Living Space Designs

Timeless Countertops- Care & Maintenance

When deciding on which countertop you want it is important to understand its durability, material, and cost.

Our most popular countertop materials here at Living space Designs are quartz, granite, and quartzite.

Each countertop material has different price points based on their grouping. Usually the higher the grouping, the more expensive the material is. Quartzite is the most expensive material, so clients whose budget allows will often use it as an accent material like on an island.

There are other countertop materials like marble, limestone, and soapstone that look beautiful; however, we rarely use them due to durability and practicality.

Image Showroom @stonecollection

Granite

Granite Overview

Granite is a product of nature and is categorized as a natural stone. Be careful, as there are many man-made products designed and created to look just like natural granite.

Since granite is quarried from various places around the world, it makes them a unique addition to your home.

Since granite is a product of nature it is subject to inherent variations in texture, color, veining. We recommend your designer help you pick out your slab.

Color

The color of granite varies from slab to slab due to it being a natural stone. The color can even vary within the slab itself.

Heat

Granite is easily resistant to temperatures up to 480 degrees, but the use of a protectant such as a placemat is still recommended.

Durability

You should not stand on your countertops as they are not flexible and can crack. Granite countertops are extremely durable, but they are not indestructible. If you drop something heavy on your granite countertops, they might chip.

Image Slab Yard @ Arizona Tile

Quartzite

Quartzite Overview

Quartzite is a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock that was originally pure quartz sandstone.

Quartzite begins its geologic life as sand grains, perhaps on a beach, desert dune, or riverbed. Over time, the sand grains become compressed and stuck together to form sandstone.

Since quartzite is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, this means it’s harder than glass and harder than a knife blade.

Color

Quartzite is usually white or gray because quartz sand is light-colored. Additional minerals carried by groundwater can impart hues of green, blue, or iron-red. They can also have different colors threaded through such as a little black or brown threading.

Heat

Since it is a natural stone, it can withstand cooking temperatures of about 450 degrees. It's recommended though that you still use something to protect your countertop from heat such as a placemat or coaster.

Scratches

Even though it is a hard stone, you should still use a cutting board to protect the surface of your quartzite countertop

Chemicals

Quartzite will not etch from acids like lemon juice or vinegar. You should avoid exposing quartzite to strong chemicals.

Quartz

Quartz Overview

Quartz Countertops became quite a popular choice due to their durability and stain resistance.

Quartz is a man-made product made up of granite which is bound with resin and other materials.

Due to the process of how quartz countertops are made, it should be noted that samples typically will not match slabs exactly and could have several variations from the slabs in color, shade, pattern.

Color

There are many quartz variations of color, pattern, and shade. Most quartz manufacturers have a large assortment of different colors of quartz from black and bronze, to white and cream leaving plenty of room for the buyer’s preferences.

Heat

Your pots and pans that are coming out of the oven at a temperature of 425 degrees or lower can be placed safely on the countertop.

Scratches

Though Quartz is scratch-resistant, it is not scratch-proof. Be sure to use a cutting board instead of cutting on the countertop itself.

Chemical

You should avoid exposing quartz to strong chemicals.

We offer many brands of Quartz including:

Caesarstone
Silestone by Cosentino*
Della Terra by Arizona Tile
One Quartz by Daltile

We are an elite Silestone Showroom.

Quartz by Silestone with waterfall edge

Countertop Care & Maintenance

Granite and Quartzite

You should have a regular maintenance regimen to help your natural stone become more resistant to scratches.
Immediately wipe up any spills in order to avoid staining.
Use warm water instead of harsh chemicals when wiping down your counters.
Protect your countertops from the heat by using potholders or trivets.

Quartz

Avoid using abrasive sponges.
Use a cutting board to prevent scratching from the knife.
Use warm water or a PH-neutral cleaner to wipe down your countertops.
Try to avoid direct UV rays on your countertops in order to prevent the change of color over time.