FAQ's for Modern Countertops
What is Quartz?
Quartz surfacing is a blend of epoxies and ground up natural stone which are transformed into slabs through heat and extreme pressure. These slabs are non-porous, low maintenance and very durable. We carry Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria and Compaq Quartz.
What is Sealer? Its Purpose?
Sealer is a chemical that consists of solid particles dissolved in a solution. When applied to clean and dry stone, it soaks into the small pores of the stone. When the solution then evaporates it leaves behind the dissolved solid particles. This prevents any liquids that spill on the surface from penetrating the surface of the stone.
How often should I seal my Countertop?
Before Installation of your Granite Countertops, a 10 year sealer is applied to the stone. Quartz products will never need to be sealed once installed.
Can I use a knife to cut on the surface?
We don’t recommend that you cut on your counter tops. You can damage your cutting utensils and leave metal marks on the surface where you cut.
Can my stone countertops stain?
Pots and pans from the stove and oven can be placed on certain stones without fear of damage. With that said, Modern Countertops recommends that you always use a hot pad to prevent any damage to the stone. Hot pots and pans will permanently damage natural stone quartz surfaces such as Silestone and Caesarstone.
Can I place hot pots and pans on my countertop?
Pots and pans from the stove and oven can be placed on certain stones without fear of damage. With that said, Modern Countertops recommends that you always use a hot pad to prevent any damage to the stone. Hot pots and pans will permanently damage natural stone quartz surfaces such as Silestone and Caesarstone.
Is it easy to scratch my stone countertops?
All Granite, Marble and Quartz stones are scratch resistance from household items. The only material that will scratch these stones are other granite, marble or quartz stones or diamonds. This is why many fabricators use diamond coated blades to cut the stones.
What is a template?
A template is a pattern obtained from our templating machine. Once scheduled, a certified Templator will go to your home and retrieve measurements. These measurements will be used to Fabricate your countertops.
How long does it take to install a countertop?
After the template, there is a 2-3 week time period before installation. Installation time can range from 2 hours to 5 hours depending on the complexity of the job. Modern Countertops does not disconnect plumbing. We recommend the customer has this done by a certified plumber.
How does granite, marble and quartz vary from slab to slab and sample to slab?
Granite and Marble stones vary in shade of color and pattern style from slab to slab. They are an igneous stones that take millions of years to create. Therefore, no two slabs of granite or marble will exactly be the same. Quartz stone slabs have 93 percent quartz in them and the other 7 percent is added in from the manufacturer. This 7 percent allows each stone to be consistent from slab to slab and from sample to slab.
Can my countertops harbor bacteria?
Granite countertops are porous and can harbor bacteria if the surfaces are not cleaned after everyday kitchen use. If the countertops are sealed properly it will be less likely for any bacteria to form overnight. Some granite countertops are non-porous and are less likely to harbor bacteria. Quartz Countertops have been manufactured to create a virtual non maintenance surface for your everyday use. Quartz companies add in antibacterial materials into their slabs to fight against all bacteria that may come into contact with your surface. Quartz is certified by National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for food preparation and protection for your indoor air quality.