FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have questions about countertops? Our customers often ask similar questions when shopping, often related to the different types of natural stone materials that we offer and the ideal uses for each one. If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, we’re happy to answer any questions you have in the lower left-hand Live Chat, or you can Contact Us directly and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.

In the meantime, we’ve done our best to compile answers to the most common questions we receive.

What is Granite and what are its benefits?

Granite is a type of stone that results naturally from the cooling of lava or magma. You’ll often find flecks of mica and other minerals embedded within, giving each surface unique variation. Granite is strong and heat-resistant, and has become the top choice for countertops in most homes. Many bakers in particular choose granite for its ultra-smooth surface finish. It’s a slightly more affordable material than Quartz.


Is a 3 cm slab of granite or marble stronger than 2 cm slab of the same material?

Yes and no. A thicker slab of natural stone will always be stronger on its own. However, we will never install a 2 cm slab without pairing it with a plywood substrate to add strength and flexibility. In this way, 2 cm and 3 cm slabs will be equally durable once installed. Neither is likely to break. Furthermore, a 2 cm slab will weigh less and require less foundational support. We recommend that you choose your slab thickness based on the edge effect that you want, rather than price or strength, as these will usually even out due to installation processes.


What is Marble and what are its benefits?

One of interior design’s hottest current trends, the timeless, high-end look of marble is formed when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure within the Earth. While not quite as durable as granite, it makes up for that with its unusual, elegant patterns. Marble’s light tones deftly hide scratches and lighter stains, and it can be kept in good condition with relatively basic care.


What is Quartzite and what are its benefits?

When sandstone is exposed to intense heat and pressure, it undergoes a similar transformation, combining with the mineral Quartz to form Quartzite. Quartzite countertops are incredibly strong, able to endure the stresses of daily use with minimal scratching or other damage.


Will My Countertops Get Scratched?

Scratches are possible on many countertop surfaces, although harder materials like granite and quartzite are extremely difficult to scratch and may actually dull your knife instead if used on the surface directly. Softer materials such as marble are more susceptible to scratches, so choosing a lighter tone will help to hide any blemishes that occur over time.


Can I Place Hot Items On My Countertops?

You can place hot items on stone more durable stones like granite or quartzite, both of which are relatively heat-resistant, but we don’t recommend leaving them there for very long. Invest in hot pads and other protective items to keep your countertops looking great longer. If your countertops are made of a softer material like marble, be especially cautious of subjecting them to intense heat, as they may end up with burn marks.