Natural Stone
Natural stone, like granite, marble and quartzite, is 100% natural and quarried directly from the earth. Most natural stone comes from Brazil, India, Spain, Italy and other countries, and is shipped to the U.S. for fabrication.
Natural stone is the traditional favorite for kitchen and bathroom countertops, in part because there are thousands of unique colors and patters to chose from. Natural stone is also known for its versatility, proven durability, distinctive characteristics and lasting value.
Care & Maintenance
Most natural stone requires occasional maintenance to keep its beauty and as an extra precaution against staining, scratching and etching. Natural stone has different mineral compositions, different densities and different levels of porousness, which means some stone varieties repel water better than others. Repelling water also means repelling stains, mold and bacteria. Clean natural stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia or anything abrasive, because they might scratch or etch the surface. Prolonged exposure to cleaning products may cause permanent damage or discoloration.
At Legacy Countertops, we seal all our natural stone countertops with a standard sealer. This sealer offers basic protection and acts as a repellent to make the stone more stain resistant. It does not actually seal the stone, and therefore, we recommend re-sealing every 9-12 months. The good news is that sealing your countertop is probably one of the easiest DIY projects.
We offer an optional Dry Treat 15-year Superior Sealer, which penetrates deeper into the pore structure and creates a more substantial, deep oil and water-repellent barrier. We highly recommend that any light colored natural stone be sealed with Dry Treat.
You can learn more about natural stone care from the experts at The Natural Stone Institute (Marble Institute of America (MIA) and Building Stone Institute (BSI).
If you are considering using Soapstone, read our Soapstone Care & Maintenance page.
Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is made from either quartz (one of Earth’s hardest minerals), crushed granite or marble, or recycled wastes like porcelain, ceramic, glass or silica. These raw materials are mixed with resin, pressed, cured and polished to make strong, stain resistant and hygiene-friendly surfaces.
Engineered stone is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Today, many people prefer the consistent nature of engineered stone patterns compared to the natural movement often seen in natural stone.
Care & Maintenance
Engineered stone countertops are low-maintenance and easy to keep clean. Warm water, a damp cloth or sponge, and mild dish soap is all that’s needed to wipe up daily spills. Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia or anything abrasive, because they might scratch or etch the surface. Prolonged exposure to cleaning products may cause permanent damage or discoloration.
While engineered stone countertops are non-porous and do not need to be sealed, they are not stain-proof, and may not withstand prolonged heat or sunshine directed onto its surface. Placing hot objects on a quartz countertop, such as hot pots and pans, can cause burn marks, discoloration or cracking. To prevent this, use a trivet when cooking with crock pots, toaster ovens and electric frying pans.
See manufacturers’ websites for specific care, cleaning and warranty information.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this chart is for general comparison purposes only. No representation, warranty or guarantee is implied relative to product appearance, quality and/or superiority. In all cases, the consumer is advised to evaluate and rely on their own research and judgment regarding the reliability of any product for the specific uses required. Legacy Countertops reserves the right to make corrections and changes to the website at any time without notice.
Whether you’re looking for countertops for a new home or remodeling project, the team at Legacy Countertops can help you find the perfect material for your budget, decor and lifestyle. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. We’ve compiled this chart that compares the price, appearance and durability of the most popular countertop materials to help you determine which material is best for your project.
Slab, Remnant & Tile Resources
We are proud to work with the following businesses…
Legacy Countertops
Legacy Countertops has hundreds of slabs and remnants in stock at our showroom in Charlotte, NC. Walk-ins are always welcome.
300 Westinghouse Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28273