1. What is the difference between marble, travertine, limestone and granite?
As you can see from the Hardness Scale to the right, marble and limestone are much softer and porous than granite. Travertine is in the same category as marble. Marble and travertine are perfect for non food areas such as bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, table tops, etc.

2. How often do I seal my natural stone?
MTTS seals your stone prior to installation. Lighter stones need to be resealed approximately every three years. Darker stones should be done at 5 years.

3. What is the purpose of sealer?
Granite, marble are naturally somewhat porous. Sealer will help protect the stone from traffic and normal wear and tear.

4. What is soapstone?
Soapstone is a variety of stone found in the talc family (see hardness scale above). It must have mineral oil treatments and scratches easily.

5. How do I clean my natural stone?
Natural stone can be cleaned with any cleaner designated as marble or granite cleaner. It is not recommended to use harsh chemicals such as bleach or vinegar. Abrasive cleaners should always be avoided. Blue Windex is an acceptable product. Here at MTTS we sell a wonderful stone cleaner as well as polisher and sealer.

6. Do you provide free estimates?
Estimates can be determined from your blueprint or personal drawing. These are sufficient for bid purposes.

7. What is the cost of marble or granite?
Granite and marble's price is based on the availability of the stone from the quarry, difficulty of fabrication, and complexity of your kitchen.

8. Will my natural stone have seams?
Possibly. MTTS prides themselves on the seaming of natural stone. Seams can be detected but not offensive. The design of your kitchen, the overall size of the slab, the directional movement of the natural stone all takes part in whether a seam is required. MTTS always tries to place seams at a natural break point or in an area where it is less noticeable.

9. Can I hand select my slabs?
Yes. We have maps to stone yards in Dallas, Austin, and even Houston. Please note that many stones we buy in bulk so to give you a better price. Hand selected stones that MTTS normally buys in bulk may be higher in price. Also, there is a $75.00 shipping charge for hand selected stones.

10. Do you have slabs at MTTS?
Yes, as a fabricator, we have one of the largest selection of stones in Central Texas. We usually have new stones arriving weekly.

11. Do you carry scrap pieces of stone?
Yes, we have a large selection of remnants that are available and at a reduced price.

12. What is the difference between undermount and top mount sinks?
Undermount or undercounter sinks are mounted underneath the granite with the sides of the granite showing and polished. There is an extra labor charge with this type of sink design. Top mount sinks sit directly on top of the granite. There is no additional cost for cutting the hole for these sinks.

13. Do you sell appliances and sinks?
No. We do have a small selection of copper sinks for purchase.

14. What is the range of price of granite or marble?
Prices range from $40-$200.00 a square foot. This includes Professional field measuring, templates, travel fees, standard edges, corners, cut-outs, labor, waxing-sealing, installation, stone material, and SALES TAX.