FAQ

A Natural Stone comes out of the earth. It’s not manipulated in any way other than cutting it to the shape/size we want, without alteration to the natural fabric of the stone (i.e., Marble, Quartzite, Granite).

Engineered products which have been processed into small particles and reconstituted with cementitious or resin binders are not natural stone, they are manmade (i.e., Quartz, Porcelain).

Marble is a luxury material that is vulnerable to scratching and staining. It’s a Natural Stone that is very porous, which is why it's necessary to have it sealed at least once a year. For the above reasons, we do not recommend Marble for Kitchens and/or Outdoor Countertops but it can be used in literally every other room of the house. You can choose to get a “Wow” moment from your Marble by making statement uses of the stone. Or you can keep your Marble feeling fresh and current by using it in small doses. From Marble Walls to Marble Fireplace Backsplash, or Marble Flooring, to Furniture and Accessories.

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Quartz is an Engineered Stone. It's an easy to clean material that is resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, making it a great choice for kitchens. Due to the non-porous design, you don't need to worry about sealing Quartz Countertops regularly. However, it's important to avoid placing hot objects on Quartz Countertops because they are vulnerable to heat damage. Additionally, Quartz can fade under direct sunlight, so it is not recommended for outdoor use, nor in rooms that are exposed to constant sunlight.

Porcelain is an Engineered Stone. Porcelain slabs designed for use as countertops are coated with a colorful glaze to give them the appearance of real stone or even Marble. This material is noted for being non-porous and consistent in its manufacturing process. Porcelain slabs are highly heat resistant, making them perfect for the application of Countertops or Bench Tops in your household.

Quartzite is a Natural Stone that is harder than Granite and will not etch or scratch, making it better suited for Kitchens Countertops that experience a decent amount of traffic. While the hardness of Quartzite helps it resist etching or scratching, it is still susceptible to staining. However, with bi-annual sealing, your countertop should stay in pristine condition.

A polished finish is achieved through a honing and buffing process, during which the stone is ground with fine abrasives until it develops a natural shine of its own. The polished shine of Granite is the first image that comes to mind when thinking of kitchen countertops.

Often referred to as a matte finish, the Honed Finish is smooth to the touch and creates a soft, satiny feel. Honed surfaces are not reflective and shiny, like the polished ones. The finishing process is similar, but it stops before the stone becomes shiny, leaving it with a satin or matte appearance. Because Honed Countertops are less polished, they tend to be more porous, and will need extra care to ensure that they are sealed properly.

A Leathered Finish is created with the help of an abrasive diamond brush, applied to a honed surface. Depending on the mineral content of the stone, several layers of shine and matte appear alternatively on the finished surface, resulting in a velvety, textured appearance that is reminiscent of leather. The brushed finish doesn’t reflect any light, giving the stone a rustic, more natural look. Like the Honed Countertops, Leathered ones tend to be more porous, and will need more care to ensure that they are sealed properly.

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It really comes down to looks. Some people don’t like the shiny look and prefer matte. Costs can be another reason since a Honed Finish is a little more expensive. Additionally, a Honed Finish requires a little extra care because you will need to add new sealant on a regular basis.

Sealing is the process of applying a chemical product on top of the stone surface. It’s done subsequently, and in addition to the “Polishing” process. The sealant soaks down in the natural pores of the stone and makes it less penetrable. This process makes countertops more stain resistant, while also preventing bacteria from penetrating into the stone.

Generally, most types of Natural Stones should be sealed at least once every few years. However, if your countertops see a lot of use, you may need to seal them more often. For example, busy Granite kitchen countertops may need new sealing every three to six months. Additionally, some types of Natural Stones are more porous than others and require sealing more frequently. The company from which you purchased the countertop, or the fabricator can tell you what kind of stone you have.

Quartz does not need to be sealed, since it’s an Engineered Stone. Marble, Granite, and Quartzite are porous Natural Stones and need to be sealed regularly.