The Complete Guide to Purchasing Stone Countertops: What to Know Before You Buy
Upgrading your countertops is a significant investment that can enhance the aesthetics, functionality, and value of your home. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space, understanding the purchasing process is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying stone countertops, from selecting the right material to budgeting and finding cost-saving opportunities.
Understanding Your Needs and Preferences
Before diving into the world of stone countertops, it’s essential to assess your specific needs and preferences:
- Usage Patterns: Consider how frequently and intensively you’ll use the countertop. For high-traffic areas like kitchens, durability is paramount.
- Aesthetic Goals: Determine the look and feel you desire. Stone countertops come in various colors, patterns, and finishes to match different design themes.
- Maintenance Expectations: Some stones require more upkeep than others. Decide how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintenance.
Exploring Stone Countertop Materials
Stone countertops offer a range of options, each with its unique characteristics:
- Granite: Known for its durability and natural beauty, granite is resistant to heat and scratches. However, it requires periodic sealing to prevent stains.
- Quartz: An engineered stone combining natural quartz with resins, quartz countertops are non-porous, low-maintenance, and available in various colors and patterns.
- Marble: Renowned for its elegance, marble offers a timeless appeal. It’s softer than granite and quartz, making it more susceptible to scratches and stains.
- Quartzite: A natural stone that combines the beauty of marble with the durability of granite. It’s more resistant to scratches and heat but may require sealing.
Stone Countertop Finishes: What to Know
The finish you choose for your stone countertop plays a major role in both appearance and performance. There are several popular finishes available—each with its own visual and tactile impact:
- Polished Finish
A polished surface is the most common and widely available. It’s glossy, smooth, and reflective, enhancing the stone’s natural color and pattern. Polished granite or quartz provides a luxurious, clean look and is easy to wipe down. However, the shine can show fingerprints and water spots more easily, especially on darker stones.
- Honed Finish
Honed finishes offer a matte or satin surface that feels smooth but not glossy. This style has gained popularity in recent years, especially in modern and rustic designs. It gives countertops a softer, more natural look, but it can be slightly more prone to staining if not sealed properly.
- Leathered Finish
Leathered stone has a textured, pebbled surface that adds depth and a tactile feel to your countertops. It’s created by applying diamond-tipped brushes to honed stone. Leathered finishes are ideal for hiding smudges, fingerprints, and watermarks—making them perfect for high-use areas. However, they’re less common than polished or honed and may cost more due to specialized processing.
- Flamed and Brushed Finishes
Less common but gaining popularity in unique spaces (especially outdoor kitchens), flamed stone is exposed to intense heat and then brushed for texture. This creates a rustic, slip-resistant surface with a natural, weathered appearance.
How to Spot Quality Stone
Not all stone slabs are created equal. When shopping for granite, marble, quartzite, or quartz, keep an eye out for key indicators of high-quality stone.
1. Visual Consistency
Look for slabs with consistent color and patterning—unless you’re aiming for a bold, irregular look. Excessive pitting, blotchy coloring, or large fissures may indicate lower-quality stone or improper handling.
2. Thickness
High-quality slabs typically come in standard thicknesses of 2cm or 3cm. Thinner slabs may be less durable and may require additional support or laminated edges, which can add to the cost.
3. Origin and Grade
Stone is graded from commercial to premium. Premium-grade slabs have fewer flaws, better polish, and more vibrant color. Ask your supplier about the country of origin and whether the stone is first grade.
4. Finish and Edge Quality
A poorly applied finish can result in dullness, uneven color, or rough patches. Check the edges for smooth, even finishing—especially if you’re selecting a custom edge profile.
5. Fabrication Quality
The quality of cutting, seam alignment, and installation is just as important as the stone itself. A great slab installed poorly can still look underwhelming. This is why working with experienced professionals like Masters Countertops is key to flawless results.
Budgeting Deep Dive: Hidden Costs and Smart Planning
It’s easy to focus on the price per square foot when shopping for countertops—but that number doesn’t tell the full story. Understanding exactly what’s included (and what isn’t) can make all the difference in choosing a countertop supplier.
Base Material Cost
This is the advertised price per square foot and varies based on the material, thickness, finish, and demand. For example:
- Standard granite or quartz: $40–$75/sq. ft.
- Exotic quartzite or marble: $70–$200+/sq. ft.
Fabrication and Customization (Other Providers May Charge Extra)
In many cases, the quoted price doesn’t include fabrication services or custom edge profiles. For example:
- Edge upgrades (e.g., ogee, mitered): $15–$30+/linear ft
- Cutouts for sinks, cooktops, outlets: $100–$400+ each
Masters Countertops includes templating, eased edge, and basic cutouts in your quote. Customizations may be added upon request.
Removal and Disposal of Old Countertops
Removing laminate, tile, or older stone surfaces adds time and labor. Budget:
- $200–$500 depending on the size and material of the old surface
Masters Countertops offers removal and haul-away services upon request to simplify your renovation process.
Plumbing and Appliance Reconnection
While Masters Countertops handles the countertop installation, reconnection of plumbing, faucets, garbage disposals, and cooktops falls to a licensed plumber or technician. This can range from:
- $150–$400+, depending on local rates and the complexity of your setup
Sealing and Protection
Natural stones like granite and marble require sealing:
- Initial sealing is included by Masters Countertops
- Annual resealing: $25–$50 for DIY kits
Quartz surfaces do not require sealing, which makes them lower maintenance over time.
Other Potential Add-Ons
- Backsplashes (full-height or 4-inch)
- Support brackets for large island overhangs
- 3D layout with vein matching or custom layouts
What’s Included at Masters Countertops?
At Masters Countertops, transparency is key. All prices per square foot include:
- ✅ Premium 3 cm Countertop Slab (not thinner, less durable options)
- ✅ Digital Laser Measurements for precise templating
- ✅ CNC Fabrication for accurate cutting and edge detailing
- ✅ Standard Eased Edge (a clean, versatile finish)
- ✅ Professional Installation by trained specialists
- ✅ Dishwasher Bracket for proper support
- ✅ Color-matched Caulking for a seamless and watertight finish
This comprehensive package ensures you’re getting not only a high-quality product but also professional craftsmanship and peace of mind—all bundled into one clear price.
Tips to Save on Countertop Materials
Maximize your investment by exploring cost-saving strategies:
- Choose Popular Colors: Opting for standard colors can be more affordable than rare or exotic hues.
- Use Remnants: For smaller projects, consider using leftover stone pieces from larger jobs, which are often sold at discounted rates.
- Simplify Edge Profiles: Standard edge designs are less expensive than intricate ones.
- Shop Around: Compare prices from multiple suppliers to find the best deals.
Selecting a Reputable Countertop Supplier
Choosing the right supplier ensures quality and reliability:
- Experience and Reputation: Look for suppliers with a proven track record and positive customer reviews.
- Material Selection: A wide variety of stone options allows for better customization.
- Fabrication and Installation Services: Suppliers offering end-to-end services can streamline the process.
- Warranty and Support: Ensure they provide warranties and responsive customer service.
At Masters Countertops, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality stone countertops with exceptional service from selection to installation.
Understanding the Purchasing Process
At Masters Countertops, our goal is to make the countertop purchasing process as smooth, transparent, and efficient as possible.
Here’s what to expect when you order from Masters Countertops:
- Stone Selection & Initial Measurements
The customer selects a stone from our extensive inventory of granite, quartz, marble, or quartzite countertops and provides basic dimensions of the project. - Quote Generation
A dedicated project manager confirms all necessary details and creates an accurate, no-obligation quote. - Order Confirmation & Deposit
Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll place the order and collect a 50% deposit to begin fabrication and scheduling. - Templating Appointment
We schedule a laser templating appointment to capture precise measurements for fabrication. This ensures a perfect fit for your cabinets and space. - Final Layout & Contract Approval
After templating, we send you the final contract including the exact measurements, layout, and edge profile selections for your approval. - Installation Scheduling
Once approved, we schedule your installation date—typically within 7 to 14 business days, depending on current project volume. - Final Payment & Installation
The final payment is due prior to installation. Our professional installers then deliver and install your countertops with care and precision.
This streamlined approach ensures you’re always in the loop, with clear timelines, expert guidance, and high-quality results.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Proper maintenance extends the life and beauty of your stone countertops:
- Regular Cleaning: Use mild detergent and soft cloth for daily cleaning.
- Sealing: Natural stones, like granite, marble and quartzite require periodic sealing to prevent stains.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damaging the surface.
- Use Cutting Boards and Trivets: Protect the surface from scratches.
Final Thoughts
Buying stone countertops is a smart investment that adds style, function, and value to your home. With the right material, finish, and supplier, the process can be smooth and rewarding.
At Masters Countertops, we make it easy, from expert guidance to clear pricing and precision installation. Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen, bath, or any other space, we’re here to help you make the right choice.
? Visit our showroom in 363 Alice Street, Wheeling, IL 60090 or request a quote online to get started.
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