Natural Stone Countertops FAQs

When renovating your kitchen or bathroom, one of the easiest ways to change up the look, design and functionality of either of these spaces is by installing new countertops. However, with so many different countertop options to choose from, narrowing down your choices can take time and effort. 

At GMS Werks, we are your countertops Omaha experts. With over 100 years of experience working with natural stone countertops, our team can help you find exactly what you are looking for in your next kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. Below, we go over some of the most common questions regarding natural stone countertops in Omaha!

What are the most popular natural stones used for countertops?

There are many different types of natural stone that are commonly used as kitchen and bathroom countertops. Of all the natural stones, granite, marble, quartzite, limestone, soapstone and slate are the most popular. Of these, granite, marble and quartzite are most commonly used and are what we supply here at GMS Werks. 

How thick does a countertop need to be?

Another question we frequently get asked is how thick should stone countertops be. On average, natural stone countertops are usually two to three centimeters thick. However, this measurement can change depending on the material and finish of your countertops. Thicker countertops are generally more durable and in turn, come with a more expensive price. So while countertops should be at least two centimeters in thickness, it’s ultimately up to your desired style, material and price!

Is quartz considered a natural stone?

Quartz is highly correlated with natural stone due to its similar look, which makes many homeowners think that quartz is actually a natural stone countertop material. However, in the countertop world, quartz is considered a man-made material, as it is technically a mineral that is found in other natural stone materials. However, quartz possesses qualities similar to natural stone, as it is made up of 90% natural materials. Oftentimes, quartz looks and feels so much like stone that you will never know the difference!

Regarding maintenance, quartz requires much less attention than other more delicate natural stones such as granite and marble. However, in terms of value, granite and marble will improve your home’s value much more than quartz will. 

Why do natural stone countertops require sealing?

It’s fairly well known that sealing is a crucial part of maintaining natural stone countertops. However, you may be wondering why that is. In some cases, you may not need to! Many granite countertops nowadays don’t necessarily need to be sealed. However, it is still highly recommended. Sealing your countertops will protect them from spills and stains, ultimately prolong the life of your countertops! Materials like quartzite and marble are more porous than granite and should be sealed once installed. Overall, sealing your countertops will help protect and extend the life of your investment!

Is there a lot of required maintenance?

We get a lot of questions regarding the maintenance that is required for natural stone. On top of regular sealing, regular cleaning is the only other thing needed to keep your natural stone surfaces looking and performing as they should.

Buying new countertops can be a large undertaking, which is why buying from a reputable natural stone provider can be so beneficial. By knowing the answers to these questions, you now can be more well-informed when deciding what kind of natural stone countertops you want to install in your home! 

We are your trusted countertops Omaha company!

At GMS Werks, our team is here to help you find the countertops that you need. Give us a call today with any of your natural stone countertop questions!