Your countertop journey

What to Expect

We make the countertop process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Here is the complete step-by-step process, plus everything you need to know about working with natural stone.

Step by step

Our Process

After Your Deposit

Your selected stone slabs are either tagged with your name or ordered. We then schedule your template and installation dates based on your preferred timeline. These dates are firm and will not be changed without prior notice or at your request.

For remodels, this is a good time to schedule your plumber and/or electrician.

Template Confirmation

About one week before your template date, our team will call to confirm the appointment.

Template Day

Our templating specialist will call you after 9:00 AM on the scheduled day to give you an estimated arrival window.

What to have ready before templating

All base cabinets permanently installed, level, and securely attached to the walls.
All counter surfaces cleared where measurements will be taken.
Customer-supplied sinks and cooktops must be on site for inspection.
Apron/farmhouse sinks installed in their final position — plumb and level (plumbing connection not required).

After templating, no changes can be made to your order — we typically go into production the next day.
It is very helpful to have someone knowledgeable about the job details present during templating; the specialist will confirm all details and may have questions.
Details change and evolve during a project. What is discussed and decided at the template supersedes any previous decision or detail.
Sink centers are lined up to the cabinet by default. If you would like the sink center lined up differently, let us know.

Installation Day

Our installation crew will call after 9:00 AM to give you an arrival window.

What to have ready before installation

All faucets, soap dispensers, and any fixtures requiring holes on site and in the installation area (inside each sink cabinet is preferred).
If we are removing existing countertops, clear them completely.
Empty all sink-base cabinets and any cabinet receiving a cutout (cooktops, for example).
Move or secure anything in the pathways the crew will use to bring in materials.

Field adjustments are normal, and cutouts such as cooktops and drop-in sinks are done with the stone in place. Cutting inside makes dust — if that is a concern, we recommend enclosing the area.
The sealers we use have a strong smell. If you are sensitive to chemical smells, plan accordingly.
Sealer needs up to 48 hours to cure. You may use your new countertops, but avoid contact with any liquid for 48 hours.
On stone that is not white we use a clear caulk. It goes on white and turns clear as it dries — this can take up to 14 days.
After completion, our crew photographs the finished work for quality control, training, and often social media. If you would rather we not post pictures of your job, just tell us.

Final Walkthrough

When installation is complete, the crew will walk you through your new countertops and answer any questions. If you are having a full-height backsplash, you may have a second install date.

Final Payment

Pay whichever way is convenient:

Pay the installers on site (cash or check only).
Visit our showroom (cash, check, or card — 3.75% processing fee applies for cards).
Pay by phone with a credit/debit card (3.75% processing fee applies).

Murphy Granite Outlet does not modify cabinets, reconnect plumbing, or perform any electrical work.

Straight talk

Natural stone — important information

Natural stone is a one-of-a-kind material with beautiful, unique characteristics. Understanding these details helps you set realistic expectations and enjoy your countertops for decades.

Stone characteristics

Every slab has natural variations in color, texture, veining, pits, fissures, and slight surface texture. Some areas may feel gritty or show reflective water spots — these are normal and part of the stone's beauty. Many stones come with a fiberglass backer; minor chipping or cracking can occur during transport and handling, and our team repairs these with epoxy or resin as needed.

Seams

Visible seams are a standard and integral part of all stone countertops. Our fabricators carefully plan seam locations to optimize strength, appearance, and pattern flow. While we make every seam as tight as possible, all seams remain visible and can be felt, and an exact color or pattern match across seams cannot be guaranteed. Seams are a saw-time decision: the layout of your job, slab size, veins, access to your location, and crew safety all factor in — so we cannot guarantee your job will not have a seam.

Sinks

All customer-provided sinks must be on site and available for inspection before templating (except sinks supplied by MGO). Farmhouse and apron sinks must be set in their final position, plumb and level with the cabinet, prior to templating.

Cabinets and site preparation

All cabinets must be permanently installed and level at the time of templating. Keep work areas clear and accessible for both templating and installation.

Faucets and fixtures

All items to be mounted into the countertops — faucets, soap dispensers, water dispensers — must be on site during templating so precise measurements and cutouts can be made.

Sealing and maintenance

All natural stone is porous. Every countertop that leaves our shop receives a high-quality initial sealer. For best protection against stains from oils, water, and liquids, we recommend resealing every 1–3 years (or as needed based on your stone type and usage). We also offer a premium permanent-sealer upgrade for maximum convenience and long-term protection.

Living with it

Daily care tips

Wipe up spills immediately.
Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth — never vinegar, lemon, bleach, or abrasive cleaners.
We recommend regularly cleaning natural stone with Stain-Proof Daily Countertop Cleaner (required for the permanent-sealer warranty).
Use trivets, hot pads, and coasters to protect the surface.

Thank you for choosing Murphy Granite Outlet. We look forward to helping you create a beautiful, lasting addition to your home!

Have not ordered yet?

Send measurements, a drawing, or photos and we will help you take the first step.

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