Frequently Asked Questions

Labor costs range from $45 to $65 per square foot for most countertop materials in the Boise area. Final cost depends on material, complexity, and your fabricator.

Template Creation → Material Selection → Cutting and Shaping → Edge Profiling → Polishing → Seaming (if necessary) → Quality Inspection → Installation. Your fabricator handles each step after you've selected your stone.

For laminate or tile, possibly. For granite, marble, or quartz, hire a professional — these require specialized tools, skills, and expertise that DIY approaches often underestimate. Getting it wrong means damaged stone and wasted money.

Anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the size and complexity. Larger kitchens, L-shapes, and island work take longer. Your fabricator can give you a realistic timeline based on your specific project.

Yes, with a layer of construction adhesive between the countertop and cabinet to create a secure bond. The cabinets must be level before installation — that's something to confirm before your fabricator arrives.

Glued using strong construction adhesive or silicone. Screws are typically avoided as they can compromise the material's integrity, particularly with natural stone.

Yes — fabricators cut the opening and attach the sink as part of the installation. Ask your fabricator to confirm this is included in your quote so there are no surprises on installation day.

Clear the workspace, remove existing countertops (or ask if the fabricator does this), ensure cabinets are level and secure, and prepare plumbing and electrical connections. The cleaner and more accessible the space, the smoother the install.

Light use is fine after a few hours. Wait 24 hours before reconnecting water lines and before heavy use, especially if sealant was applied. Give the adhesive time to fully cure.

It can be — cutting and polishing natural stone produces dust and debris. Professional installers take precautions, but plan to protect nearby surfaces, appliances, and cabinets. A good fabricator will clean up after themselves.

Laminate is cheapest upfront, but we don't recommend it — it has durability, resale value, and longevity issues that stone doesn't. The math usually favors stone long-term. We're happy to walk you through the numbers.

They sub-contract installation, often to the lowest bidder. We strongly recommend meeting any contractor in person before they enter your home. Working with a local supplier who knows their fabricators directly — like we do — gives you much better accountability.