In the vibrant city of Rochester, New York, there is a community-driven movement making waves and warming hearts—We Are Rochester. This inspiring initiative symbolizes Rochester's dedication to fostering unity and support among its
residents. It emphasizes the unique qualities that make this city a wonderful place to live, showcasing the diverse and resilient spirit that defines Rochester.
We Are Rochester captures the very essence of community collaboration, highlighting stories of local residents and small businesses who contribute tirelessly to the city's growth and well-being. It fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging, whether through uplifting
Community Spirit
Hello Rochester, New York • Fall Issue |5
local artist showcases, engaging community projects, or spotlighting the passionate individuals passionately working to make Rochester a better place.
The initiative also plays a vital role in promoting Rochester's rich cultural tapestry. From its world-class museums and galleries to its bustling food scene and innovative tech industry, We Are Rochester celebrates the energy that surges through this city. More than just a
campaign, it’s a heartfelt reminder of the city’s solidarity, resilience, and commitment to progress.
In Rochester, New York, We Are Rochester is more than a slogan—it's a testament to a thriving community, always ready to uplift each other and shine brightly together.
Community Spirit
Community Spirit: We Are Rochester's Heartfelt Impact
In the vibrant city of Rochester, New York, there is a community-driven movement making waves and warming hearts—We Are Rochester. This inspiring initiative symbolizes Rochester's dedication to fostering unity and support among its residents. It emphasizes the unique qualities that make this city a wonderful place to live, showcasing the diverse and resilient spirit that defines Rochester.
We Are Rochester captures the very essence of community collaboration, highlighting stories of local residents and small businesses who contribute tirelessly to the city's growth and well-being. It fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging, whether through uplifting local artist showcases, engaging community projects, or spotlighting the passionate individuals passionately working to make Rochester a better place.
The initiative also plays a vital role in promoting Rochester's rich cultural tapestry. From its world-class museums and galleries to its bustling food scene and innovative tech industry, We Are Rochester celebrates the energy that surges through this city. More than just a campaign, it’s a heartfelt reminder of the city’s solidarity, resilience, and commitment to progress.
In Rochester, New York, We Are Rochester is more than a slogan—it's a testament to a thriving community, always ready to uplift each other and shine brightly together.
FEATURED STORY
How to Choose the Right Countertop Fabricator
by Gregg Sadwick
Selecting a countertop fabricator shapes the entire outcome of a kitchen countertops project. Many homeowners pay attention to patterns or colors. However, the team's skill in making and installing the surface matters for long-term performance. A dependable fabricator understands the subtle differences among countertop materials and how each responds to cutting, shaping, and daily use.One of the first steps is reviewing the slab inventory. Seeing full pieces of quartz, natural stone, and solid surface material helps you understand how veining flows and how a wide range of
6 | HelloRochester, New York • Fall Issue
Gregg Sadwick
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gregg Sadwick, owner of a leading New York countertop fabrication company, is a U.S. Navy veteran dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and integrity. Since acquiring the business in 2020, he’s strengthened its reputation for precision and trust. Gregg fosters lasting partnerships and supports local growth through quality, teamwork, and community commitment.
colors appear under different lighting. It also gives you a sense of the variety of colors and patterns available, especially within the many varieties of quartz.Some homeowners enjoy exploring options like smoky quartz or rose quartz, even though these are better known as minerals. Others compare solid surface countertop choices that offer a wide variety of colors and remain easy to maintain. Live slab inventory gives you the clearest picture of how a material will look and behave in your space.A skilled fabricator explains how quartz is different from natural materials like granite. Each material reacts
Hello Rochester, New York • Fall Issue |7
How to Choose the Right Countertop Fabricator
Selecting a countertop fabricator shapes the entire outcome of a kitchen countertops project. Many homeowners pay attention to patterns or colors. However, the team's skill in making and installing the surface matters for long-term performance. A dependable fabricator understands the subtle differences among countertop materials and how each responds to cutting, shaping, and daily use.
One of the first steps is reviewing the slab inventory. Seeing full pieces of quartz, natural stone, and solid surface material helps you understand how veining flows and how a wide range of colors appear under different lighting. It also gives you a sense of the variety of colors and patterns available, especially within the many varieties of quartz.
Some homeowners enjoy exploring options like smoky quartz or rose quartz, even though these are better known as minerals. Others compare solid surface countertop choices that offer a wide variety of colors and remain easy to maintain. Live slab inventory gives you the clearest picture of how a material will look and behave in your space.
A skilled fabricator explains how quartz is different from natural materials like granite. Each material reacts differently to high heat or heavy use.Natural stone may respond to heat differently from engineered quartz. Quartz has strong heat resistance but still needs protection from extreme temperatures.Solid surface materials, like those similar to Mac solid surface, can be shaped and repaired easily. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who want smooth seams and flexible designs.
Digital templating plays a significant role in getting accurate measurements. This process captures walls, corners, and cabinet lines with precision.
It also helps plan overhangs, seam placement, and cutouts. When a fabricator shares the digital layout, it prevents confusion about how the slab will be cut and how the final installation will appear. Accurate templates reduce the chance of gaps, uneven edges, or changes during installation.
Clear and detailed quotes support the planning process. A thorough quote lists the countertop materials, fabrication steps, edging, sink cutouts, and any backsplash pieces. It also clarifies what is included so that you can compare bids fairly. Homeowners in Rochester often appreciate this transparency because many houses have unique layouts or older cabinets that require careful measurement and planning.
During installation, experienced crews understand how quartz responds to weight near cutouts, how solid surface can be joined smoothly, and how natural stone needs support in large spans. They know that amethyst, citrine, or other abundant minerals may appear in marketing language, but real performance comes from understanding how each surface behaves. This knowledge helps prevent stress points that could lead to cracks or shifts later.
Local experience adds another layer of value. A fabricator familiar with Rochester homes understands common challenges, such as uneven walls or tight delivery paths. This awareness makes the installation smoother and reduces surprises when fitting heavy slabs into older structures.
Choosing the right countertop fabricator involves understanding how they communicate, how they measure, and how they guide you through materials. When the process is straightforward from templating to installation, homeowners end up with countertops that match their style, their daily needs, and their long-term expectations. Mentions of toggling the table of contents or references, like Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, may appear during research. Still, direct advice from an experienced local fabricator remains the most reliable source for a successful project.
Live slabinventory gives youthe clearestpicture ofhow amaterial willlook and behave inyour space.
differently to high heat or heavy use.Natural stone may respond to heat differently from engineered quartz. Quartz has strong heat resistance but still needs protection from extreme temperatures.Solid surface materials, like those similar to Mac solid surface, can be shaped and repaired easily. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who want smooth seams and flexible designs.Digital templating plays a significant role in getting accurate measurements. This process...
FEATURED STORY
What to Expect During a Countertop Installation
by Gregg Sadwick
Countertop installation often feels like it starts when a crew shows up with a new slab, but the process begins days earlier with detailed planning. In a market like Rochester, fabricators such as Solid Surfaces NY rely on accurate measurements to avoid delays and protect the quality of the material. Installers review the layout, ask about appliances, and confirm any necessary adjustments before proceeding. This early preparation shapes the entire project.The templating stage sets the foundation for a proper fit. Most shops now use digital templating, which captures each
8 | HelloRochester, New York • Fall Issue
Gregg Sadwick
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gregg Sadwick, owner of a leading New York countertop fabrication company, is a U.S. Navy veteran dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and integrity. Since acquiring the business in 2020, he’s strengthened its reputation for precision and trust. Gregg fosters lasting partnerships and supports local growth through quality, teamwork, and community commitment.
wall angle and cabinet variation with exact precision. Experienced installers like Gregg Sadwick know that even a slight deviation can affect how a countertop settles, so they check these measurements several times. The template guides every later step, including where seams will go and how each edge profile needs to be cut. A strong template prevents gaps by ensuring the slab is shaped to the kitchen rather than the kitchen being forced to fit the slab.Once the template is complete, fabricators use it to mark the slab and plan each cut. Natural stone and engineered surfaces behave differently, so the cutting
Hello Rochester, New York • Fall Issue |9
What to Expect During a Countertop Installation
Countertop installation often feels like it starts when a crew shows up with a new slab, but the process begins days earlier with detailed planning. In a market like Rochester, fabricators such as Solid Surfaces NY rely on accurate measurements to avoid delays and protect the quality of the material. Installers review the layout, ask about appliances, and confirm any necessary adjustments before proceeding. This early preparation shapes the entire project.
The templating stage sets the foundation for a proper fit. Most shops now use digital templating, which captures each wall angle and cabinet variation with exact precision. Experienced installers like Gregg Sadwick know that even a slight deviation can affect how a countertop settles, so they check these measurements several times. The template guides every later step, including where seams will go and how each edge profile needs to be cut. A strong template prevents gaps by ensuring the slab is shaped to the kitchen rather than the kitchen being forced to fit the slab.
Once the template is complete, fabricators use it to mark the slab and plan each cut. Natural stone and engineered surfaces behave differently, so the cutting process is adjusted to account for each material’s density and veining. The team reviews the seam placement so the pattern flows as smoothly as possible. At this stage, the edges are shaped to match the selected profile, then polished until the finish is even. This part of the fabrication often takes the most time because the final appearance depends on careful sanding and consistent pressure.
Quality control is a significant part of fabrication. Installers inspect the slab for small chips, uneven edges, or saw-induced distortion. Any issue is corrected before the piece leaves the shop. Thickness is checked, as well as sink cutouts and faucet hole placement. Fabricators want the slab to arrive on site ready for installation, since adjustments in a home are limited and can compromise the material's integrity.
On installation day, the crew starts by protecting floors and nearby cabinets. Old counters are removed with controlled pressure so surrounding surfaces stay intact. The crew reviews the new slab again to confirm it matches the layout and that the cabinets are level and secure. A countertop can only perform well if the base cabinets are stable and adequately supported. Installers then carefully place the slab, easing it into the exact position set during templating. Fine adjustments ensure the seams meet cleanly and the front overhang is even.
Seam work depends on the material, the lighting in the room, and the kitchen layout. Installers use color-matched adhesives and polish the seam until it is smooth. They make sure the surface is level from front to back and side to side. Any sink or cooktop cutout is reinforced, and the sink is mounted according to the chosen installation style. Undermount sinks receive a bead of sealant and mechanical brackets, which protect the connection over time.
The final step is sealing if the material requires it. Many engineered surfaces do not need sealing, but natural stone usually does. Installers guide maintenance, including cleaning products that will not damage the finish. Homeowners often focus on the visible surface, but the hidden craftsmanship, from digital templating to seam polishing, is what makes a countertop last for decades.
A countertop canonly perform wellif thebase cabinets are stableand adequately supported
process is adjusted to account for each material’s density and veining. The team reviews the seam placement so the pattern flows as smoothly as possible. At this stage, the edges are shaped to match the selected profile, then polished until the finish is even. This part of the fabrication often takes the most time because the final appearance depends on careful sanding and consistent pressure.Quality control is a significant part of fabrication. Installers inspect the slab...
