Stone Care &amp; Design Tips

Care Guide· 4 min read

How to Care for Quartz Countertops

Quartz is low-maintenance, but a few simple habits will keep your countertops looking brand new for decades. Here's everything you need to know.

April 15, 2025Read

Process· 6 min read

What to Expect During a Countertop Installation

From template day to final walkthrough — here's exactly what happens when Craftwork Stone Collective installs your countertops.

April 5, 2025Read

Marble vs. Quartzite: The Premium Stone Showdown

Both are stunning natural stones, but they perform very differently in a kitchen. Learn the key differences before you commit.

March 22, 2025Read

Design Tips· 7 min read

The Complete Guide to Countertop Edge Profiles

Eased, beveled, ogee, waterfall — your edge profile is one of the most important design decisions for your countertop. Here's how to choose.

March 10, 2025Read

Care Guide· 4 min read

How and When to Seal Your Granite Countertops

Granite is durable, but it does require periodic sealing to stay stain-resistant. Here's a simple guide to keeping your granite in perfect condition.

February 28, 2025Read

Design Tips· 5 min read

Is a Waterfall Island Right for Your Kitchen?

Waterfall countertop edges are one of the most dramatic design statements in modern kitchens. Here's what you need to know before committing.

February 14, 2025Read

Trends

Trends· 6 min read

2025 Countertop Trends in Sacramento & Northern California

What are Sacramento homeowners choosing for their kitchen and bathroom countertops this year? We share the top trends we're seeing in our projects.

January 30, 2025Read

Quartz vs. Quartzite — What's the Actual Difference?

The names sound nearly identical, but quartz and quartzite are completely different materials. One is engineered in a factory; the other is pulled from a mountain. Here's what that means for your kitchen.

May 5, 2025Read

Care Guide· 5 min read

How to Remove Stains from Marble Countertops

Marble stains, but most stains can be removed if you act quickly and use the right method. Here's a practical guide to the most common marble stains and how to treat them.

May 12, 2025Read

Design Tips· 4 min read

How Thick Should Your Countertops Be? 2cm vs. 3cm Explained

2cm or 3cm? The thickness of your stone countertop affects how it looks, how it performs, and what it costs. Here's how to choose the right thickness for your project.

May 19, 2025Read

Care Guide· 4 min read

Can You Put Hot Pans on Stone Countertops?

The answer depends on which stone you have. Granite handles heat well. Quartz does not. Here's what you need to know before you set that cast iron skillet down.

May 26, 2025Read

Material Guide· 6 min read

Porcelain Slab Countertops — Are They Worth It?

Porcelain slabs offer some genuine advantages over quartz and natural stone — and a few real limitations. Here's an honest look at whether porcelain is right for your project.

June 2, 2025Read

Design Tips· 6 min read

How to Choose a Countertop Color That Works with Your Cabinets

The countertop and the cabinets are the two most dominant visual elements in a kitchen. Getting the relationship between them right is the difference between a kitchen that feels designed and one that feels assembled.

June 9, 2025Read

Process· 4 min read

What Is a Countertop Template and Why Does It Matter?

The template is the step between your cabinets being set and your stone being cut. It's one of the most important parts of the installation process — and one of the least understood.

June 16, 2025Read

Process· 4 min read

How Long Does a Countertop Installation Actually Take?

From the day you select your stone to the day it's installed, the timeline is longer than most homeowners expect. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to plan for.

June 23, 2025Read

Design Tips· 5 min read

Undermount vs. Drop-In Sinks — Which Works Best with Stone?

The sink mounting style affects how your countertop looks, how easy it is to clean, and how the stone is fabricated. Here's what to know before you choose.

June 30, 2025Read

Material Guide· 4 min read

What Does 'Leathered' Finish Mean — and Is It Right for You?

Leathered is one of the most distinctive stone finishes available — and one of the least understood. Here's what it looks like, how it performs, and when it's the right choice.

July 7, 2025Read

Quartz or Natural Stone for a Bathroom Vanity?

The bathroom vanity has different demands than a kitchen countertop. Here's how to think about material selection for a space that sees water, heat, and daily use in a smaller footprint.

July 14, 2025Read

Care Guide· 5 min read

What Causes Countertop Cracks — and How to Prevent Them

A crack in a stone countertop is alarming, but most cracks are preventable. Understanding why they happen is the first step to making sure they don't happen to yours.

July 21, 2025Read

The Truth About Granite and Radiation

You may have heard that granite countertops emit radiation. Here's what the science actually says — and why it shouldn't factor into your countertop decision.

July 28, 2025Read

Process· 6 min read

How to Budget for a Countertop Project in Sacramento

Countertop projects involve more costs than just the stone. Here's a realistic breakdown of what goes into a countertop budget in the Sacramento area — and how to plan for the full number.

August 4, 2025Read