Frequently Asked Questions

In a traditional construction model, a homeowner might hire separate vendors for stone, cabinetry, and windows. If the cabinet maker is late, the stone fabricator cannot measure, and the project stalls. Because JRPartners controls all these divisions internally, we synchronize the schedules.

Our stone team receives technical drawings from our cabinetry team before the cabinets are even installed, allowing us to prep materials and reduce the "gap time" between trades by up to 30%.

Absolutely. While many clients utilize our full turn-key services, each of our six divisions operates as a standalone specialist. You can hire Cornerstone for a commercial countertop project or LuxeStone simply to purchase slabs, while using your own general contractor.

However, utilizing multiple JRPartners divisions allows for volume pricing and tighter coordination.

For multi-division projects, you are assigned a dedicated Project Lead. This individual bridges the gap between the divisions. You do not need to call the landscaper, then the cabinet maker, then the stone installer. Your Project Lead manages the internal coordination and provides you with a single stream of updates.

Yes. We view ourselves as technical partners to the design community. If you have an architect, we provide them with the technical specifications (DWG files, load calculations, material samples) they need to execute their vision. We do not replace your designer; we facilitate their work with technical feasibility.

• Quartz is an engineered stone made of roughly 90-93% natural quartz aggregates bound with polymer resins. It is durable but not heat-proof (resins can scorch) and not UV stable (it can yellow in direct sunlight).
• Sintered Stone uses a process called "Sintering" (extreme heat and pressure) to fuse minerals without resins. It is chemically inert, 100% heat-proof, scratch-proof, and UV stable. It is superior for outdoor kitchens and fireplace surrounds where heat is a factor.

Natural marble is porous (calcium carbonate). At JRPartners (via OrdoSaxum), we utilize a multi-stage sealing process. We apply a penetrating impregnator that bonds with the stone's capillaries to repel oil and water.

However, marble will always be susceptible to "etching" (dull spots from acids like lemon juice). For clients who demand the look of marble without the maintenance, we recommend high-definition Sintered Stone or Porcelain alternatives from our LuxeStone collection.

• Standard Process (Cornerstone): We place seams in low-visibility areas (e.g., near sink cutouts) to minimize visual impact.
• Boutique Process (OrdoSaxum): We use Digital Slab Nesting. We photograph the exact slab and digitally overlay your project template. This allows us to "Vein-Match" the seam, ensuring the pattern flows continuously across the join. You will see and approve a digital rendering of the seam layout before we cut.

Most stone slabs are 2cm or 3cm thick. To achieve a modern, thick "block" look (e.g., a 3-inch island edge), we cut the edge of the stone at a precise 45-degree angle and bond an "apron" piece to it. This creates a seamless 90-degree turn that makes the stone look like a solid mass.

This is a standard specification for our OrdoSaxum luxury projects.

This is a critical safety calculation:

• 3cm Granite/Quartz: Generally can overhang 10-12 inches without support.
• 2cm Stone or Sintered Stone: Requires a plywood sub-top or embedded steel rods for any overhang beyond 6 inches.
• JRPartners Advantage: Because we have an integrated fabrication team, we calculate these loads during the survey phase and can fabricate custom steel support brackets if required.

Yes. We specialize in working with semi-translucent stones like Onyx, certain Quartzites, and translucent Agates. We install an LED light sheet panel (LGP) behind the stone to ensure even light distribution without "hot spots."

This requires precise coordination between our electricians and stone installers—a service we manage internally.

"Semi-custom" relies on pre-determined box sizes (e.g., 3-inch increments) and filler strips to fill gaps. JRPartners Bespoke Cabinetry is engineered to the exact millimeter of your specific room.

We build the cabinet to fit the wall, not the other way around. This means maximized storage, zero "filler strips," and perfect alignment with appliances and architectural quirks.

We utilize ¾-inch furniture-grade plywood or premium high-density particleboard (HDPB) based on client preference, assembled with dowel-and-glue or dado construction.

Unlike the standard ½-inch particleboard found in retail cabinets, our boxes are engineered to support heavy stone countertops (supplied by our Stone Division) without sagging or racking over time.

We do not use standard latex wall paint. We utilize a post-catalyzed conversion varnish or 2-part polyurethane finish. These industrial-grade coatings are sprayed in a dust-free booth and oven-cured.

This creates a hard, chemical-resistant shell that withstands moisture, oils, and daily impact far better than on-site painting ever could.

This is our biggest advantage. In a typical renovation, the stone fabricator cannot template until the cabinets are installed. At JRPartners, our cabinetry and stone teams share digital files early in the process.

We verify sink centerlines, cooktop clearances, and overhang support structures before the cabinets leave our shop. This ensures that when the cabinets arrive, they are perfectly prepped for the stone installation.

Yes. Integrated appliances (fridges/dishwashers that look like cabinetry) require precise tolerances. We manufacture custom panels based on the specific appliance specifications (Sub-Zero, Miele, etc.) and handle the mounting hardware installation to ensure the reveals (gaps) around the appliance match the rest of the kitchen perfectly.

Many window companies perform "Retrofit" installations, where they simply insert a new window into the old wooden frame. This leaves old insulation and potential rot hidden inside the wall.

JRPartners performs Brick-to-Brick removal: We cut out the entire old frame right down to the masonry/studs. We inspect for moisture damage, install new waterproofing membranes, spray-foam insulate, and install a completely new frame. This maximizes glass area and ensures a true thermal seal.

We install high-performance units specifically rated for Zone 1 & 2 (Canadian standards). We focus on Low-E (Low Emissivity) coatings and Argon gas-filled sealed units. This keeps heat inside during winter and reflects solar heat away in summer.

We also offer triple-glazing options for maximum soundproofing and thermal efficiency.

Failure usually happens underground, not on the surface. It is caused by improper drainage and the freeze-thaw cycle.

The JRPartners Standard: We excavate a minimum of 10–12 inches for driveways and 6–8 inches for patios. We install a base of compacted HPB (High Performance Bedding) or 0-¾" crushed stone. This allows water to drain away from the stones so that when the ground freezes, it doesn't push the pavers up (heaving).

Yes. Unlike many landscapers who rely on third-party availability, we have our own Supply Division. We stock the aggregates, soil, and stone. This means we don't get delayed waiting for a delivery truck, and we can guarantee the quality of the materials going into your ground.

Any wall over a certain height (usually 2-3 feet) requires engineering considerations. We focus on Hydrostatic Pressure relief. We install weeping tile (drainage pipe) and clear gravel behind the wall to ensure water doesn't build up and push the wall over.

We also use "geogrid" soil reinforcement mesh to anchor the wall deeply into the slope.

We plan the ecosystem together. For example, if we are installing a stone walkway near a large tree, we use permeable jointing materials to allow water to reach the roots. If we are planting new gardens, we amend the soil with triple-mix from our supply yard to ensure nutrient availability.

Our goal is to ensure the "living" and "built" elements of your yard work in harmony. Learn more about our complete hardscaping solutions.