Frequently Asked Questions

Natural stone — like granite, quartzite, marble, or soapstone,  is cut directly from the earth, so no two slabs are ever alike. This is one of the reasons why stone makes such an interesting part of any project.  Each has its own unique veining, color variations, and natural beauty. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface made from crushed stone and resin. It offers a more uniform appearance, a wide range of colors. Both are excellent choices; however, the right option depends on your design preferences, lifestyle, and budget.  Our team are experts in helping our clients refine their choices to find the best product for their project.

Some natural stones require periodic sealing to protect against stains, but with proper care, they will maintain their beauty for decades. Engineered quartz and porcelain surfaces do not require sealing and are highly resistant to scratches and staining. While these surfaces are extremely strong, heavy impacts can cause chipping, so care should be taken with dropping heavy objects. Routine cleaning is simple: use a mild soap and water solution and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.

We recommend using trivets or hot pads on all surfaces. While natural stones like granite and quartzite tolerate high heat, it is possible to crack or discolor portions of the stone with high heat. Porcelain is most resistant to hot objects, but hard surfaces such as pots and pans (especially porcelain pots) can lightly scratch porcelain. Engineered materials such as quartz are prone to discoloration and possible cracking by a high concentration of localized heat. Setting a very hot pan directly on the surface may cause discoloration or cracking over time.  Better to be safe than sorry on any surface, just use a pad.

Overhang support depends on the material, thickness, and length. In most cases, natural stone overhangs greater than 6 inches and  10–12 inches, for Quartz, will require slim steel or carbon fiber supports or corbels for additional stability. During the design phase, our team will review your layout and provide specific recommendations to ensure your countertop is both safe and beautiful.

Most of our installations use undermount sinks, where the sink is attached beneath the stone surface for a clean, seamless look. We also offer integrated sink options made from the same stone or quartz for a continuous design. Our team will seal and secure the sink during installation and ensure proper alignment for your plumber to complete the hookup.

We recommend waiting at least 24 hours after countertop installation before reconnecting plumbing or mounting fixtures. This allows adhesives to fully cure and ensures a secure, long-lasting bond.

Care for your stone varies by material type, color, manufacturer, and application. We highly recommend avoiding harsh cleaners containing bleach, high acid concentrations, and high pH solutions on any surface. Three-in-one cleaners, sealers, and polishes are not advised. Here are some general rules of thumb:  

Quartz – No sealer needed, clean with a mild pH-neutral cleaner. Most cleaners list ingredients with pH levels on their respective websites.

Granite, Quartzite, Marble – Impregnating sealers are safest to avoid unpredictable color alterations. Enhanced sealers can increase luster and usually darken the stone, but can also chemically react with mineral colors in a very unpredictable manner. Always test a very small area in an inconspicuous spot before applying any sealer. 

Soapstone – The most common sealant used is food-grade mineral oil. Be advised, doing so will darken the stone somewhat and usually inconsistently throughout the surface as density and material composition vary naturally. Repeated application will be necessary the first year or so after installation. Be advised that grease splatters and other oily residues from daily use can discolor Soapstone that has not previously been oiled.