FAQ

• Ceramic & Porcelain Tile
• Marble & Granite
• Limestone & Travertine & Slate
• Glass & Metal Accents
• Silestone, Caesarstone & Soapstone
• Murals & Handcrafted Tiles
• Thinset & Grout
• Cleaning & Sealant Products

• Stone fabrication and installation
• Custom tile installation
• Stone cleaning and sealing products
• Removal and disposal of old counters
• Counter accessories such as sinks and faucets

No, we do not carry or fabricate Corian Stone

• Blue Prints
• Cabinet Layout
• Cabinet Samples
• Room Dimensions

Yes, we are able to offer a wide selection at every price point. If your builder is offering you an allowance for the tile, how much is it? Does the allowance include installation? 

Often countertops materials are chosen from relatively small samples. Granite and marble especially can look quite different in a large piece and may even look different from the sample you viewed. Viewing the granite or marble allows you to point out an area on the slab that you might especially like or dislike. You can choose from our selection or go to one of the slab yards that we work with which are listed on our website and tag the one you are interested in. 

NO.Generally you will be without a fully functional kitchen for only twenty-four hours. We can measure for the new countertops with the existing countertops in place. The day of installation we will also disconnect your plumbing (for an additional plumbing charge which is not included in your original estimate, you have to ask for it at the time of your purchasing), remove the existing countertop and replace it with the new granite, marble or quartz. You need to wait twenty-four hours before having your plumbing reconnected preferably by a licensed plumber.

These are all branded manufactured quartz materials. The composition is roughly 93% quartz and 7% resin. The resin is added to the quartz to give to make it non porous and keep it from having to be sealed. In general, quartz is a more consistent in pattern and can be purchased from a sample.

Yes, large tiles work best because they give you less grout joints but all sizes will work. There are special pieces available to finish it off. You must seal the grout to keep from staining. Creative Habitats does not offer installation of tile countertops.

• For everyday cleaning a solution of mild soap and warm water is recommended. If a heavier cleaner is needed we suggest and sell DUPONT StoneTech Professional Stone & Tile Cleaner however any cleaner with no alcohol and ammonia will be fine. The heavier the ammonia and alcohol content of the cleaner the quicker it will wear down your sealer, making your stone more prone to staining.
• Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble. The high acid content may etch the surface.
• Do not use abrasive powders or creams such as Comet or Soft Scrub on any natural stone; these products may scratch the surface of your stone.
• Clean spills up promptly, especially thick, colorful sauces (i.e., hot sauce, pasta sauce) and oils.
• We recommend sealing your countertop 2 times a year. (Every 6 months.)
• Before sealing it is important to make sure that the stone is clean and dry.
• Use an all white paper towel to apply the sealer making sure to cover all exposed areas. We suggest and sell DUPONT StoneTech Professional Stone, Tile Care products but if you choose to buy another brand make sure that it is either silicone or water based and contains no Teflon.
• Let the sealer sit for 10 minutes and then wipe off the excess with a dry paper towel. It is not necessary to let the sealer sit more then that. The stone will only absorb what’s needed to fill the pores.

• High Polish Bronze, Copper and Brass will begin aging the fastest.
• Limited maintenance is required to keep a shiny appearance by using a non-chalking metal polish, although most customers prefer to let the metal age naturally.
• All finishes in Nickel Silver, Stainless Steel and Aluminum will keep their original appearance by occasionally applying Gojo® sparingly on a soft brush and then buff dry with a towel. Oil Rubbed, Verdi, Rust and Wrought finishes will not age, but should be oiled occasionally to protect the finish. Tile installed in showers should be wiped dry with a soft cloth to prevent spotting. Use Gojo® sparingly to remove water spots and unwanted green patina. A product like Rain-X® can be used to protect tile installed above the water line in or around a pool. There is no maintenance required for tile installed below the water line.

The size of the slab factors into where the seams can be placed. The location of the sink, cooktop and dishwasher can also determine seam placement. It is also important to know that seams will be visible and can be felt in your new granite, marble or manufactured quartz countertops.