We’ve got all the countertop fabrication information that you’re looking for right here at Sanford Granite. Our fabricators can help you bring your remodel vision to life—we’re qualified experts on everything when it comes to countertops, and the most important thing to us is sharing that knowledge with our customers.
We understand that the process of finding a worthy fabricator can be stressful and time consuming. So, instead of simply selling our own services, we put together this article to explain what all a fabricator does and what makes a good one.
What Does a Countertop Fabricator Do?
Even though countertop fabricators have an extremely important job, not everyone knows what that job entails. It’s actually pretty straightforward. Here’s what to expect from a quality fabricator.
1. They will help you choose the countertop material for your remodel.
The fabricator will measure the space where the countertop is meant to go and therefore figure out how much material is needed.
2. They will look at the company’s stock of materials and the designs in order to help you decide on the veining, shade, and color to use for your project.
3. They will aid you in picking a material that will last.
They have knowledge about the quarries in the area, including the structural testing of stones—and this will help you in your decision-making process as well.
A Quality Countertop Fabricator
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re in the process of a kitchen or bathroom remodel, but choosing a quality fabricator will help ease your stress and let you know that you’re in good, capable hands. If your fabricator is familiar with the process, their confidence will make the ordeal a whole lot less intimidating.
A quality fabricator can also save you money. So with someone skilled on your side, you won’t just have less stress, but you’ll have a smaller bill at the end of the project too.
But while a fabricator is capable of saving you money where it counts, they also know when not to cut corners. They’ll advise you that, while it can be tempting to go down the cheaper route with countertop materials, you’ll just end up paying more for maintenance down the road. If you invest more up front, you’ll pay less for maintenance. In the end, the latter will add up to a smaller cost.
A Countertop Fabricator’s Education
Unlike many other jobs, there are no set qualifications regarding education for a fabricator. Fabricators entering an apprenticeship are preferred to have a high school diploma, and art, math, and vocational courses will help a fabricator hone their craft, but the education that matters most to a quality fabricator is the hands-on experience in the field.
A Fabricator’s Training
It’s common for a contractor to have their own specific program for training fabricators—and in these programs, a novice will learn from a professional who’s been in the business for a while. For a fabricator, there’s almost nothing more valuable than learning by watching (and mirroring) someone else who’s more experienced.
While that’s the case for many fabricators, it’s not the case for all. There are advanced training programs that specific organizations put together, and some manufacturers create their own training programs. There isn’t one specific training course meant for every fabricator to use but rather similar programs that are placed all over the nation. And after their training, the fabricator will refine their skills through years of practice.
Quality Fabricators
When you’re searching for a quality fabricator, here are some traits you should keep in mind:
Certifications and Organizations
It’s always a good sign if the fabricator is a member of the Stone Fabricator’s Alliance or Marble Institute of America—this typically means that they’re invested in what they do. Being a member doesn’t automatically make them the top choice, but it’s something to make note of.
Custom Choices
If a fabricator has custom options, this usually means they’re very skilled in what they do and will therefore provide a top-notch product.
Full Range of Services
You should be able to check off all the boxes with a good fabricator. Just like at Sanford Granite, you should be able to take care of countertop fabrication, custom designs, delivery, and installation.
Locally Owned and Operated
While big chain stores are more well known, locally owned fabricators have the incentive to keep prices competitive and service extraordinary. And when you support these businesses, you’re supporting your local economy.
Sanford Granite, a Fabricator Near You
If you’re in the Sanford area and are looking for a countertop fabricator that can do it all, Sanford Granite is the place to go. We’ve been in business for over a decade, and our first priority is making sure our clients are satisfied. To see what our fabricators can do for you and your remodel, give us a call at (407) 490-4896.
Get a Free Countertop Estimate
Fill out the form below to get a free countertop estimate or give us a call (321) 578-9329.