MIA Accredited Fabricator
Read more information on the importance of MIA accreditation.
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Blume's Frequently Asked Questions
What is the thickness of each material?
Solid Surface: ½” built up to 1 ½”
Quartz: 3cm (approx. 1 1/8” to 1 ¼” thick)
Granite: 3cm (approx. 1 1/8” to 1 ¼” thick)
Marble: 3cm (approx. 1 1/8” to 1 ¼” thick)
Soapstone: 3cm (approx. 1 1/8” to 1 ¼” thick)
Wood: 1 1/4" up to 6" with limitations to certain species
Which materials are repairable?
Solid Surface: Yes
Quartz: No
Granite: No
Marble: No
Soapstone: No
Wood: Yes
Which materials can be used for outside purposes?
Solid Surface: No
Quartz: No
Granite: Yes
Marble: No
Soapstone: Yes
Wood: No
Which materials can be placed around fireplaces, i.e.: hearths & surrounds?
Solid Surface: No
Quartz: No
Granite: Yes
Marble: Yes
Soapstone: Yes
Wood: No
Which materials need to be sealed and how often?
Solid Surface: No
Quartz: No
Granite: Yes. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how often to apply the sealant.
Marble: Yes. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how often to apply the sealant.
Soapstone: Sealing and Enhancing are the discretion of the end consumer to apply, please see the care and maintenance for more information.
Wood: Yes. Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how often to apply the sealant.
Where can I purchase Granite, Marble, Wood Sealant & Soapstone Wax Enhancement?
Sealant and Enhancement products can be purchased through your Kitchen Dealer or Contractor from Blume’s.
Can I stain the wood top to match my cabinets?
No. The Heritage Wood tops are not made to “stain match.” Your cabinets will be made from a different wood and finished with a high tech automated process which can not be duplicated by the hand-applied tung-oil finish.
Which materials can I use for vertical surfaces, such as wall material?
Solid Surface: Yes
Quartz: Yes
Granite: Yes
Marble: Yes
Soapstone: Yes
Wood: Yes
Are all countertop materials heat proof?
No. All of the materials fabricated by Blume’s are heat resistant, not heat proof.
These materials can be damaged by extreme temperature changes, whether prolonged or sudden.
Hot pads and trivets must be used when placing hot skillets, pans or other heat generating appliances on the surface. Damage caused by improper care and maintenance is not warranted or covered by the manufacturer or Blume’s.
Can I receive my sink or cook top cutout for Quartz, Granite, or Wood?
No, these cutouts are not available.
Are other Granite colors available other than just stock colors?
Yes, Blume’s works with Granite and Natural Stone distributors in the area for you to select the color of your choice. These colors are by quote only and prices will vary.
The Granite/Natural Stone I selected has pits in it. Is this normal?
15.5.1 “The pits do not make the granite less durable or otherwise inferior, and do not in themselves qualify the slab for replacement. Pits are common in all granites and should be expected when dealing with natural, polished stone containing several types of minerals with different hardness. It is usually best to not attempt repair of pits, as most repair techniques will not cosmetically improve the countertop.” -Quoted from The MIA Design Manual
Can I view the Granite/Natural Stone I have selected?
We ask that if your customer is interesting in viewing our natural stone that you please contact the scheduling department to set an appointment. Viewings are scheduled Monday through Saturday by appointment only.
Hours:
Office Hours:
7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M
Monday thru Friday
Viewing Hours:
By Appointment Only
Appointments are set:
8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. -
Monday thru Friday
9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. -
Saturdays
We appreciate having a layout prior to the appointment to inform us of material size limitations and the quantity needed.
We are continually increasing our stock granite and currently have over forty-five colors available for viewing.
We encourage your customers to bring with them a cabinet door, paint, tile or other samples that may aid them in their selection.
Blume's is a working manufacturing facility. Customers will be escorted by a Blume’s employee while within the slab yard and shop areas at all times. We ask that children under the age of 18 are not brought along to the appointment. If children must be in attendance, you will be responsible to bring an additional adult to supervise them in the show room. Children will not be permitted into the shop or viewing area, and they are not to be left unsupervised under any circumstance. These precautions create a safe environment for your customers and Blume’s employees and are necessary for safety and liability issues.
Please see Product Dealers to request a design specialist and/or granite supplier in your area.
What does MIA accreditation mean?
The Marble Institute of America (MIA) is the leading trade organization of the natural stone countertop industry. In order to achieve the distinction of an MIA Accreditated Fabricator, one must abide by the highest standards in the industry. Experience in the industry, financial stability and quality of work are all required to achieve this distinction. More Information on Accreditation
What is the standard backsplash height for each material? Can I get other heights?
Solid Surface: Kitchen: 3 1/2" Vanity: 3”
Quartz: Kitchen & Vanity: 4”
Granite: Kitchen & Vanity: 4”
Marble: Kitchen & Vanity: 4”
Soapstone: Kitchen & Vanity: 4”
Wood: 4"
Custom backsplash heights are also available.
What is the difference between a loose backsplash and a cove backsplash? Which material’s backsplash can be cove?
Solid Surface: Yes
Quartz: No
Granite: No
Marble: No
Soapstone: No
Wood: No
Which materials have visible seams and which have inconspicuous seams?
Solid Surface: Inconspicuous
Quartz: Visible
Granite: Visible
Marble: Visible
Soapstone: Visible
Wood: Visible
How do you determine placement of seams?
The final placement of seams is at the discretion of Blume’s.
We determine seam location by the following factors:
• Manufacturer’s requirements and recommendations
• Grain direction (movement in the material)
• Actual slab size of material chosen
• Layout of the project
• Consideration of weight, handling, and location logistics of moving
pieces into your home. These include size of doors, elevators,
hallways, etc.
How do I remove stains from my countertop?
Please refer to each materials Care and Maintenance.
What will my cost be for my top(s)?
Cost is determined by quotation only through a Kitchen Dealer or Contractor.
What will I need to have at the templating appointment?
Bowl(s)
Cook top/Range
All appliances must be at the jobsite and set in place
Faucets or faucet spreads
All cabinets must be on-site, secured, and level.
Cabinets that set directly on your countertops (appliance garages and breadboxes) should be on site but not installed.
Existing countertops are removed to provide the best possible fit.
Any additional cutouts are on site.
How much overhang can I have before I need to have support?
During the processing of your order, please ask an associate if you are unsure of the need of support.
The following are the limits on overhang before needing corbels. These numbers are assuming the 1/3 – 2/3 Rule* applies.
Solid Surface: 12” (1 ½” Build Up with Solid Plywood)
Quartz: 12” (3CM Thickness)
Quartz: 8” (2CM Thickness)
Granite: 8” (3CM Thickness)
Marble: To be determined
Soapstone: 8" (3CM Thickness)
Wood: 12" - 16" depending on the thickness and construction style
*The one third two third rule means: Two thirds of the total width of the countertop must be supported. Example you cannot put a 22” deep countertop on a 12” deep cabinet without corbels even though the overhang is within the limits. Please see mounting option for each material.
**Standards of the MIA Design Manual
Does Blume’s supply support for overhang?
Steel supports, corbels, cabinets, columns, pedestals, etc. are not provided by Blume’s. Please see your design specialist for these items.
When should I install the support for overhang?
All supporting structures (cabinets, columns, pedestals, etc.) must be installed
prior to time of templating.
All corbels should be installed as soon as possible after your countertops have been installed.
What is a template?
A template is a pattern of your countertop, ensuring the best fit possible for your home.
Will you re-hook after installation?
Blume’s does not re-hook plumbing, gas, or electric. We are not responsible for any gas, plumbing or electrical work.
What is the difference between the available bowl mounting? Which procedure of mounting is available for each material?
Quartz: A, B or G-Mount - See Mounting Options
Granite: A, B or G-Mount - See Mounting Options
Wood: A or B- Mount - See Mounting Options
Marble: A or B-Mount - See Mounting Options
Soapstone: A, B or G-Mount - See Mounting Options
*G-Mount available with select Stainless Steel Bowls Only.
Gravity Sinks: See Mounting Information
What is the difference between 16 and 18 gauge for Stainless Steel?
16 and 18 gauge refers to the thickness of the stainless steel used to make the bowl. 16 gauge is heavier and thicker than 18 gauge.