What to Know About Stonehenge Marble & Granite in South Carolina

Stonehenge Marble & Granite is a countertop and stone supplier serving the Lowcountry and surrounding areas

Stonehenge Marble & Granite operates as a fabricator and installer of natural stone surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms, and other residential and commercial spaces across South Carolina. The company works with materials including granite, marble, quartz, and other engineered stone products. They handle the full process from selection through templating, fabrication, and installation at your home or business.

The business is located in the Charleston area and serves customers throughout the Lowcountry region. If you are planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation and want to explore natural stone options, understanding how a local fabricator like Stonehenge operates—what materials they stock, how the ordering process works, and what to expect during installation—helps you make decisions about your project timeline and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Stonehenge Marble & Granite fabricates and installs natural stone countertops and surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial projects in South Carolina.
• The company works with granite, marble, quartz, and other stone materials, each with different costs, durability, and maintenance requirements.
• The typical process involves selecting a slab, having your countertops templated, fabrication at the shop, and professional installation in your home.
• Natural stone countertops require different care depending on the material—marble needs more frequent sealing than granite, and quartz requires minimal maintenance.
• Getting a quote usually involves a site visit or consultation where measurements are taken and material options are discussed.

How the Stone Selection and Ordering Process Works

When you contact Stonehenge Marble & Granite, the first step is typically a consultation where you discuss your project scope, budget, and design preferences. You may visit their showroom to see samples of granite, marble, quartz, and other materials in person. Seeing actual slabs rather than photos helps you understand color variation, veining patterns, and finish options—polished, honed, leathered, or brushed surfaces all look and feel different.

Once you have selected a material, the company sends a technician to your home to template your countertops. This means taking precise measurements of your kitchen or bathroom layout, accounting for sink cutouts, cooktop openings, and edge details. Templating ensures that the fabricated countertop fits your space correctly and that seams are placed where they will be least visible. After templating, the stone is cut and shaped at Stonehenge's fabrication shop, then delivered and installed by their team.

The entire timeline from selection to installation typically takes several weeks, depending on material availability and the shop's current workload. If you are working on a renovation with a specific move-in date or contractor deadline, discussing the timeline upfront helps you plan accordingly.

Understanding Different Stone Materials and Their Costs

Granite is a natural igneous rock that is extremely durable and heat-resistant, making it popular for kitchen countertops. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns and requires periodic sealing to protect against stains and moisture. Granite is generally mid-range in cost compared to other natural stones.

Marble is softer and more porous than granite, which means it scratches more easily and requires more frequent sealing. It is prized for its elegant appearance and is often chosen for bathrooms or as a statement surface in kitchens where it will see less heavy use. Marble typically costs more than granite and demands more careful maintenance.

Quartz is an engineered stone made from crushed quartz bound with resin. It is non-porous, does not require sealing, and resists stains and scratches better than natural stone. Quartz costs vary widely depending on the brand and design, but it generally requires less ongoing maintenance than granite or marble. Other materials like soapstone, limestone, and slate are also available through some fabricators, each with distinct characteristics and price points.

What to Expect During Installation

Installation day typically involves removing your old countertops (if applicable), setting the new stone surface in place, securing it to your cabinets, and sealing seams. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on the complexity of your layout and whether plumbing or electrical work needs to be coordinated. Stonehenge's installers handle the heavy lifting and precise placement so that your countertop is level, secure, and properly sealed.

Before installation, make sure your kitchen or bathroom is accessible and that you have cleared the countertop area. If you are coordinating with other contractors—plumbers, electricians, or cabinet makers—confirm the installation date well in advance so that all trades can work in the correct order. After installation, ask the crew about any sealing or curing time required before you use the countertops, as some materials need to set for 24 to 48 hours.

Maintenance and Care for Natural Stone Countertops

Granite and marble both benefit from regular sealing, though the frequency depends on the stone's porosity and how heavily the countertop is used. A simple test is to place a drop of water on the surface—if it beads up, the seal is still effective; if it soaks in, resealing is needed. Most granite countertops are sealed every one to three years, while marble may need sealing annually or more often in high-traffic kitchens.

Daily care is straightforward: wipe spills promptly with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid acidic cleaners on marble, as vinegar and lemon juice can etch the surface. For granite, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water. Quartz requires even less maintenance—a damp cloth and mild soap are usually sufficient, and no sealing is necessary.

Protect all natural stone countertops from direct heat by using trivets under hot pots and pans, and use cutting boards rather than cutting directly on the surface. While granite is heat-resistant, extreme temperature changes can cause cracking, and marble and quartz can be damaged by prolonged heat exposure.

Comparing Stonehenge to Other Local Fabricators

South Carolina has several stone fabricators and countertop companies, each with different material selections, price ranges, and service areas. Some focus primarily on granite and marble, while others specialize in quartz or engineered surfaces. Comparing quotes from multiple fabricators helps you understand the range of costs for your specific project and the level of service each company offers.

When evaluating fabricators, consider factors beyond price: Do they offer a showroom where you can see materials in person? How long is their typical installation timeline? Do they provide a warranty on fabrication and installation? What is their reputation for customer service and handling issues after installation? Reading reviews from past customers and asking for references can give you insight into the quality of their work and how they handle problems.

Budget Planning for a Stone Countertop Project

The total cost of a stone countertop project includes the material itself, fabrication, templating, delivery, and installation. Material costs vary significantly based on the type of stone, the quality and rarity of the slab, and the size of your countertop. Fabrication and installation labor also varies by complexity—a simple rectangular kitchen countertop costs less to fabricate and install than a kitchen with an island, multiple levels, or intricate edge details.

Getting a detailed quote from Stonehenge Marble & Granite or another fabricator gives you a clear picture of the total investment. Some companies offer financing options for larger projects, so ask about payment plans if that would help with your budget. Planning ahead and understanding the full cost before you commit helps you make decisions about material choices and design features that fit your overall renovation budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take from ordering to installation?

The timeline typically ranges from two to four weeks, depending on material availability and the fabricator's current workload. Templating usually happens within a week of ordering, fabrication takes one to two weeks, and installation is scheduled once the stone is ready. Discussing your timeline with Stonehenge upfront helps ensure the project fits your renovation schedule.

Do I need to seal my countertops after installation?

Granite and marble benefit from sealing, though the timing depends on the stone and the fabricator's recommendations. Some fabricators seal countertops before delivery, while others recommend sealing within a few weeks of installation. Quartz does not require sealing. Ask Stonehenge what sealing, if any, is recommended for your specific material and when to schedule it.

What is the difference between honed and polished finishes?

A polished finish is shiny and reflective, highlighting the stone's color and veining. A honed finish is matte and smooth, giving a more subtle, contemporary look. Honed finishes show fingerprints and water spots less visibly than polished, but they can be slightly more porous. Both are durable; the choice is primarily aesthetic.

Can I use my countertops right away after installation?

Most stone countertops can be used immediately after installation, though some sealers require 24 to 48 hours to cure before the surface is fully protected. Ask the installation crew about any curing time specific to your material and sealer, and follow their guidance before placing heavy items or exposing the countertop to water.

What should I do if my countertop cracks or chips?

Small chips can sometimes be repaired with color-matched epoxy or resin, while cracks may require professional repair or, in severe cases, replacement of a section. Contact Stonehenge as soon as damage occurs—many fabricators offer warranty coverage for defects in fabrication or installation, and they can advise whether repair is possible or necessary.