FAQs & Care and Maintainence
PMG FAQs
At Peak Marble and Granite, we take the time to understand every detail of your project. Our team works closely with you to ensure the final product not only fits your vision and budget but also exceeds your expectations. We pride ourselves on our personal touch, expert craftsmanship, and extraordinary customer service—because your satisfaction is our top priority. Omar, the owner is personally involved in every project, ensuring quality and care from start to finish.
Do your research. Select a reputable fabricator with excellent reviews, and make sure to meet them in person to get a sense of their communication style, knowledge, and professionalism. At PMG, we take pride in delivering excellent customer service and guiding our clients through every step of the process.
- Take time to explore different materials, finishes, and edge profiles as you begin your decision-making journey.
- Assess your lifestyle. Consider how you use the space you are renovating. If you are a frequent cook with lots of heavy-duty use, prioritize durability and heat-resistant materials. If you are a prolific baker, consider marble, as the cool surface may be beneficial to your process.
- Define your aesthetic. Visualize the overall look you want for your space, or use the visualizer tool on our website. For contemporary looks, consider quartz or ultra-compact surfaces. For classic elegance, consider granite, quartzite, or marble.
- Set a budget. Countertop costs vary widely, so consider how much you are willing to spend and set your expectations accordingly. Ultimately, your final choices will be guided by your budget.
- Factor in maintenance. Assess how much time you are willing to spend on upkeep.
- Consider resale value. If you plan to sell the home in the future, popular, low-maintenance options like quartz and granite can often increase resale value and appeal to potential buyers.
Generally, natural stone like granite tends to be slightly less expensive than quartz. However, pricing can vary depending on several factors, including material quality, rarity, and installation complexity.
For example, premium natural stones like marble and quartzite are typically more costly than entry-level options such as Level 1–3 granite or Level 1–3 quartz.
Granite, marble, and other natural stones are quarried from the earth, making each slab unique—no two slabs are exactly alike. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered stone made from ground natural quartz combined with resins and pigments. This creates a surface that is more consistent in color and veining than natural stone.
All natural stones are porous to some degree and require a high-quality sealer to help prevent stains and bacterial growth. At Peak Marble & Granite, we seal every natural stone project with a 25-year impregnating sealer for long-lasting protection. Natural stone is also more susceptible to damage from acidic substances, which can cause etching. Additionally, never place hot pots or pans directly from the cooking surface onto your natural stone countertop.
Quartz does not require a sealer because its manufacturing process creates a non-porous surface that is highly resistant to stains and bacteria. It can be cleaned with mild soap and water, but acidic cleaners should be avoided. Like natural stone, you should never place hot pots or pans directly from the cooking surface onto your quartz countertop.
Durability varies by material. Both natural stone and quartz are highly durable and resistant to scratches; however, neither is scratch-proof. Some types of marble are softer and more susceptible to scratching, staining, and etching than other natural stones.
Almost any countertop can chip if struck with a hard object. The good news is that chips in natural stone are generally easier to repair than chips in quartz.
Most quartz brands are not formulated for outdoor use, and installing them outdoors may void the manufacturer's warranty.
For outdoor applications, we recommend choosing one of the following options:
- Outdoor quartz – Specifically formulated for exterior use.
- Ultra-compact or porcelain surfaces – Engineered to withstand outdoor weather conditions.
- Natural stone – A great option depending on the type of stone and its exposure to the elements. In many cases, it can also be a more budget-friendly choice.
Our PMG stone experts are here to guide you through every step of selecting the right material for your outdoor space.
At PMG, we follow strict OSHA guidelines to protect our employees and minimize the risks associated with silica dust exposure. We use wet cutting at all times to help prevent airborne crystalline silica dust and employ collection tanks to safely capture debris generated during the cutting process. Our shop is regularly audited for air quality and noise safety to ensure we not only meet but exceed OSHA compliance standards, keeping both our team and workspace safe.
It's important to note that the risks associated with silica dust occur only during the cutting and fabrication process. Once your countertop has been fabricated and professionally installed in your home or business, there is no risk to you from silica exposure.
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