What about markings and variations in my natural stone?
Natural stones such as granite, natural quartzite, marble, limestone, and soapstone, are products of nature. Every slab is unique. Variations of colour, texture, crystal structure and finish are inherent to the product and make it distinctive and beautiful. Absolute uniformity is rare. Dauter Stone makes every effort to ensure that the appearance and surface finish of the natural stone is acceptable when customers pre-approve their slabs before countertop production begins.  The surface comes from the factory; we are not able to change it.

Can my stone countertop be broken?
​​Yes. Your stone countertop from Dauter Stone is usually 3cm (almost one and a quarter inch) thick. It is very strong but not at all flexible. The 3cm thickness is about 3 times as strong as the thinner 2cm.  Vulnerable areas are the narrow strips found in front of the sink and cooktop. We do not recommend tip-out drawers in these areas as they minimize the support for the countertop. Dauter Stone reinforces the area in front of your kitchen sink and cooktop with a stainless steel bar insert, which is an excellent safeguard against breakage. Some caution needs to be exercised, such as never sitting, balancing or standing in these areas, and never allowing any child, guest or tradesperson to do so.

Is there danger of breakage at the span over the dishwasher?
There is no danger of breakage at the span over the dishwasher. A support strip is required to facilitate the installation of the dishwasher.

If I do get a scratch, can it be repaired?
Fine, almost imperceptible scratches will come over years of use. All home finishes will show some wear over time. It is better to live with this kind of wear than attempt to repair it. Scratches can only be removed by repolishing the surface, and the resulting finish will not be as smooth and shiny as the original factory finish.

Can I throw away my cutting boards?
No. Granite is harder than stainless steel and so will not be scratched by most knives, but cutting on granite will dull the knives and shorten their service life. Other types of stone such as marble, limestone, soapstone and quartzite are softer and can be scratched by knives, etc. There are even some softer granites (eg. Black Galaxy) and other “granites” called schist stone that have higher components of sand, and they are softer and can be scratched with knives, so it is best to exercise caution.  Some people have a cutting board made from stone, but they are very heavy as well as hard on knives.

What about chips?
It is possible, though it occurs infrequently, to chip the edge of your counter if something heavy is whacked or dropped on the edge. Chips can be repaired by a service call, usually by filling the gap with clear epoxy. If you can, save the chip which helps to make the repair less visible.

Is Radon Emission from Stone Countertops a Concern?
Studies show that there are no significant radon emissions from granite or other stones used in the home.  Other household sources of radon exceed that which comes from stone.  Learn more here.

What About Seams?
Seams are not something to worry about!  Natural stone slabs are limited by the size of stone blocks coming from quarries.  Engineered stone is limited by the manufactured sizes coming from the factories, and the fragility and ease of handling factors.  An average size is 5 feet by 9 feet, with some slabs larger and some smaller.  The size of pieces that can be made is limited by:

• First, the size of the slabs
• The configuration of the room
• Ability to get the pieces into the house safely
• Physical factors allowing the piece to be placed without breaking

Seams are an integral part of many countertop installations, just as they are of flooring, carpet, arborite, woodwork, etc.  Seams are installed only where required.  Dauter Stone technicians do a very tight clean seam filled with clear epoxy, which does not detract from the appearance, utility, or cleanliness of the countertop.

Are there special granite maintenance procedures I need to follow?
Day to day maintenance requires only a wet cloth to wipe and a dry one to dry so as not to leave water spots on the shiny surface (similar to cleaning a mirror). When periodic disinfecting is desired, lemon juice or vinegar can be used. Bleach is not recommended. It will not harm the granite but it does break down the impregnator. We highly recommend our 3 in 1 Cleaner Polisher Protector spray, available inexpensively at our showroom. This can be used sparingly as frequently as once a week and as infrequently as every 3 months, and will remove any hard water buildup and restore lustre, as well as reinforcing the impregnator.

Is my granite heat-proof?
Within normal kitchen use tolerances, yes. This means that pots and pans from the stove or oven that are boiling water or cooking food can be placed directly on the countertop without causing any damage. If however, the metal is red hot from superheating it will be hot enough to burn the granite and cause irreparable damage. Red hot metal has reached a temperature of over 500 degrees C or 1200 degrees F and is hot enough to burn granite.

Is my granite scratch-proof?
No. Granite is scratch-resistant because it is so hard. However, anything as hard or harder than granite will scratch it. Examples of things that are hard enough to scratch are granite, diamond, and fired ceramics with broken or rough edges.

Is my granite stain-proof?
No. Granite is very stain-resistant because of its density and the polishing process also helps to smooth the surface and make it non-porous. To prevent any absorption of water, your granite counters have been treated with a high-density impregnator so that water will bead on the surface and not soak in. This impregnator lasts for years and is simple to reapply. Oil and grease should not be allowed to sit on the counter for hours but should be wiped up. If a darker area appears from oil or grease, it can often be reabsorbed by applying baking soda to the area, wetting it and taping plastic overtop to keep it wet overnight. This process can be repeated until the “stain” is completely removed. If this process is not effective for a bad grease mark, we have a commercial absorber that can be applied on a service call. There are other rare substances that have caused a problem, such as Play-Doh, but only on lighter coloured granite. Most problems can be prevented by not leaving “leaking” items on the counter for long periods. Defrosting items should be put on a plate, etc.

Are there special marble & limestone maintenance procedures I need to follow?
Yes. Because of the sensitivity of these types of stone to anything acidic, it is important to use PH neutral cleaners only. A cleaner that is specifically for marble is fine. Murphy’s Oil Soap, diluted with water, available at most grocery stores is fine. We recommend Dauter Stone’s own 3 in 1 Cleaner/Polisher/Protector spray, available inexpensively at our showroom.

Is my limestone and/or marble heat proof?
No. Limestone is more heat resistant than marble, but it is best to exercise caution. Hairstyling products like curling irons should not be left unattended.

Is my limestone and/or marble susceptible to scratching?
Yes. These are sedimentary rocks and are composed of totally different minerals than harder stones like granite. The finish will scratch and wear with use, from grit pushed or walked into the surface, from objects pushed or pulled over the surface. This results in a wearing away of the initial shine, when a shiny polished surface has been chosen. This is a major reason why a smooth but matt surface called honed finish is used in areas that will receive constant wear, such as flooring. The honed finish will still scratch and wear but this is less noticeable on a non-shiny finish. Using stone polishes and waxes can renew shine to some degree. Repolishing can be done on site but is expensive and does not prevent future wear, so it is best to expect and tolerate some wear over time, as with any finish you put in a home.

Is my limestone and/or marble susceptible to staining?
Yes. These types of stone are significantly more porous than granite or soapstone, which allows foreign substances to soak in and cause staining. Anything acidic, such as coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice, soda pop, vinegar, ketchup, acidic or corrosive cleaners etc. will etch the surface of limestone and marble instantaneously and permanently. The polish will be gone in the area of the spill, even if it is wiped up immediately. Even soaps or shampoos with citrus content can cause etching.  This is why Dauter Stone does not recommend limestone or marble countertops in the kitchen but only for bathroom vanities, desk or fireplace areas. Exercise caution cleaning glass over a limestone or marble vanity top. Just use water and a towel to dry, or if using a glass cleaner, protect the vanity surface with spare cloths or towels.

Does the soapstone come in different colours?
Soapstone varies within a fairly narrow range of black/grey/blue/green. Untreated it is varied shades of grey. For countertops, it needs to be treated with pure clear mineral oil. DO NOT USE VEGETABLE OILS. When saturated, the permanent colour of the soapstone will be a dark blue-green grey to charcoal grey.

How durable are soapstone counters?
Soapstone will last a lifetime. It is completely heat- resistant to any kitchen source of heat, such as pans from the oven or right off a hot burner. It will not stain. It is very dense, providing no space for bacteria. It needs no special care, other than the initial saturation with mineral oil.

Soapstone is quite soft; doesn’t it scratch easily with normal counter use?
Yes, but because soapstone has a pre-stressed or sanded finish, and not a smooth shiny finish, the scratches are not noticeable. They disappear with oiling. The finish is “wearable.” Soapstone is extremely dense even though it is soft and the scratches stay very superficial. In the unlikely event that a deep scratch does occur, it can be easily sanded out with 80-grit sandpaper.

Does the soapstone come already treated with the mineral oil?
No. This is done after the countertops are completely installed. The oil is applied easily with a cloth, allowed to soak in, and then the excess is wiped off. This process is repeated, approx. twice a week for the first 3 months or so, then once a week for another 3 months or so, then once a month for about six months. Thereafter, apply as needed (when colour lightens). Mineral oil is readily and cheaply available at drug stores.

What is the difference between Quartzite (Natural) and Quartz (Engineered)?
Quartzite is a natural stone product, coming from a quarry.  Quartzite patterning is more like marble and less like granite, though the hardness is similar to granite.  People like the patterning of quartzite due to the marble-like look, but the lighter colours can be somewhat susceptible to absorption and staining.  It is important to keep light coloured quartzites well sealed and wipe up spills quickly. Quartz (properly but rarely referred to as Engineered Quartz) is man-made, comprised of over 90% natural ground quartz to give hardness and durability, with a resin binder. The colour options provided by quartz are vast with dozens of manufacturers world wide, each with their own colour line.  Some popular brands we deal in are:  Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, LG (Viatera), CQS Vicostone, Hanstone, Baystone, etc.

How do you care for a Quartzite surface?
See the cleaning instructions for granite, recognizing that light coloured quartzite needs to be sealed more thoroughly and more often than granite.  Also be aware that some material on the market is labeled incorrectly as “quartzite” when it is really a harder marble or a calcite; these will respond like marble to acids, staining, and cleaning processes.  Ask questions of the supplier to determine if the material is definitely a quartzite.

What is meant by the term Quartz?

Quartz (properly but rarely referred to as Engineered Quartz) is man-made, comprised of over 90% natural ground quartz to give hardness and durability, with a resin binder. The colour options provided by quartz are vast with dozens of manufacturers world wide, each with their own colour line.  Some popular brands we deal in are:  Silestone, Caesarstone, Cambria, LG (Viatera), CQS Vicostone, Hanstone, Baystone, etc.

How do you care for a Quartz surface?
To keep your quartz product looking top form, we recommend using gentle dish soap, a soft wet cloth and to avoid any abrasive cleaners when cleaning up a spill. Quartz countertops are fairly low maintenance, with no yearly maintenance required. Protecting your surfaces from heat sources is also recommended, because of the resin component.  Chips in quartz surfaces are more difficult to repair invisibly, due to the very uniform colour and patterning.

What is Porcelain Slab?
Porcelain slab is a man-made or engineered stone slab with entirely different composition and characteristics, and made by an entirely different process, than the well known engineered quartz.  It contains clay and glass, and is made in a process that resembles the natural processes by which stone is formed, heat and pressure.  It is very hard, durable though brittle, very heat resistant, and is thinner than quartz.  The surface finishes can be matte, textured or very high gloss.  Some popular brands we deal in are:  Dekton, Laminam, Sapienstone, Julian Tile, etc.

How does Porcelain Slab compare to Quartz?
The thinner slabs are practical for backsplashes and shower walls, where thick stone is unnecessary and is heavy and awkward to install.  The porcelain is harder still than quartz and impervious to staining.  A feature of porcelain is that a true natural stone, such as marble, quartzite or onyx, can be replicated in a photographic manner, so that the surface appearance of the slab is much more natural, realistic and sophisticated looking than the “mock” marbles created in engineered quartz.  The disadvantage of this photographic imprinting is that is surface only, not “full body”, meaning right through the slab.  Where the slab is cut, there is no colour or matching pattern on the edges.  A mitre piece is often added to give a thicker look to the profile.

How do you care for a Porcelain surface?
Porcelain slab is simple to care for.  It does not stain, needs no sealers and is very hard, so resists scratches.  It is brittle and more susceptible to chipping.

How are stone countertops made?
* To note, the following description applies to Dauter Stone’s processes and equipment.  This process can differ with other suppliers using different equipment.                                                           

1. First our templater will attend on site and measure the job by laser. He pinpoints edges, corners, spots along the wall with the laser, and creates a digital drawing of the exact physical layout.  The cabinets need to be fully installed before this step can be done accurately.

2. The digital drawing is downloaded into a computer. Details are added to indicate where the finished edges are to be profiled, where the sink and taps will go, etc.  This drawing is sent to a CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) saw.
3. The slabs the customer has pre-approved are loaded onto the saw table. The table rotates to vertical and the slab is laid against it, then it rotates back to horizontal with the slab on top.  The CNC saw operator looks at an outline of the required pieces laid over an actual photo of the slab.  He can use the computer to put the pieces into their finished layout visually to see how the grain lines of the stone look before cutting them out.  Once the saw is programmed, it cuts the pieces out automatically.
4. The pieces are transferred by vacuum lift or manually to another CNC machine. They are placed flat on vacuum pods.  The computer is programmed to finish the counters, cutting out sinkholes, shaping and polishing edges and corners, and coring for taps.
5. Workers do fine touches manually, using hand grinders to polish out machining ridges in the edge profiling of the pieces. Some suppliers skip this process but at Dauter Stone, we pay attention to detail and strive for top quality.

6. All the finished pieces for a job are stacked together on A-frames, waiting to be loaded manually or with the assistance of a forklift onto another A-frame on the back of a truck. A crew of two will deliver the countertops, put all the pieces in place, do any additional cut-outs such as cooktops, install seams using clear epoxy, and silicone underneath around the cabinet boxes to keep the pieces solid, but able to be removed if necessary.

7. The countertops are given a final polish with the Dauter Stone 3-in-1 Cleaner/Polisher/Protector spray. We have found this to be the best product on the market for cleaning and maintaining natural stone countertops.  Our customers receive a complimentary can and thereafter can purchase more inexpensively here at any time.

What determines the pricing of stone?

We have dozens of stone colours and types, falling into 8 pricing levels as well as special order pricing, which is case by case. But what determines that price?  There are many factors including:

• Labour rates in the country of origin
• Shipping rates from the country of origin
• Exchange rates for the country of origin
• Rarity of the stone in the world – is there only one quarry, or dozens of quarries
• Remoteness of the quarry – what did it cost to build a road?
• What did it cost to set up the quarry for production?
• Has the quarry been in production for many years?
• Have the start-up costs been covered yet?
• How difficult is the stone to get out of the quarry?
• How difficult is it to process the stone into slabs for marketing?  Factors such as the hardness of the stone for cutting, or fragility and extra processing required to strengthen and stabilize it for transport, will affect the price.
• Supply and demand factors – what is the demand for the particular stone world wide – how “popular” is it?
• Is the supply less than, equal to, or greater than the demand?
• Middle men – how many times has the stone changed hands and been marked up?

The price is not a reflection of quality.  Some very high-quality stone colours are not expensive, largely because they are widely produced and available.  Other very expensive colours are fragile and may have more pitting, fissures, etc.

How many natural stone colour options are available?

Stone countertops started becoming more widely available in the mid 1990s.  At that time, only a few classic granites were common.  Common granites with the traditional speckled texture associated with granite are called classics.  More and more colours and patterns with unique marking and movement are appearing in the marketplace.  These are referred to as exotics.

New techniques have been developed and are used to allow slab production facilities to process slabs from a greater variety of blocks.  Stone that had previously been too fragile to produce can be strengthened for transport and handling by additional processes such as mesh backing.  Stone that had previously had an uneven surface can be smoothed out by resining. 

An expanding market for stone in general and exotic stones in particular has also spurred investment in seeking out and opening new quarries.  Today the selection available is fantastic; the variety of colours, textures, patterning, movement, reflection, translucence, iridescence, and always the marvelous depth of natural stone is mind boggling. You can view our entire selection of stone types and colours by viewing our stock inventory online here.

Purchasers must always remember they are acquiring a product of nature – beautiful and unique but imperfect.  Every slab of stone is truly one-of-a-kind, and will have varying patterns, markings, darker and lighter colouration, veining, pitting, small fissures and micro-cracks.  Marble and exotic colours are often filled with resins, so this can appear in the countertops.  These are natural characteristics of stone, are not deficiencies, and will not impair the function or durability of the stone.