Expert: Rick Pitts
Expertise: Countertops

Co-owner, operations manager of Solid Image, Inc.

The locally owned countertop company founded by Mark Schroeder, Rick Pitts, and Karen Schroeder in 1998. Solid Image manufactures and installs countertops for new home construction, remodeling and commercial projects in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties.

Q: What is the process once a customer makes their countertop selection?

A: During the sales process, the customer selects the countertop material and color. A popular choice is quartz, which is a man-made product manufactured to resemble natural stone. 

The first step is to get the template of the customer’s countertops. Our template technician uses a tablet and laser to record the exact dimensions. This is very accurate and works with the technology of our machinery to cut the countertops. Once we have the digital files, we photograph the customer’s slabs–whether quartz or granite–and enter the template into the program, which allows us to locate and match up the seams and veining patterns. This process also allows us to involve the customer by emailing the countertop layout. Customers really enjoy having input on how their countertops will be cut.

Q: What machines are used in fabrication? 

A: We use a sawjet, Fusion by Park Industries, which is a combination of a bridge saw and waterjet that is controlled by a computer. The bridge saw arm of the Fusion makes all the straight cuts and the waterjet cuts all the sink cutouts and curves. This is all computerized-–push a button and the sawjet goes to work.

Q: How are seams and edges handled?

Seams are determined by the size of the countertop and the size of the selected slabs. Seams are visible but by using a color-matched epoxy, they are artistically blended on site for a professional finish.

Edges are finished using an in-line edge polisher. Our fabricators go over every inch of the countertop and make sure everything lines up as it should. All fabrication is completed at the shop, so there’s no grinding or polishing at the customer’s home. 

At Solid Image, we handle all your countertop needs with custom fabrication and true customer service.