CounterTops

Since our slabs are typically sold in sizes up to 66 by 112 inches, most kitchen countertops will have seams to accommodate the layout. The number and placement of seams depend on factors like sink and cooktop cut-outs, countertop material, installation location, and design preferences. Seam placement is carefully determined during the template and fabrication process to ensure a seamless look and optimal countertop performance. 

Due to its exceptional hardness, granite countertops are highly resistant to scratches and cuts. Everyday kitchen knives and utensils won’t cause damage, making granite a durable choice for busy kitchens. However, it’s still recommended to use a cutting board to protect both your knives and maintain the countertop’s polished finish.

While marble countertops offer timeless beauty, GranBrazil generally does not recommend marble for kitchen surfaces due to its softness and susceptibility to damage. Marble is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, making it vulnerable to etching and dulling from common household acids like vinegar, citrus, mustard, and ketchup. Additionally, marble and limestone are softer than granite and can scratch more easily in busy kitchen environments. For durable and low-maintenance kitchen countertops, materials like granite, quartzite, or quartz are often better choices. 

 To keep your countertops looking beautiful and lasting longer, follow these care tips:

• Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains and damage. 
• Use a clean, dry cloth for wiping your countertops for the best results. 
• Clean stone surfaces with a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner, such as mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners that can damage the stone. 
• Avoid using too much soap or cleaner, as it may leave a residue or streaks on your countertop. 
• After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a soft cloth to maintain a streak-free finish. 
• For natural stone countertops like granite and marble, reseal them twice a year to protect against stains and moisture. Quality sealers are available from GranBrazil or home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s.

No, etching on stone countertops is usually caused by harsh cleaners or acidic substances like citrus, which can dull or remove the polished surface. Unlike stains, which occur when a substance soaks into the stone and can often be cleaned or removed, etching affects the stone’s finish and requires polishing to restore the shine. Proper cleaning and care can help prevent etching on natural stone surfaces like granite and marble. 

 Quartz countertops are not considered natural stone like granite or quartzite. Instead, quartz is an engineered stone surface, made by combining natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments. While it contains natural materials, quartz is a man-made countertop designed for enhanced durability, consistency, and low maintenance. 

Quartz countertops are not ideal for outdoor use. While quartz is durable and low maintenance, prolonged exposure to UV rays and outdoor weather conditions can lead to fading, discoloration, and surface damage over time. If you’re looking for countertops for outdoor kitchens or patio spaces, consider materials specifically designed for outdoor environments, such as granite or quartzite. 

Yes, quartz countertops are heat resistant, but they are not heatproof. Most quartz surfaces can withstand temperatures up to 400°F. However, placing hot pots, pans, or baking trays directly on the surface can cause thermal shock, leading to discoloration, cracking, or permanent damage. To protect your investment, always use trivets or heat pads when placing hot cookware on your quartz countertop. 

Quartz countertops are highly durable and built to withstand everyday wear and tear. They are resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, making them an excellent choice for busy kitchens and bathrooms. Quartz is considered one of the hardest engineered stone surfaces and offers long-lasting performance and low maintenance.

Quartz countertops are non-porous and highly stain-resistant, making them an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Unlike natural stone, quartz does not absorb liquids, which helps prevent staining from everyday spills. However, it's still recommended to clean up spills quickly, especially from strong substances like red wine, coffee, tea, or cooking oils, to maintain the countertop’s appearance over time. 

Dos 

• Dust mop floors regularly to prevent dirt and debris buildup that can scratch stone surfaces. 
• Clean countertops and floors with a mild detergent or stone-safe cleaner to protect the finish and preserve the natural beauty of granite, quartzite, marble, and quartz. 
• Rinse and dry surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to avoid streaks and residue. 
• Blot up spills immediately to prevent stains on natural stone or quartz countertops. 
• Use non-slip mats or area rugs on stone floors, and always protect countertops with coasters, trivets, or placemats to minimize damage from heat, moisture, or abrasive objects.

Donts (Natural Stone) 

• Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleaners on granite, marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx, as they can etch and dull the surface. 
• Avoid using harsh bathroom or grout cleaners that contain acids, which can damage natural stone surfaces. 
• Do not use abrasive cleaners like soft cleansers, dry powders, or scrub pads that can scratch or wear down the surface. 
• Never mix bleach and ammonia, as it creates toxic, potentially lethal fumes. 

Donts (Quartz)

• Avoid placing items over 400°F directly on the surface—always use trivets or hot pads to prevent heat damage.
• Please click HERE  to be redirected to DalOne quartz site for more information on care and cleaning.

Always use coasters under all glasses, especially those containing alcohol or citrus juices, as these can contain acids that may etch or dull your natural stone surface. Avoid placing hot items directly on the countertop. Instead, use trivets, heat resistant mats, or hot pads under hot dishes. To prevent scratches, place protective mats under china, ceramic dishes, silverware, or any other abrasive items. These steps will help maintain the durability and appearance of your stone countertops over time. 

Vanity Top Surfaces

Vanity tops may need to have a penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. To minimize water spotting, a good quality marble wax or non-yellowing automobile paste wax can be used.

Food Preparation Surfaces

In food preparation areas, the stone may need to have penetrating sealer applied. Check with your installer for recommendations. If a sealer is applied, be sure that it is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. If there are any questions, check with the sealer manufacturer.

Floor Surfaces

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean, non-treated dry dust mop. Due to their abrasiveness, sand, dirt, and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces. To minimize the sand, dirt, and grit that can scratch the stone floor, we recommend to use mats or area rugs inside and outside the entrance. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn because the metal/plastic attachments or wheels can scratch the surface.

Baths & Other Wet Areas

In the bath or other wet areas, a squeegee can be used to minimize soap scum. To remove the soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about ½ cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Be careful not to overuse an ammonia solution as this can eventually dull the surface of the stone.

Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas

In outdoor pool, patio, or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.

Other Surfaces

Use a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid-dish washing detergent with warm water to clean stone surfaces. For the best results, use a clean rag mop on the floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces. If you use too much cleaner or soap, this could leave a film and cause streaks. Avoid products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids on your marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after using the soap solution and finish by drying with a soft cloth.