Countertop FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing countertops involves more than selecting a color or pattern. Material, durability, maintenance, fabrication, and installation all affect how the finished surface looks and performs.
Since 1995, McCabinet Inc. has worked with builders, contractors, designers, and retail clients throughout Tampa Bay. From custom residences and new construction to kitchen and bathroom remodels, our team helps coordinate countertops with cabinetry and the overall project.
Below are answers to common countertop questions to help you compare materials and plan your project.
What is the best countertop material for a kitchen?
The best kitchen countertop depends on design, durability, maintenance, and budget.
Quartz is a popular choice because it is durable, non-porous, and available in many colors and patterns. Granite offers the distinctive character of natural stone, with every slab featuring its own variation.
McCabinet Inc. offers premium countertop options from Cambria, Silestone, Corian® Quartz, Mont Krest, Pompeii Quartz™, and other trusted brands.
Quartz is a popular choice because it is durable, non-porous, and available in many colors and patterns. Granite offers the distinctive character of natural stone, with every slab featuring its own variation.
McCabinet Inc. offers premium countertop options from Cambria, Silestone, Corian® Quartz, Mont Krest, Pompeii Quartz™, and other trusted brands.
How much do new countertops cost?
Countertop prices vary based on material, square footage, slab selection, layout, edge profile, cutouts, fabrication, and installation. Quartz and natural stone generally require a larger investment than laminate or some solid surface options. For an accurate quote, the project should be evaluated based on its plans or measurements, material selections, and installation requirements.
Quartz vs. granite countertops: which is better?
Both are excellent countertop materials, but they have important differences.
Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant, and does not require sealing. It also provides greater consistency in pattern and color.
Granite is a natural stone, giving every slab unique movement, veining, and color variation. It offers excellent durability and heat resistance, although some granite countertops may require sealing.
Quartz is often preferred for easy maintenance and design consistency, while granite appeals to clients who want the individuality of natural stone.
Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant, and does not require sealing. It also provides greater consistency in pattern and color.
Granite is a natural stone, giving every slab unique movement, veining, and color variation. It offers excellent durability and heat resistance, although some granite countertops may require sealing.
Quartz is often preferred for easy maintenance and design consistency, while granite appeals to clients who want the individuality of natural stone.
Do quartz countertops stain?
Quartz is highly stain-resistant because it is non-porous. Everyday spills are less likely to penetrate the surface than with porous materials.
However, stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof. Spills should still be cleaned promptly, and the manufacturer's care recommendations should always be followed.
However, stain-resistant does not mean stain-proof. Spills should still be cleaned promptly, and the manufacturer's care recommendations should always be followed.
Do quartz countertops need to be sealed?
No. One of the major advantages of quartz countertops is that they do not require routine sealing. Their non-porous surface also makes routine cleaning relatively simple.
Granite is different. Depending on the specific stone, an impregnating sealer may be recommended to improve stain resistance.
Granite is different. Depending on the specific stone, an impregnating sealer may be recommended to improve stain resistance.
Are quartz countertops heat-resistant?
Quartz offers good durability, but hot cookware should not be placed directly on the surface. Excessive or sudden temperature changes can damage some quartz surfaces.
Use trivets or heat-resistant pads beneath hot pans, countertop appliances, and other heat-producing items. Always follow the countertop manufacturer's specific guidelines.
Use trivets or heat-resistant pads beneath hot pans, countertop appliances, and other heat-producing items. Always follow the countertop manufacturer's specific guidelines.
Do granite countertops need to be sealed?
It depends on the stone. Some granite countertops may benefit from sealing to help resist staining, while others may not require it as frequently.
Sealing does not make natural stone completely stain-proof. The appropriate product and sealing schedule depend on the specific granite, so follow the stone supplier's recommendations.
Sealing does not make natural stone completely stain-proof. The appropriate product and sealing schedule depend on the specific granite, so follow the stone supplier's recommendations.
Do quartz or granite countertops scratch easily?
Both quartz and granite are durable, but neither material is completely scratch-proof.
Cutting boards should be used rather than cutting directly on the countertop. Protecting the surface from sharp objects and impacts, particularly around edges and sink openings, can help preserve its appearance.
Cutting boards should be used rather than cutting directly on the countertop. Protecting the surface from sharp objects and impacts, particularly around edges and sink openings, can help preserve its appearance.
What is the difference between quartz and quartzite countertops?
Quartz and quartzite are different materials despite their similar names.
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made using natural quartz along with other materials. They are non-porous and generally do not require sealing.
Quartzite is a natural stone quarried from the earth. It offers natural variation and veining, but is porous and may require sealing. The right choice depends on the desired appearance and maintenance expectations.
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made using natural quartz along with other materials. They are non-porous and generally do not require sealing.
Quartzite is a natural stone quarried from the earth. It offers natural variation and veining, but is porous and may require sealing. The right choice depends on the desired appearance and maintenance expectations.
What countertop material is best for Florida properties?
Quartz and natural stone can both be excellent choices for Florida interiors. The right material depends on where it will be installed.
Outdoor applications require additional consideration. Some quartz products are not recommended for outdoor use because prolonged UV exposure can affect the surface. For outdoor kitchens or other exposed spaces, choose a material specifically approved for that application.
Outdoor applications require additional consideration. Some quartz products are not recommended for outdoor use because prolonged UV exposure can affect the surface. For outdoor kitchens or other exposed spaces, choose a material specifically approved for that application.
Do cabinets need to be installed before countertop templating?
In most projects, base cabinets should be completely installed, secured, and level before final countertop templating.
Accurate templating allows the countertops to be fabricated around the finished cabinetry, walls, sinks, appliances, and other project details. Changes after templating can create fit or installation problems.
McCabinet Inc. works closely with builders, contractors, and designers to coordinate cabinetry, templating, fabrication, and installation.
Accurate templating allows the countertops to be fabricated around the finished cabinetry, walls, sinks, appliances, and other project details. Changes after templating can create fit or installation problems.
McCabinet Inc. works closely with builders, contractors, and designers to coordinate cabinetry, templating, fabrication, and installation.
Can new countertops be installed on existing cabinets?
Yes, provided the existing cabinets are structurally sound, level, properly installed, and capable of supporting the selected countertop.
The cabinetry should be evaluated before templating. If major cabinet changes are planned, coordinating the cabinetry and countertops as part of the same project can simplify the process.
The cabinetry should be evaluated before templating. If major cabinet changes are planned, coordinating the cabinetry and countertops as part of the same project can simplify the process.
How long does countertop installation take?
Actual countertop installation can often be completed within one or two days, depending on project size and complexity.
The complete process takes longer because templating, fabrication, material availability, scheduling, and coordination happen before installation. Custom details and larger projects may also require additional time.
The complete process takes longer because templating, fabrication, material availability, scheduling, and coordination happen before installation. Custom details and larger projects may also require additional time.
How thick should countertops be?
Countertop thickness depends on the material, application, cabinetry, and desired design.
Different thicknesses and built-up edge treatments can create anything from a streamlined appearance to a more substantial look. Islands, waterfall details, overhangs, and other custom features may also influence the appropriate specification.
Different thicknesses and built-up edge treatments can create anything from a streamlined appearance to a more substantial look. Islands, waterfall details, overhangs, and other custom features may also influence the appropriate specification.
How do I choose countertops to match my cabinets?
Consider cabinet color, wood tone, flooring, backsplash, lighting, hardware, and the overall design.
A subtle countertop can allow cabinetry to take center stage, while dramatic veining can become a focal point. Because McCabinet Inc. specializes in cabinetry and countertops, our team can coordinate these selections as part of the complete design.
A subtle countertop can allow cabinetry to take center stage, while dramatic veining can become a focal point. Because McCabinet Inc. specializes in cabinetry and countertops, our team can coordinate these selections as part of the complete design.
Do you work with builders, contractors, and designers?
Yes. McCabinet Inc. works extensively with builders, contractors, designers, and other industry professionals, as well as retail clients.
Our team understands projects that require detailed specifications, scheduling, trade coordination, and careful installation. McCabinet Inc. is also a Florida-licensed contractor, CBC1264811, providing professional project oversight from an experienced team.
Our team understands projects that require detailed specifications, scheduling, trade coordination, and careful installation. McCabinet Inc. is also a Florida-licensed contractor, CBC1264811, providing professional project oversight from an experienced team.
Your home for the best countertops in Tampa, FL
McCabinet Inc. has served Tampa Bay since 1995, providing cabinetry, countertops, design expertise, and professional installation.
Whether you are a builder planning a custom residence, a contractor managing a remodel, a designer specifying finishes, or a retail client updating a kitchen or bathroom, our team can help. Contact us to discuss your countertop project. We're located in Largo, FL, and we serve Seminole, Clearwater, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, and Clearwater Beach, FL.
7273 112th Ave, Largo, FL 33773 | (727) 608-5929
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