East Coast Granite & Tile: What to Know Before You Order
What East Coast Granite & Tile offers and how to reach them
East Coast Granite & Tile is a countertop fabrication and installation company serving the South Carolina Lowcountry. They work with natural stone—granite, marble, and quartz—and handle both the custom cutting and on-site installation. The company operates out of the Charleston area and works with homeowners and contractors on residential kitchen and bathroom projects.
You can contact them directly to discuss your project, get measurements taken, and receive pricing. They typically work with you from the design phase through final installation, meaning you'll be dealing with the same company for both the material selection and the actual work in your home.
Key Takeaways
- East Coast Granite & Tile handles the full process from stone selection through installation, so you work with one company rather than coordinating separate vendors.
- They work with natural stone materials including granite, marble, and quartz, each with different durability, maintenance, and cost profiles.
- The timeline from measurement to installation typically spans several weeks, so plan your kitchen or bathroom project with that window in mind.
- Getting a site visit for measurements is a standard first step, and you should have your cabinet installation complete or nearly complete before they measure.
- Natural stone countertops require sealing and specific cleaning practices, which the installer should explain before they leave your home.
How the measurement and ordering process works
Once you contact East Coast Granite & Tile, they'll schedule a site visit to measure your countertop space. Bring any design ideas, cabinet specifications, or photos of styles you like. The installer will take precise measurements of your countertops, note the location of your sink, cooktop, and any other cutouts, and discuss edge profiles and finishes with you.
After the visit, you'll typically review options for stone color and pattern. Natural stone varies—no two slabs are identical—so you may see the actual slab that will be used for your counters, or you may work from samples. This is also when pricing gets finalized. Once you approve the stone and sign off on the design, the fabrication begins at their shop.
The fabrication phase is when they cut the stone to your exact measurements, create the sink cutout and any other openings, and finish the edges. This usually takes one to three weeks depending on their schedule and the complexity of your design.
What to prepare before installation day
Your cabinets should be fully installed and level before East Coast Granite & Tile arrives to set the countertops. If your cabinets are still being worked on, let the company know—they may reschedule rather than install over incomplete work, since an uneven cabinet base can cause the stone to crack or sit unevenly.
Clear the countertop space completely. Remove small appliances, utensil holders, and anything else on the counter. If you have a backsplash already in place, let the installer know so they can work around it. If you're installing backsplash at the same time, coordinate the timing with East Coast Granite & Tile so the countertop goes in first.
Plan for the installation to take most of a day. The crew will set the countertop, secure it to the cabinets, seal any seams, and clean up. They'll show you how to care for the stone before they leave.
Understanding stone types and their differences
Granite is a natural igneous rock that's extremely hard and heat-resistant. It comes in hundreds of color and pattern combinations. Granite is porous, so it requires sealing when installed and periodically afterward—usually once a year, though that varies by the specific stone and how much use it gets. It's durable for everyday kitchen use and resists scratching well.
Marble is softer than granite and more prone to etching from acidic foods and drinks like lemon juice, wine, and vinegar. It's also more likely to scratch. Marble is prized for its elegant appearance and is often chosen for bathrooms or as a secondary surface rather than the main kitchen counter. It requires more frequent sealing and more careful maintenance than granite.
Quartz is engineered stone—crushed quartz mixed with resin binders—rather than solid natural stone. It's non-porous, so it doesn't need sealing. Quartz is highly stain-resistant and very durable. The color and pattern are consistent across the slab since it's manufactured. It costs less than many natural stones and requires minimal maintenance, though it can be damaged by extreme heat if a hot pan is set directly on it.
Sealing and maintenance after installation
If you choose granite or marble, the installer will seal the stone before leaving your home. This creates a protective barrier against stains and spills. You'll need to reseal periodically—typically annually for granite, more often for marble. East Coast Granite & Tile or a local stone care company can handle resealing, or you can purchase a sealer and do it yourself if you're comfortable with the process.
For daily cleaning, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon-based products on marble, as they can etch the surface. Wipe up spills promptly, especially on marble. Use trivets or hot pads under hot pans and pots—even granite can be damaged by extreme temperature changes if a very hot pan is set directly on a cold surface.
Quartz requires no sealing. Clean it with a soft cloth and mild soap and water, or use a quartz-specific cleaner. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and harsh chemicals. Like granite, use trivets under hot cookware.
Edge profiles and design choices
The edge of your countertop is both functional and visual. Common options include a simple straight edge, a beveled edge (angled cut), an ogee (curved and decorative), a bullnose (rounded), or a waterfall edge (the stone continues down the side of the island or peninsula). Each profile costs differently—simple edges are less expensive, and decorative profiles add to the price.
The finish of the stone surface also varies. Most granite and marble come in a polished finish, which is shiny and reflective. A honed finish is matte and more subtle. Leathered finishes have a textured, slightly bumpy surface. Discuss these options with East Coast Granite & Tile during your consultation, as they affect both appearance and maintenance.
Backsplash material is separate from the countertop, though they're often coordinated. You can choose to match the countertop stone, use tile, or use a different material entirely. The countertop installer typically doesn't install the backsplash, so coordinate that work separately if you want it done at the same time.
Cost factors and what affects your price
The cost of a countertop project depends on the stone type you choose, the size of your countertop area, the complexity of the edge profile, the number of cutouts (sink, cooktop, etc.), and whether you need a seam. Granite and marble prices vary widely based on the specific stone—rare colors or patterns cost more. Quartz is often more predictable in price since it's manufactured.
A simple rectangular countertop with a straight edge and one sink cutout will cost less than a large island with a decorative edge profile and multiple cutouts. If your countertop layout requires a seam (a joint where two pieces of stone meet), that adds to the cost and requires careful fabrication to make the seam as invisible as possible.
Get a written estimate from East Coast Granite & Tile that breaks down the stone cost, fabrication, installation, and any additional services. Ask whether the estimate includes sealing and cleanup. Clarify what happens if the stone is damaged during fabrication or installation—most companies stand behind their work, but it's worth confirming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole process take from first contact to finished countertops?
From your initial consultation to installation, plan on four to eight weeks. The measurement and design phase takes a week or two, fabrication takes one to three weeks depending on the company's schedule, and installation itself is usually one day. Delays can happen if cabinets aren't ready or if the stone needs to be special-ordered.
Can I use my kitchen while the countertops are being installed?
Not on installation day—the countertop space will be occupied and you won't have access to the sink or stove. Plan meals elsewhere or use a temporary setup. After installation is complete and the sealer has cured (usually 24 to 48 hours for natural stone), you can use the counters normally.
What if I don't like the stone once it arrives?
Natural stone varies, so the slab that arrives may look slightly different from the sample you viewed. Most fabricators allow you to see the actual slab before fabrication begins and give you the chance to approve it or request a different one. Once fabrication starts, changes are difficult and costly. Ask about this policy when you place your order.
Do I need to do anything special if I have a cooktop or range on my counters?
Yes. Let East Coast Granite & Tile know the exact location and dimensions of your cooktop so they can cut the proper opening. If you have a gas range, make sure there's proper ventilation and clearance. After installation, use trivets or hot pads—don't set hot pans directly on the stone, as extreme heat can cause damage even to very hard materials like granite.
What's the difference between a seam and a joint?
A seam is where two pieces of stone meet because your countertop is too large for a single slab. A joint is a planned separation, like where the countertop meets a backsplash or where an island meets the main counter. Seams are glued and filled to be as invisible as possible, but they're a structural point that requires careful fabrication. Joints are typically left open or filled with caulk for flexibility.