Prefabricated vs Jumbo Slabs
What is a traditional jumbo slab and why would someone choose it?
A traditional countertop slab will come in a much larger format than prefabricated, and will often only be found in a 3CM thickness. These slabs come in a variety of sizes but are most often 5′ x 10′ and sold per square foot. These slabs, due to their size, will often reduce the numbers of seams in a kitchen depending on the size and layout but will require a great deal more labor. They’re larger, heavier, and need most of the edges to be created which puts a higher price tag on both the material, and the fabrication and installation. Most brand-name stones will come in the jumbo slab option and some may be available in half slabs to cut down on waste and cost.
What is a prefabricated slab and how is it beneficial for remodeling?
A prefabricated slab is a piece of countertop material cut down to cover a standard 24” cabinet depth including overhang, and which includes most of the finished edges. QGC imports 8’ and 9’ slabs in a 2CM depth of 26” and 3CM depth of 25 ½”, and depths of 36”, 42”, and 52” for standard island sizes. All 26” slabs come with one or two finished sides (front and optionally either left or right), and all island slabs come with three or four finished sides. A finished side is any outside edge that has been finish polished and, in the case of 2CM material, had a 4CM lip created.
By importing prefabricated slabs QGC is able to streamline the renovation process allowing our in-house installers to do all fabrication on-site on the day of installation. This means that we can usually accomplish the full countertop installation in 1-2 days depending on the size and complexity of the project, and that we are able to provide accurate estimates with basic installation and layout questions, client measurements, and photographs of the relevant areas.
All in all the material you select should be a reflection of what you find most important. Do you value a smaller budget and faster turnaround time, or would you rather have that brand name stone and potentially fewer visible seams? Any remodel should result in a space that you’re happy to be in, and that you’ll love for years to come.