What is the real difference between custom fabricated granite counter tops and pre-fabricated granite tops?
Question:I am remodeling my kitchen and comparing prices on granite countertops. The custom fabrication is almost twice the price of the pre-fabricated for the same granite pattern. Is there a real difference in quality? and what reasons would you pick one over the other?
Answers:
There is no difference in quality between the pre-fab and the custom if you get the same type of granite . Custom fabrication is more expensive for a few reasons.
1. Custom color - a color that is not something that is sold all the time and they may have to purchase it from a different supplier.
2. Edge - Some come with different cuts on the edge. The more difficult the cut the more it will cost.
3. Fit your needs - They will come and measure your kitchen/bathroom and make the countertop exactly to YOUR specifications.
If there is a pre-fab piece that exactly fits in your space then I would buy that. Chances are that will not happen. I would recommend getting the custom granite for the best look in your house.
Pre fab is where they make the same shape counters 20 times over, custom is to your specific kitchen lay out and it will be more expensive
custom is just that cut to your specifications needed for the counter top...prefab and slabs that need to be cut and drilled to fit...sorry custom so much nicer
Kitchens generally need custom granite tops as the cabinet configuration varies from kitchen to kitchen.
If you want to save money you can consider granite tile with tight grout lines. It's still pretty, but not as easy to maintain. You may also consider doing the solid surface granite as planned, but choose a coordinating tile backsplash.
Since you are remodeling, you can find out specific dimensions of pre-fab granite and see if you can lay your cabinets out accordingly. You may find, though, that this doesn't allow you to really get the kitchen you want.
If you have any small areas that need granite, you can ask about leftover pieces from other jobs.
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