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Frequently Asked Questions
Will you help me choose the right material?
Yes. Each material offers a different balance of durability, appearance and maintenance, and our team helps you compare surfaces to find the one that fits your kitchen or bathroom best. You can see over 4,000 full-size slabs in our indoor showroom.
What materials do you offer?
Granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, porcelain, travertine, soapstone, limestone and onyx.
How can I get a price for my project?
Use our free online estimate tool, which sends your project information directly to our sales team for a prompt response. You can also call us at 773-632-1600 during business hours.
What's the difference between granite, quartz, quartzite and marble?
- Granite: natural beauty, extreme durability and heat resistance.
- Quartz: engineered for strength and low maintenance, with consistent veining and stain resistance.
- Quartzite: the dramatic veining of marble with the hardness of granite, plus UV resistance.
- Marble: timeless natural veining and a cool-touch surface.
What's the difference between quartz and quartzite?
Quartzite is a natural stone. It forms over millions of years when sandstone is exposed to extreme heat and pressure deep in the earth. Engineered quartz is a manufactured product made of crushed mineral quartz (around 93% by weight) bonded with resins and pigments.
Can quartz countertops be used outdoors?
Standard indoor quartz is not recommended outdoors. The resins in engineered quartz can yellow or fade with prolonged sun exposure. Natural quartzite is not affected by weather or UV light. Some manufacturers offer quartz collections rated specifically for outdoor use.
What's the difference between polished, honed and leathered finishes?
- Polished: a glossy, mirror-like surface that resists stains well.
- Honed: a smooth matte look, but fingerprints and grease are more visible and it needs more frequent sealing.
- Leathered: a soft sheen with a subtly textured surface that hides fingerprints, smudges and water spots well.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Chicago and the surrounding 150-mile area. Our showroom is at 1090 Industrial Drive Unit 5, Bensenville, IL 60106, and is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
What do I need to have ready before templating?
Your cabinets must be installed first, since the countertops sit directly on them. Have your sink, faucet, soap pump and cooktop on hand for the final measurement.
How long does countertop installation take?
Most countertop installations take several hours, not including the backsplash.
Will my countertop have seams?
Seams are usually required because of slab sizes and kitchen layouts. Seam placement should be discussed before fabrication.
What's the difference between 2cm and 3cm countertops?
A 2cm slab is ¾” thick and needs a full plywood base underneath for support. A 3cm slab is 1¼” thick and is the industry standard for kitchen countertops and islands. The material is the same; 3cm is simply stronger structurally.
How far can a countertop overhang without support?
As a general guideline for quartz, a 2cm slab should not overhang more than 8 inches without support, and a 3cm slab up to 16 inches. Longer overhangs need brackets or corbels.
What about plumbing and electrical work?
If new countertops or cabinets require plumbing or electrical changes, schedule the appropriate professional to disconnect and reconnect on installation day.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Sealers cannot penetrate quartz and simply stay on the surface.
Does granite need to be sealed?
Sealing makes natural stone more resistant to staining. It does not make the stone stain-proof. To check whether your stone needs resealing, pour a little water on the surface and let it sit for about 15 minutes. If the stone darkens, it’s time to reseal. If the water beads up, the seal is still working.
Can I put hot pans on my countertop?
Always use a trivet or hot pad. Quartz manufacturers recommend this for any hot cookware or appliance. For granite, sudden temperature changes from very hot pans can cause cracking.
What should I use to clean stone countertops?
Use warm water with a mild dish soap or a neutral stone cleaner. Avoid acidic products like vinegar and lemon, abrasive powders and scrubbing pads, and bleach. Never mix ammonia and bleach, because the combination creates a toxic gas.
What are the dull spots on my marble?
They are most likely etch marks. Acids in lemon juice, tomato sauce, alcohol and some cleaners chemically corrode the surface of the marble. If a spot is lighter than the stone around it, it’s probably an etch mark. If it’s darker, it’s probably a stain. Etch marks require professional restoration to remove.
How do I remove a stain from natural stone?
First identify the stain: oil-based stains like grease or cooking oil darken the stone. Deep stains can be drawn out with a poultice, which is a paste of absorbent material and cleaner spread over the stain, covered and left for 24–48 hours.
Can I cut directly on my countertop?
No. Cutting on stone dulls your knives. Use a cutting board instead.