Best stone countertop pros near Springfield, NJ

Porcelain is a relatively affordable, mid-range countertop material. It typically costs between $50 to $70 per square foot.

Compared to quartz, porcelain is slightly more affordable, as quartz generally ranges from $50 to $200 per square foot. However, lower-quality, builder's grade quartz can be similar in price to porcelain.

Compared to granite, the price can be similar, depending on the quality of the stone. While granite slabs can range from $50 to $200 per square foot, you can find lower-end granite in the same price range as porcelain. High-end granites will cost significantly more.

Porcelain is generally more expensive than laminate, acrylic, and ceramic, but less expensive than high-end slate, concrete, and marble. A key benefit is that porcelain does not require sealing, which reduces long-term maintenance costs.

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.

Quartz countertops are known for their durability, but they aren’t indestructible. Quartz countertops can crack under extreme pressure, like when experiencing a heavy impact. The same can happen with regular exposure to high temperatures. Finally, improper installation makes the quartz more vulnerable. 

Start your search for a reliable countertop contractor online, and look for companies that have high ratings from past customers. Check each of these companies on the Better Business Bureau website and rule out any that have a high number of complaints or an overall low rating. Next, contact the remaining companies and ask for a list of references and examples of past work. It’s best to choose a provider that has references that are still pleased with the work years later and one that provides professional-looking examples of how it serves its customers.