Stone countertops are the way to go for so many homeowners remodeling their kitchens or working on brand new builds. But as with just about anything else in the kitchen, there isn’t just one type of stone. You have options. We offer several of them here at Bedrock Quartz. If you are shopping for new granite, quartz, marble or quartzite countertops, we would love the opportunity to partner with you.
Whether you choose to work with Bedrock Quartz or another provider, it is important to know exactly what you are purchasing before you sign on the dotted line. And the best way to accomplish it is to ask questions. Ask a lot of them. Make sure you ask about everything you are unsure of, remembering that there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Below are some of the most important questions to ask. We consider them the starting point whenever someone is shopping for new countertops.
1. What are the different types of stone you offer?
Suppliers offer different stone inventories according to their own preferences. These days, the top three natural stones are quartz, granite, and quartzite. Porcelain is gaining in popularity but can be challenging to work with and cannot be easily repaired.
Also note the similarity in names between quartzite and quartz countertops. The two materials are not exactly the same. That leads us to the next question.
2. What are the differences between quartzite and quartz?
Quartzite is a natural stone similar to marble and granite. It is quarried in large slabs that are then reduced to make customized countertops. On the other hand, quartz is a mineral found most abundantly in silica sand. Quartz minerals are too fine to hold together on their own. So, to create quartz countertops, the minerals are combined with a variety of resins and dyes.
3. What finishes are available for each material?
How a countertop is finished affects everything from how easily it scratches to what it looks like – both up close and at a distance. It is important to ask about available finishes. Along those same lines, it never hurts to ask to see a full slab prior to purchase.
4. What are my edge options?
Your choice of edge will impact both aesthetics and performance. Here at Bedrock Quartz, we offer a variety of different edge profiles depending on the customers’ design preferences and needs. Don’t hesitate to take some time to think through edge options carefully. Once your countertops have been edged, changing things up becomes a big deal.
5. What can I expect in terms of maintenance?
Maintenance is a big thing when it comes to natural stone and quartz countertops. Something like a wood laminate doesn’t require nearly as much care. That said, maintenance varies from one stone material to the next. The most maintenance-free option is quartz and quartzite. Granite and marble are some of the more maintenance-heavy materials.
6. Who will handle the installation?
Once you are pretty comfortable with the type of countertop you want, be sure to ask about installation. Here at Bedrock Quartz, we install everything we sell. Not every supplier does; some contract installation to third parties. Regardless of who handles installation, don’t be shy to ask for references.
7. Do you offer any guarantees or warranties?
Finally, be sure to ask about any guarantees or warranties on installation and materials. Without something in place to protect you, you’re taking your chances. There is no need to do so. Bedrock Quartz offers a protection plan to provide some peace of mind.
You may have other questions we have not discussed in this post. That’s great. Do not be afraid to ask anything that comes to mind before investing in new countertops.
