Skip to main content
Version: 2026.08.01

Countertops & Slab

Countertops are one of the most visible surfaces in your home. Natural stone and engineered quartz offer different looks and care requirements, and natural stone in particular varies from slab to slab.

Natural Stone​

Nothing makes more of a statement than a beautiful natural stone slab. Known for durability and longevity, natural stone comes in an abundance of colors and types. Different stones suit different uses depending on their hardness and porosity. Granite, for example, is one of the top choices for a high-use kitchen countertop because it is one of the hardest stones available.

All natural stone slabs begin as giant pieces of rock removed from quarries and cut into slabs. Each slab has its own shape and characteristics:

  • Natural markings are normal. Veining, crystallization, irregular markings, and shading are all normal aspects of natural stone and add to its authentic look. No two slabs look exactly the same.
  • Inclusions and fissures. Some markings may be mistaken for imperfections. Inclusions—mineral spots darker or lighter in color—are particularly common in granite. Fissures are often mistaken for cracks but are not. Veining direction may also be inconsistent throughout a slab. These are natural characteristics, not defects.
  • Seams. If an area requires more than one piece of stone, seaming is necessary. Seam placement is dictated by the size of the slabs, the density of the stone, and the layout. The same stone installed in two identical layouts can have different seam locations because of slab size. Slabs with more pronounced veining increase the visibility of seams.
  • Surface texture. Even after the manufacturer's polishing or honing, no natural stone slab has a perfectly smooth surface. Small chips or pits may be apparent in different lighting, and faint cloudy spots may become visible when viewing the countertop from different angles.

To keep stone protected from daily use, ask your design specialist for recommendations on sealing, and maintain all caulked areas to guard against water damage. An Invisablock granite sealer is available; this product is intended for granite and is not needed for quartz selections.

Engineered Quartz​

Engineered quartz is quarried from the same resources as natural stone and granite. The term "engineered" refers to the manufacturing process after the material leaves the quarry: the quartz is pulverized and combined with pigments and fillers to create a slurry that is poured into a slab form. The slab hardens into a non-porous, durable surface that is stain- and bacteria-resistant.

Quartz surfaces are non-porous and need no additional sealing. While moderate temperature changes are tolerated, radical temperature changes—such as placing an extremely hot pan directly on the surface—can damage it. Always use a hot pad or trivet when setting a hot pan on a quartz countertop.

Care Tips: See Countertops Use & Care and Man-Made Stone Use & Care for cleaning and maintenance.

Warranty Coverage: See Countertops and Man-Made Stone standards for coverage periods and exclusions.