Stockett Tile And Granite is a regional specialty contractor providing tile, stone, and countertop solutions for residential and commercial projects. This article explains the company’s services, material options, installation standards, maintenance tips, cost considerations, and how homeowners can evaluate and choose Stockett Tile And Granite for remodeling or new construction. Readers will gain practical insights for decision-making and project planning.
| Topic | What To Expect |
|---|---|
| Services | Tile, natural stone, quartz, granite, backsplashes, shower surrounds |
| Materials | Granite, quartz, marble, porcelain, ceramic, travertine |
| Installation | Site measurement, templating, dry layout, fabrication, sealed finish |
| Maintenance | Sealing, regular cleaning, stain response |
Overview Of Stockett Tile And Granite Services
Stockett Tile And Granite offers a full lifecycle of tile and stone services from showroom design consultation to final installation. Typical offerings include countertop fabrication, tile floors, shower surrounds, and custom backsplash work. The business mixes in-house fabrication with field setting, coordinating with plumbers, electricians, and cabinet suppliers when projects require multi-trade collaboration.
The company often emphasizes local service, warranty support, and samples to help clients visualize materials. Stockett Tile And Granite usually provides measurement, templating, and professional advice on material performance.
Material Options And Their Uses
Understanding material properties is key when selecting tile or countertop materials. Stockett Tile And Granite commonly works with granite, quartz, marble, porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone varieties. Each material has tradeoffs in aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost.
Granite
Granite is a natural, high-density stone prized for heat resistance and unique patterns. It’s well-suited to kitchen countertops where scratch and heat tolerance are priorities. Sealing is recommended to protect against oil-based stains and spills.
Quartz
Engineered quartz blends crushed quartz with resin binders for consistent color and low porosity. It resists staining without frequent sealing and provides predictable performance for busy kitchens and bathrooms.
Marble
Marble offers classic veining and a luxury appearance, often used for bathroom vanities and feature walls. It is softer and more porous, requiring careful maintenance and periodic sealing.
Porcelain And Ceramic Tile
Porcelain tile is dense, frost-resistant, and excellent for floors and high-traffic areas. Ceramic tile offers a broad range of glazes and styles at a lower cost. Both are durable when installed with proper substrate preparation and grout sealing.
Other Natural Stones
Travertine, slate, and limestone each bring distinct textures and color ranges. These stones need correct mortar, grout, and sealing strategies to maintain long-term performance.
Design And Selection Process
Stockett Tile And Granite typically follows a consultative design process to align material choice with budget and usage. Clients are encouraged to bring inspiration photos and outline functional needs like heat resistance or stain tolerance.
Showroom visits or digital catalogs allow side-by-side comparisons. Professionals often provide digital mock-ups, edge profile samples for countertops, and recommended grout colors to visualize the final result.
Measurement, Templating, And Fabrication
Accurate measurement and templating are critical to a quality installation. Stockett Tile And Granite usually performs on-site templating using laser measures or physical templates for countertops and complex cutouts.
Fabrication of stone countertops occurs in a shop environment where CNC routers, waterjet cutters, and polished edge tools shape slabs to the template. Quality shops employ experienced fabricators to minimize seams and achieve tight tolerances.
Installation Standards And Best Practices
Professional installations follow industry standards for substrate preparation, mortar selection, and movement joints. Proper substrate (cement backer board, exterior grade plywood, or mortar beds) ensures longevity and prevents cracking or lippage.
For countertops, installers verify cabinet levelness, adjust support as needed, and dry-fit pieces before final adhesive or epoxy seam bonding. Shower installations require waterproofing membranes underneath tile and appropriate slope to drains.
Grout, Sealers, And Finishes
Grout choice affects appearance and maintenance: epoxy grout is stain-resistant but more costly; cementitious grout is economical and versatile. Color and joint width selection should complement tile size and style.
Natural stone commonly requires penetrating sealers to reduce staining while preserving appearance. High-gloss polished finishes highlight color depth, while honed or matte finishes hide wear better.
Typical Project Timeline
Project timelines vary by scope: simple countertop swaps can take 3–7 days, while full kitchen or bathroom renovations may span several weeks. Factors impacting schedule include material lead times, cabinet or plumbing delays, and fabrication complexity.
Stockett Tile And Granite often coordinates with general contractors to sequence work efficiently, ensuring tile installation follows rough-in plumbing and that countertops are installed after cabinets are fully secured. Clear communication reduces rework and schedule slips.
Cost Considerations And Budgeting
Costs depend on material, square footage, edge profiles, and installation difficulty. Granite and quartz vary widely—from economy slabs to premium exotic stone—so per-square-foot pricing can range significantly.
Additional costs include removal of old surfaces, substrate repair, custom edge treatments, sink and faucet cutouts, and island overhang supports. Clients should request itemized estimates and compare material samples to balance price with performance.
Maintenance Tips For Longevity
Routine maintenance preserves the appearance and lifespan of tile and stone. Daily cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners and periodic resealing for porous stones are key steps.
For stains, prompt spot treatment following manufacturer guidance prevents permanent discoloration. Heat pans or hot pots on granite are usually acceptable but trivets are recommended for long-term protection.
Warranty, Service, And Aftercare
Reliable providers like Stockett Tile And Granite typically offer workmanship warranties and can assist with post-installation issues such as grout touch-ups or seam adjustments. Understanding warranty terms for fabrication, seams, and sealant application helps set expectations.
Clients should document pre-installation conditions, keep care instructions, and maintain scheduled resealing to uphold warranty coverage where required. Good contractors provide clear, written warranty descriptions.
How To Evaluate Stockett Tile And Granite
When assessing any tile and stone contractor, review portfolios, ask for references, and verify trade credentials and insurance. Site visits to completed projects reveal workmanship quality, grout alignment, and seam tightness.
Check customer reviews on local directories, the Better Business Bureau, and social media for response patterns. A history of prompt communication and satisfactory post-installation service is a strong indicator of reliability.
Geographic Service Area And Project Types
Stockett Tile And Granite typically serves a defined regional market and handles residential remodels, new-construction projects, and some light commercial work. Confirm service coverage and whether they subcontract specialized tasks like structural modifications or extensive waterproofing.
Availability for emergency repairs or small service calls varies; inquire about minimum service fees or travel charges for smaller jobs. Clear scope definitions avoid unexpected charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Granite Require Sealing?
Most granite slabs benefit from periodic sealing to prevent oil-based stains. Frequency depends on stone porosity and household use—annually for higher-porosity slabs, less often for dense varieties.
How Long Does Quartz Last?
Quartz is durable and low-maintenance when used indoors, with a lifespan comparable to granite under normal conditions. It is not heat-proof—extreme, repeated heat exposure can damage the resin binder.
Can Tile Be Installed Over Existing Surfaces?
Sometimes installers can tile over stable, level existing tiles or vinyl, but substrate assessment is essential. Removing old materials is often recommended to ensure a proper bond and to inspect for moisture issues.
What Is The Best Grout For Kitchens?
Epoxy grout offers superior stain resistance for high-use kitchens but costs more and can be harder to work with. Cement-based grout with a stain-resistant sealer is a common and economical alternative. Choose grout based on traffic, exposure to staining agents, and budget.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring
- Can We See Recent Project Photos Or A Portfolio?
- What Warranties Do You Provide For Workmanship And Materials?
- Are Fabrication And Installation Performed In-House?
- How Do You Handle Unforeseen Issues Or Change Orders?
- Do You Provide Written Estimates And Project Timelines?
Final Notes On Choosing A Tile And Stone Partner
Selecting a contractor like Stockett Tile And Granite involves balancing aesthetics, performance, and long-term value. Informed material choices, clear communication, and documented expectations lead to successful projects. Clients who prioritize site visits, samples, and written contracts reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
For homeowners pursuing kitchen or bathroom transformations, combining a trusted design advisor with skilled fabrication and installation typically yields the best results. Asking targeted questions and verifying past work helps ensure a smooth renovation experience.