The maximum unsupported overhang for Granite is 10″ and Quartz is 11”.  All overhangs greater than specified will require additional bracing or wood Corbels.  If requested, Hallmark Stone can supply steel braces at an additional charge.  We have Hallmark Stone provided bracket details specified on our Countertops page, under “Brackets”.  Corbels must be supplied and installed by a cabinet installer or contractor.

Our standard overhang is 1.5” over the face of the cabinet.  In some bathroom applications, 1” is standard.

• Cabinets must be fully and permanently installed including all finished panels before templates can be made. No changes can be made to cabinets after template. Cabinets should be level. Cabinets cannot be removed and then reset after template. As even minor changes can result in tops not fitting correctly. We like to compare this to taking something that is perfectly packaged in a box out then trying to get it back in the exact same way.
• New sinks in original packaging, faucets and appliances (cooktop or slide-in range) must be on site at the time templates are made.
• All items should be removed from your countertops.
• All breakable items should be removed from the immediate area.
• Stone selection and edge selection should be finalized.
• New appliances and any fixture that goes in to or directly against the countertop should be on site.

Yes, it is important that you are on-site at the time of template. Templates are the basis for fabricating your countertops and the tops will be made to match the templates. The templater will confirm all of the details of the job, including:  color, edge, sink information, splash, seam location, overhang, radiused corners and other issues which commonly arise. Any changes to the tops requested after template will be done entirely at the customers’ expense and may significantly delay installation.  Therefore, the person on-site at the time of templating is the final authority and has full responsibility for signing off on the templates and paperwork. It is not a good idea to request a relative or neighbor to take on this responsibility.

It takes about 1-3 hours to template a typical kitchen.

In most cases, no. We are able to template over existing countertops.  In some cases, we may need to cut the backsplash of the existing countertop off, so we can get a tight fit to the wall.  This is not common, and our crew will review it with you before they proceed.

Yes, the appliance garage will need to be removed or raised in order to get an accurate template. Since there is a difference in the thickness of laminate verses stone a trim piece (supplied and installed by homeowner) will need to be added to the appliance garage to cover the gap.

If changes are made after we have templated, this will delay the installation, and additional charges may be incurred.  Please make sure to finalize all decisions prior to template.

From template to install our lead time is approximately 7-9 business days.

Yes, apron front or farmhouse sinks need to be installed in the cabinet prior to template.

Most granite and quartz countertops contain seams. Granite and quartz seams can be seen and felt. Stone with vein direction may require additional seams to ensure vein direction is consistent throughout the room. In addition, physical access issues such as stairs and doorways may require pieces to be made smaller.

Installers will attempt to make the seams as tight as possible. The acceptable industry standard for seams is up to 1/8” wide and 1/32” rise for every 12” of seam. Natural stone (Quartz and Granite) does not flex and is not perfectly flat, stone shrinks and swells over time, and slabs vary in thickness so it is not possible to always have a perfectly flat seam.

Quartz – 118” x 53” is typical. There are some Silestone colors that are available in larger sizes. If you have a top wider than 53” and want quartz, please request a list of these colors.

Granite – Slabs will vary in size, but a good rule of thumb for maximum useable space is 110” x 65”.

Several things will affect seam location:

1. Slab size
2. Veining – stone with vein direction may require additional seams. The vein direction should be consistent throughout the space.
3. Location of cabinets and/or appliances will affect seam location. Seams should be located over a supported area (we cannot place a seam over a dishwasher).
4. Weight and installation limitations (through doorways, around corners, etc.).
5. Final seam location will be determined by templater and approved by customer at template (customer is required to sign off on all templates and paperwork).

Some stone has movement and veining and will require us to do a slab layout. We generate a high resolution digital photo of your slab/s and will use your custom template to create a virtual layout of what your tops will look like installed.  Not all stone will have a layout due to consistency of pattern or color.  We recommend viewing this layout sent via email on a computer and not a tablet or phone. Once this layout has been approved we will proceed with fabrication.