What to Know About A & S Marble & Granite Imports in South Carolina

A & S Marble & Granite Imports specializes in natural stone for countertops, flooring, and architectural projects

A & S Marble & Granite Imports is a supplier of natural stone materials based in South Carolina, serving homeowners, contractors, and builders who need marble, granite, and other stone products for renovation and construction work. The company stocks slabs and finished pieces for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, flooring, wall cladding, and custom architectural applications. If you are planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrade, or larger commercial project that calls for natural stone, this is the kind of supplier you would contact to see what materials they have in stock and what custom work they can handle.

Natural stone sourcing can be complicated—different stones come from different regions, vary in durability and maintenance needs, and carry different price points. Working with a local supplier means you can see the actual material in person before committing, get advice on which stones suit your climate and use case, and avoid the shipping costs and delays that come with ordering sight-unseen from distant quarries or national distributors.

Key Takeaways

• A & S Marble & Granite Imports stocks natural stone slabs and finished pieces for countertops, flooring, and architectural projects in South Carolina.
• Visiting in person lets you examine the actual stone you are considering, which matters because color, veining, and finish vary from slab to slab.
• The company works with both homeowners doing single-room projects and contractors managing larger jobs, so they handle orders of different scales.
• Natural stone requires different care and maintenance depending on the type—granite, marble, and other materials have different sealing and cleaning needs.

What types of stone A & S Marble & Granite Imports carries

The company's name signals its primary focus: marble and granite. Granite is a hard, igneous rock that resists scratching and heat, making it popular for kitchen countertops where durability matters. Marble is softer and more porous, prized for its appearance and veining but more vulnerable to staining and etching from acidic substances. Both come in a wide range of colors and patterns depending on where they were quarried.

Beyond those two, natural stone suppliers in South Carolina typically stock other materials like quartz (engineered stone, not natural but stone-like), limestone, slate, and soapstone. The specific inventory at A & S varies, so contacting them directly or visiting their showroom will tell you what they currently have available and what they can source for custom orders.

How to work with a stone supplier for your project

The typical process starts with a site visit or phone call to describe what you need—the room, the intended use, your budget, and your timeline. If you are working with a contractor, they may handle this conversation. If you are a homeowner doing the project yourself, you will want to have measurements of your countertop or floor space ready, photos of your kitchen or bathroom layout, and a sense of your style preferences.

Next comes the showroom visit. This is where you see actual slabs, feel the finish (polished, honed, leathered), and get a real sense of color under your home's lighting. Lighting matters enormously with stone—a slab that looks one way under showroom lights can look different in your kitchen. Many suppliers will let you take a sample home or visit with photos of your space to see how it looks in context.

Once you have chosen a slab, the supplier measures your space (or you provide exact measurements), quotes the cost of the stone plus fabrication and installation, and arranges delivery. Fabrication—cutting, polishing edges, drilling for sink and faucet holes, sealing—typically takes one to three weeks depending on complexity and the supplier's current workload.

Cost factors for natural stone projects

Natural stone pricing depends on the type of stone, its origin, the rarity of the pattern, the thickness of the slab, and the complexity of the fabrication work. Granite and marble vary widely in price; some domestic granite is relatively affordable, while imported marble or rare granite can be expensive. Thicker slabs cost more than thinner ones. Custom edge profiles, waterjet cutting for intricate designs, and multiple cutouts for sinks and appliances add to the fabrication cost.

Installation labor is separate from the material and fabrication cost. If you are hiring a contractor to install the stone, that is an additional line item. Some suppliers offer installation services or can recommend installers; others sell the material only and leave installation to you or your contractor.

Maintenance and care for marble and granite countertops

Granite is relatively low-maintenance. It resists scratches and heat well, though it is still porous and benefits from sealing every one to three years to prevent staining. Clean it with mild soap and water or a pH-neutral stone cleaner; avoid acidic cleaners that can etch the surface.

Marble requires more attention. It is softer and more porous than granite, so it scratches more easily and stains readily from acidic substances like lemon juice, wine, or vinegar. Marble also etches—meaning the surface dulls—when exposed to acids. If you choose marble for a kitchen countertop, you will need to seal it regularly, wipe up spills immediately, and use coasters under glasses. Many homeowners reserve marble for bathroom vanities or decorative surfaces where the risk of damage is lower.

Other stones like slate and soapstone have their own characteristics. Slate is durable but can be slippery underfoot if used for flooring. Soapstone is soft but develops a natural patina over time that many people find attractive. Ask the supplier about the specific maintenance needs of whichever stone you choose.

Working with contractors and designers

If you are hiring a general contractor or kitchen designer for a larger project, they often have relationships with stone suppliers and may direct you to specific companies. Some contractors have preferred suppliers they trust for quality and reliability. If you are working with an interior designer, they may specify the stone type and source as part of the overall design plan.

If you are sourcing the stone yourself, bring your contractor or designer into the showroom visit so everyone agrees on the material before purchase. Miscommunication about stone choice—especially color and pattern—can lead to costly delays or disputes later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a sample of the stone before I buy a full slab?

Yes. Most stone suppliers, including those in South Carolina, keep sample chips or small pieces available for customers to take home. Some will also let you borrow a larger sample slab for a day or two so you can see how it looks in your actual space under your home's lighting. Ask when you call or visit.

How long does it take from choosing a stone to having it installed?

Typically two to four weeks total, depending on the supplier's fabrication schedule and your installer's availability. Fabrication alone usually takes one to three weeks. If the stone is not in stock and must be ordered from a quarry, add additional time. Rush fabrication is sometimes available for an extra fee.

What is the difference between polished, honed, and leathered finishes?

Polished is shiny and reflective, the most common finish for granite and marble countertops. Honed is matte and smooth, less slippery and less likely to show fingerprints. Leathered has a textured, slightly bumpy surface that hides dust and fingerprints well. Each finish affects the stone's appearance, feel, and maintenance needs. Ask to see samples of each if you are undecided.

Do I need to seal my granite or marble countertops?

Granite and marble are both porous and benefit from sealing to resist staining. Granite typically needs sealing every one to three years; marble may need it more often depending on use. Some stones are denser and more stain-resistant than others. The supplier or installer can tell you whether your specific stone needs sealing and how often.

Can natural stone be used for kitchen countertops if I cook a lot?

Yes, but the choice of stone matters. Granite is excellent for busy kitchens because it resists heat and scratching. Marble is less practical for heavy cooking because it stains and etches easily. If you love marble but cook frequently, consider using it for an island or a specific zone, and choose granite for the main prep and cooking areas.