Frequently asked questions
What clients ask most.
Clear answers to help you choose with confidence.
1. What is the difference between granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone, and quartz?
- Granite – Extremely hard, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and low-maintenance when sealed. Perfect for kitchens, outdoor kitchens, and high-traffic areas.
- Quartzite – Durable, natural, and highly heat-resistant; usually needs sealing.
- Marble – Classic elegance with soft veining. Less scratch- and acid-resistant; ideal for vanities, fireplaces, and lower-traffic kitchens.
- Soapstone – Smooth, warm feel, naturally non-porous, darkens over time. Scratches can be sanded or oiled away. Great for rustic kitchens, sinks, and fireplaces. No sealing required.
- Quartz (engineered) – Consistent look and low maintenance but less heat-resistant than natural stone. Interior use only.
2. Do I buy the slab and have you install it?
No. Our showroom sells natural stone and quartz directly to fabricators — the professionals who measure, cut, finish, and install your countertops, vanities, fireplaces, and
more.
3. Can I pick the exact slab that will be used in my home?
Absolutely. We encourage you to hand-select your exact slab. Bring cabinet samples, paint swatches, or tiles and take your time comparing stones.
If you’d like professional input, our in-house interior designer is available to help you coordinate colors, finishes, and materials so you feel confident in your selection.
4. Do I need an appointment to visit the showroom?
No appointment is required. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you plan to view many slabs, we recommend calling ahead.
5. How many slabs will I need?
It depends on your project size and how your fabricator plans to cut the stone. Your fabricator can confirm exact quantities once they measure. They will order the exact amount they need from us.
6. How should I care for my natural stone countertops?
Always ask your fabricator if they will seal your natural stone and how long the sealer will last. Seal as needed. Sealers can last from 1 year to 15 years, depending on what your fabricator uses.
- Granite & Quartzite – Clean with mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Marble – Use pH-neutral cleaners; wipe spills quickly, especially acidic ones like lemon or wine. Seal as needed.
- Soapstone – No sealer needed. You can oil it to enhance color or sand small scratches.
- Quartz – Wipe with gentle cleaners; avoid high heat directly on the surface.
To disinfect, use a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water, spray on the surface and wipe clean. Do not use harsh chemicals as it can affect the longevity of the sealer.
For more detailed instructions and recommended products, visit our Care & Maintenance page
7. Are natural stones heat-proof?
- Granite & Quartzite – withstand very high heat, but are subject to thermal shock. Use protection from very hot pans as precaution.
- Marble – handles moderate heat, can be damaged by sudden thermal shock. Use protection from very hot pans.
- Soapstone – handles very high heat, absorbs and radiates heat very efficiently. No protection from hot pans needed. Not subject to thermal shock.
- Quartz (engineered) is the least heat resistant, only up to about 300°F — always use trivets and hot pads.
8. Will my stone stain or etch?
- Granite & Quartzite are dense but should be sealed to resist stains.
- Marble can etch (dull spots) when acidic liquids penetrate it; sealing slows staining but doesn’t prevent etching.
- Soapstone is naturally non-porous and won’t stain.
- Quartz resists stains but can be damaged by heat or strong chemicals.
9. Are outdoor kitchens OK with natural stone?
Yes, with the right material. Granite, quartzite, and soapstone perform very well outdoors.
Do not use engineered quartz—UV light can discolor it and resins don’t hold up well to outdoor temperatures.
10. How thick are slabs?
Slabs are 3 cm (1 1⁄4″) thick. Kitchens typically use 3 cm for strength and a seamless look.
11. Will my slab look exactly like the sample I saw online?
No two natural stones are identical. Online photos and small samples are just a guide. That’s why seeing and selecting your slab in person is so important.
12. How do seams look?
Large surfaces often need seams. Skilled fabricators match veining and color as closely as possible, but seams will be slightly visible. Good slab layout helps minimize them.
13. Can I use natural stone for fireplace surrounds and feature walls?
Yes! Stone adds timeless character and withstands high temperatures. Granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone are all excellent fireplace choices.
14. What’s the difference between polished, honed, and leathered finishes?
- Polished – Shiny, reflective, enhances color and veining.
- Honed – Matte, soft look, hides light etching better.
- Leathered / Brushed – Subtly textured, rich feel, hides fingerprints and etches well, easy to clean.
15. Is natural stone eco-friendly?
Yes — it’s a long-lasting, natural material with minimal processing compared to man-made surfaces.
Choosing durable stone reduces waste and replacements.
16. Can you help me match my stone with cabinets, flooring, and paint?
Yes. Our in-house design consultant can help you compare stones with your samples and guide you to a cohesive, stylish look.
17. How should I prepare before visiting the showroom?
- Bring cabinet, paint, and tile samples.
- If you have a fabricator, bring their contact info so we can coordinate. If not, do not worry, you can always send us that information at a later time.
18. Can you hold my slab?
We can hold slabs for 30 days without a purchase order from the fabricator. After that if no PO is received we will release them back to our inventory.
19. What if my stone chips or scratches?
Small chips or scratches can often be repaired by your fabricator. Soapstone can be sanded and oiled; granite and quartzite can often be filled and polished.
20. How long do natural stone countertops last?
With proper care, natural stone can last a lifetime — often 50+ years — making it a smart, sustainable investment.
21. Is a brushed (antiqued) finish harder to clean or maintain?
Not at all. A brushed finish has a soft, matte look but is not harder to clean. Everyday crumbs and spills wipe away just like on a polished surface —
food won’t get stuck in the texture or veins.
Brushed granite and quartzite still benefit from periodic sealing (just like polished or honed). Soapstone does not require sealing regardless of finish. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water keeps the surface looking beautiful.