Granite..

Irvo

Greetings folks, what are the pros and cons of using pre-fabrication vs regular slab/fabrication?

I've noticed pre-fab is WAAAAAY cheaper, why is that?

Bud Cline

Because it isn't real first class granite and it is usually thinner.

Irvo

Is it really noticeable to the untrained eye?

b_corwin

There are a variety of thicknesses of prefab granite available. The supplier I use sells true 1 inch thick slabs finished 3 sides and ~25" x 8'. Others in the area sell nominally 1cm thick granite and then double up the edge with epoxy and run a bullnose.

B

Bud Cline

No it is not!
You hit that right on the head. The key phrase there is "untrained eye". This is what home centers rely on when selling sub-standard products. They know the general public has no idea when it comes to lower quality products and they can sell them at a discount from the first-run products to make you think you are getting a deal when in fact you are only getting what you are paying for. Low quality.

BUYER BEWARE!

Termite

Bud nailed it.

Bud Cline

Irvo,

If you are one of those people that are inclined to make such purchases (and there is nothing wrong with that) then you are exactly what the home centers are looking for when it comes to loyal customers. Just keep in mind, you may fool your neighbors but you aren't going to fool that stone.

Good Luck.

MsMatthews

I would say the pros vs. cons is a price vs. quality debate.

Pre-fab granite is thinner, so it tends to crack easier and discolor more. Full slab is thicker, so that extra density makes its more durable (but not unbreakable) which also makes it a little more expensive.

I think it's up to you which way you want to go, but if your granite cracks or chips, finding an exact color match in another piece of granite can be difficult.