Total Design on Marble and Granite
By Tina Cauller

Natural materials like marble and granite have long been recognized as an unmistakable hallmark of quality and durability. Many of the ancient wonders of the world were constructed with natural stone, and stone monuments built more than 5,000 years ago are still standing today. From the limestone blocks used in the pyramids of Egypt and the marble and granite used in the Pantheon, to the granite roads built during the Roman empire, natural stone has literally outlasted entire civilizations.

Today’s discriminating homeowners seek to distinguish their home with unique elements that infuse the home with warmth, elegance and personality. While manmade products may involve a lower initial expense, natural stone adds unique beauty and value to a home that will not lessen with time. This is a lesson that consumers and builders have learned through experience.

Over the years, homeowners and homebuilders progressed from using laminate countertop materials to ceramic tile. While tile provided improved durability and greater variety, grout lines presented troublesome maintenance issues. The industry responded with solid surface countertop products, which eliminated the problem of grout lines, but still required care to avoid costly damage. Eventually, granite was resurrected as a premium building material for its color variety, natural character, and unique beauty, and thrilled homeowners quickly found that their beautiful granite surfaces were virtually indestructible. Not only does granite offer unparalleled beauty, but it actually increases the value of a home.

According to Jose Rodriguez, president of Total Design on Marble and Granite, “If fabrication and installation are performed by a reputable company with high standards and a proven track record, the durability of marble and granite will ensure many generations of lasting beauty and outstanding service.”

Rodriguez points out that buyers should seek out a fabricator with experience and a proven reputation for quality, rather than being drawn in by a promise of low prices. “Unfortunately, not all fabricators operate with high standards for quality and integrity. Some offer a low price, but cannot provide customers a reasonable level of expertise or reliable service and support. We have made an investment in our equipment and in our employees, and we will be around for years to come to ensure our customers’ satisfaction and to provide responsive, reliable service.”
Total Design on Marble and Granite (TDMG) is a premier fabrication company, completing more than 3,000 projects a year. The company specializes in custom fabrication and installation of countertops, floors, walls, kitchens, vanities, showers, wet bars, serving bars, waterfalls, fountains, and all other natural and engineered stone projects.

TDMG has been serving clients in the Metroplex and surrounding areas since 1993, providing high-end custom fabrication as well as large-scale production for commercial clients and volume builders. A professional team of skilled experts has enabled TDMG to build a reputation that is synonymous with quality, elegance and craftsmanship, and to consistently exceed the expectations of their customers.

TDMG has invested in state-of-the-art fabrication equipment and sophisticated computer technology to support the highest quality product. Their highly trained staff and certified crew ensure superior craftsmanship and expert installation. TDMG has been recognized by the Marble Institute of America, who has utilized the facility for training and demonstration.

Each TDMG product is water and diamond-polished, then sealed with a high quality, biodegradable sealer. No lacquer or wax is ever used to enhance the final shine. TDMG is a green company, recycling water and air in consideration of the environment as well as its customers and employees.
The entire TDMG staff works to stay current on the latest technology and trends in the industry. Through its Builders program, TDMG makes the latest trends in natural stone accessible and affordable.

TDMG believes in the importance of establishing a rapport with every client to ensure satisfaction. Custom-created software tracks the progress of each project from proposal to completion. “Good communication with our customers is critical,” notes Rodriguez. Setting an extraordinarily high standard allows TDMG to guarantee its installation services and offer a lifetime warranty on fabrication. The company monitors performance and strives for continual improvement through post-project customer surveys.
The knowledgeable staff at TDMG helps clients identify the best material for their needs. Granite is a worry-free surface. It is extremely durable, thermal shock-resistant and easy to care for. Hot pots and pans won't damage it, and it won't chip, crack or scratch under normal use. It doesn’t harbor bacteria, and is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol, or wine. Cutting boards are recommended when slicing bread, meats or vegetables, not so much to protect the granite, but to protect your knives from becoming dull. These traits make granite ideal for kitchen countertops accent islands, bar tops, everyday dining tables and other uses.

Marble is the most elegant and luxurious of natural stone products. It is softer than granite and it should be treated like a fine piece of wood. With proper care, its beauty will last for generations. The ancient Greeks chose marble to line their exquisite baths. Today, marble still provides a richness in the bath that outshines any other product. Marble is very versatile. It can be used throughout the home on almost every surface, including vanities, shower walls, tub decks and flooring. It’s perfect for fireplace facings, ornamental furnishings, walls and window sills.
The depth and character of natural stone cannot be matched by any man-made surface. Its nearly limitless range of colors, versatility, and durability is unmatched by any synthetic rival. “The same characteristics that elevate diamonds to an incomparable level above rhinestones set marble and granite apart from manmade substitutes,” notes Rodriguez.
Jose Rodriguez point out, “With every job, we work to make sure our clients actually get more than they pay for, not only in a superior product but also through expertise, service, and support. It’s our job to make our customers’ dreams a reality.”

Total Design on Marble and Granite is a member of several professional organizations, including the Marble Institute of America, Better Business Bureau, and area Home Builders Associations.
For a free consultation and estimate, call Total Design on Marble and Granite at (972) 242-2595, or visit www.totaldesignonmarble.com.