Stone countertops generally fall into two categories: natural stone and engineered stone. Both are excellent options, and the right choice depends on your style, maintenance preference, and overall goals for your space.

Natural Stone

Natural stone, such as granite and quartzite, is formed by nature over millions of years and cut directly from stone quarries. Each slab is completely unique, with natural movement, variation, and depth that cannot be duplicated.

Natural stone is known for its durability, heat resistance, and timeless appearance. Because it is a natural material, some periodic sealing may be recommended to help protect the surface and maintain its performance. Many homeowners choose natural stone for its authenticity, character, and one-of-a-kind look.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone, commonly known as quartz, is a man-made material created by combining natural quartz particles with resins and pigments. This process creates a non-porous, highly consistent surface that requires very little maintenance.

Engineered stone does not require sealing and offers excellent resistance to stains and everyday use. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that resemble natural stone with a more uniform appearance.

Choosing the Right Option

Both natural and engineered stone are durable, long-lasting, and excellent choices for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas. Natural stone offers unmatched uniqueness and natural beauty, while engineered stone provides consistency and minimal maintenance. The best choice often comes down to personal preference, style, and how you plan to use the space

 All three major countertop materials—granite, quartz, and quartzite—are extremely durable and perform very well in kitchens and bathrooms.

Quartz and quartzite are often considered the most consistent performers when it comes to resisting stains and everyday wear. Quartz is non-porous and does not require sealing, while quartzite is a natural stone known for its exceptional hardness and strength.

Granite is also highly durable, heat resistant, and long-lasting. When properly sealed and maintained, it holds up beautifully in high-use areas.

In reality, durability depends just as much on proper installation, daily use, and maintenance as it does on the material itself. With reasonable care, any of these materials can last decades and perform exceptionally well in your home.

 Stone countertops are highly resistant to staining when properly cared for. Quartz is non-porous, making it naturally very resistant to common household spills such as coffee, wine, and oil, and it does not require sealing.

Natural stones like granite and quartzite are also very stain resistant, especially when properly sealed. Sealing helps protect the surface and prevents liquids from penetrating the stone.

In most cases, everyday spills can be easily cleaned with soap and water. Prompt cleanup and routine care will help keep your countertops looking beautiful and performing well for many years.

 Stone countertops require very little maintenance. Quartz is non-porous and does not require sealing, making it a low-maintenance option. Natural stones like granite and quartzite may benefit from periodic sealing to help protect the surface and maintain long-term performance.

Daily care is simple and typically involves cleaning with soap and water or a mild household cleaner. With routine care, stone countertops remain beautiful and durable for many years.

 Natural stones such as granite and quartzite are highly heat resistant and handle normal kitchen use very well. Quartz is also heat resistant but not completely heat-proof due to the resins used in manufacturing.  Always refer to the manufacturer’s care and warranty guidelines for your specific quartz material. 

While stone countertops are designed for durability, using trivets or hot pads is recommended to protect the surface and ensure long-term performance.

The cost of stone countertops varies depending on several factors, including material selection, total square footage, edge profile, cutouts for sinks or cooktops, and installation requirements.

There are options available to fit a wide range of budgets, and selecting the right material and layout can help balance both style and cost. A professional estimate provides the most accurate pricing based on your specific project.

 We’re committed to keeping your project moving efficiently. Measurements are typically scheduled within 72 hours of your request. From the time of measurement, fabrication and installation are usually completed within 1–2 weeks.

Once all selections and details are finalized, the entire process can often be completed in as little as two weeks. Installation itself is typically a one-day process, completed with precision and care by our experienced team.

 Stone countertops are extremely durable and designed to withstand everyday use. Chips or cracks are uncommon and are often preventable with proper installation and normal care.

In the rare event that minor damage occurs, many chips can be professionally repaired. Choosing experienced fabricators and installers helps ensure long-term performance.

 Fissures are naturally occurring features formed during the creation of stone deep within the earth. They may appear as small lines or subtle separations in the surface and are a normal part of natural materials such as granite and quartzite.

Fissures are not cracks and do not affect the strength, durability, or performance of the stone. They are considered a natural characteristic and contribute to the unique appearance and authenticity of each slab.

Our team carefully inspects and fabricates each piece to ensure structural integrity and long-term performance.

 Stone countertops are extremely durable and designed to withstand everyday use. Chips or cracks are uncommon and are often preventable with proper installation and normal care.

In the rare event that minor damage occurs, many chips can be professionally repaired. Choosing experienced fabricators and installers helps ensure long-term performance.

 Stone countertops are easy to clean and maintain. For everyday cleaning, soap and warm water or a mild, non-abrasive cleaner is recommended.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as these are unnecessary and may affect the finish. With simple routine care, stone countertops will maintain their appearance for many years.

 Choosing the right stone depends on your style preferences, budget, and how the space will be used. Natural and engineered stones each offer unique benefits in terms of appearance, maintenance, and consistency.

Viewing full slabs in person is often the best way to select a material, as each slab has its own character. Our team is available to guide you through the selection process to ensure the best fit for your space and goals.