Stone surface care and FAQ
Professional stone surface care ensures that your kitchen countertops, windowsills, and other stone surfaces maintain their beauty and durability for decades. On this page, you’ll learn about the differences between natural stone, quartz, and ceramic surfaces (Keralini, Dekton, Laminam), as well as the daily care each material requires. We’ve also answered the most frequently asked questions from our customers.
Material selection and properties
1. What is the difference between natural stone, quartz, and ceramic surfaces?
• Natural stone (such as granite, quartzite, marble, travertine, and onyx) is a unique material created by nature. Every slab has its own distinctive pattern and offers excellent heat resistance.
• Qartz (engineered stone) is manufactured from natural quartz crystals combined with resins. It is completely non-porous, easy to maintain, and features a consistent appearance. Quartz is heat resistant up to approximately 150°C (302°F).
• Ultra-compact ceramic surfaces (Keralini, Laminam, Dekton) are manufactured using advanced technology from porcelain, glass, and quartz-based raw materials. They provide exceptional resistance to heat, scratches, stains, UV rays, and everyday wear.
Granite, quartz, and ceramic surfaces (Keralini, Dekton, Laminam) are all excellent choices for kitchen countertops because they withstand heavy daily use.
Polished marble is used less frequently in kitchens because it is more sensitive to acids and scratches, requiring additional maintenance. However, honed or brushed leather-finish marble is an excellent choice for both kitchens and bathrooms.
To learn more about our products, visit our Stone Countertops page.
For outdoor kitchens, exterior windowsills, and other outdoor applications, granite, quartzite, and ceramic surfaces (Keralini, Dekton, Laminam) are the best options. These materials are completely resistant to UV rays, frost, and rapid temperature changes. They will not fade over time and require very little maintenance outdoors.
Quartz surfaces are not recommended for outdoor use because the resins they contain can deteriorate after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Daily stone surface care
4. Is daily stone surface care difficult?
Not at all. Daily stone surface care is quick and simple.
Clean your surfaces with warm water, a soft cloth, and a mild dishwashing detergent or a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleaning pads, harsh chemicals, and bleach, as these products may damage the surface finish or reduce its natural shine.
5. Will light-colored stone absorb coffee, wine, or lemon juice stains?
Quartz and ceramic surfaces (Keralini, Dekton, Laminam) are completely non-porous, meaning they do not absorb liquids.
Natural stone, however, requires regular sealing as part of proper stone surface care. Before use, light-colored natural stones such as granite or marble should be professionally sealed to protect their pores from absorbing liquids and staining.
6. Can I place hot pots directly on the countertop?
• Ceramic surfaces (Keralini, Dekton, Laminam) and granite: Yes. You can safely place hot cookware directly from the oven or cooktop onto these surfaces.
• Quartz surfaces: No. Quartz is more sensitive to extreme heat above 150°C (302°F) because of the resin content. To ensure long-term durability, always use trivets or heat-resistant mats.
Ceramic and quartz surfaces are highly scratch-resistant. However, we always recommend using a cutting board.
Doing so protects not only your countertop but also your knives, which become dull much faster when used directly on hard stone surfaces.
Technical questions and pricing
8. What determines the final price of a countertop or windowsill?
Several factors influence the final price, including:
• the selected material and manufacturer
• slab thickness
• overall dimensions
• edge profile and finishing, the number of cut-outs required for cooktops, undermount sinks, or inset sinks
The most popular countertop thicknesses are 12 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm.
Ceramic materials such as Keralini, Laminam, and Dekton can also be manufactured in ultra-thin versions starting from 4 mm or 8 mm, making them ideal for wall cladding and furniture fronts.
If a thicker appearance is desired, the edges can be mitred and bonded at a 45-degree angle, creating the visual effect of a much thicker countertop.
If your kitchen has an L-shaped or U-shaped layout, or if the countertop exceeds the maximum slab dimensions (typically around 3.2 metres), joints are unavoidable.
However, thanks to modern fabrication equipment and colour-matched adhesives, seams are made as discreet as possible and are barely visible or noticeable to the touch.
• Precise measurement: once your kitchen cabinets have been fully installed, our specialists will visit your property to perform precise laser measurements.
• Fabrication: your stone is cut, processed, and finished in our workshop using professional equipment.
• Installation: we deliver and professionally install the finished product. From the final measurement to installation, the process usually takes 3–4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.