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NEW PERSPECTIVE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP
We believe that like anything else in nature, stones too are alive and have their own unique vibration. With our positive approach, understanding, and meaningfully cheerful attitude towards our work with stones, we believe to instill heart, warmth, beauty, and enhance those innate vibrations in stones, which is ultimately reflected and evidenced on our finished products in your homes.
A & R Granite and Marble is dedicated to providing the best quality craftsmanship in granite, marble, and/or other natural and composite stone products a customer could ask for. A & R Granite and Marble fabricates and installs beautiful and everlasting custom made natural and composite stone kitchen countertops, specialty countertops, bars, jacuzzi tops, fireplaces, entertainment areas etc. Our competitive advantages are the following:
1) The elimination of employee error
2) state of the art equipment
3) intimate knowledge of the craft
4) outstanding and courteous serviceWe work and have worked in the past with numerous contractors, designers and people in general to meet their tastes and desires with satisfactory results. When you are ready to start planning your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, give us a call and our team of experts will guide you in every step of your project – from choosing and purchasing your stone to the finished and installed stone product in your house. Your complete satisfaction is our primary goal.
Projects "Cohen", "Neiman" and "Red Door"Add warmth, comfort and lasting value to your home.
Projects "Red Door", "Oldham", and "Barber"Delve into the highlife, taste immortality and blissful comfort. -
projects
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Services
Initial Visit to the Jobsite
While a visit to the jobsite is straight forward and self explanatory, nevertheless, we would like you, our client, to get a glimpse of what to expect at the initial phase of your project.
After our initial contact with our client, we schedule an appointment to meet them at their jobsite, be it their residence or place of business. At this stage we take our rough measurements and discuss:
- The size and quantity of slabs that need to be purchased.
- The selection of an edge detail or profile.
- Labor and material price.
- Different possibilities of seam or joint placement
Moreover, during our visit, we will present our client our engineered stone material samples for them to make their selection from. These engineered stone samples are particularly those from Caesarstone, Sileston, Compac and Vetrazzo.
However, should our client decide not to pursue the engineered stone option, and would rather prefer natural stone, then we will schedule a visit to a slab yard. The slab yard is where our client will have the opportunity to select their desired material, be it granite, marble, travertine or quartz, through variety of colors, shades and patterns.
Visit to a Slab Yard
A visit to a slab yard can be very exciting and thrilling.
Furthermore, we will be there for you every step of the way to make sure:
We have a unique method and program to assist you in your material selection process, a process which can often times be quite overwhelming. Seeing too many colors and patterns at once, renders everything the same to our eyes. Much like selecting a perfume, where we need to smell the coffee to reset our sense of smell, because after awhile every perfume smells the same to us.
- You purchase material free of scratches and cracks.
- Your material is the right size for your project.
- Your material cost is reasonable.
We work with the majority of slab yards in San Fernando Valley and Anaheim. It is due to our friendly relationships with these stone yards that enable us to provide our clienele the opportunity to make their material purchasing a fun experience - without limiting their freedom of choice in yard or store selection.
Our expertise and advice will help you select the right material for your project.
Final and Precise Measurement
Final and precise measurement is taken after a material is selected and is ready to be cut.
We make another trip to the jobsite in order to take our exact measurements to accomodate for the:
- Curvature of the walls.
- Radii of corners or endings.
- Round and eliptical shapes, protruded edges, etc.
Our method of measuring is very precise and accurate, since we are taking the template or model of every small detail that will later reflect on the finished product, i.e. kitchen countertops, shower walls, stairs, etc.
If the project involves full back-splashes for the kitchen countertops using the same countertop material, then we take those measurements after the installation of the countertops. This is a method which allows us to lessen the gaps between upper cabinets and the back-splashes.
Fabrication Process
Our fabrication process starts once the precise measurements are taken and materials are in our possession.
Our shop has all the necessary space, equipment, and personnel to accomodate for the fabrication of three average-sized jobs a week. An average-sized job is typically a kitchen with 50 - 60 square feet counterspace area. Our fabrication process has three main stages:
A typical kitchen takes us 2 to 5 days to fabricate, depending on the edge detail's complication level. We do 99% of our fabrication work in-house, and only some minor adjustments are done at the jobsite. Doing the work in-house, allows us to keep the jobsite as clean and as dustless as we possibly can.
- Wet-Cutting your material according to our measurements.
- Drying and gluing matching strips to form stacked and thicker edges.
- Profiling, grinding, and polishing the edges to achieve the final shape and luster.
The fabrication process is Semi-automated, and our master craftsmen have a direct influence on our final products. They use their sight and touch to give your countertops a little bit of themselves, a living vibe or life to your countertops.
That, which remained coarse and indelicate for billions of years, is being tamed and cultured under our very hands, within days.
Demolition
Many homes that are built in bulk by developers or by owner-builders who usually cut corners to maintain their expenditure, installed cheap materials as countertops on their cabinetry.
Many people hate their existing counter-tops, which can be made out of 6" by 6" white tiles or Formaica or some sort of a solid surface material. People want to get rid of them, and replace them with either a quartz surface material or granite, which are cleaner, slicker and more durable. This is where we come in and fulfill their desires.
To prepare for the demolition:
- We would ask the homeowner to remove everything from the bottom cabinets, if it is tile that's being demolished.
- We would cover the floors and doors to other rooms in the house.
Most of the time we tear down old countertops before taking our final measurements for the new ones. Sometimes, however, we do demolish old countertops on the same day that we are going to install the new countertops. The latter can be accomplished provided that the kitchen is smaller and also convenient for us to work in.
During and after the demolition:
- We vacuum the work area clean
- We take with us the old countertops, which are by now trash
- We install new subtops, 3/4" plywood to support the new countertops.
This entire demolition process takes us from 20 minutes to roughly 3 hours, depending on the material being demolished. After the demolition, we schedule an installation day for the new countertops.
Installation of New Countertops
Once our fabrication process is close to its completion, we contact the homeowner in advance to decide on a mutually convenient date for the installation of their new countertops.
After installing your countertops, we make sure:
New countertops are finished products and only some minor adjustments are needed at the jobsite to make them fit the cabinets. On average, our installation process takes from 30 minutes to about 3 hours to complete. The duration of the installation depends on many factors, such as kitchen size, or how crowded the work area may be, etc.
- The work area is cleaned thoroughly.
- The sink perimeter and any other gaps are properly calked.
- The countertops and backsplashes are properly sealed.
Moreover, we are properly insured and our employees are very attentive to their tools and work. The overall safety of our work procedure and environment is excellent.
Your Satisfaction
Your satisfaction is very important to us, and your positive review online, very helpful and rewarding.
We would greatly appreciate any positive comment that you may send our way, and we would share them online and on print media with others.
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History and Mission
A & R Granite and Marble was established in 2003
Seeing the gap in the home remodeling market for good and reliable craftsmen and craftsmanship, two partners gave birth to A & R Granite and Marble, Ruben Ekmekchyan and Armen Aznauryan. A & R started out as an LLC and was later incorporated in 2010. A & R's sales increased incrementally year after year, since referrals from previously completed projects brought in more and more new clients. Currently A & R expanded its business by:- Employing more quality craftsmen and knowledgeable staff
- Covering wider region for service
- Offering new line of products to its customers
our team
President
Ruben Ekmekchyan
Chief Administrator
Armen Aznauryan
Cutting Specialist
Movses Zhamkochyan
Master Fabricator
Luis Menjibar -
Our Reviews
Richard L. in Arcadia, CA
A & R provided a professional experience from start to finish.Anonimous in Reseda, CA
Very professional and keeps his promises.Anonimous in Los Angeles, CA
Intelligent, responsive, timely. A Pleasure to work with.Skp L. in Glendale, CA
I rate A & R Granite very highly and would recommend them to anyone looking for granite or stone work. They are very efficient and friendly to work with. Even though they had to make some stone cuts using water as a lubricant right in the house, on a black carpet, they were able to accomplish it and clean up the mess leaving the room cleaner than it was when they started.Amy F. in Sun Valley, CA
They started the project on time and finished on time. They had a fair price. They were clean and professional.Louise F. in Los Angeles, CA
Ruben and his co-worker were always very punctual, prepared and helpful. They gave me a very reasonable quote which they stuck to. Their craftsmanship was excellent and they were very fast in the actual making of the marble countertops. They installed them beautifully. I am so happy that I used their services and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.Anonimous in Long Beach, CA
Great craftsmanship and work ethics. They're also very knowledgeable and gave us time and money-saving tips, such as how to properly build the base for overhang countertop, went with us to slabyard to choose the granite and so on.Anonimous in Los Angeles, CA
I would highly recommend A & R Granite, they did a great job, on time, on budget and were very easy to work with. What more can you ask? They were also very knowledgeable and helpful in the process. And they have a sense of humor. AAA rating from me and I am an architect (very picky).Jana R. (designer), project in Santa Monica, CA
Thanx! looks great! JanaAlissa M. in Hermosa Beach, CA
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Hey Ruben thx so much - the stone looks amazing. Just got back. You did a great job.Maintenance tips
- Cleaning. Use Granite Gold or Pledge for natural stone.
- Sealing. Your natural stone countertops need to be sealed at least twice a year with regular stone sealer. Ask us about our 15 year sealing option.
- Setting hot objects on granite surfaces is admissible. Engineered quartz surfaces, however, cannot withstand heat over 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Acidic substances. Granite and quartz can resist acidity. Marble will stain and discolor.
- Sitting or standing on any stone countertop, be it natural or composite, is not advisable.
- Cutting food on a stone surface is highly inadvisable. Instead, use a cutting board.
contact us
Thank you for your interest in contacting A & R Granite and Marble. We welcome your ideas, comments, questions and requests.
You may use the form below to contact us.address
A & R Granite and Marble
7022 Darby Avenue, Unit B
Reseda, CA 91335.(818) 345-2199Telephone:
(800) 540-9392FAX:
E-mail: sales@argranite.com
E-mail: ruben@argranite.com
A & R Granite and Marble policy
Granite, marble and travertine are natural stones and they do vary in color, shade and pattern from slab to slab or tile to tile. A & R Granite and Marble will reasonably match any joint of two separate slabs or lay any tile next to another tile using its expertise in the trade and the best of its ability and knowledge to achieve reasonable resemblance, without guaranteeing an actual or perfect match between the two adjoining pieces of slab or tile.
The homeowner is solely responsible for selecting granite and marble slabs to his/her satisfaction. A & R Granite and Marble is not responsible for repairing or otherwise replacing any and all granite and marble slabs or tiles that may have cracks or naturally occurring small but visible fissures. These fissures are not cracks and most natural stones tend to have them.
A & R Granite and Marble will reasonably inspect the stones for cracks and scratches to the best of its ability. However, the homeowner is solely responsible for selecting granite and marble slabs or tiles to his/her satisfaction.
A & R Granite and Marble is fully responsible for the safe transportation of the finished product (i.e. kitchen counter-tops) to the job-site. A & R Granite and Marble is also responsible for any damages that may happen to the finished product during the installation of the same.
Granite Facts
By Ruben Ekmekchyan
Granite is formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline. Granite is mainly composed of feldspar, quartz and biotite. The percentage composition of feldspar varies between 65-90%, of quartz 10-60% and biotite 10-15%.
Nominal chemical composition of various oxides in granite are the following: Silica (SiO2) - 70-77%, Alumina (Al2O3) - 11-14%, Potassium Oxide (P2O5) - 3-5%, Soda (Na2O) - 3-5%, Lime - 1%, Iron (Fe2O3) - 1-2%, Iron (FeO) - 1-3%, Magnesia (MgO) - 0.5-1%, Titina - 0.38%, Water - 0.03%.
The most popular theory among geologists is that granite is igneous and is formed from magma that never reaches the surface and is found in the deep crust or mantle of the Earth. Since granite is found in all continents around the world in great variation and abundance, it is thought that there could be more than one formation model.
From ancient time to our present day, granite is mined from many mountain chains, diamond mines, oceans, riverbeds, etc. and is available and sold commercially for various purposes in the construction and remodeling industry. To identify granite from other commercially avaible stone slabs that resemble granite, one has to look for randomly scattered crystals of nearly equal amounts of quartz, where quartz is a must and identification of quartz in the stone is key.
Ancients, however, could identify granite very well and did not hesitate to travel the extra distance in search of granite to employ it in their structures. To them granite was not only considered a durable material for construction, but also, there are speculations that granite was considered a sacred bulding block. Pyramid builders at Giza built their Pharoh's chamber, sarcophagus, portals, antechamber and other important structures in granite while everything else, including the supporting pillars and blocks were built with local limestone. Similarly, Stonehenge builders traveled 200 miles to bring back with them over 80 blue granite boulders, even though their local area was littered with perfectly suitable sarsen stones.
Folklore and metaphysical properties
Referrences
It is believed that granite encourages us to go with the flow, and helps us find our highest path. Teaches us to live in a state of grace. In addition, granite is considered to be a great balancer of one's emotions and practicality. Granite has been used for good health and for dispersing negative energy throughout the room.
www.ancient-wisdom.co.uk/crystals.html
www.galleries.com/rocks/granite.htm
www.granite-sandstone.com/granite-physical-properties.html
Quartz Facts
By Ruben Ekmekchyan
Granite is formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline. Granite is mainly composed of feldspar, quartz and biotite. The percentage composition of feldspar varies between 65-90%, of quartz 10-60% and biotite 10-15%.
Nominal chemical composition of various oxides in granite are the following: Silica (SiO2) - 70-77%, Alumina (Al2O3) - 11-14%, Potassium Oxide (P2O5) - 3-5%, Soda (Na2O) - 3-5%, Lime - 1%, Iron (Fe2O3) - 1-2%, Iron (FeO) - 1-3%, Magnesia (MgO) - 0.5-1%, Titina - 0.38%, Water - 0.03%.
The most popular theory among geologists is that granite is igneous and is formed from magma that never reaches the surface and is found in the deep crust or mantle of the Earth. Since granite is found in all continents around the world in great variation and abundance, it is thought that there could be more than one formation model.
From ancient time to our present day, granite is mined from many mountain chains, diamond mines, oceans, riverbeds, etc. and is available and sold commercially for various purposes in the construction and remodeling industry. To identify granite from other commercially avaible stone slabs that resemble granite, one has to look for randomly scattered crystals of nearly equal amounts of quartz, where quartz is a must and identification of quartz in the stone is key.
Ancients, however, could identify granite very well and did not hesitate to travel the extra distance in search of granite to employ it in their structures. To them granite was not only considered a durable material for construction, but also, there are speculations that granite was considered a sacred bulding block. Pyramid builders at Giza built their Pharoh's chamber, sarcophagus, portals, antechamber and other important structures in granite while everything else, including the supporting pillars and blocks were built with local limestone. Similarly, Stonehenge builders traveled 200 miles to bring back with them over 80 blue granite boulders, even though their local area was littered with perfectly suitable sarsen stones.
Folklore and metaphysical properties
It is believed that granite encourages us to go with the flow, and helps us find our highest path. Teaches us to live in a state of grace. In addition, granite is considered to be a great balancer of one's emotions and practicality. Granite has been used for good health and for dispersing negative energy throughout the room.By Ruben Ekmekchyan
Read more
Our mission is to be slick, slim and robust and evolve with time and style
We go great distances to meet our customers' tastes and demands and convincingly succeed in that. We master every design and edge detail available in the market and look forward to newer challenges. We have innovated newer ways and procedures that widely differ from conventional ways and procedures. And yes, we have to be blunt and admit that we do differ from our competitors by a wide margin for our products are cleaner, slicker, and the exact materialization of our customers' imagination.Being present-minded is what makes us tick
It is this mentality that not only sets us inline with our set mission, but also enables us to work with new ideas and new challenges thrown at us by the industry and its players.useful info
A & R Granite and Marble is licensed insured and bonded in the state of California.
Our Contractor C54 license number is 915078. Our insurance and bond information will be available and supplied upon request on the onset of a project.
useful links
- Marble Unlimited - A great place to look for granite, marble, or any other natural stone slab or tile.
- Stone Mart - Has unique selection of granite, marble, and natural quartz.
- Modul Marble - Has variety of travertine, limestone, marble and onyx slabs and tiles.
- Caesarstone - A great place to choose an engineered quartz slab for your modern kitchen and bathroom countertops.
- Silestone - Has a wide variety of engineered quartz material. Beautiful colors and patterns.
- Compac - Quartz surface company, great colors and patterns.
- Vetrazzo - Vetrazzo transforms recycled glass into exquisite countertops
projects
Project"San Marino"
Crafted out of Mascarello Extra granite.
projects
Projects"Malibu 4" and "Malibu 3"
First photo - Kitchen countertops crafted out of Lagos Blue from Caesarstone.
Second and third photos are of kitchen countertops and bathroom sink-countertop, both crafted out of natural quartz
projects
Projects "Red Door", "Oldham", and "Barber"
Image 1 - crafted out of Calacatta Gold and Carrarra White marble slabs.
image 2 - crafted out of Lagos Blue from Caesarstone.
Image 3 - crafted out of Juparana Arandis, Namibian brushed natural granite; vein cut stone.
projects
Projects "Cohen", "Neiman", and "Red Door"
Image 1 - island countertop is crafted out of natural quartz, and the surrounding countertops are crafted out of Yukon Blanco from Silestone. Image 2 - kitchen countertops crafted out of Typhoon Bordeux Granite slabs. Images 3 & 4 - Calacatta Gold Marble countertops and trims.
