Quartzite has been gaining in popularity as a countertop material in the past few years—and for good reason. With a look that is often similar to marble and a durability comparable to granite, this natural stone seems to have it all.

Why Choose Quartzite?

Alexandrita quartzite.

“Quartzite is beautiful and exotic. People often choose it when they’re looking for something different. It’s a great way to change up your space,” says Laura Grandlienard, owner of ROCKin’teriors in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“Quartzite is nearly indestructible,” notes Louis Battista of New England Stone Technology in New Haven, Connecticut. Two of its strongest selling points is its hardness and durability. Quartzite is nearly twice as hard as glass and harder than the blade of a knife. It is also resistant to common kitchen acids and will not etch when exposed to things like lemon juice or vinegar.

Easy Care and Maintenance

Caring for quartzite is similar to caring for granite. Grandlienard recommends wiping up counters regularly with a gentle cleanser, water, and a soft cloth or paper towel.

As with any surface, simple preventative measures should be taken to protect quartzite countertops. Wipe up spills and moisture as quickly as possible, and use coasters, trivets, and cooling racks. Battista also recommends utilizing cutting boards, though perhaps not for the reason you’d expect: “Quartzite is extremely high on the Mohs hardness scale. When it’s that high, it could dull your knives.”

What About Sealing?

The application of an impregnating sealer to any natural stone countertop can increase the countertop’s stain resistance. Depending on the density and porosity of the stone, the necessity for sealing can range from being not required at all to being required at initial installation and reapplied at specific intervals.

Madreperola quartzite. Photo courtesy of MSI.

Is sealing required for quartzite? It depends on the stone’s porosity.

Quartzites are made of metamorphosed sandstone. Depending on the amount of metamorphosis, each quartzite can be more or less porous. Porous varieties of quartzite, such as White Macaubas and Calacatta Macaubas, may benefit from the application of a good sealer. Many modern sealers can protect stone from 1-10 years, and some have stain removal warranties. Your fabricator or stone supplier can provide specific guidance on choosing the appropriate product for your stone.

Generally speaking, the best indication that a countertop needs sealing is to watch the area around the kitchen sink. If you notice the stone darkening around the sink from water, it may mean that a sealer is needed—or that the current sealer is becoming less effective. Make sure the stone is cleaned and allowed to dry completely before applying the sealer. Grandlienard notes that sealing is an easy job for most homeowners to do using an impregnating sealer purchased from your fabricator or a local big-box store. When in doubt, contact a restoration professional in your area.

A Word of Caution

Mont Blanc quartzite. Photo courtesy of Stoneshop.

Quartzite is found in a wide variety of colors: while most quartzites are white or light-colored due to their quartz content, vivid colors of quartzite can also be found, due to additional minerals found in the stone. Quartzite is known for its hardness and durability. Unfortunately, some stones are often mislabeled as quartzite or “soft quartzite” when they are in fact marble or dolomitic marble. To paraphrase geologist Karin Kirk, quartzite is a stone with very consistent properties, but variable labeling.

Battista agrees: “We get calls from homeowners who think their countertops are quartzite, but they get etch marks. There’s a lot of confusion, so make sure you’re getting quartzite as opposed to marble. There is a huge difference between marble and quartzite. Make sure you get what you want and what you pay for.”

Photo by Anderson Design Center.

How can you be sure your stone is a true quartzite? Kirk recommends performing a few simple tests on your stone: can it be scratched easily with a knife blade? Does it scratch glass? Does it etch when exposed to lemon juice? True quartzites do not etch, cannot be scratched easily with a knife blade, and will scratch glass. Learn more about testing quartzites here.

Due to their inherent hardness, quartzites can take longer to work with and cause increased wear and tear on tooling. For this reason, consumers can often expect to pay a little more for fabrication. To find a fabricator if your area, visit the Natural Stone Institute member directory.

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While they’re beautiful, marble countertops can be considered high maintenance, says Galen Roth of Roth Restoration in Charleston, South Carolina.

“Marble is a calcium-based stone,” he says. “It’s softer and prone to scratches and etching. Their lack of durability means you have more things to consider as far as everyday use.”

We talked to stone restoration experts to get their tips on how homeowners can protect their marble countertops and keep them looking as gorgeous as the day they were installed.

Daily Maintenance

Calacatta Classico marble. Photo courtesy of Ontra Stone Concepts.

One of the most important steps in caring for marble is preventing stains and etches.

“When marble comes into contact with anything acidic, it can etch, which looks like a dull spot or burn mark,” says Gregg Laviolette, owner of Stone Restoration Services in Troy, Michigan.

Acidic products are common in the kitchen, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, juices, alcohol, and vinegar. Marble can also become stained; two of the biggest culprits are red wine and oil.

“If somebody spills red wine on the countertop and you wipe it up immediately, 99 percent of the time it won’t stain, but the acids in the wine may cause the stone to etch,” says Laviolette. “If it’s left, it will stain. Most stains can be pulled out of the countertop during restoration.”

Calacatta marble. Photo courtesy of Bradshaw Designs LLC.

Prevent etching and stains by religiously using cutting boards, trivets, and coasters.

“I recommend having big cutting boards, like 20 [inches] by 20 [inches],” says Roth. “You need one next to the sink and another next to the stove where you do prep work.”

Marble countertops should also be cleaned on a daily basis. Roth recommends a mild soap or stone cleaner.

“Read the product label carefully and make sure it’s for stone,” he says. “If it suggests that you test the product in an area, stay away from it. There are too many other products that won’t hurt stone so there’s no need to have to test it.”

Annual Maintenance

Photo courtesy of MultiStone Enterprises, Inc.

Marble should be sealed regularly, but our experts differ on how often. Check the manufacturers recommendations on the product label. Many sealers will last 10+ years and others only 6 months.

Laviolette says to reapply regularly, “There’s so many schools of thought, but I recommend every nine months to a year. It’s a preventative step, like Scotchgard for your carpet. It’s not going to stop some etching or staining, but it might prevent it from being as bad.”

Roth recommends sealing less often: “A true sealer goes into the stone beneath the surface and prevents stains from going deep, but it does nothing to protect etching, no matter how much sealer you use,” he says. “Good sealers are designed to last 15 to 20 years. We suggest homeowners go five to 10 years.”

Test if your stone needs sealing by putting a few drops of water on your countertop and letting them sit, says Roth. If it leaves a dark spot, it has soaked into the stone and needs to be sealed.

Honed Carrara marble countertops. Photo courtesy of Stoneshop.

Topical coatings are also available that help prevent etches and stains. “I’ve been in the industry for 12 years and just this year started selling these products because I felt they were finally good enough,” says Roth. “Marble will still be susceptible to scratching, but most people complain more about etching than scratches.”

Marble countertops will eventually need to be refinished and resealed; how often depends on your damage threshold, says Lesnar.

“You may notice etching more on polished marble than honed or textured,” he says. “A kitchen with honed or textured marble is more practical than polished.”

Polished marble may need to be refinished once every two to three years, while honed will need it once every three to five years, says Lesnar.

Laviolette compares having your marble refinished to having your carpets cleaned.

“When it becomes bothersome enough for you, give us a call,” he says. “We take off a minor amount of material, and there’s almost an endless amount of times marble can be refinished.”

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Photo by International Stoneworks, Inc.

Normal wear and tear and damaging chemicals can affect the finishes of your natural stone surfaces. Fortunately, natural stone is a durable material that can be brought back to life with professional stone restoration. Knowing when it’s time to restore will depend on two factors, says Jacqueline Tabbah, vice president of International Stoneworks in Houston, Texas.

“First is what type of stone you have,” she says. “Certain stones, like marble, travertine, or limestone, are acid sensitive. It’s very hard in a kitchen or bar to avoid any spilling of things that can etch the stone, and these stones will usually need to be restored more often.”

The second factor is how the stone has been maintained. Using neutral cleaners will keep your stone looking good longer, but harsher chemicals can quickly damage the finish of certain stones, says Tabbah.

“If someone were to clean a marble surface with vinegar, it would need to be restored the next day,” she says.

The Process

Polishing white marble. Photo courtesy of International Stoneworks, Inc.

If your stone looks soiled or worn, a reputable stone restoration company will send an estimator to your home to diagnose your project and determine whether it needs light maintenance, maintenance, restoration, or repair, says James Paley, president of ATLAS Marble and Stone Care in Santa Ana, California.

“They will ask you who installed the stone, what cleaners you use and what bothers you most about the stone,” he says. “Polished surfaces need to be restored more often than honed because you don’t notice etches and scratches as much with honed surfaces.”

Grout joints are the biggest storyteller, adds Paley. “They can be stained or dirty from improper care, but they can also be cracked and degraded, which presents problems beyond maintenance,” he says. “A good estimator will determine if the surface needs cleaning and sealing, repolishing, rehoning, or repair.”

The restoration process is similar to wet sanding and involves the application of a cream or powder abrasive, says Tabbah. If the stone has extensive damage, the restorer will use a floor or hand machine with an industrial diamond disc. The process exfoliates the surface of the stone. Then, depending on the finish, the stone will be repolished or rehoned.

Restoration could take multiple days to complete, says Scott Calabritto, national technical director for SOLID Surface Care in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Photo by International Stoneworks, Inc.

“It’s an intricate process that takes between three and seven steps,” he says. “The timeframe is often longer than most people expect.”

“Restoration isn’t simply squirting a topical wax on surface,” adds Tabbah. “The extent of the process depends on the condition, size and how much TLC is needed.”

Communication with your restorer throughout the process is key. In case of kitchen or bathroom countertop, for example, determine who will remove the fixtures of the sink, says Calabritto. “Otherwise the restorer can get as close as they can, but you can have halo effect around faucet and dispensers,” he says.

When it comes to floors, discuss who will move the furniture. “A lot of contractors will not move furniture because it’s a different liability class for their insurance,” says Calabritto.

After Restoration

Photo courtesy of International Stoneworks, Inc.

Once the process is complete, the restorer will typically seal the stone. How quickly you can use it will depend on the surface.

“It can be dry to touch but the sealer might need to cure and will not be effective for a certain amount of hours,” says Tabbah. “You should allow a shower to cure overnight. For kitchen countertops, feel free to set something down, but don’t do a big fried chicken dinner that night.”

The contractor should also provide care instructions and general housekeeping tips, says Calabritto. “You will want to keep the surface clean with a good stone soap,” he says. “Dusting the surface to remove grit and residue is advised.”

“A lot of homeowners wonder why sealing doesn’t provide protection,” Tabbah says. “The sealers that restorers use are penetrating sealers, not a coating or wax. They soak into the pores of the stone and help repel grease or oil, but they don’t stop acid or other chemicals from etching or slightly burning the surface.”

Sealed granite countertops and island. Photo by International Stoneworks, Inc.

Restoring your stone can bring it back to the look and luster it had when it was originally installed. Part of the beauty of natural stone is that the process can be repeated without worry so you can enjoy your investment for a lifetime.

“Proper restoration doesn’t compromise the integrity of the stone,” says Tabbah. “You could do it on an annual basis and be fine.”

It is important to note that misdiagnosed and incorrectly applied restoration techniques can cause more harm than good. Make sure to use an established restoration contractor with a proven list of satisfied clients.

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Installing natural stone in your home is an investment you’ll enjoy for years to come. While it’s important to choose the right material, you also need to find the right stone fabricator. A fabricator is the craftsman who turns a rough slab into a finished product. The best way to find a good fabricator is by visiting the Natural Stone Institute’s website, which offers a list of accredited fabricators, says Mark Meriaux, Accreditation & Technical Manager for the Natural Stone Institute.

“Being accredited means the company has been third-party verified and is an established, reliable company with the proper equipment as well as customer satisfaction processes,” he says.

Mineral Black Saratoga soapstone. Photo courtesy of Stone Store.

If an accredited fabricator isn’t available in your area, the next step should be to get referrals from friends or family. Try to get three names, suggests Laura Grandlienard, principal of ROCKin’teriors in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“All three will likely have different business models,” she says. “By interviewing more than one you can get a sense as to what is the best fit for you.”

You can also get referrals from stone yards, says Jon Lancto, a fabrication and installation consultant. “Typically they’re prequalified to some extent,” he says.

Be sure to hire the fabricator directly, says Dave Paxton, president and CEO of Paxton Countertops in Lansing, Michigan. “Don’t go through a second party,” he says. “You want a good relationship with the person who’ll be providing the service.”

Once you’ve found your list of fabricators, ask them these six questions:

Monte Carlo granite. Photo courtesy of Chris Frick for ROCKin’teriors

1. How long have you been in business? Everyone has to start somewhere, but a company that’s been in business for years is a sign that they have good practices. Confirm this by checking for reviews on sites like Yelp or the Better Business Bureau.

“You can typically read between lines,” says Paxton. “Look for the number of reviews. If somebody has two five-star reviews, maybe it was their wife and son. Forty reviews with a four-star rating would be better.”

2. Do you have a physical facility or showroom? A showroom or workshop will allow you to see samples of their work. If someone says they fabricate the material on site, that’s a big red flag, says Lancto.

Use caution when choosing someone with a small pickup truck and minimal tools, adds Meriaux. “It’s not that they can’t be skilled,” he says. “In this case, you need referrals and recommendations, and to see examples of their work.”

When examining samples, look at seaming, which is an indicator of quality fabrication, says Lancto. “They won’t be inconspicuous or invisible; natural stone has some variations,” he says. “But you want to make sure they’re practicing the best techniques.”

Grandlienard agrees: “Verify that the fabricator attempts to match the grain of stone at the seam so it appears as one piece,” she says.

Onyx. Photo courtesy of ROCKin’teriors

3. What type of equipment do you use? Some fabricators do a physical layout on a slab while others use high-end software that provides a 3D visualization of the finished project.

“If it’s a complicated design or the material has a lot of veining, you want to be assured that they have the right technology,” says Lancto. “You’ll be able to see photos the layout ahead of time. The more complex the installation, the more technology you’d want that fabricator to use.”

4. What licenses and insurance do you carry? It’s rare that problems happen, but you want to make sure a contractor is covered when they’re working on your property, says Meriaux.

“Ask ‘what if’ questions,” says Meriaux. “Everything from personal property damage during installation or stone not matching up. Asking upfront is easier than duking it out after the fact.”

Grandlienard recommends establishing that the fabricator offers a warranty policy, both on the stone and fabrication.

White Fusion granite. Photo courtesy of Stone Store.

5. Are you a member of an industry association? Memberships show that the fabricator makes an effort to participate in the industry. Members of the Natural Stone Institute, for example, agree to abide by a code of ethics that includes treating customers and employees fairly and acting with honesty, integrity, quality, and professionalism.

6. How much do you charge? This question is last for a reason. “The worst way to make a decision is by price alone,” says Lancto. “You get what you pay for and if someone is super cheap, they’re probably doing something not as high quality or they’re not taking time to do a quality fabrication.”

After selecting your fabricator, Meriaux recommends getting all communication in writing and making sure you have a written contract and drawings to eliminate miscommunication and confusion.

“Natural stone is a lifetime investment for homeowners; it’s a luxury item,” says Grandlienard. “It behooves you to do the legwork to find the right company.”

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Photo courtesy of Delta Stone Products.

A strong trend in home design is adding texture to vertical surfaces, and a beautiful way to do that is by using stacked stone. The three-dimensional veneer is made of cut pieces of natural stone that are attached to a backing and installed like you would tile. The material uses no grout; in fact, the dry stacked look is part of its appeal.

“Stone use goes through trends, from the size of grout joints to colors,” says Bryce Harding, national sales manager for Delta Stone Products in Heber City, Utah. “Today the look is a ‘ledge-y’ material. It used to be rough and rugged with lots of alternative textures, and now people are also choosing stacked stone with a smooth, contemporary finish and cut sharp edges.”

Where to Use It

Appropriate for all design styles, stacked stone can be used indoors and out. In an interior, it’s the perfect material for an indoor feature wall, such as around a fireplace, in a bathroom or in a foyer, or as a backsplash in a kitchen.

Stacked stone can also be used to highlight the exterior of a home or building, such as around a front door, chimney or on columns. It’s often paired with siding and applied on the bottom half of the front exterior surface. And it can be used in landscape applications.

“It’s seamless and looks like a solid wall,” says Scott Lardner, president of Rocky Mountain Stone in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “The veneer is adhered directly to a substrate. If it’s thin, it will work on any application interior or exterior.”

Choosing the Stone

Because it’s made of natural stone, stacked stone will have a variation in color and this can dictate the look of your project.

“Natural stone should be chosen well in advance because it’s easy to alter things like stucco color, wood color and paint color,” says Harding. “Select your stone first, and build your palette and design around it.”

Stacked stone comes in a natural or polished finish, depending on the type of material you choose. If you want a polished look, harder materials, such as quartzite or granite, should be used. Softer stones are good for applications where a natural finish is preferred.

The price of this project can vary; the more you alter stone from its natural state, the more it will cost.

“Keep that in mind when you build your budget,” says Harding. “The more you can keep it the way it looks out of quarry, the less money it will be. And the more it needs to be handled and cut and finished, the more time and money will be spent.”

“From a labor standpoint, it’s more intensive,” adds Lardner. “It’s definitely best used as a feature.”

Caring for Your Stacked Stone

RMQ Contemporary Ledge Stone. Photo courtesy of Northern Stone Supply.

Once installed, stacked stone is easy to care for because it is used on vertical surfaces, says Jacqueline Tabbah, vice president of International Stoneworks in Houston, Texas.

“Nobody eats on it or walks on it,” she says. “It gets a lot less wear and tear.”

Tabbah recommends regular dusting: “The ledges that jut out can hold the same dust as an average windowsill, and a handheld vacuum or a duster that traps the dust instead of spreading it around would be best.”

Certain areas might requiring using a neutral stone cleaner with a pH of seven or eight.

“Just spray and wipe down,” says Tabbah. “You don’t need to do it every week; just as needed, especially if the stacked stone is around the fireplace or in a kitchen.”

Tabbah also recommends sealing stacked stone that is installed around a fireplace, or in a kitchen or bathroom.

“You don’t want black soot or grease to get embedded in the porous texture,” she says. “Seal it with a penetrating impregnated sealer once a year. It doesn’t change the appearance of the stone at all. It goes into the pores of stone to repel oil and dirt, and help you clean the stone easier.”

Wherever it’s applied, stacked stone will add warmth and beauty to your space. The look is a perfect mix of rustic and modern style, turning a wall into a natural work of art you’ll love for years to come.

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Updating your home with natural stone kitchen countertops is an exciting home renovation project, and choosing the perfect material for your lifestyle and décor is just the first step. The next phase is installation, and if you’ve never gone through the process you might not know what to expect.

Choosing natural stone is only the first step in your countertop installation process. Photo courtesy of Natural Stone Designs.

“Customers often don’t understand all that’s involved in having stone countertops installed,” says Patty Davis, commercial business development manager for Natural Stone Designs, a natural stone fabrication shop located in Tualatin, Oregon. “They might not realize how heavy the stone is or the amount of time it takes to do it right.”

That’s why it’s important to have realistic expectations, says Abby Sanders, marketing manager for Stone Interiors, a natural stone showroom and installer with locations in Louisiana, Alabama and South Carolina. “This is a major construction project, especially if the old countertops are being removed,” she says. “As long as everybody is on the same page, it can be a seamless process from beginning to end.”

Pre-Installation Preparation

Fabricators must know the make and model of sinks, faucets, and appliances going in or against countertops. Photo courtesy of Ontra Stone Concepts.

Installation of natural stone countertops can take two to three weeks, and the first step is having a measurer come to your home, says Sanders. “They will take measurements of your entire room so the fabricator can fit the stone to your unique space and appliances,” she says. “We use digital measuring tools that get recorded in our system, and it takes about an hour. It’s typically the first time we’re in the customer’s home.” Prior to templating, your fabricator will also need to know the exact make and model of sinks, faucets, and appliances going in or against the countertops. They should also be made aware of other design details, including edge details, backsplashes, and rear wall treatments.

While many installers utilize the latest digital measuring technology, Buddy Ontra, owner of Ontra Stone Concepts, a stone fabrication expert located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, sticks with the “old school” method of making physical templates using luan wood strips. This process offers customers a preview of what their countertop will look like by creating a skeleton frame that is placed over the stone.

“We lay it on the slab and look for inclusions and veining,” says Ontra. “This process leaves no surprises. If we see a trouble spot, such as a fissure, we can avoid it or put it in a cutout area such as where the sink or cooktop would go.”

After the template is finished and approved, the stone is cut and fabricated into the countertop at the installer’s workshop, and an installation date is scheduled. If old countertops are in place, they will need to be removed prior to installation to provide enough time to make repairs if cabinets become damaged in the process.

“We have to make sure the cabinet are perfectly level before the countertops are installed,” says Davis. “If they’re not, we can’t set the stone.”

In addition, the existing sink and cooktop will need to be removed, with water, gas and electricity shut off prior.

Installing the Countertop

Homeowners can expect to welcome multiple installers into their homes for large installation projects. Photo courtesy of Ontra Stone Concepts.

When the big day arrives, homeowners can expect to welcome at least two installers who will deliver the prepared countertop and put it in place. Large jobs may require as many as four people. Homeowners must be home during installation.

Before the team arrives, you will be asked to clear the pathway for the installers to enter the home. It’s a good idea to take extra measures to protect valuables or breakables.

“We advise customers to cover items in cabinets to protect them from dust,” says Sanders. “They also need to make arrangements for pets or kids to be out of the area. We prefer to have minimal interruptions when handling a very heavy stone slab back and forth from the truck into the home.”

Mark Meriaux, Accreditation & Technical Manager at the Natural Stone Institute, offers this advice for homeowners during a countertop installation: “Stay out of the way! You’ve entrusted this skilled work to worthy professionals. Each job is unique and your project may already present challenges that will have to be overcome onsite. A hovering or ‘overly helpful’ homeowner can send messages of distrust and even slow things down.”

Most installations take four to eight hours. Large areas can sometimes take more than a day, adds Sanders. If the countertop has seams, a strong chemical adhesive is used to cement the pieces together. Then the countertops are adhered to the cabinets with silicone or paintable caulk. If your kitchen includes a cooktop instead of a slide-in range, the installers may cut the hole onsite.

After Installation

Though countertop installations require a bit of preparation, choosing natural stone is worth it. Photo courtesy of Stone Interiors.

Once installation is complete, the homeowner will be responsible for scheduling a plumber to come and reconnect the water source, and an electrician to reconnect drains, water, gas, and electrical hookups. This generally happens the day after the countertops are installed to give them time to set. If you are having a backsplash installed, that should also be scheduled after the countertops are installed.

Your kitchen will likely need a good cleaning. “Usually the dust settles up to 24 hours after we leave the home,” says Sanders. “Even though installers clean up after themselves, there is usually some minor clean up a homeowner should be prepared for.”

Then your kitchen is ready to go. While the process requires a certain amount of prep work, it’s well worth it. “You’re investing in a piece that will last for years to come, contributing to value of your home and providing a piece that can be enjoyed possibly for generations,” says Sanders.

The kitchen is the hub of the home, and natural stone countertops transform it into a beautiful gathering spot. Once just a luxurious upgrade, the popularity of natural stone has made it a more affordable option, and the benefits are many. Natural stone lasts a lifetime, its durability stands up to busy households, and a wide variety of colors and styles make it perfect for any décor.

When you head to the showroom, it’s important that you find the stone that will work best for you. Here are five questions that will help you choose your best option.

Photo from Houzz

1. How does my lifestyle impact my choice of stone?

Understanding the dynamics of a customer’s household is the most important consideration when choosing stone, says Caela Manninen, showroom representative for Welch Tile & Marble in Kent City, Michigan. She likes to steer busy families toward granite. “It’s so durable and versatile,” she says. “It’s a good workhorse countertop. I typically like to recommend mid to darker colors to avoid staining.”

If a family has their heart set on white stone, there are options, says Tania Kalentzos, marketing director for MARVA Marble & Granite in Richmond, Virginia. “White marble is everyone’s quintessential choice, but if you have young children and entertain a lot you can achieve that look with less maintenance,” she says. “Granite is always an excellent option for countertops; it meets the needs of homeowners desiring added durability, as well as offers a variety of options in lighter designs. Another popular alternative would be a quartzite. It demonstrates excellent durability as well, but gets even closer to mimicking more marble-like color tones.”

For empty nesters or single professionals that eat out a lot, the sky’s the limit, says Kalentzos. “In this case, durability isn’t as important,” she says. “You can look for a showpiece.”

Photo from Houzz

2. What is the best finish for a kitchen?

Natural stone comes in a variety of finishes, and each offers its advantages. Polished is best if you want keep it looking nice, says Manninen. “Honed and brushed can be difficult to keep up with unless you’re going to enhance them to their darkest point,” she says. “That finish shows every little thing that goes wrong.”

Or you could embrace it, suggests Dave Scott, CEO of Slabworks of Montana in Bozeman, Montana. “A lovey Italian gentleman once told me to think of honed marble as a fine leather handbag that will wear and show a patina,” he says. “Countertops that show wear are a sign of great hospitality.”

3. What kind of care does stone require?

People often think stone is indestructible, but every material requires basic care, says Scott. “It’s important to match the right stone to your comfort level so that you’ll be happy with it years later,” he says. “Do you own it, or does it own you?”

Stone surfaces can be cleaned with a soap made for natural stone or a mild liquid detergent. Some types of natural stone, such as marble, require extra attention.

“Marble is a calcite-based stone and will react with acids, such as wine, lemon juice, vinegar or even coffee and olive oil,” he says. “It will cause an irreversible chemical reaction that is etched on surface. With marble, you need to stay on top of wiping up spills.”

Photo from Houzz

4. What kind of commitment will natural stone require?

In addition to regular cleaning, many experts recommend sealing natural stone. Talk to your stone provider to learn more about sealing recommendations. Manninen gives customers a simple test to know when it’s time to reseal your stone: “Find an often used area of your countertop, and place a small drop of water there,” she says. “Leave it for 15 minutes, and when you come back if it’s still there, your sealer is good. If it’s been absorbed, it’s time to reseal.”

5. Once you’ve selected a type of stone, is it important to choose a specific slab?

Yes, says Kalentzos. “Take your time and enjoy the process,” she says. “Mother Nature made this treasure and it should be enjoyed for years to come. Each piece has its own characteristics. Find one you love. It’s art for your home—the focal point of the room—and it should speak to you and reflect your personality.”

Make Your Natural Stone Last | Skip These Common Errors

Natural stone surfaces are a wonderful investment that deserve and require proper care. If you make a mistake or overlook maintenance, you could risk damaging your beautiful material.

While it’s true that natural stone is extremely durable and made to last, it is not indestructible. “There is a chemistry to natural stone, and making mistakes can harm it,” notes Tim Lesnar, owner of Classic Marble Restoration in Blaine, Minnesota.

Natural stone thrives under proper maintenance, says Brian Kornet, owner of Fabra-Cleen Stone & Tile Care in Plainview, New York. “You have to take precautions,” he says. “If you avoid cleaning mistakes, you’ll need our [restoration] services less often.”

Here are five common practices to skip to maintain and protect your natural stone surfaces.

1. Cleaning With Vinegar

Madreperola quartzite. Photo courtesy of MSI.

Only use cleaners that are suited for natural stone. If you use an outside cleaning service, make sure they do, too, says Lesnar.

“A lot of people aren’t familiar with the chemistry of cleaners and the chemistry of stone, and they’ll use wrong cleaner,” he says. “You have to have a cleaner that has the right pH level, which is seven (neutral). Some stones such as marble, travertine, or limestone react adversely with vinegar because it is acidic.”

“Vinegar and bleach are harsh,” adds Gregg Laviolette, owner of Stone Restoration Services in Troy, Michigan. “They will etch or burn the surface of your stone.”

While some chemicals may not noticeably damage durable stones such as granite, they can break down any sealers that have been applied to the stone. “That means you would need to have your stone resealed more frequently,” says Kornet.

2. Choosing an Abrasive Tool

Some homeowners think they can remove etches or stains with a scrubbing pad. Realistically, this often only makes the problem worse. Lesnar notes that scrubbing pads “act like abrasives on stone, especially when you put elbow grease into it.”

For daily cleaning, use a soft cloth and don’t attempt to “buff out” stains or scratches. Instead, call a professional. “The only way to fix a stone that has been etched is to have it honed and restored,” says Kornet.

Bardiglio, natural stone marble from Italy, has a mix of light and dark grey tones. It is installed on a bathroom, bedroom floor. Arizona Tile carries Bardiglio in natural stone marble slabs and tiles.

3. Skipping the Dust Mop

Minor dust particles and sand that you might not be able to see will act like an abrasive under your feet and cause wear patterns over time, says Laviolette. “Use a dry dust mop and go over your floors daily or at least every other day,” he recommends.

Grit will scratch floors and give them an appearance of being dull, says Kornet. “A polished surface is a smooth surface, and light will reflect off of it,” he says. “Scratches refract light. Your floors might be clean, but it gives the appearance of being dull or scuffed.”

Remove dust and debris with a dust mop or vacuum, and wash your floor with a neutral cleaner each week.

4. Leaving High-Traffic Areas Unprotected

Rugs can help protect the areas of your stone floors that will get worn down due to high traffic, says Laviolette.

“Walk off matting helps keep dust and debris that can scratch your floors to a minimum,” he says. Place a mat inside and outside of doors, and use runners and rugs in areas that get a lot of use, such as mudrooms, hallways, and kitchens.

5. Not Sealing Your Stone Regularly

Wipe up spills as quickly as possible to avoid staining or etching.

For many stones, sealing is part of a recommended general maintenance plan. While it is possible for homeowners to seal their own stone, experts agree that a professional will deliver the best results.

“I tell customers to expect to see me once every three to five years,” says Lesnar. “Sometimes if it’s a high profile area with a lot of windows, you’ll want to call me every year.”

If you do seal your stone yourself, make sure you use a solvent-based impregnating sealer, says Laviolette. “It’s preventative maintenance, but it’s not a be-all, end-all cure,” he says. “It’s like applying stain and water repellant to your carpet; it can help prevent your stone from etching but you still need to perform regular cleaning.”

With proper care and maintenance, natural stone surfaces will stay beautiful for years to come. Every stone is unique—and for many homeowners, little imperfections and etches in the stone’s surface become part of the stone’s story. Learn more about choosing natural stone surfaces here and here.

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