Q: Does engineered stone need to be sealed?

• <div><p>Engineered stone doesn&rsquo;t need sealing because it is non-porous. The manufacturing process creates a natural stain resistant to moisture, which also makes it easy to clean.</p></div>

Q: What tools and blades are needed to cut Corian?

• <div><p>Yes, Corian&reg; and other solid surface materials can be cut with standard woodworking tools, such as a circular saw or a jigsaw. However, it is crucial to use the correct type of blade to avoid damaging the material.</p><p>For a circular saw, a tungsten carbide-tipped blade is required; a triple chip grind blade is highly recommended. For a jigsaw, you should use a fine-tooth down-cutting blade. Do not use blades designed for cutting wood, as they can cause microfractures that weaken the edges of the countertop. A diamond blade is also unnecessary, as those are designed for harder materials like natural stone, which Corian is not.</p><p>After cutting, the edge will be rough. It is essential to sand and smooth the cut edge to prevent microfractures, which can eventually compromise the integrity of the countertop.</p></div>

Question 1

Does engineered stone need to be sealed?

Accepted Answer

•

Engineered stone doesn’t need sealing because it is non-porous. The manufacturing process creates a natural stain resistant to moisture, which also makes it easy to clean.

Question 2

Is marble or granite more expensive?

Accepted Answer

•

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

Marble tile: $7–$10
Granite tile: $5–$15
Marble slab: $25–$60
Granite slab: $50–$100

Question 3

What is the best sealer for marble countertops?

Accepted Answer

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A water-based, low- or no-VOC sealer is typically a good choice for marble countertops. Choose a sealant that is certified safe for contact with food when applying to kitchen countertops. For high-traffic areas, look for formulas that have heat-resistant and acid-resistant features. While there are economical and convenient spray-on sealers, they don’t coat the surface as effectively as the ones you apply with a pad or brush.

Question 4

What tools and blades are needed to cut Corian?

Accepted Answer

•

Yes, Corian® and other solid surface materials can be cut with standard woodworking tools, such as a circular saw or a jigsaw. However, it is crucial to use the correct type of blade to avoid damaging the material.

For a circular saw, a tungsten carbide-tipped blade is required; a triple chip grind blade is highly recommended. For a jigsaw, you should use a fine-tooth down-cutting blade. Do not use blades designed for cutting wood, as they can cause microfractures that weaken the edges of the countertop. A diamond blade is also unnecessary, as those are designed for harder materials like natural stone, which Corian is not.

After cutting, the edge will be rough. It is essential to sand and smooth the cut edge to prevent microfractures, which can eventually compromise the integrity of the countertop.