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There are three main downsides to quartzite: the cost, the porosity, and the weight. As a natural stone, there’s a level of scarcity that can drive up the price of certain types of quartzite. Even more common varieties are less affordable than synthetic materials like laminate and other natural stones like granite. 

You’ll also have to reseal your quartzite countertop annually to combat the natural porosity and reinforce your cabinets to account for the added weight.

Yes, onyx countertops can scratch easily—especially if they’re not adequately sealed. But with the proper maintenance (which includes re-sealing the countertops to protect them from damage), you can prevent your onyx countertops from scratching and repair any damage quickly to prevent it from worsening.

Overall, granite tends to cost more than marble. Prices for each material will fluctuate depending on the source of the stone, your location, shipping costs, and the thickness of the material. Labor to install marble or granite countertops typically ranges from $35 to $45 per hour. Granite and marble tile and slab costs compare as follows:

• Marble tile: $7–$10

• Granite tile: $5–$15

• Marble slab: $25–$60

• Granite slab: $50–$100

Yes, Corian® and other solid surface countertops can be cut with standard woodworking tools like a circular saw or a jigsaw, but using the correct blade is crucial for the best results.

The recommended blade is a tungsten carbide-tipped blade, often called a solid-surface planer or triple chip grind blade. This type of blade is hard enough to cut through the material effectively. For a jigsaw, a fine-tooth down-cutting blade should be used.

It is important to note that a diamond blade is not necessary. Diamond blades are designed for harder materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, and Corian is not a natural stone.

Using blades designed for wood is not recommended as they can cause microfractures that weaken the countertop's edges. While a tungsten carbide blade provides a much cleaner cut, the resulting edge will still be rough and must be sanded and smoothed to prevent microfractures from developing over time.