Granite and quartz have stood the test of time over millions of years; however, these materials can still get worn down due to everyday use, such as chopping on them or dropping things on the surface of your countertop. You can expect your granite countertops to last anywhere from 10-15 years with the proper care and maintenance.

While it is possible to install your own kitchen countertops, we always recommend seeking the help of a professional. This is because improper installation can lead to a number of problems down the road, such as water damage or bubbling. The best advice is to always hire a professional with plenty of experience and a good record.

When maintaining your countertops, it's important to focus on keeping away watermarks and scratches. To avoid watermarks, we suggest using coasters under cups and glasses, as well as wipes to remove spills quickly as they happen. These steps will help ensure that there is no damage caused by liquids seeping into the surface of your stone or quartz countertop. For regular cleaning, we recommend investing in high-quality microfiber towels or special granite cleaners; both can be found at local hardware stores.

While some materials are more resistant than others to heat damage, it is always best to use caution when placing a hot pot or pan on your countertop. For example, granite is a natural stone that can withstand high temperatures; but if you have quartz countertops, it is best to avoid using any type of direct heat.

While both granite and quartz are popular materials for kitchen countertops, they do have some key differences. Granite is a natural stone that is quarried in different parts of the world, while quartz is made of ground-up quartz crystals and resin. Quartz countertops are typically more uniform in color and pattern than granite and more resistant to scratches and stains. However, granite is denser and stronger than quartz, meaning it can withstand more wear and tear.

You can attach almost any kitchen sink to your new countertops, but you should take into consideration the underside of your cabinets. For example, if your cabinets are hollow underneath, you should not install a cast iron or stainless steel kitchen sink. Doing so will make it hard to hang anything in the cabinet under your sink. You'll need to select a drain assembly that fits well with standard cabinet thicknesses. If you have any other questions about the type of drain assembly to get for your installation, feel free to give us a call!

Yes, you should always apply a water-resistant sealer to granite or other natural stones after installation, whether you are using the countertop in the kitchen or bath--granite is porous and holds liquids that can be absorbed into the stone. These liquids may stain the surface over time if not treated with a sealer. Even if your countertops aren't located in an area susceptible to spills, such as near sinks or stoves, we still recommend sealing them once per year for better protection.

If you don't seal your new countertops, they may start to show signs of wear and tear more quickly. The granite may suffer water damage, leading to pitting or staining, while the quartz may become scratched or dull. In general, unsealed countertops just won't look as good as those that have been properly treated with a sealer.

When it comes to choosing the right color and pattern for your kitchen, it's important to take into account both your personal style and the overall design of your space. You should also consider how much natural light is in the room, as well as what type of appliances and cabinets you have. For the most part, you don't want to go with a busy or overly unique pattern as it can be too distracting. To choose colors, look at some of your appliances and fixtures as well as the wall color.

If you are installing a granite countertop, it is likely that there will be some seams. However, these joints are usually well-hidden and difficult to see once the installation is complete. If you have any concerns about the appearance of seams, we highly recommend asking your installation technician any questions before the installation begins. Quartz countertops typically do not have any seams, but they can sometimes be found with very small ones.