Frequently asked questions.

  • We work with a range of high-quality natural and engineered stones, including granite, quartz, marble, and more. We’re happy to help you choose the best material for your space and lifestyle.

  • Yes. We offer on-site consultations to understand your layout, lighting, and preferences. This helps us provide accurate estimates and personalized design suggestions.

  • Most installations take between 5–7 days, depending on the scope of the project. We’ll give you a clear timeline during your consultation.

  • Yes, we ask that countertops be cleared and cabinets be emptied if needed. We’ll guide you through prep steps before your scheduled install to ensure everything goes smoothly.

  • Absolutely. We offer a variety of stone edge profiles to match your style. You can preview them on our [Services] page or during your consultation.

  • We do sell sinks appliances. (Link) for sicks. For appliances, we proudly recommend our partner business Olson Appliance, located right here in Northeast Iowa. They carry a full line of high-quality refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and more.Visit Olson Appliance ➜

  • Granite is a natural stone with one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz is an engineered stone known for its durability and uniform appearance. Both are excellent options — we’ll help you compare them based on your preferences and usage needs.

  • Use a soft cloth with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers. We’ll provide simple care instructions based on the material you choose.

  • Yes. Our team is fully licensed, insured, and trained to install countertops with professionalism and precision.

  • We stand by the quality of our work. Specific warranty details vary by material, but we’ll walk you through coverage during your quote and install.

How to care for natural stone:

  • Always seal if your countertop has not been sealed yet, or if it has been a while since the last time. It’s a simple process that helps prevent stains and saves you from potential headaches. To check if resealing is needed, pour a little water on the surface—if it beads up, you’re good. If it soaks in, it’s time to reseal. On average, sealing should be done every 12–18 months, but frequency depends on how heavily the surface is used and the cleaning products you use.

    If a stain does occur, you can use a stone poultice to pull it out in most cases.

  • We can seal your countertop during fabrication, or you can do it at home with a quality sealer. Countertops typically need resealing every 12–18 months. The best way to know is by testing—pour a small amount of water on the surface. If it beads, it’s sealed. If it absorbs, it’s time to reseal.

  • Every color and stone type reacts differently depending on the minerals it’s made from. Harder stones like quartzites will have less texture than most granites. Brushed is a more aggressive finish and will feel more textured, while leathered is a bit lighter in texture. To most people, the difference is subtle.

  • Porcelain slabs and certain granites are the best options, especially if the area is uncovered. A leathered or brushed finish typically performs better outdoors than polished.

    Granite slabs that do well outside include:

    • Silver Pearl

    • India Black Pearl

    • Black Absolute

    • India Copper Brown

    • Viscont White

    • Nero Argento

    • Marble – Softer and more porous. Dolomite marbles are harder and less porous but can still etch.

    • Quartzite – Harder than marble. White quartzites need to be sealed 2–3 times with a quartzite sealer. Exotic and rare, often more expensive.

    • Granite – Hard and less porous overall, though some types (Fantasy Black, Cosmos, Metallic) are softer. Durable, versatile, and widely available.

    • Quartz – A manmade product of crushed quartz, resin, and pigments. Higher quality quartz is 90%+ natural quartz. Known for consistent appearance, lower maintenance, and styles that often mimic marble.

  • Quartzite, granite, and quartz are all durable, long-lasting surfaces. Maintenance needs are similar—sealing is recommended for natural stones like quartzite and granite. Quartz does not require sealing and offers consistent looks with less day-to-day upkeep. Quartzite, while more exotic and unique, is often higher priced. Granite offers a wide range of natural colors and patterns with excellent durability.

  • Granite is made up of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, each with different hardness levels. These minerals polish differently, which can create slight variations in sheen. Natural fissures may also be visible depending on the lighting, but these are part of the stone’s character—not defects.

  • Seal with a quartzite sealer such as Nano Pro (make sure the surface is completely dry first). Clean with dish soap or another gentle, non-acidic, non-alkaline cleaner. If a stain occurs, a stone poultice can help pull it out.

  • Honed, brushed, and leathered finishes can be slightly more porous than polished. Regardless of finish, regular sealing is recommended.

  • A fissure is a naturally occurring feature in stone created when different minerals meet. You may be able to see or feel it, but it is structurally sound and not the same as a crack. Cracks are breaks in the stone that affect integrity, while fissures are naturally formed and stable.

  • The finish is done at the factory. However, we can order refinished slabs for you at an additional cost.

  • Stone is made up of different types of minerals so when the different minerals come together, they can create a natural fissure. You might be able to feel it but it is not a crack because its been filled by the manufacturer to make it structurally sound.

  • Its done at the factory but our Lincoln, Nebraska location can refinish slabs as well for an additional cost.

  • Quartz, granite, and quartzite are all highly durable options. Sealing is still recommended for natural stones to prevent staining.

  • Polished quartzite has a protective finish that makes it slightly less porous than honed quartzite. Honed quartzite may absorb more, but both should be sealed to maximize protection.

  • Try to seal once a year, depending on wear and tear. Perform the water-bead test to check if resealing is needed.

  • Depends on the size, thickness, and material. Natural stone and quartz are anywhere from 800–1200 lbs per slab. Porcelain is typically 150–700 lbs per slab.

  • The price depends on factors such as rarity, pattern, and uniformity of the material. Some stones are harder to work with, which increases labor costs (e.g., quartzite and porcelain). Finish (honed, brushed, leathered) and thickness (2cm vs. 3cm) can also affect the price.