FAQ’s

Quartz is heat resistant but not heat proof. We do not recommend placing a boiling pot on the countertop as this will scratch the surface. Most surface stains can be polished out or eliminated with the appropriate cleaning products.

Price is not a reflection of quality. Price is based on how difficult it is to manufacture a particular colour and the popularity of the colour.

Our ST Quartz is 100% designed and fabricated in Canada. We manufacturer the stone overseas.

No, we manufacture our product off site. Once the stone is delivered to one of our three locations we custom cut and finish the stone in-house.

A common stain can be removed with: rubbing alcohol, Stonex granite cleaner, or household bleach

The finish can be changed, but it is more of a honed (matte) finish that is not heavily textured.

Just like any stone, the cost varies depending on the slab selected.  We carry a large selection to meet all budget needs.

Quartz and granite are very comparable therefore customers should select the stone based on the colour and pattern they prefer. Quartz is consistent in pattern and colour, requires no maintenance, and is scratch/stain/heat resistant. Granite does require maintenance; however, the pattern tends to have more life and character to it, making it more of a focal point piece. Granite is also scratch and heat resistant (but not proof).

Groups are determined by the rarity of the stone not the quality or durability. The stone retails for more if the material is harder to source.

Marble and Granite are not comparable in colour or pattern. It is very unusual to find a Granite with a similar pattern to marble. If the material can be sourced, it would not fall into a Group 1-3 price range.

We recommend resealing every 1-2 years depending on how your countertop is used and the type of stone you have. To determine if a reseal is necessary simply spray water randomly over your countertop, if the water beads on the surface your sealer is still ok otherwise you need to reseal.

Some minerals and deposits in the stone are more likely to chip. For example, a stone with a lot of mica would be more prone to chipping. For this reason, we limit the edges to ones that will ensure your stone is strong and durable.

If there is a certain area of the slab that you would like to avoid/include in your countertop we will try to accommodate your request.

We do not promote individual slab selection. We purchase our material by the bundle and upon arrival sort the stones by block. The slabs within each block are consistent in colour and pattern, but each slab is unique.

Granite and quartz are comparable in terms of their durability. As long as your granite is maintained properly (sealed once every 1-2 years and cleaned without the use of abrasive products) it will be scratch/stain/heat resistant just like any quartz.

Granite does not crack or chip easily. Most chips can be filled with an epoxy, and cracks, or open fissures can usually be repaired on site. Both services are hardly noticeable once complete. Depending on the cause of the crack or chip a service fee may apply.

Granite weighs approximately 18-20 lbs per sq. ft., quartz weighs about 15 lbs per sq. ft. Most kitchen cabinets can support the weight of the countertop.

Most granites can be leathered or honed, this will not affect the quality or durability of the stone.

We do not recommend using marble in kitchens because it scratches and stains very easily. While it may look stunning, it isn’t necessarily practical.

Marble is extremely porous and soft; the seal will only protect the stone to a certain degree.  The seal will not protect against etching or scratching.

Most of the marble available is not up to our quality standards therefore our selection is limited.

Granite tends to have structures that are harder and more durable, whereas marble tends to have softer and less durable structures.

It depends on the granite and the marble that you are comparing. The cost of each stone is dependent on the rarity of the stone.

Marble is perfect for fireplace surrounds, wall features and vanities.

We recommend resealing a marble countertop once a year to make sure it stands up to everyday use. Wall features do not require any maintenance.

We recommend hiring a qualified professional to refinish your Marble surface.

To maintain its durability Soapstone should be treated at least every six months with Linseed oil.

We have one type of soapstone, however we can custom order Soapstone from our suppliers if you find one you like

Soapstone can be sanded to remove scratches and dents, but once it is treated with Linseed oil, you will not be able to sand it to its original finish.

Yes, each piece is just as strong as the other.

Fireplaces, wall features, backsplashes – any wall application

Thickness only affects the durability if the Porcelain is used for a countertop.

Like all other solid surfaces, Porcelain can chip or crack.

Certain types of porcelain can be used for countertops however the porcelain must be glued to a granite as a sub straight. Some manufacturers avoid this process by manufacturing thicker pieces.

Porcelain is a manmade material manufactured by imprinting a photo image onto the surface of the material. You are limited to a mitered edge for countertops so as not to highlight the change in the material throughout the thickness.

Depending on the supplier the thickness can range from 6mm to ¾” thick.

Extra steps and time are required in the transportation, fabrication, and installation because Porcelain is very thin.

Both are natural stones however quartzite is a harder stone, which makes it a good choice for countertops.

Quartz is manmade, and Quartzite is a natural stone.

Due to its porous nature Quartzite requires a new seal every 6-12 months.

Quartzite is stain resistant if properly maintained.

Every stone has its own strengths and weaknesses. Each have their own care and maintenance requirements depending on your lifestyle.

Quartzite is a rare material and harder to fabricate, resulting in a higher price point.

Exotic stones are extremely rare and therefore expensive.

Exotic stones are sourced from all over the world.

Some exotic stones are harder to maintain than others.

Exotic slabs are sold individual rather than by square foot, which allows for slab selection.

A stone is classified as exotic if it is a rare stone that is difficult to source. 

Select granites can be used for countertops and wall features in covered areas. To improve the durability and lifespan of the stone we recommend covering your stone surfaces in the winter months and treating your stone every six months. Exposure to the outdoor elements may result in fading, warping and cracking.