Questions & Answers
What is marble?
Marble, serpentine, and onyx are traditionally prizes for their aesthetic appeal, accentuated by distinct veining and bold colors. They are relatively softer than granite, although some serpentines are as dense as some granite. Kitchen utensils can scratch marble, so it is best to use cutting boards and other protective measures. Use only non-abrasive cleaning products as the use of inappropriate cleaning agents may trigger acidic attacks.
What is granite?
Granite is a popular stone type used in countertops today. In addition to being among the hardest of the common countertop stones, granite offers high levels of resistance to abrasion and scratching. The primary minerals in granite are resistant to almost all chemicals commonly found in a home.
What is slate?
Slate is a softer stone than granite and vulnerable to scratching and abrasion. However, they do have high resistance to chemicals, which have made them useful in traditional chemistry laboratory tops. Slate is a natural product, which has subtle varying colors to choose from. A benefit of slate is that it is a non-porous surface that makes it easy to clean and requires less maintenance than granite, marble or concrete.
What are limestone and travertine?
These materials are calcium based similar to marble. Scratches and abrasions remain a concern and are more apparent when the stone is polished. Since they are prone to absorbing water, sealing is the best way to help protect the surface.
What is quartz?
Quartz has become one of the most popular products for countertops today. It is a man-made product made up of quartz chips and dust bonded together with resins. Today the primary difference from natural stone is the appearance. Because it is a manufactured product it comes in a large range of consistent colors, which do not occur naturally in nature, and gives the customer the flexibility to choose the color and look that they want.
What is the average price for a kitchen countertop?
There is no average cost, at least none that would be valuable for any homeowner looking to get new countertops. Because of the various factors that go into a job including the types of material to use and the uniqueness of each project it’s virtually impossible to give a useful average price. It’s best to sit down with one of our designers and begin looking at your project so we can then determine the scope of the job and then we can better give you an idea as to the cost.
Will you help me with design and color selection?
Yes, we will! And that's an important question. Most of our customers come to us because of our customer service and how we manage to help them with all the details. We recommend them to bring us a sample of their tile and cabinet/cabinet color. The rest is on us! We will ask a few questions to understand what the customer likes and to take them in the right direction. It's also important to understand the design of your home. Even though you may love the modern style, if you have a traditional home, you should stick to a traditional design. We will help you with that!
Will there be a noticeable seam?
Many of our customers tell us that other fabricators promised an unnoticeable seam. So let us be honest with you - any seam is noticeable! We have seams in our showroom so the customers can visualize what a seam looks like, and our goal is to avoid seams if possible. Most kitchens require at least one seam, but it all depends on the layout and how long your countertops are.
Can you remove my counters?
Yes, we can remove and dispose your old counters but if you're handy or have handy friends, we can also teach you have to do it yourself. Our goal is to help you save money where you can, and allow you to splurge on the centerpiece of your project, which is always the stone.
Do you have remnants?
Yes, we have a large remnant inventory of many different types of stone. Stop by and see if we have the stone you want in stock. If not, our management should have no problem finding it for you.
Can I use marble in the kitchen?
Yes, you can. Many people use marble in their kitchens and love it. The only thing is, marble is soft and can easily stain. We usually give our customers a cutting board as a gift, which can be used in many different ways, helping to avoid stains.
Can I cut on granite?
Yes, you can. The right question though, would be if you could cut on any granite. Then the answer would be no. When getting granite countertops, ask us if the granite you like is hard enough to allow you to cut on it.
How often should I seal my countertops?
At Litchfield Hills Marble and Granite, we offer the latest technology in sealing. Our free of charge 20-year warranty sealer is available to all of our customers, with no exception. Our granite is durable and easy to care even more than any engineered quartz surface. At our shop, we will apply the first four quotes of our sealer, allowing each application to dry. After the countertops are installed and the seams are filled, one last coat is applied at your house. Ask one of our sales reps for more information on how you can protect your investment.