Frequently Asked Questions

Angi's 2026 figures put an average quartz project at about $4,500 (range $1,000 to $12,000) and most granite projects at $2,000 to $4,000. HomeGuide lists an average 30 to 40 square foot kitchen at $1,500 to $8,000 in quartz and $2,400 to $6,000 in granite. Edge profile, cutouts, removal and any plumbing work change the total. We give you a written price after measuring.

Both work well. Quartz needs no sealing and resists stains, which suits busy kitchens and rentals. Granite handles hot pans better and every slab is unique, but it should be sealed periodically. In a humid climate the bigger issue is a dry, level cabinet base under either one.

Widely sold brands include Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, MSI Q and Hanstone. Brands differ in color range, slab size and warranty terms. Caesarstone's residential warranty, for example, covers indoor installations only and requires work by one of its certified fabricators, so ask about warranty terms when you pick a color.

Manufactured, or engineered, countertops are made rather than quarried. Engineered quartz combines crushed quartz with resin; solid surface (such as Corian) is acrylic or polyester resin; laminate is a plastic layer over particleboard. Granite, quartzite and marble are natural stone cut from quarried blocks.

You can order prefab vanity tops and laminate online, but a stone kitchen top has to be templated to your actual cabinets and walls. Walls are rarely perfectly straight, and an online order based on a tape measurement can leave gaps or a top that does not fit. Stone also needs careful transport and handling to avoid cracks.

Often not for a like-for-like replacement on existing cabinets, though the code does not name countertops specifically. Virginia's statewide building code exempts cabinetry and replacing plumbing fixtures without altering supply or drain lines. Moving a sink or adding circuits requires permits. Confirm with the City of Chesapeake's permits office for your project.

There are two visits after the estimate: templating and installation, with fabrication in between. Install day for a typical kitchen is usually a single day. If plumbing has to move or permits are needed, that adds time, which we lay out in the quote.

National guides put quartz at about $50 to $200 per square foot installed, and HomeGuide lists an average 30 to 40 square foot kitchen at $1,500 to $8,000. Color, brand and edge make the biggest difference. We give a written price after measuring.

No. Engineered quartz is non-porous because of its resin binder. Using a sealer or an unapproved cleaner can actually leave residue and may void a manufacturer warranty.

You should not. The resin can scorch or discolor, and manufacturer warranties such as Caesarstone's exclude heat damage and thermal shock. Use a trivet.

It is a strong choice because it resists stains and needs no sealing between tenants. Note that some brand warranties treat rentals as commercial use, which can limit coverage.

We work with widely available brands such as Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria and MSI Q. Availability and warranty conditions differ by brand, and we go over both when you choose.

Angi's 2026 guide puts most granite projects at $2,000 to $4,000, and HomeGuide lists $80 to $150 per square foot installed on average. Rare or exotic stone can run much higher. We price your kitchen in writing after measuring.

It depends on the stone. Some dense granites rarely need it and lighter, more porous ones need it more often. If water darkens the stone within a few minutes, it is time to reseal.

Yes, especially if you cook a lot or want a one-of-a-kind look. Granite handles heat better than quartz; quartz needs less maintenance. Many homeowners pick based on looks once they understand that tradeoff.

It can if it is poorly supported, over-spanned or hit hard at an edge. Proper support under overhangs and dishwasher openings and level cabinets prevent most cracks.

There are two visits after the estimate: templating and install, with fabrication in between. Install day is usually a single day for a standard kitchen. Plumbing moves or permits add time.

Usually, if they are solid, level and dry. We check the sink base for water damage and confirm the cabinets can carry stone before we template.

Not always, but an undermount sink with a stone top is popular. The cutout is made to the exact sink, so choose it before templating.

Often the bottom row of tile is damaged when old counters come out, especially tile set on a laminate backsplash. We will tell you at the estimate whether that is likely so you can plan for it.

HomeGuide lists an installed 20 by 36 inch top at about $250 to $1,000 in quartz and $400 to $750 in granite. Size, the number of sinks and whether a remnant can be used change the price.

Often, yes. A single vanity top is small enough to come from leftover slab pieces. Color choice depends on what is available when you order.

It can be, if you accept that it etches from acidic products and needs sealing. Quartz is the low-maintenance alternative with a marble look.

For a direct swap with the sink and faucet staying in place, the sink is reconnected where it was. Moving the drain or adding a second sink is plumbing alteration work that needs a permit and a licensed plumber.

Quartzite is a natural stone formed from sandstone under heat and pressure. Quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz and resin. Quartzite handles heat better; quartz needs no sealing.

Yes. Marble etches from acids like citrus and wine and can stain if unsealed. A honed finish hides etching better than a polished one.

HomeGuide lists $65 to $150 per square foot installed. Rare colors and complex fabrication push it toward the top of that range.

True quartzite scratches glass and resists etching from lemon juice. We can test a sample with you before you commit.

Granite is a common choice because it handles sun, heat and humidity without fading. Quartzite and stainless steel also work. Light colors stay cooler in direct sun.

Standard indoor quartz is not recommended outside, because UV can discolor the resin, and brands like Caesarstone exclude outdoor use from the indoor warranty. Some brands sell outdoor-rated products with separate warranties.

Natural stone and concrete outdoors should be sealed, and checked more often than indoor stone. Fixr suggests resealing concrete one to two times a year.

The countertop itself is not usually the issue. New gas piping, electric circuits and sink plumbing are regulated by Virginia's building code and generally need permits. Check with the City of Chesapeake for your project.