Frequently Asked Questions
about Countertops

Nothing changes the look of a kitchen like brand new countertops. They are a great way to update and change the look of your kitchen. There are so many beautiful alternatives -- granite, quartz, marble, or quartzite.

1. What is granite? Marble? Quartz? Quartzite?

Granite has been a top seller for years, definitely an upgrade from Formica or laminate. It is a natural stone, mostly mined in Brazil, Italy, India, and China. It is usually “natural” colors -- browns, tans, golds, creams, some blacks and grays, sometimes with flecks of other colors.

Marble has been the true luxury option for many years. It has the most beautiful whites for a truly white kitchen, but we like to say it’s for kitchens where there is no cooking done. It is porous, so it stains easily, and is more expensive than granite and quartz, so most people opt for a quartz that looks like marble instead.

Quartz came along about 25 years ago. Quartz countertops are man-made from ground quartz rocks, resin, and colors. It is exceedingly hard, does not stain as easily as natural stone, and does not require as much maintenance. It is, of course, more expensive than stone.

Newer on the scene is quartzite. It is a naturally occurring rock formed from sandstone at very high temps far underground. It has similar colors and veining to marble, but with exceptional strength, density, and hardness. However, it is prone to fissures (narrow cracks and openings in the stone) and scratching, and is porous, so needs to be sealed on a regular basis. Expect to pay accordingly for this precious and beautiful countertop.

2. What is the process to select a new countertop?

When you purchase new countertops from us, you will work with samples here in the showroom at the beginning of your search. We will come to your home to measure and give you an estimate based on the choice you make here.

Once you have made a final decision and signed a contract, you will need to make a trip to one of our suppliers to look at the actual slabs to choose yours. Especially with granite, marble, and quartzite, there can be quite a bit of variation from one slab to the next, so this step is important. Quartz being manmade, there is less variation, but customers who have made this trip to see the “factory” and pick their slabs report that it is worthwhile.

3. How much will it cost?

One slab of granite installed runs about $4000 installed. Quartz prices vary, but usually one slab costs around $5500 installed. There is a wide range in marble and quartzite pricing, but these stones tend to be at the higher end of spectrum.

Most slabs are around 50 square feet. A small kitchen is around 40 feet, a medium kitchen around 65 square feet, and a large kitchen can be 100 square feet or more. As you can see, many kitchens require more than one slab.

4. There is such a wide range of prices. Are there different quality levels (grades) of stone

Yes, stone is graded based on appearance, thickness, quality, and consistent coloration. Also, the higher priced stones are generally based upon availability/scarcity of the stone and the country of origin. Where the stone is quarried also affects the pricing. For example, blue-toned granite is said to come from deeper beneath the earth’s surface, making it rarer and more costly.

5. What does the “installed” price include?

Fabrication with a standard edge and installation. Items that are additional charges include tear-out and disposal of existing tile/stone countertops, upgraded edging options, backsplashes, and cutouts for the sink, faucets, cook top, and electrical outlets and switch plates. We also do not do any plumbing or electrical work that is required. We do dry fit the sink to assure proper fit. Metal brackets (supports), rounded cuts in the slab, and any cabinet leveling needed are also not included in the installed price

6. What’s popular?

Some of our best-selling granites are White Ice and an oldie-but-goodie Giallo Ornamental. Popular quartz colors include Kodiak, Aria, Minuet, Sugar White, Everest, and Calacatta anything. Fantasy Brown and Calacatta marble are always in demand. Popular quartzite selections include Auadacia, Mercury, Mont Lucia, Pegasus White, and Crystallize.

7. What finishes do I have to choose from?

The most common finish for countertops is polished. The polished finish makes the surface of the countertop glossy and almost mirror-like. With a polished finish, the characteristics of the stone are highlighted. The colors and textures will be more vibrant.

The polished finish is the easiest surface to clean; it is easy to keep countertops with a polished finish looking brand new as well. Additionally, the polished finish seals the pores of the stone to keep water and moisture out of the stone. You do need to reseal your stone periodically.

Honed, also called matte, satin, or buffed, finish creates a very smooth surface without any gloss or reflection. To create this finish, the regular polish finishing process ends before the stone is buffed to create a flat finish. This finish is beautiful, but it makes the stone more susceptible to staining. Since honed isn’t as slick or stain resistant as polished, you will probably need to reseal it more frequently.

The leathered finish, also called the brushed finish, is a relatively new finishing style. It is created by taking a honed surface and running diamond-tipped brushes over it to add texture with subtle dimples. Leathered finishes tend to look more sophisticated. When compared to honed, leathered will be more stain resistant. This surface finish hides water spots, fingerprints, and smudges.

8. Will my stone scratch? Stain?

Yes. It is scratch resistant, stain resistant, and heat resistant, NOT scratch proof, stain proof, and heat proof. The darker the stone, the less porous and more stain resistant it is. It is possible to chip the edges by striking it with an object. A heavy pot or other blunt items “slammed down” can cause a crack in the countertop which may be able to be repaired. Never cut directly on stone countertops; always use a cutting board. Do not sit or stand on stone countertops. Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface.

9. Will there be seams in my countertop?

Slabs are typically between 7 and 10 feet long. If your countertop is longer than that, there will definitely be a seam. The seams are joined with epoxy that is mixed with the color that matches the stone. The joined area is then smoothed, leaving only a very thin line. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color, and pattern of the stone. A small, uniform grain will not show seams as easily as a larger varied grain. The seam in a dark color will be less apparent than in a light color. Seams will show more on countertops with veining.

10. Is my stone sealed? What type of future maintenance is required?

Yes, one coat of sealer is applied. Natural stone should be cleaned with neutral cleaners. Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage natural stone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface. Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common food and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface. Wipe up and clean with mild soap and warm water all spills immediately. Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing. Under ordinary use, dark colors, honed, and brushed finishes will show dirt, dust, light scuffing, fingerprints, and watermarks more readily than lighter-colored surfaces. Use only cleaners made specifically for natural stone; we recommend Aqua Mix products and 409 Stone and Steel Cleaner for everyday use. Stone sealers should be applied as soon as you notice water no longer stands (beads up) on the surface. StoneTech makes a great sealer. NOTE: Quartz does not need to be sealed.

When choosing new countertops, consider your kitchen’s lighting. If your kitchen has little natural light, you’ll probably be happier with a lighter color as well as a “shinier” surface. Darker colors are best in kitchens that have lots of light.