Stone Countertop Questions: FAQs
Get pro answers to some of the most commonly asked countertop questions.
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Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are a popular natural stone choice known for their durability, unique patterns, and timeless appeal. While incredibly tough, they still require proper care and occasional sealing to maintain their beauty and performance over time.
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Yes, most granite countertops should be sealed to protect against stains and moisture. Some denser granites may require less frequent sealing, but sealing is still recommended for long-term durability.
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Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water soaks in and darkens the stone within a few minutes, it’s time to reseal. If it beads up, the seal is still effective.
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No, granite is stain-resistant but not stain-proof. Without proper sealing, it can absorb liquids like oil, wine, or coffee and develop stains.
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Granite is very durable, but it can chip or crack if subjected to strong impact, especially along edges or corners. Using care with heavy objects helps prevent damage.
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While granite is hard enough to resist scratches, cutting directly on it can dull your knives and may eventually leave marks. It’s best to use a cutting board.
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Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. Stick to pH-neutral or stone-safe cleaners to prevent damaging the sealant and dulling the finish.
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Yes, granite is heat-resistant and can handle hot pots and pans. However, using trivets is still recommended to avoid potential thermal shock or sealant damage.
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Dark spots may indicate moisture absorption due to a weakened seal. Cleaning and resealing the surface typically resolves this issue.
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Granite is generally UV-resistant and does not fade easily. However, prolonged sun exposure may affect the sealant or cause slight changes in appearance over many years.
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Clean regularly with a stone-safe cleaner, avoid abrasive materials, and reseal as needed. Occasional polishing with a granite-specific product can help restore its shine.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops offer a modern, low-maintenance alternative to natural stone. Engineered for consistency and durability, they are non-porous, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
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Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made from crushed natural quartz crystals combined with resins, polymers, and pigments. This creates a non-porous, durable slab.
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No. Unlike granite or marble, quartz countertops are engineered. They contain natural quartz but are manufactured for consistency in color and pattern.
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No, quartz is non-porous, so it does not require sealing. This makes it easier to maintain compared to natural stone.
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Quartz countertops come in several finishes, including polished (glossy), honed (matte), and sometimes textured. The finish affects both appearance and maintenance.
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Quartz is highly stain-resistant, but not completely stain-proof. Prolonged exposure to substances like wine, coffee, or ink can leave marks if not cleaned promptly.
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Quartz is somewhat heat-resistant, but the resins can be damaged by high temperatures. Always use trivets or hot pads to prevent discoloration or cracking.
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Yes, quartz can vary in quality based on the percentage of natural quartz, the quality of resins, and manufacturing processes. Higher-grade quartz typically offers better durability and more consistent patterns.
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Quartz is engineered, while quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone under heat and pressure. Quartzite is porous and requires sealing; quartz does not.
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Quartz is very scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof. Cutting directly on the surface is not recommended, as it can damage both the countertop and your knives.
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Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water or a non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive pads, and prolonged exposure to strong cleaners to maintain the surface.
Other Countertop Materials
From elegant marble to rugged quartzite and innovative surfaces like sintered stone, there are many countertop materials to explore. Each option has its own look, performance characteristics, and maintenance requirements to consider.
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Clean with a soft cloth, warm water, and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic substances, and wipe spills immediately to prevent etching and staining.
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Marble is composed largely of calcium carbonate, which reacts with acids (like lemon juice or vinegar), causing dull spots or “etch marks” on the surface.
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Yes, marble is porous and should be sealed regularly to help reduce staining. However, sealing does not prevent etching from acids.
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Quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone, while quartz is engineered. Quartzite is harder and heat-resistant but requires sealing because it is porous.
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Quartzite is generally as durable or even harder than granite, making it highly resistant to scratches. However, like granite, it still needs proper care and sealing.
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Yes, because quartzite is porous. Without proper sealing, it can absorb liquids and develop stains over time.
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Lapitec is a sintered stone made from natural minerals without resins. It is non-porous, UV-resistant, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
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No, Lapitec is non-porous and does not require sealing. It is resistant to stains, scratches, and high temperatures, making it low-maintenance.
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Yes, both are safe, but they require different levels of care. Marble needs more maintenance due to etching and staining, while quartzite is more durable but still needs sealing.
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Engineered materials like quartz and sintered stone (such as Lapitec) are typically the lowest maintenance, while natural stones like marble and quartzite require more upkeep.
Countertop Care & Maintenance
Proper care is essential to keep your countertops looking their best and lasting for years. Understanding how to clean, protect, and maintain different materials will help prevent damage and preserve their appearance.
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Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and a mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, and always dry the surface to prevent streaks or water spots.
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No. Acidic cleaners like vinegar and harsh chemicals like bleach can damage the surface, dull the finish, and weaken sealants over time.
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Most natural stones (like granite and marble) benefit from sealing. Sealing helps protect against stains and moisture absorption. Frequency depends on the stone type and usage.
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Typically once every 1–3 years, but high-use areas may need sealing more often. A simple water test (seeing if water darkens the surface) can indicate if resealing is needed.
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Clean spills immediately, especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, citrus, or oil. Blot (don’t wipe) to prevent spreading the stain.
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While some stones are heat-resistant, it’s best to use trivets or hot pads. Sudden temperature changes can cause thermal shock or discoloration.
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They are durable but not scratch-proof. Avoid cutting directly on the surface—use cutting boards to prevent scratches and protect your knives.
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Use a stone-safe poultice or cleaner designed for your specific stone type. Different stains (oil, organic, rust) may require different treatments.
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This could be due to residue buildup, etching, or worn sealant. Use a stone-safe cleaner first; if the problem persists, professional polishing may be needed.
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Only if they are labeled safe for natural stone. Many disinfecting wipes contain chemicals that can degrade the sealant or damage the surface over time.
About Us
Who Are We?
Natural Stone City is your go-to countertop warehouse in Southern Ontario.
With endless colours and styles, and two well-equipped showrooms to visit, we have the countertop for you whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner beginning an ambitious renovation.
Our Inventory & Warehouse
Our expansive inventory boasts an unparalleled selection of top-tier countertops, with a diverse range of stone materials, colors, and styles meticulously curated to fulfill your every design aspiration.
Visit in person to not only see our slabs for yourself, but to get expert advice and tips from friendly, experienced pros who are on-site.
NSC is a certified installer of the following products:
Sinterstone
Lapitec
Corian Quartz
Silestone Quartz
Natural Stone
City
Kitchener
2188 Shirley Drive
Kitchener, ON N2B 0A6
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Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Phone
(519) 489-0441
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1106 Dearness Dr #5A
London, ON N6E 1N9
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Saturday: By appointment only
Phone
(519) 266-3663