Palmetto Marble & Granite: What to Know Before You Order

Who Palmetto Marble & Granite is and what they do

Palmetto Marble & Granite is a countertop fabricator and installer based in South Carolina that works with natural stone and engineered materials. They measure, cut, and install countertops in kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces across the state. The company handles the full process from initial consultation through final installation, meaning you deal with one business rather than coordinating separate fabrication and installation crews.

They work with materials including granite, marble, quartz, and other stone options. Like most fabricators in this market, they typically visit your home to measure the space, discuss material choices and edge profiles, and provide a quote before any work begins.

Key Takeaways

• Palmetto Marble & Granite handles measurement, fabrication, and installation as one company, so you have a single point of contact from start to finish.
• They work with natural stone (granite, marble) and engineered materials (quartz), each with different costs, durability, and maintenance needs.
• The process typically starts with an in-home measurement and consultation, followed by fabrication and a scheduled installation date.
• Installation timelines vary depending on material availability and their current workload, so ask about their current lead time when you contact them.
• You should understand the difference between natural and engineered stone before meeting with them, so you can discuss options that fit your budget and lifestyle.

How to contact them and what to expect in the first conversation

You can reach Palmetto Marble & Granite by phone or through their website to request a consultation. When you call, have your address ready and a general sense of which rooms need countertops—this helps them schedule the visit efficiently. They will ask about your timeline and budget range, though they may not quote over the phone since measurements and material choices affect the final price.

The in-home consultation is free at most fabricators, including this one. A representative will measure your existing countertops or the space where new ones will go, discuss edge options (beveled, bullnose, waterfall, etc.), and show you samples or discuss the materials they stock. This is when you should ask about their current lead time—how long between ordering and installation—since this varies by season and demand.

Understanding material choices: natural stone versus engineered

Granite and marble are natural stone, quarried and cut to size. Granite is harder and more stain-resistant; marble is softer and more porous but has distinctive veining that many homeowners prefer aesthetically. Both require sealing when installed and periodic resealing (usually every one to three years for marble, longer for granite). Natural stone can chip or crack if heavy objects are dropped on it, and acidic foods or liquids can etch marble surfaces.

Quartz is engineered stone—crushed quartz mixed with resin binders. It does not require sealing, resists stains better than marble, and is harder than granite. The trade-off is that quartz cannot be refinished if it does chip, and it can discolor under direct sunlight over many years. Quartz typically costs less than high-end granite or marble but more than basic granite options.

Ask Palmetto which materials they stock regularly and which require special order. Materials in stock can be fabricated faster; special orders add weeks to your timeline. Price varies widely within each category—a basic granite costs far less than exotic marble, and entry-level quartz differs significantly from premium brands.

What happens between ordering and installation

After you approve the quote and choose your material, Palmetto will place the order and schedule fabrication. During this phase, they cut the stone to your exact measurements, create the edge profile you selected, and drill holes for the sink and faucet. This typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if the material is in stock or slower if it is a special order.

You will receive a call when fabrication is complete and your countertops are ready for installation. At this point, you schedule the installation date. Installation itself usually takes one day for a standard kitchen, though complex layouts or multiple rooms may take longer. The crew will remove your old countertops (if applicable), set the new ones in place, seal seams, and connect plumbing fixtures.

Before installation day, clear your countertops and kitchen cabinets of items, and make sure the crew has access to your kitchen. Ask whether they will haul away old countertops or if that is your responsibility—practices vary by company.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Countertop cost depends on material type, the total square footage, edge profile complexity, and whether you need cutouts for a sink or cooktop. A basic granite kitchen might cost significantly less than marble or premium quartz, and a simple straight edge costs less than a decorative bullnose or waterfall edge. Sink and faucet cutouts add to the fabrication time and cost.

When you receive a quote from Palmetto, it should itemize these elements so you understand what you are paying for. If the quote is unclear, ask for a breakdown. Some companies include sink installation; others charge separately. Clarify whether sealing is included (it usually is for natural stone) and whether the price covers removal of old countertops.

Get quotes from at least two or three fabricators before deciding. Prices vary, and comparing them helps you understand the market rate in your area and what different companies include in their pricing.

Maintenance and care after installation

Natural stone requires more hands-on maintenance than engineered materials. Granite should be sealed at installation and resealed every two to three years; marble needs sealing more frequently and is vulnerable to etching from acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar. Quartz requires no sealing and resists stains, though it should still be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water.

Palmetto should provide care instructions specific to your material when installation is complete. Follow these closely, especially in the first few weeks after sealing. Improper care—using acidic cleaners on marble, for example—can damage the surface and void any warranty.

If damage occurs after installation, contact Palmetto to discuss repair options. Minor chips in quartz cannot be repaired; granite and marble can sometimes be filled or polished. Understanding what is covered under warranty before you sign the contract prevents disputes later.

Questions to ask before you commit

Before you sign a contract with Palmetto Marble & Granite, clarify these points: What is the current lead time from order to installation? Does the quote include removal of old countertops, or is that separate? Is sealing included for natural stone, and how often will you need to reseal? What warranty do they offer on fabrication and installation, and what does it cover? If you need to make changes after ordering, what is their policy on modifications and any associated costs?

Also ask whether they handle plumbing connections or if you need a plumber present, and whether they can work around your schedule or if you must be home during installation. These practical details affect your timeline and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the whole process take from consultation to finished countertops?

The timeline varies, but typically expect two to six weeks total. The consultation and quote process takes a few days; fabrication takes two to four weeks depending on material availability; and installation itself is usually one day. Ask Palmetto for their current lead time when you call, since this changes seasonally.

Can I see samples of their work before I decide?

Yes. Most fabricators, including Palmetto, have showrooms or can show you photos of completed projects. Ask to see examples of the specific material and edge profile you are considering. You can also visit their location to see stone samples in person, which helps you judge color and pattern better than photos.

What is the difference between sealing granite and sealing marble?

Granite is denser and requires sealing less frequently—typically every two to three years. Marble is more porous and softer, so it needs sealing more often and is more vulnerable to etching from acidic foods and cleaners. If low maintenance is important to you, quartz or sealed granite is a better choice than marble.

What happens if my countertop cracks or chips after installation?

This depends on your warranty and the material. Most fabricators warrant their work for a set period (often one year). Quartz cannot be repaired if chipped; granite and marble can sometimes be filled or polished. Ask about warranty coverage and repair options before installation so you know what to do if damage occurs.

Do I need to hire a plumber separately, or does Palmetto handle sink and faucet connections?

This varies by company. Some fabricators handle all plumbing connections as part of installation; others only set the countertop and leave plumbing to you or a licensed plumber. Ask Palmetto directly what is included in their installation service so you know whether to arrange a plumber separately.