Doug Jones, and his wife Heidi, began exploring the possibility of replacing their own kitchen counter top with traditional granite back in 2003, but the thought of tearing out the existing counter, combined with the loss of use, weight factor and cost of full thickness seemed excessive.
Searching for a better alternative, Doug and Heidi learned about engineered stone which was priced considerably less than granite, and installed over the existing counter. It appeared to be the perfect solution, although the product did not have the same shine or cold feel as granite when compared side-by-side.
Not convinced that engineered stone was right product because the material appeared dull and had no life compared to traditional Granite counter tops, their search continued.
During a family vacation at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Heidi admired the beautiful granite counter tops in the hotel room’s bathroom and commented to the staff, who advised that the stone was actually an over-lay.
Sold on the concept of an over-lay process, and now having learnt that an actual granite over-lay product existed, Doug took to the internet and located the Company operating in the United States, who distributed a 3/8” thick slab instead of the traditional ¾” or 1 ¼” seen in most local granite shops.
In order to determine whether a Granite over-lay would be accepted by Canadians, Doug conducted a public survey which revealed that 80% of 100 homeowners surveyed, would buy Granite over Engineered Stone if compared side-by-side and competitively priced.
Immediately they knew the product was the perfect solution but discovered that there were no local fabricators. Realizing the products potential, Doug signed an exclusive agreement to sell, fabricate and install within Canada.