Why Maintenance Matters
Whether shopping online or planning a remodel, customers often worry about countertop care and maintenance. This page is designed to help you find all the answers you need in one spot.
At-a-Glance Maintenance Comparison
| Quick Comparison | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Maintenance Type | Frequency | Ease of Cleaning | Estimated Maintenance Cost* | |
| Quartzite (Natural Stone) | Sealing & gentle daily care | Annually | Medium | ~$50–$100/year | |
| Marble (Natural Stone) | Frequent sealing & acid caution | Every 6 months | Higher effort | ~$100–$200/year | |
| Limestone (Natural Stone) | Frequent sealing & gentle cleaners | Every 6 months | Higher effort | ~$100–$200/year | |
| Quartz | Wipe clean—No sealing | Daily cleaning only | Very easy | <$20/year | |
| Porcelain Slabs | Wipe clean—No sealing | Daily cleaning only | Very easy | <$20/year | |
*Estimated maintenance costs include sealers and supplies—not labor. Actual costs vary.
Natural Stone: Quartzite, Marble & Limestone
Quartzite
- Maintenance: This highly durable stone must be sealed annually to resist staining, though it’s naturally scratch- and heat-resistant.
- Daily Care: Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner; wipe up spills quickly.
- Challenges: Porous—delayed sealing may risk staining.
- Cost: Sealer costs (around $50–$100 for materials annually). Considering longevity, quartzite is often lower maintenance long-term than marble.
- Value: Our customers have this to say:
“Quartzite is super pretty… maintenance is minimal compared to marble.”
“As long as you seal your quartzite annually it will generally not stain or etch.”
Marble
- Maintenance: Requires sealing every 6 months, especially in kitchens.
- Daily Care: Avoid acidic cleaners; use pH-neutral soap and soft cloths.
- Challenges: Acidic foods (lemon juice, wine) can etch surface; sealing helps prevent stains, not etching.
- Cost: Sealers and maintenance supplies may cost ~$100–$200/year depending on coverage.
Limestone
- Maintenance: Similar to marble—reseal every 6 months due to high porosity.
- Daily Care: Gentle, pH-neutral cleaning only.
- Challenges: Readily etches or stains; higher maintenance demands.
- Cost: Comparable to marble—$100–$200/year, depending on kitchen size.
Quartz (AKA – Engineered Quartz)
- Maintenance: No sealing required. A simple daily wipe-down with soapy water or mild cleaners suffices. Avoid abrasive or high-pH cleaners.
- Heat & UV: Avoid high heat—resin matrix can be damaged by temperatures above ~300 °F (150 °C), and UV exposure may cause discoloration. Use trivets and avoid outdoor placement.
- Cost: Very low—under $20/year (cleaning supplies only).
Porcelain Slabs
- Maintenance: No sealing needed. Daily wipe uses mild soap and water.
- Advantages: Excellent resistance to stains, chemicals, heat, and UV—suitable for outdoor kitchens.
- Challenges: Needs careful handling during installation due to large slabs (experience required).
- Cost: Minimal—under $20/year for cleaning supplies.
In Summary
- Low-maintenance countertops: We recommend quartz and porcelain.
- Durable natural stone care: Quartzite—seal annually; marble and limestone—seal bi-annually.
- Heat-resistant countertop care: Porcelain handles heat well; quartz needs trivets.
- Outdoor countertop maintenance: Porcelain (UV/heat stable); quartz not recommended outdoors.
- Countertop sealing cost: Natural stone around $100–$200/year for mid-sized kitchens.