With the easy access to the internet and vast availability of information, you may already know exactly what material you want to use for your new countertops. However, our experience shows that most customers refer to any stone countertop as granite (since it was the most popular material used in the past 10-15 years), or quartz (as this is the newest go-to option). There are a few different stone options to choose from and there are also very distinctive differences between them. Here is a short summary:
GRANITE – one of the most durable natural materials available on the market. Easy to maintain, cost efficient and widely accessible. Not as popular amongst homeowners anymore, due to the colors and patterns it offers (mainly dark hues, tends to have speckles, heavy patterns and lots of movement).
MARBLE – timeless, natural material, very popular and commonly used in bathrooms and for fireplace surrounds. Offers a variety of colors and patterns, mainly in light hues and with some veining throughout. It does require proper maintenance and care, as it is a much softer material (especially in comparison to granite) and could be prone to etching and/or staining. For this reason, many homeowners shy away from using it in heavy traffic areas (such as kitchens). Every client is different though, so if you are considering marble, don’t hesitate to ask about it.
QUARTZITE – this type of a natural material combines the durability of granite with the beauty of marble. It offers a variety of colors (both light and dark), and patterns, while its beauty of a natural stone is unsurpassed, and is a perfect type of stone for most applications. Using quartzite for your new countertops will certainly help in achieving the “wow effect” if this is something you are trying to accomplish.
QUARTZ – not to be confused with the quartzite, this type of a stone is a manmade material and currently one of the most popular ones on the market. It offers a wide scheme of colors (from darkest blacks and greys, through concrete looks, all the way to white with light or dark veining), is easy to maintain, and very durable. Because it is manmade, it also offers consistency in its design, meaning there is very little differentiation between slabs (unlike with natural stones). One thing we always highlight is the importance of the quality of quartz you choose to work with (yes, not every quartz is made equal), so do not hesitate to ask us about the difference.
These are the main categories of stone; however, there are a few different options currently available on the market (for example porcelain slabs), and we will be happy to share our knowledge with you when we meet.
We are proud to offer our clients a carefully selected inventory of full slabs (you will find both quartz and quartzites in our stock) and a vast variety of remnants (ideal for those smaller projects). If you are searching for ideas, we are certain you will be able to choose a couple beautiful colors during your visit to our showroom.
However, if there is a particular color you want to see (maybe one that caught your eye while searching online), it is best to reach out to us first to confirm we do have the color you are looking for in stock. Sometimes, it is necessary to visit one of the local suppliers and we will be happy to guide you in that aspect as well. Just give us a call to discuss the colors you are looking for.
If you decided to use one of the natural stones for your project (i.e. marble, granite or quartzite), the answer is always YES! Each slab of natural material is different (after all, it was created by nature) and seeing a small sample may not be an accurate reflection of the slab that will be used in your home.
Even photos may not show the true colors or possibly hide flaws of the slab (i.e. cracks) therefore this step is necessary, and it will save you from a headache down the road.
On the other hand, if you opted to work with a manmade material, looking at a sample should be a very accurate reflection of the actual slab.
The only exception may be material with lots of movement, or heavy veining, as looking at a sample gives you only a glimpse of the entire surface.
Tip: If a full slab is not readily available for you to see, look for photos of full slabs, or better yet, search for projects completed with the stone you are interested in.
No, it is not. While it contains some natural quartz amongst other ingredients, it is a man-made material.
Quartz is heat resistant; however, it is not recommended that you place extremely hot (above 300°F) pots, pans and oven trays directly on the surface.
The answer depends on the type of a fireplace you have in your home. If it is a wood-burning fireplace, we recommend using a natural material (you can search for marble, granite or quartzite). However, if it is a decorative/ gas fireplace, you may choose one of many man-made stones (quartz or porcelain are most used for this application).
When installing your new countertops, our crew will attach your sink to the countertop; however, they will not connect any plumbing. You will need to contact a license plumber to assist with that part of the project upon the complete installation of your countertops.
If your new countertops are made out of quartz, you do not have to worry about sealing them (it is one of the benefits quartz has to offer); however, if you have opted for natural material, we recommend sealing your new tops once a year (or every 6-months in case of marble).
