ired: marble, limestone, sandstone, onyx.
Sealing sometimes required: granite, flagstone.
Sealing not required: quartz, soapstone.
For almost all natural stones, it is safe to use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap for cleaning. This is very effective for general cleaning. Simply use a soft rag to apply the soap mixture and scrub gently. Dry with a microfiber cloth if possible. For foods that have hardened on the stone’s surface, you can use a soft plastic or rubber edge tool, such as a rubber spatula, to scrape the countertop. Never use metal tools or wool pads. Never use abrasive cleaners such as Ajax or Soft Scrub, or cleaning products with any acidic ingredients. Your countertop installer or manufacturer will suggest the best cleaning methods for your stone. Generally this will be a stone-specific product that is pH neutral, non-abrasive and non-acidic. For more info about countertop cleaning, see our cleaning articles: How to clean granite, how to clean quartz, and how to clean marble.
The price of stone can vary a great deal depending on the material, uniqueness of the stone, quality, and number of cuts required for installation. We have simple pricing for granite and quartz that include several options for $45/sq ft installed and $56/sq ft installed. These options are suitable for most kitchen and bathroom projects. We also offer custom packages, which can range in price from $40-$200/sq ft. As an example, a typical sized kitchen project in Wichita would cost between $1500 and $3000 for granite or quartz countertops. Marble would be about $2500 to $5000. Natural stone countertops can be more expensive than other materials, but they have a significantly longer lifespan, they are less prone to damage, and they often add to a home’s resale value. If you have questions about pricing, get in touch for a free estimate.
There are slightly different rules for each type of stone countertop, but generally speaking all stone countertops are easy to clean when compared to other materials. Warm water and a mild dish soap is safe on natural stone. This is the most common cleaning method. Use a soft cloth and gently scrub, rinse all soap residue away when complete. Dry using a soft towel or microfiber cloth. Most stone countertops also have a safe stone-specific product that can be used. You will want to avoid harsh and acidic cleaners.