What are the standard dimensions of natural stone slabs?

Slab sizes can vary greatly but the typical minimum average sizes of Sage Surfaces natural stone slabs are 105” x 54” and the thickness can be 3/4” or 1-1/4”. The natural stone slabs are packed in bundles of approximately 400 to 450 square feet, each bundle including approximately 8 to 10 natural stone slabs.

Why should I choose Sage Surfaces natural stone?

• It’s an aesthetically decorative natural stone surface
• Extremely durable as it is one of the hardest natural products
• Adds sophistication to your home and style in your kitchen or bathroom
• Unique colors, shades, and patterns
• Ease of maintenance
• Protects against mold and mildew
• Maintains its polished look
• Normal use of kitchen knives or cookware will not leave scratches
• Adds to the resale value of your home

Do I need to be at the home during the measuring and installation phases?

We recommend you be at the home during template/measure process to answer any potential design questions and provide input on seam locations. You must be present during installation as well.

Can I cut on my natural stone countertop?

Natural stone is extremely hard and can withstand even the sharpest knives but doing so will quickly dull your knives, so we recommend a cutting board.

Can my natural stone countertop be damaged?

Like any surface, high impact blows can do harm to your natural stone, and it can chip if subjected to sharp-tipped hard objects. Although Sage Surfaces natural stone installations come sealed, unsealed natural stone can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect natural stone under normal circumstances, but it is recommended to use trivets whenever possible.

My small tile sample of natural stone has pits on the surface, will I have these on my countertops?

Natural stone often has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystal as well as natural fissures. These are not structural defects and occur naturally due to the immense amount of heat and pressure the stone is subjected to prior to being mined. “Pitting” in the natural stone is simply where perhaps a small crystalline quartz void occurs; it is not a sign that the natural stone is deteriorating. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material.

Can I set a hot pot on my natural stone countertop?

Natural stone is formed by extreme heat and pressure occurring beneath the earth’s crust. It is highly unlikely that a natural stone countertop would crack or discolor when exposed to a hot pan, but a trivet is recommended.

Can my natural stone countertop chip?

Yes, but usually only in cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool. If a minor chip should occur, it can usually be repaired using a natural stone dust and epoxy mixture.

Can natural stone crack?

Natural stone is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation, but once installed it will not crack under normal circumstance. Extreme home settling or shifting foundations can cause cracks, and we do not recommend you stand on the countertops.

Can natural stone be repaired?

It is extremely hard to damage natural stone due to its natural characteristics. If any damage should occur, it can usually be repaired with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of natural stone.

Are seams visible?

A colored epoxy resin is used during installation that is mixed with colored crystals to match the natural stone as closely as possible; however, you will be able to see and feel the seams.

Does natural stone stain?

Most natural stones are porous to some degree. The countertops will be installed with sealer in place that prevents stains. Post installation, you can use cleaning products that have a sealer as part of the formulation which will refresh and replenish the sealer.

How do I clean my natural stone countertop?

Everyday care - simply clean with soap and water. Wipe dry to prevent streaking. 

Will my natural stone look like the online sample?

The online sample is a color reference only. Natural stone is a natural material so each slab will vary slightly in color, tone, pattern, etc. so it is always recommended to visit the natural stone distributor to hand selects your slabs.

How is natural stone formed?

Natural stone is an igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture. It is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts off as liquid magma deep within the earth’s core where it is cooled and compressed over millions of years under tons of pressure. It is then quarried, cut and polished. After that process it can be applied in various ways like kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, among other applications.

Is natural stone expensive?

The cost of natural stone counters can vary a lot depending on the color, edge profile and custom shapes used in the layout. Sage Surfaces natural stone countertop pricing is very competitive.

Why is quartz different to marble and natural stone?

Quartz is an engineered stone so it is man-made while marble and natural stone are natural stones. Quartz color and patterns are consistent while natural stone colors and patterns can vary greatly from slab to slab.

Where can I use natural stone?

Natural stone is suitable for kitchen countertops, vanity units and other custom designs.

Are there different qualities of natural stone?

Yes, there are different qualities of natural stone. Sage Surfaces natural stone countertops are first quality material and not commercial grade.

Can I have input on the layout of my countertops?

Yes. It is recommended that you visit the location housing the material and choose your stone with a layout in mind.

How do I support overhang?

Anything with an overhang of more than 10” needs to have a support. You should consult one of our certified fabricators to determine what support is required and your options for the support.

What is the difference between “honed” and “polished” natural stone?

Honed and polished refer to the finish of the natural stone. The finish of honed natural stone will range from flat to a low sheen gloss, which gives the stone a softer look. Polished natural stone refers to the glossy, highly reflective appearance, giving it a smooth, sleek look. A polished finish is much easier to maintain than the honed finish and is standard on all Sage Surfaces natural stone countertops.