Best stone countertop pros near Whiting, WI

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.

Cutting stone comes with a number of safety hazards. First and foremost, if you’re not comfortable with the equipment required to cut stone, including blades and grinders, you could easily injure yourself. The heavy machinery also poses a risk to your ears if you don’t wear proper ear protection; similarly, you need to wear eye protection to keep debris from irritating your eyes.

However, the biggest risk from cutting stone comes from the stone dust. When breathed in, stone dust can be a huge hazard to your lungs. Always wear a face mask when cutting stone to prevent inhaling stone dust, and thoroughly clean the work area when you are finished.

To avoid injury, we recommend hiring a stone-cutting professional, rather than attempting this job yourself.

Yes, onyx is more expensive than granite. Its higher cost is due to its rarity, delicate nature, and the specialized care it requires. While granite countertops typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000, onyx is considered a premium material. Its luxurious, translucent appearance and unique ability to be backlit also contribute to the higher price. In terms of durability, granite is a hard, durable surface, whereas onyx is more delicate and can be damaged if not handled carefully.

Installing granite kitchen countertops costs about $3,250, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the quantity and quality of the granite, use of granite tile or granite slabs, the type of granite, and its color and texture. Varieties of granite include:

• Alaska white: $35 per square foot

• Ubatuba: $30–$60 per square foot

• Silver cloud: $35–$40 per square foot

• Absolute black: $45–$60 per square foot

• Black galaxy: $50–$70 per square foot

• Blue Louise: $70–$100 per square foot

• Crema Bordeaux: $80 per square foot

• Solarius: $60 per square foot