Question 1

How much do quartz countertops cost in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the slab you choose, the layout, thickness, edge detail and cutouts. Send us your dimensions or a cabinet drawing and we will return a written itemized quote — templating, fabrication, cutouts, removal and installation all included.

Question 2

Granite vs quartz — which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Quartz is engineered, less porous than natural stone, never needs sealing and offers highly consistent patterning. Granite is natural, exceptionally heat resistant, unique slab to slab, and benefits from sealing every 1–3 years. For busy family kitchens we usually recommend quartz; for bakers and heavy cooktop users granite remains outstanding.

Question 3

Do countertops need to be sealed?

Accepted Answer

Quartz, porcelain, Dekton and sintered stone never require sealing. Granite, marble and quartzite should be sealed at installation and re-treated every one to three years — we supply the sealer and show you how.

Question 4

Can you replace countertops without replacing my cabinets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is one of our most common projects. We remove existing tops carefully, protect your cabinet boxes and finishes, and install new stone directly on the existing bases.

Question 5

How thick should my countertops be?

Accepted Answer

3cm (1-1/4") is the standard for kitchens and needs no plywood substrate.

Question 6

Can you install a full-height backsplash?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Full slab backsplashes keep grout lines to a minimum and can be vein-matched or bookmatched to your countertop.

Question 7

Do you do fireplace surrounds and TV walls?

Accepted Answer

Yes — floor-to-ceiling stone walls, floating hearths, mantel-free modern surrounds and heat-rated large-format porcelain for above-firebox applications.

Question 8

What does a stone fireplace add to my home?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the visual focal point, stone is non-combustible, easy to keep clean with minimal grout lines, will not yellow like paint, and consistently ranks among the highest-return interior upgrades at resale.

Question 9

What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?

Accepted Answer

Quartz is a man-made composite of ground quartz and resin. Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone — harder than granite, with marble-like veining and a higher price point.

Question 10

Is Dekton better than quartz for outdoor kitchens?

Accepted Answer

For anything exposed to direct sun, yes. Dekton and porcelain are UV stable and will not yellow or fade, while resin-based quartz can discolour outdoors.

Question 11

Can marble be used in a kitchen?

Accepted Answer

It can, and it is stunning, but marble is softer and etches with acids like lemon and wine. We recommend a honed finish, prompt sealing, and realistic expectations about developing patina.

Question 12

How do I care for my new stone countertops?

Accepted Answer

Wipe with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner, use trivets under extremely hot pans, avoid abrasive pads and bleach, and use a cutting board. That is genuinely all quartz needs.

Question 13

Will there be visible seams?

Accepted Answer

We plan seams during layout to fall in the least visible location and colour-match epoxy on site. On most kitchens seams are barely detectable, and jumbo slabs often let us go seam-free.

Question 14

Do you fabricate sink and cooktop cutouts?

Accepted Answer

All cutouts — undermount sinks, farmhouse aprons, drop-in and slide-in cooktops, faucet and soap dispenser holes — are CNC-cut and polished in our facility.

Question 15

Do you supply and install undermount sinks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we supply stainless and composite sinks or install one you have purchased, including reinforced rail mounting.

Question 16

Do you work with builders and designers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle multi-unit residential, custom-home programs and design-trade accounts with staged delivery and trade pricing.

Question 17

What is bookmatching?

Accepted Answer

Bookmatching mirrors two consecutive slabs so the veining opens like a butterfly. It is spectacular for full-height backsplashes and fireplace walls and requires slabs purchased as a sequential pair.

Question 18

Can you build a waterfall island?

Accepted Answer

Waterfall islands are one of our specialties. The panels are mitred at 45° and vein-matched so the movement flows continuously from the top down to the floor.

Question 19

How much does a bathroom vanity top cost?

Accepted Answer

Vanity tops are priced per project based on the material, sink type and edge profile.

Question 20

Can you install over existing tile or laminate?

Accepted Answer

We do not install over existing surfaces. Removing the old top guarantees correct height, level substrate and a warrantable installation.

Question 21

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Nepean, Orleans, Stittsville, Gloucester, Manotick, Greely, Rockland, Kemptville, Arnprior and Carleton Place, plus surrounding Eastern Ontario communities.

Question 22

How do I get an exact quote?

Accepted Answer

Send dimensions or a cabinet drawing through our quote form, or book a free consultation.

Question 23

Do you handle commercial projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes — restaurant bars, hotel washrooms, reception desks, retail displays and multi-residential packages.

Countertop questions, answered plainly

Talk to a fabricator, not a call centre