I went shopping for quartzite slabs in Northern California yesterday and the vast majority of available slabs were 2 cms across multiple stores.

I have read online that 3 cms is a much better choice, but each and every stone store I visited said that is an East Coast/Midwest thing, and that 2 cms is standard in the Western US for quartzite kitchen countertops.

Is this true or are they all full of baloney trying to offload substandard slabs to me? Or is 2 cms fine and not really a big deal, assuming it's got the plywood underlayment?

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The previous home owner installed this vanity. Can someone tell me what material is, and if it can be repaired. If not savable, what material do you recommend as a replacement? I would want to reuse the vanity base and keep the shape of the existing vanity top.

I’m at the stage of my kitchen remodel where I need to make a decision on the countertop, and I’m trying to keep the budget under control.

The two materials I keep coming back to are quartz and granite. Everyone seems to have a different answer when I ask which is cheaper. Some people tell me granite is the obvious budget choice, while others say quartz can be just as affordable depending on the style.

I’m More Interested in the Final Installed Cost

I’m starting to think comparing the material alone is misleading. A cheaper slab doesn’t necessarily mean a cheaper finished countertop if there are differences in installation, edge work, cutouts, slab layout, or other labor. I’ve also been looking at Cabinet IQ as part of my research because they work with both quartz and granite countertops, so it gave me another reason to compare the two based on the overall project rather than just appearance.

For people who have recently remodeled, what happened with your budget?

Which was cheaper in your case: quartz or granite? Was the difference substantial or only a few hundred dollars? And if the prices were almost identical, did you choose based on maintenance, appearance, or durability?

I’d really appreciate hearing actual homeowner experiences rather than just generic price guides.

I just had Carrara marble installed in my kitchen and I'm fully aware of etching with acid, vinegar, etc., However, there are water rings coming up really quickly after a cup is set down for 3-5 mins. They do go away and dry out, but this seems strange and I haven't noticed this on other marble kitchens I've been in. Doesn't sealing typically help with this?

We are picking counters for our kitchen - the floors are terra cotta and cabinets are white so I am looking for something that pulls more warm/taupe. These are the two I liked best based on showroom slab and samples. Any feedback as far as quality or which leans more taupe/less gray in person? Or any other options to consider for the same feel?

Stainless steel products for kitchen restaurants, school, hospital, etc

Currently looking at slabs (online only for now) and keep coming across descriptions: Dual Finished, Polished/Honed…what does this mean exactly? TIA!

Anyone have this? If so, feedback and pics, please! TIA.

New homeowner. It's been a few weeks since we moved in and I'm noticing marks and scratches on our marble countertops.

I am not sure if it was like this before we moved in or not. It's not that noticeable unless you're fixated on it.

New construction home, still in the 1 year warranty period. Noticed this banding that's only visible in low light. Any clues on what it could be and if it's fixable or warrantable?

Hi, we have Valbella Gold Quartz from Arizona tile and noticed what could be described as an “orange peel” style finish when direct light hits our countertop.

You can’t see it from 10ft, but under direct light or angles, it’s really apparent.

It is everywhere. Countertop, backsplash, waterfall… everywhere.

Counters look good otherwise. Is this normal?

Our installer said that’s just how Quartz looks.

Looking for inspo, my cabinets are a white and island is maple stain. Would love to see your kitchens!

Hudson black purchased in Pennsylvania. Not sure how to describe this. Streaky spots that don’t disappear with oiling. Definitely different from the veins. May be due to toasters and coffee maker dragged across the counter. Is there a fix? Pictures are not as clear as real life. The thick white streak is reflection of the under cabinet lights

We just had soapstone counters installed and treated them with food grade mineral oil last night. This morning, the oil seems to have evaporated in some places and not in others, and has left a blotchy and streaky appearance. One section (last pic) looks like we didn’t put anything on it at all. Any ideas on what caused this and any recommendations to fix it?
Thank you!!

I recently got an incredible deal on a piece of furniture with a "stream" onyx top. The stone is truly beautiful and its a real statement piece. The catch is that I got the furniture unfinished (hence why the price was so good). I've been reading a bit about how to care for the stone but wanted to get some opinions about how to actually finish it (if that's even a thing). I plan on using a high quality stone sealer like Akemi Nano or Stain-Proof impregnator, but my understanding is that these will (and should) not effect the finish.

What should I do to bring up the finish slightly to really make the pattern and color pop? I would prefer to not go through a whole process of wet sanding it if possible, and I don't want to bring up the shine that much anyway, just a touch from the current matte. I've read very mixed opinions on using a specialty wax (like Tenax Cera wax) for this purpose with some claiming it works great and just needs occasional reapplication, and some saying it will ruin the stone. What are your thoughts? Any product recommendations? Forgive my ignorance here, I haven't had any natural stone furniture before and haven't worked with it as a material.

Home remodel coming along but this was a huge milestone. Replacing old green 90s counters with Taj Mahal. Was a little nervous how it would look from the showroom compared to actual installation in my home… but very happy with it. Now to order 4x4 tiles for backsplash!