Resources
Our Process
Beginning a kitchen or bath remodel, or any other type of home design project, can seem daunting. It doesn't have to be. At European Stone & Tile Design, our project approach is designed to help our customers visualize and realize their dream outcome.
Where Do I Start?
The first stage of any design or remodel project is an analysis of your needs, goals and expectations. We can help you identify and articulate these concepts, think through the ramifications of different ideas, and visualize your dream design in ways you may not have imagined.
Choosing Your Tile
Not all tiles are created equal. There are many details to consider when choosing the right style and material for your intended application and aesthetic. Our experienced design and sales staff can help you make sense of the intricacies of tile work. Below are a few factors to consider.
Countertop Edge Guide
European Stone & Tile Design offers a full array of edge profile selections with four standards at no additional charge. Custom edges by design available.
FAQs
Below are some commonly-asked questions that we've received. Have a question that's not covered here? Please call or send us a message and we'll be happy to provide and answer.
Careers Opportunities
Are you a skilled, team-oriented craftsman who takes pride in your work? Looking to join a group of like-minded artisans? We’d love to hear from you.
Our Process
Beginning a kitchen or bath remodel, or any other type of home design project, can seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. At European Stone & Tile Design, our project approach is designed to help our customers visualize and realize their dream outcome.
STEP ONE
Contact us
European Stone & Tile Design offers a showroom equipped with the latest stone and tile products. Come in with a drawing and pictures for an in-house estimate. We also do free in-home estimates and design consultations for one’s kitchen or bathroom remodel project. Alternatively, clients can also email/fax us a copy of their layout for quote purposes too. For more information on how to prepare for your project and organize your thoughts and ideas, check out our “Getting Started” guide here.
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STEP TWO
Select your material
After we have submitted our proposal and you have chosen to work with us, will schedule an appointment to help you hand-select the slabs for their project. At our Kirkland warehouse we carry limited collection of stocked slab colors to choose from. Materials are typically selected from our list of vendors located in the Sodo district of Seattle.
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STEP THREE
Edge detail options
European Stone & Tile Design offers a full array of edge profile selections with four standards at no additional charge. Custom edge designs are also available. Please see our Countertop Edge Guide here.
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STEP FOUR
Templating
Templating is the process of laying out wooden strips along the installed cabinets to create a skeletal structure of the future countertops. Then the custom-made template is laid upon the granite slabs in order to create the custom countertops with precision and accuracy. Prior to templating the following items need to be in place:
- Cabinets and finished end panels need to be installed, leveled and in their final locations. Upper cabinets must be in place if client has purchased full height backsplash.
- All of the appliances in the kitchen need to be on location, which includes the stove, dishwasher, fridge etc.
- The sink needs to be on location so that we may use it as a template for the sink cutout, or the exact box measurements must be on hand. Faucet fixtures need to be purchased and on site as well.
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STEP FIVE
Template Placing
After creating the custom framework of your new counters based off the cabinets, you will have an opportunity to view which areas of the slab will be used in your home if the material chosen has movement and “exotic” characteristics.
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STEP SIX
Fabrication
The custom template is the framework used to cut the granite to the proper dimensions of the custom kitchen countertops. Once the granite has been cut to the template dimensions, the process of fabrication begins. Fabrication is the process of using heavy machinery with high volumes of water to polish the granite through a series of different polishing levels to bring out the beauty and natural shine of the material. The fabrication process is where 85% of the labor is expended. Once the process has begun, one piece can take 2-6 days to fabricate, depending on the surface.
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STEP SEVEN
Installation
Installation is the final phase of the project. The installation crew will bring the custom-made countertop to the project site, unload the piece(s) and begin the installation process. Each crew is specially trained ito nstall your custom granite or quartz countertop. To ensure quality and confidence in the project, adequate time is spent on each project to guarantee a successful installation. The time needed is determined on a project by project basis.
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STEP EIGHT
Maintenance care
Following the installation of a granite/quartz countertop or after a bathroom or kitchen remodel, many homeowners are curious to know if there are any requirements in maintaining the slab or tile product. Therefore, each customer is provided with a maintenance card following the completion.
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STEP NINE
Warranty
European Stone & Tile offers a 90-day Service Warranty for standard items such as caulking, chips etc coupled with a 1 year Craftsmanship Warranty for material and installation. Quartz installations are product-dependent based on supplier warranty.
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Where Do I Start?
The first stage of any design or remodel project is an analysis of your needs, goals and expectations. We can help you identify and articulate these concepts, help you think through the ramifications of different ideas, and help you visualize your dream designs in ways you may not have imagined. If you’re early in the process and would like some assistance, guidance, and support with starting your project, we’re here to help.
Planning for your project
There are some things you can do on your own to organize your own thoughts about your remodel project, or to help guide our design team toward the solution you have envisioned in your mind. The following suggestions can either be done in preparation for meeting with our design team or following our initial consultation. These steps are designed to help you organize your thoughts about what you would like to accomplish with the tile and granite applications in your project and to simplify the design process, both of which will lead to a more successful result.
- Prepare a sketch or drawing of your project which includes length and width measurements of all surfaces, finished edge and backsplash locations. Please indicate both position and size of all appliances and sinks.
- Visit our showroom and select your material. We have samples of a wide variety of granite, marble, limestone and quartz products in our showroom to aid you in your decision making process. Our sales team is always prepared to assist you and work within both your design and budgetary guidelines.
- Determine the edge style. In addition to material, we have a variety of sample edges in our showroom and on this website to help you make a great decision.
- Decide if you would like a custom backsplash. Backsplash options go from simple and clean to ornate. Give this some thought and call your project manager who can assist in making your vision come to life.
Choosing Your Tile
Not all tiles are created equal. There are many details to consider when choosing the right style and material for your intended application and aesthetic. Our experienced design and sales staff can help you make sense of the intricacies of tile work. Below are a few factors to consider.
Composition
Tiles are a combination of clay, minerals and solvents that are shaped and sized and then heated to very high temperatures. At this point, the tile can just remain as is – unglazed and without decoration – and will be considered finished. Without the glaze, the tile is very porous and, although attractive in a rustic way, it wouldn’t be appropriate to use it at this stage in areas where spills or moisture might be common, like the kitchen.
Glaze
Glazing adds a non-porous element to the surface of the tile that’s usually impermeable and therefore good for all areas, including kitchens and baths, foyers and countertops. It is a good idea to take this one step further and seal the grout around the tile so that it’s also waterproof.
Function
Besides being beautiful, ceramic tile is a highly practical and functional surface. Among its many benefits are… It’s strong, colorfast, and flame-resistant, it doesn’t conduct heat or electricity, it’s hygienic, it won’t absorb odors or emit hazardous chemicals, it won’t swell or contract in extreme temperatures, and it’s easy to clean.
If the tile is to be used outdoors, look for weatherproof tiles. Furthermore, if it will be walked on, you may wish to consider a slip-resistant tile. If you find just the right tile but it’s not slip-resistant, don’t worry — you can have it treated for slip resistance.
Did you know that 45 percent of all accidents happen in the home and that 95 percent of those accidents involve slipping and falling? With that in mind, it might be wise to treat all your tile floors with a slip-resistant application.
If the tile is to be used on a kitchen counter, find one that is not only glazed but also scratch-resistant. You won’t want to use it as a cutting board, but it should be durable enough that you can set pots and pans and cooking utensils on it.
Is the tile going to be put on a wall? It will probably be susceptible to less wear in this location than a floor or countertop tile, so less highly-treated tiles such as hand-painted or artisanal ones may be appropriate.
These guidelines can help you to get started thinking about the world of tile options available to you. Make an appointment today or just stop in our showroom and we’d be happy to help you figure out the rest!
(Adapted from “Choosing the Right Tile,” by Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, HGTV)
Countertop Edge Guide
European Stone & Tile Design offers a full array of edge profile selections with four standards at no additional charge. Custom edges by design available.
Popular Edges
Straight or E&P (standard)
3/8 Round (standard)
1/4 Bevel (standard)
3/8 Round T&B
Half Bullnose
1/2 Bevel
Full Bullnose
Demi Bullnose
1/4 Bevel T&B
1″ Bevel
Crescent (standard)
Premium Edges
Ogee
Ogee Bull
Flat Ogee
1/2 Ogee
Double Bullnose
Deep Ogee
Cove
Hollywood Bevel
Stair Thread
Platner
Cove Ogee
Chiseled
Laminated Edges
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Design 4
Design 5
Design 6
Design 7
