FAQs

  Serving Lane County and the Surrounding Areas
541-343-7522
Serving Lane County and the Surrounding Areas
Call Us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does Stone Works International, Inc. do?

    We sell natural stone tile and slabs, quartz slabs, many lines of ceramic and porcelain tile, glass & metal tile and mosaics, exterior stone veneer, sinks, installation supplies and more. We also install tile and fabricate and install countertops.

  • Do I need a contractor?

    As a supplier, we work directly with homeowners, as well as contractors, tile installers, and other industry professionals. If you’re working with a contractor or tile installer already, we will help you in your selections, then pass the information to them. Many homeowners choose to DIY, and our knowledgeable staff will help you get started. If you’re working alone and in need of a contractor or installer, we will gladly recommend reputable professionals to you. 

  • How do I choose my kitchen countertops?

    Visit our beautiful showroom and our large slab warehouse at 590 Seneca Road in Eugene, OR. Our staff is happy to assist you. We also work closely with slab warehouses in Portland and can recommend other places for you to visit if you don't find what you're looking for. 

  • How expensive are marble and granite countertops?

    On an average, costs range from $50 to $90 per square foot for complete installations. Semi-precious stones are more expensive.

  • How much will my kitchen cost per square foot?

    We can provide you with a FREE estimate. All we need is a copy of your floor plans or even a rough drawing of your kitchen or bathroom with the measurements written down. Price is also dependent on other factors such as edge detail, cabinet layout, size, and more.

  • Can you send someone to my home for an estimate?

    Yes, our owner Troy often goes out to job sites for estimates and problem-solving.

  • Can I use marble or limestone for my countertops?

    Marble, limestone, and travertine are great for bathrooms, but granite and quartz are recommended for kitchens as marble and travertine tend to scratch, stain, and etch. They can still be used in kitchens, but you need to know that staining and etching will happen over the course of its use.

  • Do granite and marble stain?

    Granite and quartz are very stain-resistant, but marble is less so. We do, however, carry a full line of stone maintenance products to help minimize staining.

  • Does granite scratch?

    Granite is highly scratch-resistant, but can scratch if not cared for properly.

  • Can you put hot pots directly on granite countertops? Can you cut on granite countertops?

    Granite is very heat-resistant. We recommend using hot pads and trivets on your counters before placing hot items directly on their surface. And cutting directly on granite will not harm the surface but it will chip or dull your knives so we don't recommend it.

  • How do I clean my countertops?

    Mild soap and water are fine for everyday cleanings. We also carry countertop cleaners specifically made for natural stone that can be used daily or weekly for great results.

  • What can I expect for seams in my countertops?

    Seam location is dependent upon your project and the material selected, which will be discussed at point of sale or when we template your kitchen. The size of the seams in most cases is 1/16″. The joints are filled with a colored epoxy to reduce their visual impact. Most importantly, we do not seam countertops to ease fabrication or installation. We only seam when necessary.

  • How long will it take to get my countertops?

    From when we take measurements to when we install usually take about two weeks. Contact us for more information on current wait times for job measurements.

  • What do I need to do before my measure date?

    With a new construction project, you need to ensure that your cabinets are installed level and secure. Assuming that we are using 3/4″ thick material with a laminated edge, your contractor (or cabinet maker) needs to install 5/8″ plywood subtops cut flush with the cabinet box. Sink and stove holes need to be cut out of the plywood, and sinks, stoves, and faucets need to be on site. We have a prep sheet which goes into further detail, and our sales staff will be happy to go over it with you.


    In remodeling projects, existing countertops and splash need to be removed. 5/8″ plywood subtops need to be installed level and secure, with the same requirements as above. Once again, our prep sheet goes into further detail and our sales staff will be happy to go over it with you.


    If you have chosen 3cm thick material, plywood sub tops should be installed over the dishwasher and at undermount sink areas (in both instances, the subtop needs to be inset into cabinet box). You need to ensure that cabinets are installed level and secure. Sinkholes need to be cut out of the plywood, and sink, stove, and faucet(s) need to be on site. We have a prep sheet which goes into further detail, and our sales staff will be happy to go over it with you.


    If your situation is different than those mentioned above, our prep sheet goes into further detail, and our sales staff will be happy to discuss your specific situation with you.

  • I am remodeling and do not want to be without a kitchen for two weeks. I want to remove my old countertops the day before installing. Can you template over my existing countertops?

    Unfortunately, we cannot because existing countertops are often not square or level and the existing splash gets in the way of templating tight to the back wall. When we template this way, we fabricate countertops that do not perfectly fit your existing countertops, and because we will not install the countertops unless they fit perfectly, we have to do a lot of trimming on-site. Not only does this take a lot of time, it also creates a lot of dust and noise, which we do not like to do in remodel situations. Our templater makes very precise templates, so our installs are typically nice and clean. We try hard to limit the on-site cutting to top mount sink and cooktop cutouts.


    Also, in remodels using the existing cabinets, paint touch-ups on the walls and cabinets are often necessary. Of course, this is not known until the old countertop or splash is taken off. Removal of these items before we template allows you the time needed to make necessary repairs.


    Our customers feel the trade-off is worth it. Besides, after we measure, your contractor may be able to install your old sink temporarily, which makes the two weeks more bearable.

  • How big are the slabs and how much do they weigh?

    Granite slabs are typically between 5-6′ high and 9-10′ long. 2cm thick slabs weigh about 13 pounds per square foot (approx. 650 pounds per slab); 3cm thick slabs weigh about 20 pounds per square foot (approx. 1100 pounds per slab).

  • How do you cut the slabs?

    We cut slabs with our bridge saw. We do everything in-house. Our fabrication shop is in the building across from our warehouse. 

  • Do you carry engineered or quartz slabs?

    Our selection includes Caesarstone, Cambria, Pental Quartz, Silestone, Hanstone, Polarstone, Eco Crush and most other lines.

  • I’ve heard that composites do not need to be sealed and granite has to be sealed every year. Is this true?

    Granite should be sealed periodically. This involves cleaning it, spraying sealer on it, letting the sealer sit for a few minutes, and then wiping off any residue. It is a very simple and painless process that takes no more than 15-20 minutes of your time once a year. Some granite countertops need sealing every four to five years, at most.

  • How do I know when my granite needs to be sealed?

    If water does not bead on the surface, and your stone is absorbing water and making the stone darker, your stone needs to be resealed. We carry two full lines of stone sealers and cleaners.

  • Where do you buy your material?

    We will buy from anywhere, but most of our material is purchased from vendors in Portland, California, and Seattle.

  • What is the origin of your natural stone?

    We carry stone that originated in all parts of the world. The most common origination is Brazil and Italy.

  • How long does it take for material to come in?

    It depends on where the source is located. We are constantly shipping in the material. For tile orders, most material can be in within 2-3 days if it is from a Portland vendor and one week if it's from an out-of-state vendor. For slab orders, typical lead time is 1-2 weeks. You can ask our sales staff to check on lead time for specific items.

Call Today for More Information.
541-343-7522

"Troy and his staff are very knowledgeable and they treat you right. The craftsmanship from his shop is the best in the Eugene/Springfield area" -Jackie H.

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