Editor's Note: This article originally ran in the January 2007 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design. You can read the full article and see images of the finished countertop here

When you talk to Hal Davis, you get the idea that his company's motto is ingrained in his personality. That motto, "Completely out of the box," is heralded not just by his design philosophy, but in the myriad innovative ways the team dreams up to make one-of-a-kind countertops.

Davis knows that in an industry full of beautiful things, to stand out from the competition, one has to have something truly unique to offer.

However, while others are content to offer the same products as their competitors, Davis has devised a totally new application for onyx that allows him to provide his clients with a product that no one else has - and it's won his firm tremendous word-of-mouth business, he notes.

Estate Granite & Marble is a full-service stone and tile design and installation company that works primarily with granite, marble, travertine and onyx. The firm handles a variety of jobs including kitchen countertops, waterfalls, full slab showers, outdoor furniture, barbecues, tables, fireplaces, etc.