Frequently asked questions

BEFORE BUYING

  • We carry granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, and soapstone. We also offer select kitchen and bathroom sinks. Tiles are available for purchase, but tile installation is not provided, only countertop installation.

  • No appointment needed. We're open Monday to Friday 9am–5pm and Saturday 10am–3pm at 1631 Bay Road, Milford, DE. That said, if you want someone to walk through your whole project with you, calling ahead ensures we can give you our full attention. Walk-ins are always welcome.

  • Every project is different, so we don't list fixed prices. The total depends on square footage, material choice, edge profile, sink cutouts, and any extras like a backsplash. The fastest way to get a number is to fill out our quote form or call us, we typically send estimates within 24 hours of receiving your measurements.

  • Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Stone looks very different on a screen than in person. Come visit our showroom in Milford and you can see full slabs side by side. Bring a cabinet door, tile sample, or paint chip if you have one, seeing the stone next to your actual finishes makes the decision much easier. No appointment needed.

  • The edge profile is the finished edge of your countertop and affects the overall look significantly. We offer several styles, from clean and modern to more decorative: eased, ⅜ round, ¼ bevel, ½ bevel, ½ bullnose, full bullnose, and ogee. Visit our website to see photos of each profile, or stop by the showroom to see examples in person.

  • Both. Since 2004, we've worked with homeowners on renovations and with contractors and builders on larger projects throughout Delaware and the surrounding area. If you're a contractor looking to build an ongoing relationship with a reliable fabricator and installer, give us a call or stop by the showroom.

  • We're based in Milford, Delaware, and serve customers throughout Delaware and the Delmarva region. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us at (302) 335-1199 and we'll let you know.

DURING THE PROCESS

  • Here's what the typical project looks like:

    • 1. Consultation & material selection — visit our showroom or contact us to choose your stone, color, and edge profile.

    • 2. Estimate — share your measurements and photos; we send a quote within 24 hours.

    • 3. Contract & deposit — once you approve the quote, you sign the contract and pay a 50% deposit.

    • 4. Digital templating — we come to your home and take precise digital measurements of your space.

    • 5. Layout review (if applicable) — for stones with strong veining or movement (marble, quartzite, exotic stones), we may schedule a layout review so you can confirm seam placement and stone direction before we cut.

    • 6. Fabrication — your stone is cut, shaped, and polished in our shop using CNC technology. Turnaround is typically 7–10 business days after templating.

    • 7. Installation — our team installs the countertops. Final payment (50%) is due one business day before installation.

  • Before our team arrives to template, please make sure:

    • Cabinets are fully installed, secured, and level (front to back and side to side)

    • All items are cleared from existing countertops and the surrounding area

    • Your sink, faucet, cooktop, and any accessories are on-site

    • You've sent model numbers or spec sheets for all fixtures to your sales rep beforehand

    • If you have a farmhouse sink, it must already be installed in its support base — it cannot be moved after templating

    Someone must be present on the day to confirm seam locations, overhangs, faucet holes, and sink placement. If no one is available, our team will make those decisions to keep the project on schedule. If the site is not ready at the time of templating, additional trip charges may apply.

  • Changes are possible up until fabrication begins, but not after. Once we start cutting the stone, no modifications can be made. If you want to adjust dimensions, swap materials, or add a feature, contact us as soon as possible. All changes must be approved in writing.

  • A layout review is an optional step where you can see the stone direction, seam placement, and overall arrangement before we start cutting. It's recommended for materials with strong movement or veining, like marble, quartzite, or exotic natural stones, where placement really affects the final look. For more uniform materials like most quartz or common granite, it's generally not necessary. We'll guide you on whether it makes sense for your project.

  • Before our installation crew arrives:

    • All plumbing, gas lines, and appliances must be disconnected and water turned off

    • All base cabinets must be completely empty

    • Final payment must be received one business day before installation

    • Pets and children must be kept away from the work area

    • If you want to protect your floors, cover them before we arrive — our installers wear work shoes for safety and do not use shoe covers

    Ancient Art Stone does not disconnect or reconnect plumbing, gas lines, or appliances under any circumstances. That is the homeowner's or contractor's responsibility.

  • Seams are a normal part of any countertop fabrication. They will always be visible and may be felt. Our team works to minimize and position seams in the least noticeable locations while maintaining structural integrity. We'll discuss seam placement with you during the templating or layout review stage.

  • Fabrication typically takes 7–10 business days after templating is complete. The full timeline, from signing the contract to installation, depends on material availability, shop volume, and project complexity. We'll give you a specific timeframe when you sign. If you have a deadline, let us know upfront.

AFTER INSTALLATION

  • For everyday care:

    • Clean with warm water and a soft cloth, or a stone-safe cleaner

    • Wipe up spills quickly to prevent possible staining

    • Use cutting boards; don't cut directly on the stone

    • Use trivets or hot pads for hot pots and pans

    • For added shine, use a granite polish occasionally on natural stone

    Avoid bleach, ammonia, harsh chemicals, vinegar or acidic cleaners, abrasive pads, and standing or sitting on the countertops.

  • It depends on the material. Quartz is non-porous and does not require sealing. Natural stones like granite and quartzite may require periodic sealing to protect the surface. Marble is more porous and should be sealed and maintained carefully. If you're unsure whether your countertops need sealing, just ask our team is happy to advise.

  • Staining: Most stones resist stains well when properly sealed. Quartz is non-porous, so it's the most resistant. For natural stone, wipe up spills, especially acids like wine, lemon juice, or tomato sauce, quickly.

    Scratching: Stone is very hard and scratch-resistant, but it's still a good habit to use cutting boards. This protects both the surface and your knives.

    Cracking: Cracks are uncommon when countertops are properly fabricated and installed. Areas around sinks and cooktops require precise fabrication to maintain strength; this is something our team pays close attention to.

  • Yes, we offer backsplash installation and also sell tile. You can choose a full-height stone backsplash, a standard 4" splash, or a fully customized option, depending on your preference. Just mention it when requesting your estimate so we can include it in the scope.

  • Yes, completely normal. Granite, marble, quartzite, and other natural stones are products of nature. Variations in color, movement, veining, pits, and fissures are natural characteristics — not defects. Each slab is unique. This is part of what makes natural stone beautiful and one of a kind.

  • A few things to keep in mind:

    • Don't place extremely hot pans directly on the surface — always use a trivet or hot pad

    • Don't cut directly on stone — it can dull your knives and, over time, wear the finish

    • Don't use harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia, or vinegar-based cleaners

    • Don't sit or stand on the countertops — the weight can stress the stone, especially around cutouts

    • Seal natural stone periodically if recommended

    With proper care, stone countertops can last for decades.

BILLING AND PAYMENTS

  • We collect 50% at contract signing (deposit) and the remaining 50% one business day before installation. Fabrication does not begin until the deposit is received and the contract is signed. If final payment is not received on time, installation may be delayed.

  • We accept cash, checks, and credit or debit cards through our online invoicing system (Clover). If you prefer a different payment method, feel free to call us and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

  • The quoted price is based on the layout, measurements, and material selection provided at the time of signing. If the scope changes after templating, different measurements, a material swap, added features, or a project requiring special equipment like a crane or lift, the price may be adjusted. We'll always communicate any changes before proceeding.