Check here and if you don't find what you're looking for, send us an e-mail.

Where is Suncoast located and do I need to make an appointment to discuss my upcoming kitchen or bath needs?
Suncoast is located in New Port Richey, FL at 8345 Corporate Way. Our Showroom Hours are: Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, Or By Appointment, Sunday By Appointment. No appointment necessary during showroom hours. You can get driving directions here from Google Maps by entering in your starting address.

How long does it take to get my cabinets after I place my order?
Suncoast lead times typically average 3-6 weeks but will vary based on geographic location and peak order times. Please ask your authorized Suncoast salesman about delivery times in your area. Can I install the cabinets myself? Absolutely, we ask that you come in and we can go over your needs and check for accuracy. Can I order a Suncoast price list? Each Suncoast retailer establishes their own pricing policies which reflect shipping and handling costs to their area. Additionally, pricing a cabinet order can be quite complex depending on what options and upgrades each consumer chooses. Please consult your authorized Suncoast dealer for more information.

Where can I get replacement parts, touch-up materials or polish/cleaner for my cabinetry?
These items are all available from the Suncoast you may contact our Customer Service Department. Please be prepared to supply the Suncoast order or invoice number of your original order. This information may have been included on a card attached to a sink base cabinet. (This will help ensure that your parts order is filled correctly.) Be sure to include your shipping address! When will my order be delivered?

What wood species are available from Suncoast Cabinetry?
The cabinets Suncoast sells offer more than 100 door styles in oak, hickory, birch, cherry and maple. But keep in mind, not every style is available in every wood species. Please consult your sales representative for a complete listing of door styles and available wood species. To see all wood species and finishes, browse through Door Styles in the Door Styles & Finishes section.

What if my dealer does not have a sample of a style or color I am interested in?
Authorized Suncoast dealers can order door samples in any style, species, and color combination Suncoast offers. Another option — order a small drawer front in the wood and finish you would like.

I visited two dealers who both sold the same cabinets but were not the same. Why?
Suncoast door styles may vary from dealers and may also include some construction packages when choosing exclusive brands. Each retailer will be happy to provide you information specific to their store. However, when making comparisons, rest assured that all Suncoast products carry the same Suncoast warranty regardless of where they are purchased. You are assured of Suncoast quality brands no matter which combination of specifications you select.

How do I clean and care for my new Suncoast cabinets?
For maintenance tips see Care & Cleaning.

Contact your Suncoast sales person and they will be happy to provide delivery information. Thank you again for choosing Suncoast!

Granite FAQ

How do I maintain my granite?
Soap and water! Clean the countertop with warm water and a few drops of mild or antibacterial dishwashing detergent. Rinse the surface thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Don't use abrasive dry or soft cleaners.

Can I cut on Granite?
Sure if you want to dull your knife. You will not harm the granite. Marble on the other hand is a more porous material and therefore much more likely to be damaged by a sharp object.

Can I set hot pans on my granite?
Generally you can take a hot pan off the stove and set it right on the granite. But, the darker the material the more dense and therefore the more heat it will hold. The biggest issue with putting a hot pan on granite is that if you touched the spot it could be as hot as the pan itself and therefore cause you an injury. You should especially be cautious with black granite since it is the most dense and with repeat exposure may actually crack.

Why choose granite for a countertop?
At the top of the list is its extraordinary natural beauty. With the ability to choose from variety of granite colors you are assured your countertop will be unique unto itself. Granite is, by far, the most durable of all surfaces used in countertop construction.

What's the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble and marble's relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth's mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, and onyx – start out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies into stone. Because its main component is calcium, acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages can affect it.

Is it necessary to seal stone?
All stone, even granite, is porous to some degree, and will absorb moisture over time. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine, or other liquids from soaking into the surface.

What is "honed" stone?
Granite, Marble, or limestone that is honed has a matte or satin finish, rather than a high reflective polish. It is preferred by some because "honed" stone has a less formal, softer appearance than polished stone.

Why is granite good for kitchen counters?
Granite adds elegance and style to kitchens, baths and other areas of the home with a richness that cannot be duplicated in synthetic materials. Granite is highly resistant to scratching, cracking, and staining. Impervious to heat: daily kitchen activities pose no problem and it can take a hop pot without the use of a trivet. Thus, making granite an ideal choice for countertops.

Can granite crack?
Not with ordinary use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use does include standing on countertops.

Can you scratch granite?
Granite is one of the hardest stones in the world. It is highly resistant to scratching in ordinary use. A knife blade will not scratch granite. It can only be scratched by another piece of granite or with specially sharpened tools designed to work with granite like tungsten and diamond blades.

Does granite burn?
No. You can't burn granite with ordinary use. It is perfectly ok to set hot pots or pans directly from the stove or oven onto granite.

Does granite stain?
In general, no. All stone, however, is porous to some extent, but granite has very little porosity. A few colors may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact compared to others. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter, for some colors, may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. Usually, no evidence remains once the liquid is removed and the granite dries. A stone sealer is highly recommended for all granite after installation.

Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.

Will my granite look like the sample?

The samples you see on the computer may not be absolutely correct due to variations in computer systems, monitors and software compression. Marble and granite are natural stones created by the forces of nature. They are composed of various minerals and are susceptible to wide variations in color, texture, spotting, veining and cracking. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty.

Will my kitchen have seams?
Due to the limitation of slab size, seams on a granite countertop are nec4essary and sometimes unavoidable. A good place to incorporate seams is near sinks or cook tops. This will help to cover most of the seam-leaving a minimum amount in view. You may also want to consider putting seams where cabinets change direction or using forty-five or ninety-degree angles. This application often works well because the human eye has to adjust to the change in direction making the seam less noticeable. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern. But relax. Our sales associates will help to explain the seam process in further detail to you.

Do granite countertops overhang the cabinets?
Most counters overhang by 1½", which is standard. This may be changed for whatever reason due to cabinet configuration, cabinet installation, and/or personal tastes.

Can granite cantilever?
You can cantilever granite up to 12" with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress like someone sitting on a counter or stepping on a counter to change a light bulb. You must have support underneath for these situations.

I've noticed some granites have pits on the surface – will I have these on my kitchen counters?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits – spaces between the various mineral crystals. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure that formed the granite eons ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function of durability of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade.

Why choose Granite countertops over synthetic materials?
Granite has become today's countertop of choice for architects, cabinetmakers, kitchen designers and contractors. A granite countertop is virtually impervious to abrasions, stains and extreme heat. Additionally, the inherent qualities of granite – its color, patterns and shades – compliment any décor.

My granite kitchen countertop doesn't look exactly like my sample. Why?
Granite is an organic substance and just as no two people are exactly alike, no two samples of granite will be wither. The composition of minerals and the deposit it was quarried from all play a part in the appearance of granite.

Are all granite kitchen counters a high gloss finish?
No, there are several different finishes you can order, the highly polished finish is just the most popular. There is a process called "honing" that gives the stone a more matte finish yet retains its smooth feel.

What's the difference between a drop-in sink and an undermount sink?
A drop-in sink sits on top of the cutout in your granite counter while an undermount sink sits beneath the cutout. There is generally an extra polishing charge required in preparing a granite countertop for an undermount sink.

What is "high movement" stone?
Sometimes called "grain in the stone," "movement" is veins that swirl and change irregularly in granite due to massive forces at work on it beneath the surface of the earth during the eons it took to form. "Movement" is also affected by trace amounts of other minerals such as hornblend.

Will I know where my granite came from?
Probably not since granite is quarried all over the world, including Africa, Brazil, Egypt, India, Italy, Norway and Spain, to name a few. There are also some very lovely veins of granite mined in the United States and Canada as well.

Does where my granite originate from affect the price?
Very little. Prices are more affected by the supply and demand placed upon the quarry. You'll find that red and blue tones are a bit higher priced than other colors due to their lack of abundance.

Are Granite Countertops Expensive?
Improved stone-working technology has made granite countertops very affordable compared with manmade hard surface materials. With granite, the resale value of your property will also grow with time.

Granite Countertop

What is a Granite Countertop?
Granite composition: The American Geological Institute defines granite as an intrusive igneous rock composed of 25% - 35% quartz and over 50% potassium and sodium rich feldspars, with a common accessory mineral of less than 20%, usually muscovite, biotite, or hornblende.

Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth. Granite is formed deep in the earth's mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals.

The color of granite is governed largely by that of the feldspar, usually the most abundant mineral. However if considerable amounts of quartz, hornblende, or mica are present the color may be modified.

Because of its' durability and longevity granite is great for heavily used surfaces. Available in every color imaginable, it has become one of the most popular stones on the market. Leading consumer magazines have given granite the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen countertop material.

How Do I maintain my granite countertop?
Soap and water! Clean the countertop with warm water and a few drops of mild or antibacterial dishwashing detergent. Rinse the surface thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Don't use abrasive dry or soft cleaners.

Please note: Cleaners and disinfectants made specifically for silica/quartz-based stones are available at most home centers, hardware stores, stone fabrication shops, and flooring centers. (Directions for use are printed on the label)

Can granite crack?
Not with ordinary use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use does include standing on countertops.

Does granite burn?
No. You can't burn granite with ordinary use. It is perfectly ok to set hot pots or pans directly from the stove or oven onto granite.

Will my granite look like the sample?
The samples you see on the computer may not be absolutely correct due to variations in computer systems, monitors and software compression. Marble and granite are natural stones created by the forces of nature. They are composed of various minerals and are susceptible to wide variations in color, texture, spotting, veining and cracking. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty.

Do granite countertops overhang the cabinets?
Most counters overhang by 1 ½", which is standard. This may be changed for whatever reason due to cabinet configuration, cabinet installation, and/or personal tastes.

Does Granite harbor bacteria?
Granite continues to be used and approved in food and medical applications. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has no records of granite harboring bacteria, and has no reports of people becoming ill from bacteria in granite. With regular cleaning, granite is far less likely to support bacteria than butcher block or even laminated materials with top-mounted sinks. Bacteria requires several things in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, water, sunlight, nutrients, and a substrate to form on. The minerals in granite are toxic to bacteria. As a result, there is no habitable environment for bacteria to live and grow on a granite surface.

Engineered Stone/Quartz Countertop

What is an Engineered Stone/Quartz Countertop?
For those who love the look of granite but are concerned about its drawbacks, quartz may be the answer. Unlike granite, which can be permanently stained by cooking oils and grease, or which can be etched by the acids in such common household products as hairspray and other toiletries, engineered stone is impervious to these hazards.

And while granite is subject to unpredictable variations in color or pattern between slabs, making matching of sections of a countertop difficult, engineered stone is uniform in color, pattern, and texture. It provides nearly all of the benefits of natural stone but with few of the drawbacks.

Engineered stone is the most durable surface material, combining the hardness and durability of quartz with the exceptional low maintenance qualities of man-made materials (resin).

Do consider using engineered stone for countertops, flooring, shower & tub enclosures, fireplace surrounds, wet bars & furniture.

Quartz
Quartz (Silica/Silicon Dioxide, SiO2) is the most common mineral on the earth's surface. It is present in nearly every geological environment and is a component of almost every rock type and exists in an impressive range of varieties and colours.

Quartz ranks 7.0 on Moh's Hardness Scale, which is used to measure the scratch-resistance of a material. Only the diamond (at 10), topaz and sapphire (at 9) are harder than quartz. (Granite is ranked 6 on the scale).

Because quartz grows in clusters and does not form huge stone blocks like granite (which contains 40% - 60% quartz), limestone or other types of rock, it is not suitable in its natural state to make into countertops or other large slabs.

Engineered Stone
The process to convert quartz to a slab/countertop was patented by Breton, an Italian company, and is used by all companies which manufacture engineered stone.

This manufacturing process uses raw quartz crystals ranging in size from coarse grains to the size of rock salt. Once the quartz is ground and selected, the crystals are combined with bonding agents (resin) and color, then heated and vibro-compacted to form an impenetrable surface.

The resulting slabs are a matrix of 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments ... free of fissures and cracks, and impervious to water, moisture, or bacteria.

Industry-wide, all quartz countertops are made with 93 percent quartz or they cannot claim the hardness, durability, or impermeability of a true quartz surface. The prescribed mixture results in a product that is non-porous, exceedingly durable, and more than twice as strong as granite and less likely to break during fabrication.

The manufacturing process is a controlled process and quality-control measures exist for quartz that are not possible for natural granite countertops. The nature of the production process ensures that any sample slab will be identical in color and texture to the delivered product.

The engineering and finishing phases of quartz-counter manufacturing are virtually the same throughout the industry, companies can all offer limited warranties for up to ten years on their products.

Because they're man-made, these materials can be fabricated in large sheets ( 52"W x 120"L), which makes it easier to fabricate large islands in one piece. In addition, curves, circles and other shapes are possible.

Color and Appearance
To the untrained eye, quartz surfaces appear to be natural stone. What makes it different?

Natural rock is variable by nature ... colors and patterns may shift and change on a large slab. Surface pits are a mark of granite. Engineered stone on the otherhand, displays a "consistent variability" or mottling in color and texture throughout a quartz countertop. Each slab looks the same, which helps minimize the visible seams that often plague granite countertop installations.

The actual appearance of the quartz surface varies depending on the size and mix of the granules. Smaller, finer crystals give a more uniform appearance, while larger ones provide a more mottled look.

Quartz surfacing is available in colors not found in nature, as the crushed stone is generally mixed with pigment. Take advantage, and choose a color that dazzles while still looking like stone.

In addition to granite, some manufacturers produce engineered stone that looks like marble, travertine, concrete, and other natural stone.

Since they are solid, the color and natural mottling from the quartz crystals runs throughout the material. Slabs are fabricated into countertops with edge profiles that range from simple bevels to bullnose and ogee.

Because engineered stone is a natural stone product, seams are required for any application that is longer /or wider than the slab size.

These seams are visible, but are often less noticeable than a typical granite seam - where the seams may show changes in pattern and shade.

As with solid surfaces, integrated sinks are not available in quartz countertops.

Installation
Fabricating and installing a quartz countertop is not a job for the Do-It-Yourselfer. It takes a practiced professionals, which is why many manufacturers train and certify their installers.

In addition to being extremely dense and strong, quartz tops weigh quite a bit more than granite. It is however, easier to cut, handle, and fabricate without damage than granite is. Trained installers can count on fewer broken slabs and less waste than in a typical granite installation.

Care and Maintenance
Because it is non-porous, quartz polished surfaces do not need to be sealed as do other stones to prevent staining.

Unlike granite, quartz surfacing is a nearly indestructible material. It is resistant to stains caused by wine, fruit juices, liquid food coloring, tea, nail polish and remover, and felt-tip markers. Its non-porous nature is also extremely hygienic, making it a food-safe choice.

Though the quartz surface can briefly tolerate moderate temperatures for a brief time, it can be damaged by high heat and prolonged exposure to heat. Use a hot pad or trivet when placing a hot pan on it.

No surface is indestructible, though. As with any other stone or surface material, strong chemicals and solvents such as Drano®, Liquid Plummer®, oven cleaners and floor strippers will damage the surface.

Continuous long-term exposure to direct sunlight (UV rays) may result in slight discoloration of Quartz Stone countertops. Most indoor applications will not apply.

Plastic Laminate Countertop

What is a Plastic Laminate Countertop?
Plastic laminate has been part of our surroundings for decades, yet most people don't know much about the product that is found virtually everywhere – in homes, restaurants, hospitals and even bowling alleys! The name itself – "plastic laminate" – can lead to misunderstandings.

High pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) is made by saturating sheets of decorative and core paper with resins, then pressing them under high heat, fusing the layers into a single sheet. Surprisingly, a sheet of laminate is only 18% plastic resin; the rest is paper!

Laminate sheets are bonded, using special adhesives, to "substrates" made of plywood, fiberboard or particle board which give the final product its strength and substance. The laminate surface provides resistance from wear and impact.

Plastic laminate is basically a sandwich of plastic coated papers. It is made by combining layers of kraft paper, a decorative paper layer, and a clear surface layer under high temperature and pressure. The color and patterns you see are simply the layer of decorative paper. The clear surface layer protects the decorative paper from abrasion and moisture.

Decorative laminates are available in different thicknesses. The thickness of the final product is usually a function of how many slices of kraft paper are in the sandwich. The greater the number of slices of kraft paper, the higher the product's impact resistance and resilience.

How Do I choose my laminate countertop?
There are two major brands of plastic Laminate. They are Wilsonart and Formica. Look over the displays and see what you like. Then look at samples to get an idea of color and pattern. There are hundreds of laminate choices and you can usually take the samples home. So pick out all the chips whose colors and patterns are close to what you have in mind. A dozen or so is a good number to start with.

Think about extras. Did you know there are a variety of edge treatments available? And don't forget about the backsplash, which can be the same material as the countertop, or something else like ceramic tile. The dealer where you buy your laminate will have samples of different edge treatments that he or she offers.

The salesperson can also tell you if the laminates you're considering are in stock at the distribution center or have to be special ordered. Special orders could add a week to 10 days to your time line. We provide fabrication and installation services and all the work is done in house.

Solid Surface Countertop

What is Solid Surface Countertop?
Solid surface is a petroleum-based product made from the combination of acrylic or polyester resins and an inert filler material. Listed below are some of the properties of a solid surface countertop.

Non porous - keeps bacteria away, promoting a cleaner and more sanitary countertop.
Strong - unlike laminate, the plastic goes all the way through, and thus resists impact better.
Scratches can be sanded out - by far, the greatest advantage of solid surface countertop material.
Wide range of designs possible.
Wide range of colors possible - infinitely "tint-able"

One downside of solid surfaces is that they are difficult, if not impossible, for do-it-yourself home remodelers to fabricate. However, it should be added that nearly all kitchen countertop materials, with the exception of wood, are difficult to fabricate without special tools and expertise.

The term "solid surface" may seem a bit obvious since all countertops are "solid". But in the countertop and surfacing trade there is no confusion about what this material is.

Solid surface is basically a plastic. It's a petroleum-based product made from the combination of acrylic or polyester resins and an inert filler material. Its beauty, aside from pure aesthetics, lies in its ease of workability and reparability. From an installer's viewpoint solid surface is very similar to wood with regard to its ability to be cut and joined. Seams are virtually invisible which allows large expanses of countertop space to be connected with no visible joints. The same characteristic allows for integral solid surface sinks with no discernible edge between the countertop and the sink.

What Do I Need To Know About Solid Surface Countertops?
Not all plastic is created equal and the same applies to solid surface countertops. So what should you know about first before deciding to write the check for those Corian® countertops you've always dreamed of? Here's a list of considerations that are worth thinking about. We'll talk more about them in the information below.

Material - What Solid Surface Is Made Of and Why It's Important
As mentioned previously, solid surface is essentially a plastic, but it has some great qualities that make it a good choice for a countertop work surface. By the same token, there are a few minor downsides that you'll want to know about too.

Solid surface is made up of two main constituents called a "filler" and a "binder". The filler in most cases is a substance known as "ATH" or Alumina Trihydrate. ATH is a natural mineral that's in the form of a white powder when used in the manufacture of solid surface. This sometimes results in scratches that show up as white or light-colored lines, particularly in darker surfaces. The scratch accentuates the ATH used in the makeup of the surfacing material. ATH is also a natural fire-retardant which gives solid surface countertops good fire-resistance.

The binder that's used to hold the ATH and any other secondary ingredients together is a resin that's either pure acrylic or polyester or a combination of both. This is another important point because there are differences between the two materials. Each has its own characteristics that impact the look, fabrication and in some cases, the durability of the solid surface.

Acrylic-based material was the first type of solid surface, formulated by the DuPont® company. Acrylic enjoys several advantages over polyester in that it's harder, more impact resistant and less brittle than polyester. It won't fade or discolor from exposure to ultraviolet light whereas polyester has less resistance to UV light. This might not be a big factor if your countertops won't see a lot of direct sunlight however. Acrylic also has greater thermoformability - meaning it can be formed and shaped with heat more easily than polyester. This is important during the fabrication of your countertops should your design incorporate any bends or other features that require the material to be formed.

Polyester on the other hand is more chemical resistant particularly with regard to acrylic-based chemicals such as acetone and nail polish remover. Polyester can also achieve a higher polish than acrylic and offers a greater ability for achieving a translucent effect. Some manufacturers like Avonite® use polyester specifically to obtain countertops with these qualities. Polyester costs less than acrylic so in general, polyester-based solid surface is cheaper than acrylic-based products.

Beyond these main ingredients solid surface manufacturers include numerous additives aimed at enhancing various aspects of the material. Each has their own "recipe" based on various attributes they're trying to achieve.

Brand Differences - Are They All the Same?
Since solid surface countertops were first introduced by the DuPont® company numerous manufacturers have come on line with their own products. Each has their own unique formulation and method of manufacture but virtually all of them use the same primary ingredients of fillers and resin binders.

So you may ask, are they all the same? The problem with the answer to this question is that it's not that black-and-white. The best answer may lie with an analogy to something we're all familiar with, such as car brands.

Each auto manufacturer can make a car that operates satisfactorily, incorporates the necessary operational and safety features and can transport us where we want to go with reasonable reliability. The same is true about similar 'commodities' like solid surface countertops. The differences lie in the details and that's where being an educated buyer proves it's worth in sorting through all the choices.

So what makes them different? Consider the following:

Warranty
Not all manufacturers offer the same warranty though many are similar. Look at both the duration (length) and transferability. Transferability refers to whether the warranty applies to the original buyer only or others that may purchase a home after the countertops were originally purchased by someone else. While you may not care if someone else can benefit from a purchase you eventually leave behind, it does say something about the manufacturer's support of their product.

Duration of the warranty also speaks to the level of confidence a manufacturer has in their product. At a minimum, consideration of the warranty is one means of judging a product and may provide you with some level of security in your investment.

Colors
The quantity of colors and patterns varies among manufacturers. Each brand will have their own different color categories and while there are similarities, there are differences as well. Some specialize in very unique colors not offered by other manufacturers. If you fall in love with one particular color or style that you can't find anywhere else you may end up choosing that brand over all the others, regardless of other considerations.

Cost
Cost will vary somewhat among manufacturers and even between color and pattern selections within a particular brand selection. One key point to keep in mind is that if you have your mind set on one particular color but think it's too expensive you may be able to find the same or a very similar color or pattern at a lower price from a different manufacturer. There is some 'overlap' among the colors and patterns produced by the various manufacturers so it pays to shop around.

The bottom line on brand differences is that differences do exist, but they're not drastic enough to warrant complete avoidance of any particular brand. Manufacturer reputation, experience, warranty, product selection and cost are the primary differences.