Solid Rock says granite possibilities for your home are endless

Published 4:10 pm Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Anything on the inside or outside of a home that needs a surface can, technically, be done out of granite, say Brandon and Angel Miller.

And with their 2-year-old business, Solid Rock Creations, based in Arlington, the couple works to show Snohomish County homeowners just how endless the possibilities are.

Their focus is on kitchen and bathroom countertops that are becoming increasingly common, as well as other considerations, such as fireplace and outdoor barbecue areas.

“We chose the name Solid Rock because it is strong and durable like granite, and we believe every kitchen we do is a beautiful creation, since no two are the same,” Brandon Miller, 29, said.

The Millers will bring samples, photographs and a laptop slide show of their products to the Everett Fall Home Show for the first time this weekend at Comcast Arena.

“We thought doing the home show would be a great way to meet people in the area who are thinking about granite, and to introduce our small business,” Angel Miller, 31, said.

She handles the company’s administrative tasks.

The company, which offers same-day tear-out and installation and free in-home estimates, can accommodate anyone seeking granite for countertops, back splashes, shower walls, tub decks, outdoor kitchens, fireplace areas, laundry rooms, office spaces and more, whether for remodeling or new homes.

The Millers say kitchen countertops are their most common project, and Brandon attributed this partly to the fact that many people don’t realize things such as granite slab shower walls are even possible.

“Many people I have run across have never heard of slab shower walls or tub decks, or if they have, they assume the cost is too great … The truth is that granite is forever, unlike tile grout, which will eventually need to be replaced,” he said.

“Plus, cleaning a smooth, grout-free surface is no doubt a great thing.”

Pricing for Solid Rock’s work depends on the stone chosen — and in some cases, edge detail — along with fabrication, installation and material costs.

In addition to everyday colors, the inventory comprises rare types of stone mined from locations worldwide, like a calcutta gold from the mountaintops of Brazil. They also use marble, travertine, soapstone, limestone and slate.

Brandon estimates customers could spend between $65 per square foot to more than $150 per square foot.

“The cost (for all jobs) varies from slab to slab due to the rareness, location it was mined and workability of the stone,” he said.

The company was run from the Millers’ home until October 2007, when they moved into an office in Smokey Point.

Brandon, who worked in the granite industry for four years before beginning Solid Rock Creations, oversees each job, working on the quotes, templates, color and slab selections, fabrication and installation. He even offers design ideas if customers want suggestions.

“We do the work start to finish because we believe that keeping it personal is the only way business should be done, and that way, our customers know who is coming into their home,” he said.

“I love working closely with customers through the entire project so that I know every detail is taken care of and that they love the end results.”

Andrea McInnis

5008 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington; 425-330-2935, www.luxurygranite.com; shop hours by appointment only