Products

All in-stock items are stocked on-site in our warehouse and are available for same-day pick-up. If an item such as flooring tile is out of stock, it will generally take 5-14 business days for shipping. For custom carvings and special-order pieces, expect a lead-time of approximately 10 weeks.

What should I bring with me to my appointment?

Please bring plans, pictures or other ideas of items you are interested, as we will be better able to assist you.

Do I have to work with a designer or architect?

It is highly encouraged that you work with an architect or interior designer on any project, but not required. As it is easier for a designer to better assess your individual needs with regards to space, light, colors, textures and lending a flow to your overall home environment. We do have on-staff stone designers to assist you with selecting the appropriate stone-type for your project.

Will someone come to my job site to take measurements?

For some projects it may be necessary for one of our stone designers to see your site to take measurements and suggest ideas. Generally, a blueprint or photographs of the existing site are all that is needed.

Do you install products?

We do not install all products. We can install fountains, columns, statuary and fireplace surrounds. We can also arrange for installation through your current landscaper or contractor. For flooring material and mosaics, we leave the installation to the professionals in this field.

How can I place orders?

It is best to visit our Stone Studio in-person to see the stone color with your own eyes before ordering. However, if the trip is not practical, you can place an order over the telephone.

What are your payment terms?

Carved Stone Creations requires full payment before delivery or net 30 terms upon credit approval. All special-order items require a 50% down-payment before production can begin.

How do you accept payment?

We accept cash, check and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

Can I purchase products on your website?

Currently, purchases cannot be made directly on our website. You may contact us through the “Request a Quote” link to get pricing and information on placing an order. Please note that not all products available are represented on our website. Because of countless combinations of custom designs, sizes and stone colors, it is difficult to display every product available.

Can I return products?

All returns or exchanges must be pre-authorized by Carved Stone Creations, Inc. Customized or special-order items cannot be returned. Returns of stocked items are allowed within 30 days, but will result in a 25% restocking fee. Return freight charges are the responsibility of the customer. There will be no refund of original shipping charges. In-store credit for full sale amount (minus any original shipping fees) can be issued for exchanges.

What are shipping costs?

Shipping costs are determined by the weight, quantity and destination of product. Please call or email with your address and the item(s) you are interested in for additional freight costs that may apply.

Does Carved Stone Creations ship to international locations?

Yes, we ship to international locations. Please call or email with your address and the item(s) you are interested in for additional freight costs that may apply.

How will my material be delivered?

LTL deliveries are curbside delivery unless a lift gate truck and/or pallet jack is requested.

How do I care for my stone?

Normal maintenance requirements are similar to wood floors or carpet where routine sweeping or vacuuming is done for removing dirt. Stone surfaces should be resealed when water no longer beads on the surface. The frequency of resealing will depend on traffic and use. Stone, like any other natural product, will age and patina over time adding to its beauty and character. See the “Stone Maintenance” section in our Stone101 page for more information.

Will granite or marble stain?

Marble and granite are porous materials and therefore, are subject to staining if not maintained properly. In granite, the same porosity that allows for staining also allows for easy stain removal. In most cases, stains can be prevented by quickly wiping the spill. If a spill is left overnight, especially if the liquid is grease, oil, coffee, or wine the granite will usually darken. To remove the stain, a poultice should be applied, which may pull out the stain from the granite. Marble can be stained and etched by acidic or oil-based products. If try to remove the stain yourself and are unsuccessful, please contact Carved Stone Creations for assistance.

Why does my granite stain?

Remember, many are porous, especially the popular swirl vareties. These swirl types are often not even true granites (more artistic license). Geologists use the term gneiss. Gneiss is usually made of the same material components as granite, only the stone cools more quickly in the earth's crust. Their swirls still show the movement of the stones active molten history. The important part is that these stones, with smaller crystals, are more porous than granites with large crystals. Impregnators are needed to reduce staining.

What is the best method to clean countertop surfaces?

Clean up spills immediately using only mild detergent and warm water to clean. Never use acidic or abrasive cleaners. Consider specially formulated products that seal and restore marble and stone.

What are suggested products to seal stone?

Sealing stone is strongly suggested, as it will create a barrier between the stone and dirt and stains. Even if a sealer is used, this is NOT going to make the stone 100% resistant to stains. Any staining agent that comes into contact with the stone should be removed immediately. Sealant and cleaner should be included on every stone order. We sell the Miracle Sealant Company products because they are widely considered the best available. Sealant is easy to apply. Use a sponge brush, paintbrush, or roller to spread it evenly over the surface of the stone. Traffic and use will affect the need to reseal a surface but resealing annually is a safe time frame.

Is slate a tripping hazard?

In our opinion, no. We have sold lots of slate, and have never had any complaints that people were tripping on the cleft areas of properly installed slate. We have had some specifiers concerned about it, and have decided not to use slate, but those who went with it, were always happy, to our knowledge. One consideration is that there are usually some pieces within a slate shipment that the tile contractor should sort and not install. We always recommend that this instruction be indicated in the project's stone specifications.

What are the tightest grout joints I can get with natural stone tiles?

That will usually depend on the tile. Marble, granite and limestone tiles are usually cut from blocks and then turned into tiles on a tile saw. If produced by a good tile factory, these tiles will have a size variance that will allow for a 1/16" grout joint. Imported slate, and other stones, such as quartzite and sandstone, are usually produced with a size variation that will only allow joints from 1/8" to 3/8", depending on the stone and factory.

Can your stone be installed on the interior and exterior of a home?

Yes. Our material is natural stone and is sound enough to handle extreme frost/thaw conditions of the exterior and light enough to be designed into interior plans.

Can my granite fountain stay outside year-round?

Absolutely! Traditionally stone monuments in Europe and North America were made from marble and granite. Granite is much harder and can withstand centuries of weathering. Granite does not need to be covered or sealed outside but sealing it will provide stain resistance and will further enhance its weather-resistant properties. Marbles, as well as manufactured or cast stone, are softer and will degrade over time, especially in cold climates where water enters microscopic cracks and expands upon freezing, eroding the rock.

Can granite be repaired?

While it is difficult to permanently repair granite, it is also very difficult to damage it. However, if some damage does occur, using a mix of color-matched stone epoxy and ground-up chips of granite, the stone can usually be repaired.