All About Galaxy Granite & Marble Co.

Mission Statement: HONESTY - IN ALL WE SAY AND DO
We don't believe in the phony "blow out" sales offerings that you see at most DIY depot stores, or competitor countertop outlets. We think you're smart enough to recognize real craftsmanship value, without resorting to these tactics. If you see something marked down at our showroom the savings are always genuine as we do not sell inferior grade countertop products. While every business talks about great customer service, we're fanatical about taking care of our customers' needs.

Our bottom line is this: There's more to creating a lasting business than just the bottom line. It's also about integrity, skill and honesty of those making your countertop proposals. We treat people the way we would like to be treated. Nothing fancy here; just good common sense and respect for our customers. Unlike some companies, we don't hide part of our price in the form of "shipping and handling" or hidden installation charges that mysteriously show up in your final bill. Whether by telephone, email, or live chat, you'll always enjoy honest and friendly service from Galaxy Granite & Marble. That's the way we do business. It works for us; we know it will work for you too.

We're dedicated to the needs of those seeking top quality countertops in the Metro Detroit area. We base this on the proposition that quality isn't a luxury, it's an absolute necessity. Why? Because we've learned from experience that buying quality stone counters may cost a little more to start with, but it's a bargain in the long-run. Thus, our customers shop with confidence knowing the brands and products shown at GalaxyGraniteTops.com, and in our showroom, have passed our own stringent requirements for quality, durability, and outstanding lasting value as part of you home, store or office.

Galaxy Granite & Marble Company is a full service fabricator and installer of stock, or custom cut granite counter tops in either residential or commercial properties. We also quote jobs for fireplaces, bathrooms, restaurants, bars, retail storefronts, office building, spas requiring a firm installed price on top grade granite and marble stone surfaces. Our standard full install service charge is $34.95/sq. ft. with additional costs for special shaping, counter cutouts or rare granite shaping type projects. Some of the included and extra cost service are shown below:

• Cutting and fabrication of granite and marble slabs for all flat surface mounting in both commercial and residential countertop projects. These services also are priced to include expert installation and a 1 year guarantee on all materials and labor.

• Our price quotes are based upon accurate measurements and  drawings to compute the square footage and cutting requirements of the are to be covered. We use only top grade granite or marble slabs for all projects, so the standard price of $34.95/sq. ft. is for materials, fabrication and installation labor,delivery and sealing the finished counter top, fireplace or floor/wall tiling job. Side and wall splashes are included in square foot charge.

• Galaxy has a complete fabrication shop for making specialty curved counters and commercial restroom, checkout and service counters from our stock of select grade granite slabs.

• We have specialty edging machines to compliment fullly automated CAD/CAM cutting systems for all thickness of granite slabs. Galaxy does a wide variety of edge styles, but the edges priced are either a full bull nose, a beveled edge, or a square edge with a 3/8 inch radius relief on the top and bottom edges. Stop by our showroom at 34808 Mound Rd (near 15 Mile Rd) in Sterling Heights Mi. and view granite samples, sink options, tiles and kitchen/bath displays.

We manufacture and install marble and granite: * countertops * vanities * fireplace surrounds * table tops, bar tops  * window sills * almost any item your projects or imagination requires. We will custom fabricate the marble or granite to your specific details using state of the art cutting and finishing tools. Still thinking whether or not to choose granite for your project?

Granite is the number one choice for today's countertops, because of its  long lasing qualities: * scratch resistant * hot plates can be places directly on the granite * easy to clean * durable * does not harbor bacteria * will not stain under normal use * it's beautiful and luxurious...

Granite is an amazing natural stone that comes in a large variety of textures and colors. It is a very dense, durable stone that needs very little maintenance and can be used for a number of interior and exterior designs. Granite is an igneous rock, which means it was once molten and formed as it cooled deep within the earth and requires expensive quary work to get to our workshop. Minerals within granite typically appear as small flecks throughout the stone, once creating a salt and pepper look. Other types have veining similar to marble. Granite is a dense-grained, hard stone. It can be highly polished or finished in a variety of other ways. A broad spectrum of colors are available.

Get a free quotation. Just fax a dimensioned sketch to 586-268-0099 and in two or three days you will receive a hardcopy quote back from our estimating and pricing department. Use our online Quote form to request a RFQ or site visit. These are not the final measurements that will be used, so you don't have to worry about being exact at this time. After you place your order you will get a set of dimensioned engineering drawings. You will have an opportunity to make any adjustments or corrections to the measurements when you get the drawing and choose your granite or marble color. We don't start fabrication until we have a set of endorsed drawings from you and your color choice is made. If you are using an independent installer, contractor or cabinet maker it is usually a good idea to get them to check and approve the drawing so if there is any problem with the measurements they own the problem not you.

• How exact to I have to be in my measurements? . The greater the accuracy the better the ultimate fit and the easier the installation. Call us to arrange a free quotation measurement visit if your stumped. Try and get within at least 1/4 inch. The manner in which the counters are constructed does allow for some play and error. The back and side splashes allow about 3/4 of an inch under which problems can be hidden. The manner in which we make the corner panels also allows for a wide margin of error.

• We perform on-site custom fitting as our Service Truck has room for cutting and stone machining systems inside. Non standard configurations such as compound complex curves can result in additional charges and our trained stone cutters just love the special cutting challenges our customers. If you wish us to do the sink cutouts and polish the edges for an under mount sink will added $275 per cutout, inclusive of up to three plumbing holes.

• Installation quotes can include reinforcing or modifying the support structure for the granite top. In addition to a 3/4 inch thick plywood subcounter you will want a moisture barrier between the granite and the wood. A vulcanized rubber paint, for example, works just fine as does plastic sheeting. The idea here is you don't want any moisture or water getting into the subcounter and rotting or mildewing. Our field staff can advise you on this add-on service.

• All jobs include surface cleaning and application of a granite sealant. We can do annual surface maintenance or sell you sealant and proper cleaning agents at our storefront. All natural stone products should be initially sealed and periodically resealed. Any natural stone sealer for granite counters may be used and you'll be amazed how durable real top grade granite is to maintain with just a wet rag and common dishwashing soap.

• Our desire to service all our customer's needs is exceeded only by our willingness to do just that. We own the problems, and therefore will do everything in our power to correct them. Our satisfied customers are our best source for new business and we appreciate them. They know a Galaxy Granite surface, that offers a level of elegance that is often imitated but never equaled,  beams back at them daily. A granite countertop, fireplace, conference table, spa or vanity top is the surface by which all others are judged. Now through the master craftsmanship of the Galaxy Granite & Marble tradesmen your home, restaurant, storefront or office can get custom made granite countertops at an affordable price.

• Galaxy is a home improvement contractor specializing in granite and marble kitchen and bath countertops, fireplace facings and custom cut stone work projects for residenial and commercial projects. Look to us for Kitchen and Bathroom remodeling in the cities of Detroit, Ann Arbor, Warren, Dearborn, Farmington, Troy, Livonia, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Bloomfield Hills, Jackson, Novi, Rochester, Utica, West Bloomfield, Burton, Clarkston, Clinton Township, Royal Oak, Saint Clair Shores, Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Belleville, Birmingham, Brighton, Canton, Sterling Heights, Dearborn and surrounding areas in Michigan.

Modular or Custom Built Countertops & Table Tops for $34.95/sq ft.

Galaxy Granite & Marble Co. also offers granite tile modular countertops and granite slab modular countertop kits from the top distributors. Designed for single medium to large kitchens, granite countertop kits offer all of the benefits of traditional custom cut granite countertops at a reduced cost. With granite modular countertop kits, the ease of installation and affordability offered by countertops of a lesser quality material is yours as well. Installing a modular countertop with either the granite tile kits or the granite slab kits is designed for the inexperienced handyman, with ease of installation in mind. This option is perfect for the do-it-yourselfer, or for the independent home remodeler looking to save time, and money. With granite modular countertops and sink kits from Galaxy the installation, and affordability for residential kitchens are well within your range.

Some tips on caring for your granite & marble surfaces:

Cleaning Your Stone Tile and Countertops....The natural stone tile or countertops your have purchased for your home or business is an investment that will give you many years of beautiful service. Stone, such as marble and granite are natural products and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking beautiful for years. Here are some Galaxy Granite staff recommendations for routine care and cleaning of your stone tile or countertops.

• Precautions in preventing scratches or stains: Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.

• Do not place hot items directly on your granite countertops or stone tiles even though they take extreme heat. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under ceramics, silver, china, or other objects that can scratch the surface.

• Cleaning Steps and Advice for Marble and granite Floor Tile: Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone tiles due to their abrasiveness. Floor mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone tile floor. Be sure that the underside of the floor mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface of your stone tile. Granite Fireplace facings and surrounds are fireproof and clean up with just a wet towel and common dishwashing soap.

• Clean natural stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores or from our showroom) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other stone surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or granite. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

• Bathrooms and Other Wet Areas -In bathrooms or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of your stone surfaces.

• Bathroom Vanity Countertops -Bathroom vanity countertops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. A good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be applied to minimize water spotting.

• Kitchen Cooking Counters -In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with Galaxy Staff for recommendations and surface buffing or repair options. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. If there are questions, check with the sealer manufacturer.

Do's and Don'ts -Do dust mop stone floors frequently  -Do clean stone surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap - Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing -Do blot up spills immediately -Do protect stone floor tiles with non-slip mats or area rugs and granite countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats

Don't - use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble surfaces -Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners -Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry powere cleansers or soft chorine based cleansers.

How much do granite countertops cost? Try $34.95 per install square foot.
The least expensive granites are comparable to the more expensive composite solid surface materials. Many factors are considered when we price a prospective job as we use only premium granite:

• price of the chosen stone, size of the slabs, the type of edging selected (many included free in price), the number of  counter top holes to be cut, and other details, too. This is why we have a strong preference for meeting with you before any pricing is provided. We also make granite conference, dining room and hallway tables and custom cut granite bar tops.

• The stone is priced by thickness too. Most slabs are available in two thickness': ¾ inch and 1 ¼", 2cm and 3cm respectively. We can also laminate different thickness' for custom thicker edges. Granite, Marble, Slate, Sandstone flooring tile is 3/8" thick and usually 12" X 12", other sizes also available.