What's the difference? Stone Wholesaler Vs. Fabricator and Others
September 18, 2025
Understanding the Difference: Stone Wholesalers vs Fabricator and Others
If you’re shopping for new countertops or starting a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you’ve probably come across a few different types of companies: stone wholesalers, fabricators, and kitchen & bath companies. But what exactly does each one do—and who should you go to for what?
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you better understand the roles these businesses play in your project:
1. Stone/Slab Wholesalers
What They Do:
Stone wholesalers import and distribute slabs of natural and engineered stone (like granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, etc.). They typically sell only to fabricators, not directly to the public.
Who They Work With:
- Fabricators (like us at MGL Granite)
- Designers and contractors (through fabricators)
What to Know:
If you’ve ever visited a slab yard, it was probably through a fabricator. You can typically browse and choose your slab(s) from the wholesaler, but the wholesaler won’t cut, polish, or install it—that part comes next.
2. Fabricators (That’s Us!)
What We Do:
Fabricators like MGL Granite cut, polish, and install stone slabs to fit your custom countertop dimensions. We’re the ones who turn a raw slab into a beautiful, finished countertop that fits perfectly in your home.
Services Typically Include:
- Field measurements (on-site measurements)
- Custom cutting and edging
- Seaming and polishing
- Delivery and installation
- Supply and installing support brackets
- Optional sealing and aftercare services
What to Know:
Fabricators are your go-to for anything related to stone surfaces—whether you need a kitchen countertop, a bathroom vanity, a fireplace surround, or a custom stone feature. We source slabs through wholesalers or showrooms, and then fabricate them to suit your space and style.
3. Kitchen & Bath Companies
What They Do:
Kitchen and bath companies usually offer full-service remodeling, including layout design, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Many of them also coordinate countertops as part of the process, but they don’t fabricate the stone themselves.
Who They Work With:
- Homeowners doing full remodels
- Subcontractors like plumbers, electricians—and countertop fabricators
- Designers
What to Know:
If you’re doing a full kitchen or bath remodel and want one company to manage everything, a kitchen & bath company might be the right choice. But keep in mind, they’ll likely hire a fabricator (like us) behind the scenes to handle the actual countertop work.
Why This Matters to You
Understanding who does what can save you time, money, and stress. If you're focused on choosing the perfect countertop and want to work directly with the experts who will cut and install it, a fabricator is your best bet. At MGL Granite, we walk you through the entire process—from selecting the right stone to installation—making your project as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
If you’re working with a designer or remodeler already, just ask who they use for fabrication. And if you want to work directly with a trusted local fabricator, we’d love to help!
Have Questions? Ready to Start Your Project? Contact MGL Granite today—we’re here to help you understand your options and bring your vision to life, one project at a time.
When planning your kitchen or bathroom countertops, one detail that often gets overlooked—but makes a big difference—is the backsplash. A backsplash is the vertical section of material installed on the wall directly behind your countertop. Its primary purpose is to protect your walls from water, grease, soap, and other everyday splashes, while also creating a clean, finished look that ties your design together. Why a Backsplash Is Important? Everyday tasks like washing dishes, cooking, or brushing your teeth can result in water, grease, and other debris hitting your walls. Without a backsplash, moisture can seep into the drywall over time, causing stains, damage, or even mold. A backsplash acts as a protective barrier, keeping your walls safe and making cleanup easier. Beyond protection, backsplashes enhance the overall look of your countertops. They create a smooth transition from counter to wall and add a polished, professional appearance to your kitchen or bathroom. Backsplash Heights and Options At MGL Granite, we can create backsplashes at any height to fit your design needs: Standard 4-Inch Backsplash: The industry standard is typically a 4-inch backsplash. It provides just the right amount of protection behind the countertop while maintaining a simple, timeless look. Full-Height Backsplash: Full-height backsplashes are more common in kitchens, especially behind ranges or sinks. They extend from the countertop up to the bottom of the cabinets—or even to the ceiling—creating a seamless, elegant look. Custom Wall Pieces: We can also fabricate custom backsplash pieces for walls, vanities, or other surfaces where a standard height might not fit your design. This flexibility allows you to achieve a truly personalized, high-end finish. Tile Backsplashes Some homeowners choose tile backsplashes for color, texture, or pattern. While tile can be beautiful, MGL Granite does not provide tile installation. However, we’re happy to coordinate with your tile installer to ensure a perfect fit where the countertop meets the wall. Finishing Touches That Make a Difference Choosing the right backsplash is about more than style—it’s about functionality and protecting your investment. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a 4-inch standard, the dramatic look of a full-height backsplash, or a custom piece to fit your walls, MGL Granite can fabricate and install the perfect solution for your space.
Discover why granite is a durable, stylish, and eco-friendly choice for any kitchen, backed by trusted countertop companies known for quality and value.
Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops—and for good reason. It's durable, beautiful, and timeless. But like any natural stone, granite needs a little care to keep it looking its best. One of the most important steps in maintaining granite countertops is sealing them. In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of sealing granite, why it’s so important (especially for countertops that get regular use), and how MGL Granite can help. Why Does Granite Need to Be Sealed? Granite is a natural stone with a porous surface. That means that if it's left unsealed, liquids like water, oil, wine, or juice can seep into the stone, causing stains or even long-term damage. Bacteria can also find their way into those tiny pores, which isn’t something you want on your food prep surfaces. Sealing your granite countertops helps create a protective barrier that: Repels moisture and spills Prevents staining Makes cleaning easier Extends the life and beauty of your countertops How Often Should You Seal Granite? It depends on the type of granite, how much use your countertops get, and the type of sealer used. Some granite varieties are denser and require sealing less often, while others are more porous and need more frequent attention. As a general rule: Seal high-use kitchen countertops once a year. For less frequently used areas (like guest bathrooms), every 2–3 years may be enough. Pro Tip: Not sure if it's time to reseal? Drip a few drops of water on the surface. If it beads up, you're good. If the water soaks in, it's time to reseal. How to Seal Granite Countertops: Step-by-Step 1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly: Wipe down your granite with a gentle stone cleaner or warm soapy water. Remove all residue and let it dry completely before sealing. 2. Choose the Right Sealer: Use a granite-specific penetrating (or impregnating) sealer that soaks into the stone to provide long-lasting protection. 3. Apply the Sealer: Follow the instructions on the label. Typically, you'll a pply the sealer evenly with a clean cloth or applicator pad. Let it absorb for about 15–20 minutes. Wipe off any excess with a clean, dry cloth 4. Let It Cure: Most sealers cure within 24 hours. During this time, avoid using the surface or getting it wet. Want a Professional to Handle It? We've Got You Covered! At MGL Granite, we don’t just install granite—we help you maintain it. We offer professional granite sealing services, so you don’t have to worry about the mess or guesswork. Whether you need sealing for a newly installed countertop or want to refresh an older surface, we’re here to help. Keep Your Granite Looking Great for Years Sealing your granite countertops is a simple step that goes a long way in protecting your investment. With regular maintenance—or a visit from our team—you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your countertops for decades to come. Contact us today to schedule your sealing service or ask about the best care plan for your countertops!
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