

Q: Is the Stone Countertop Sealed when it’s installed?
A: The Natural Stone Countertop you choose regardless weather it is Granite, Marble, Limestone and even the Venezian Collection are all sealed before they leave “The Shop of Whimsical Creations”. The Granite and other Stones such as Marble and Limestone will be sealed with a Solvent - Based Sealer.
The Venezian Granite has a special Sealer applied to protect its velvet like textured finish.

Q: How much does Stone weigh?
A: The weight of Stone can be calculated as about 20 pounds per square foot for 3cm Stone (1¼”) Stones. Depending on density it will vary slightly. 2cm Stone (¾”) is more commonly in the 12 to 15 pound area again depending on density of the particular Stone selected.
F.Y.I a sturdy cabinet will be more than sufficient to support the weight of Natural Stone. 

Q: How extensive of an overhang can I have without support?
A: Our recommendation is no more than 10” with out the support of a leg system or corbels. Other than that it is up to you the size you choose for an overhang.
Most people don’t find the need for more than 12 – 15” of total overhang.

Q: How do I maintain the Stone after installation?
A: There is not a whole lot of maintenance involved. We recommend you clean your countertops on a normal basis after use as you would with any other countertop surface. If any spills should occur just wipe them with an absorbent cloth or paper towel in a timely manner. Please refrain from the use of any household chemicals when cleaning your Natural Stone. If you need to clean the Stone with something other than the products we recommend please use a mild dish soap and water solution. Stay away from cleaners with high citrus (acidity) levels. Once a year it is recommended that you seal the Stone, which is a simple 5-minute process, easily accomplished without professional assistance.
My favorite cleaner is a product called Stone Soap it smells good and is easy to use and accomplishes both regular cleaning as well as reinforcing the sealer barrier every time it is used. Ask us about it.

Q: How do I get a quote for my Countertops?
A: There are a few different ways to get started with us. You may call us (508-757-6070) and talk to one of our Stone Professionals and set up an appointment to either come to our showroom or have us come to your home. You can also just come visit our showroom on 10 A Nashua Street in Worcester, Ma Or simply fax us a layout of your Countertops with your contact information.
You can also reach The Stone Cobblers by email at our Contact us page.

Q: Do you work with Soapstone?
A: Yes we do work with Soapstone. Soapstone is a wonderful Countertop material and requires little maintenance. Simply use Mineral Oil on the surface on a regular basis (this is called seasoning). The wonderful thing about Soapstone is that it has that Classic Farmhouse look yet can be used in a Modern Kitchen setting as well.
Call us for more information 508-757-6070

Q: Do you offer a variety of edge choices?
A: We do offer an extensive choice of edges.
 Please refer to our Edge Profile page for pictures of our profiles.

Q: Do you have a showroom?
A: Yes we do have a showroom. Please do come and visit us.
We are located on 10A Nashua St in Worcester, Ma.
Call us for easy directions 508-757-6070

Q: Do my new Cabinets need to be installed for template?
A: Simply, YES. The upper cabinets are not of importance for template typically. All lowers to carry Natural Stone must be installed. Not just in place and loose they must be permanently fixed in place. For the integrity of scheduling and the proper fitment of the job this is not wavered upon.

Q: Do I need to come see the Stone and approve it?
 A: I am amazed at how frequently I am asked this question year after year. Do you look at a car when you buy one? That’s my comparison. This is a rather sizeable investment in your home. Do you know that the National average of recouped paybacks of Home Improvement costs are highest for the Kitchen (about 88%) & Bathroom (about 84%) this according to National Averages. So why wouldn’t you want to approve it? It is our recommendation that you do view your Stone, as we don’t want any surprises at time of installation. The Stone Cobblers are committed to being the most professional Stone Company and it starts by protecting our customers, sometimes from even themselves. We do offer email capability of Stones but warn that this is not always the best way to approve the Stone. Reason being that a P.C. Monitor pixel output only allows a person a limited picture of the Stone. There are characteristics of Stone better adorned and admired by your eyes up front and close.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment to come see you?
A: No its not required, although recommended so that we can give you the personalized service we are regarded for by Industry Professionals and Home Owners alike. It is especially important to call for Saturday appointments.

Q: Can Marble, Limestone or Travertine’s be used as Countertops in the Kitchen?
A: They can be used. The question is are these suitable for the Kitchen? It depends on your expectations and how much maintenance you are willing to put forth to upkeep the soft Stones beauty. The Stones aforementioned are all much more porous than Granites which make them more susceptible to stains. Yes, we do seal these when they leave the shop just like any other job. It’s the character of these Stones that make them so difficult to maintain in the Kitchen. They are soft and easily scratched as well. Can you live with acid etching, scratches, chipping and stains? This is called Patina a natural process of weathering and eroding assisted by daily use and abuse in the Kitchen. On a personal level I love this look, but it’s your Kitchen it’s your decision. Be honest. We will be glad to fabricate your Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops with theses materials. You will be required to sign a waiver stating that you have been informed of the drawbacks of this material and its inherent characteristics.