Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Stone Countertops

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Stone Countertops

Planning a remodel or building a new home can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to countertops. Between picking the right stone, understanding the process, and comparing bids, there are a lot of moving parts. At Innovative Stone, we want to make it simple.

For over 34 years, our three-generation, family-owned shop in Auburn has helped homeowners, contractors, and custom builders across Grass Valley, Truckee, Nevada City, Roseville, Granite Bay, and the Tahoe area create stunning kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. To help you get started, here are answers to the questions we hear most often.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve homeowners, contractors, and custom builders throughout Auburn, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, Colfax, the Truckee and Tahoe area, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, and Sun City.

Do you stock stone in your shop?

We carry a few full slabs and hundreds of remnants at our Auburn shop. Most customers choose their slab at one of the major warehouses we partner with, giving you access to thousands of options at our trade pricing instead of paying retail.

What types of stone do you work with?

Our specialties are granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite. Each stone has unique strengths, from the low maintenance of quartz to the timeless luxury of marble.

How do I get a price?

You can start with our Instant Estimate Tool (average time: 3-5 minutes) for a ballpark estimate. For exact pricing, send us your plans or schedule a measure. We’ll provide a detailed, transparent estimate with no surprises.

What does the process look like?

1. Contact us (by phone, online, stopping by, or by sending plans)
2. Get an Instant Estimate
3. Choose your slab from a warehouse or from our shop
4. We laser-template your project for accuracy
5. Our team fabricates with CNC precision
6. The fabrication process usually takes about a week
7. Installation is typically completed in one day

How long does installation take?

Most kitchens are completed in a single day. Larger projects in Truckee or Tahoe, such as oversized islands or full backsplash wraps, may take longer, but we’ll always set clear expectations before the job starts.

Do you sell remnants?

Yes. Our Auburn shop has hundreds of stone remnants perfect for vanities, laundry rooms, and fireplace surrounds. They’re a great way to save money while still getting premium stone.

Why should I choose you over a big-box store?

Big-box stores sell stone at retail and often subcontract fabrication to the lowest bidder. We purchase stone at trade cost, often 20 to 40 percent below retail, and handle everything in-house with laser templating, CNC technology, and our own skilled team. With three generations, over 34 years of local experience, and a 4.8-star Google rating, you get quality, transparency, and a team that stands behind its work.

Do you work with contractors and builders?

Yes. Many of our long-term relationships are with contractors in Grass Valley, Truckee, and Tahoe and other areas who depend on us to keep their projects on schedule. Your reputation depends on your subs, and we take that responsibility seriously.

What projects do you handle besides kitchens?

In addition to kitchen countertops, we fabricate and install stone for:

– Outdoor kitchens and BBQ surrounds
– Fireplaces and hearths
– Showers and tub surrounds
– Bathroom vanities
– Laundry rooms and bar tops
– Waterfalls and waterfall countertops

We’ve also completed specialty projects such as custom stone stairs and water features, including columns with water flowing over them. These projects are less common but show what’s possible when design meets craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts

Choosing stone is more than a design decision. It’s an investment in your home. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern quartz kitchen in Roseville, a rustic granite fireplace in Truckee, or a luxury bathroom remodel in Tahoe, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you didn’t see your question answered here, we’d love to talk with you directly. Contact us or try our Instant Estimate Tool to get started today.