Frequently Asked Questions

Quartz countertops are made of quartz stone that is ground up and a small percentage of resins and pigments are mixed in to form the slabs. The quartz we offer is generally between 93-97% quartz with the remaining percentage made of resins. Because quartz is manufactured the color and pattern is mostly consistent from slab to slab unlike granite where each slab is just a little different.

Templating is done to ensure that, when the stone is cut, it will fit perfectly in the kitchen. This means that all stove/cooktops, sinks, faucets need to be purchased and on hand during the template so their dimensions can be taken. If new cabinets are being installed, the cabinets need to be in place and fully secured and leveled.

Depending on the size, material, layout and other factors, you will likely have a seam somewhere in the countertop. During the layout process, consideration is given to the grain direction and pattern flow to ensure the best possible look. If there are seams, they will be discreet but noticeable.

Valencia Countertops is not licensed for plumbing or electrical work. Valencia will not disconnect gas, water systems or any electrical appliance that may be hard wired. The appliances will be fitted to the stone, as needed, but no connections will be made by us. The sink will be attached to the countertop, but no plumbing connections will be made.

Simply put, No. While granite and quartz are heat resistant, they are not heat proof and it is recommended that a hot pad or trivet is used for any hot pots, pans or dishes. It is also recommended to use a hot pad or trivet under small appliances like crock pots, air fryers and the like.

Granite is a natural stone and porous which mean that it can absorb moisture. All spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible. By sealing your granite, you are protecting it from staining. You should seal your granite every 6-12 month or whenever you see that water no longer beads up on the surface paying special attention to the areas around the sink.

Daily maintenance for quartz countertops is mild dish soap and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. For a little deeper clean you can use a non-abrasive cleaner that does not contain bleach.

Daily maintenance for granite countertops is mild dish soap and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Never use harsh chemicals or acidic substances like lemon juice on granite as it can cause damage to the surface

Support brackets will be needed if you have an unsupported area or overhang greater than 12 inches. In some cases, based on kitchen design, additional supports may be needed even if the overhang is less and 12 inches. The added support is required to help support the weight of the stone, which can be hundreds of pounds. The supports should be long enough that they come with 3 inches of the edge of the stone and securely fastened to the cabinets or wall studs. There are many different styles of supports available, some of which are decorative like corbels or spindle style legs to mostly invisible braces. You can install these yourself or we can supply and install the brackets for you.

The standard thickness of both granite and quartz countertops is 3 cm however there are some colors that may come in 2 cm. Typically, 2cm or less thickness is used for wall applications like backsplashes etc.

If you want to have your stone look thicker than 3 cm, you can do what is called a laminated edge. This method involves gluing the stone underneath the edge of the countertop to give the appearance of being thicker. Depending on the “thickness”, the cabinets may need to be build up to accommodate this edge.

Granite is the best option for outdoor applications as it can weather the elements well. It is recommended that at hone or leathered finished is used. Having a polished finish on granite outside will cause the suns raise to be concentrated in areas and can result in damage to the stone over time.

Quartz is not recommended for outdoor us as the UV rays can cause the color to fade and yellow. We carry brands that have quartz specifically designed to withstand the elements and are a great option for your outdoor space.

It is recommended that you wait at least 12 hours before having your plumber hook up the sink and install the faucet to allow the sink to bond properly to the stone.

In some cases, yes. If you are having a small quartz/granite backsplash installed it may be installed on the same day as the countertop but in some cases, it will be installed later. The reason for this is that the backsplash may need to be templated after the countertop is in place and has been leveled to ensure that the correct measurements are made. This is true where the backsplash will be fitted between the countertop and existing tile or if you are doing a full wall backsplash and the backsplash will be fitted between the countertop and the cabinets.

The standard cabinet depth is 24”, the standard countertop depth will be 25 ½”. This allows for a 1 ½” overhang which helps protect the front of the cabinets from water possibly running down the front.

For Islands, peninsulas or other seating areas, you can decide how much overhang you would like. We recommend at least 10 inches of overhang for comfortable seating but many people will do 12 inches or more. Please keep in mind that countertop supports may be needed based on the amount of overhand you would like.

There are many different options for your edge profile. Some standard edges are a pencil/eased, ¼” rounded, 3/8” radius and ¼” bevel but there are more to choose from

A polished finish is the most commonly used however some colors can have different finished. Granite can have a hone or leathered finish while some quartz colors may come in a matte, concrete, brushed, or river washed finish which will add some texture to the finish. Not all quartz colors will come with theses finish options.