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Homeowner Q&A

Clear answers from industry pros to the most common homeowner questions.

Thinking about replacing your countertop? Wondering how to care for granite, or whether quartz or marble is the better choice for your space? You’re in the right place.

In our Homeowner Q&A section, we tackle real questions from real homeowners — and answer them with practical, honest advice from trusted professionals: countertop contractors, interior designers, engineers, and fabrication experts. No fluff. No jargon. Just straight answers.

What material holds up best over time? How do you avoid common installation mistakes? What happens if something goes wrong? We break it all down so you can make confident decisions about maintaining, upgrading, or renovating your kitchen or bath.

If you’re an industry professional with insights to share, we invite you to contribute. Head over to our Become a Contributor page to submit your article. We publish helpful answers for free and accept promotional content at our standard editorial rates.

Subscribe to The Stone Magazine to receive weekly expert advice, case studies, and practical tips for getting the most out of your countertops — and your home.

Best Articles of this Topic

Thumbnail image for 'Best Cleaners for Quartz Countertops: What to Use and What to Avoid'
Practice and Contractor Experience

Best Cleaners for Quartz Countertops: What to Use and What to Avoid

We break down which cleaning products work best for both daily maintenance and deep cleaning of quartz surfaces.

Avatar of Mary Jones Avatar of Max Kuchman
Mary Jones | Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'How to Care for Granite Countertops: A Complete Guide to Maintenance and Upkeep.'
Practice and Contractor Experience

How to Care for Granite Countertops: A Complete Guide to Maintenance and Upkeep.

How to remove stains from your countertop — and other tips for homeowners who want to keep their stone looking great for years to come.

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Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'How to choose a kitchen countertop: honestly about the strengths and weaknesses of natural and artificial stones'
Expert Interviews

How to choose a kitchen countertop: honestly about the strengths and weaknesses of natural and artificial stones

This article explains the difference between natural and engineered stone countertops. It helps you choose the material that best fits your needs and won't disappoint in daily use

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Thumbnail image for 'How to choose a stylish and durable countertop for your kitchen: Trendy Solutions for 2025'
Design Trends

How to choose a stylish and durable countertop for your kitchen: Trendy Solutions for 2025

You'll discover the trending colors and textures of quartz countertops for 2025, along with guidance on selecting the right option for your interior.

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Mary Jones
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Thumbnail image for '10 Types of Natural Stone Countertops: Unveiling Top Picks for Your Kitchen'

10 Types of Natural Stone Countertops: Unveiling Top Picks for Your Kitchen

We explain how to choose a natural stone countertop. Compare the pros and cons of granite, marble, quartzite, onyx, soapstone, and other options.

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Dmitiy Fedotov

Developer

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Max Kuchman

Founder, CMO, U.S.

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Dave Milligan

Editor

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Dean Collins

Editor

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Debra Morgan

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Mary Jones

Editor

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Dan Williams

Editor

Homeowner Q&A For Professionals
Thumbnail image for 'Natural Stone Mining in the U.S.: Granite, Marble, and Quartzite – A Journey Through the Centuries'
Design Trends

Natural Stone Mining in the U.S.: Granite, Marble, and Quartzite – A Journey Through the Centuries

We explore the history of natural stone mining in the U.S. Learn where the largest deposits are and how extraction methods have changed over time.

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Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Cost, Durability, and Style'
Design Trends

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Cost, Durability, and Style

We help you choose the most practical, durable, and cost-effective stone for your kitchen countertop. We compare quartz and granite so you can make a confident, informed decision.

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Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'Do specialty products protect marble and granite countertops from dirt or not?'

Do specialty products protect marble and granite countertops from dirt or not?

Which products actually work for cleaning marble and granite countertops? We explain what really protects the stone and keeps it looking great for years.

Avatar of Max Kuchman
Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'Quartz or Granite: Which Kitchen Countertop is Better? A Comprehensive Guide to Comparing Materials for Durability, Maintenance, and Cost.'
Price Insights in the U.S.

Quartz or Granite: Which Kitchen Countertop is Better? A Comprehensive Guide to Comparing Materials for Durability, Maintenance, and Cost.

We break down whether quartz or granite is the better choice for your countertop. Prices, pros, and cons of each stone — all in one place.

Avatar of Max Kuchman
Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'How Stone Countertops Became Popular in the U.S.'
Design Trends

How Stone Countertops Became Popular in the U.S.

Explore the history behind the rise of stone countertops in the U.S. Discover how marble, granite, and quartz became icons of perfect interiors — and what the future holds.

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Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for '2025 Kitchen Countertop Trends: Get Inspired and Create Your Dream Kitchen with Top Contractors from the National COCO Ranking'
Design Trends

2025 Kitchen Countertop Trends: Get Inspired and Create Your Dream Kitchen with Top Contractors from the National COCO Ranking

All about 2025 countertop trends for the home. Find out how to combine style, convenience, and smart tech in your kitchen.

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Thumbnail image for 'Calacatta Macchia Vecchia: Jennifer Lopez’s Marble Countertop Choice – Price, Story, and Affordable Quartz Alternatives'
Design Trends

Calacatta Macchia Vecchia: Jennifer Lopez’s Marble Countertop Choice – Price, Story, and Affordable Quartz Alternatives

Take a peek inside celebrity kitchens: find out how much Jennifer Lopez's countertop costs and discover affordable alternatives.

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Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for '10 Types of Natural Stone Countertops: Unveiling Top Picks for Your Kitchen'

10 Types of Natural Stone Countertops: Unveiling Top Picks for Your Kitchen

We explain how to choose a natural stone countertop. Compare the pros and cons of granite, marble, quartzite, onyx, soapstone, and other options.

Avatar of Max Kuchman
Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'Best Countertop for Laundry Room: Merging Style with Practicality'

Best Countertop for Laundry Room: Merging Style with Practicality

This article shows which countertop materials work best for a laundry room. It helps you choose one that combines style, durability, and easy maintenance

Avatar of Max Kuchman
Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'Marble Countertops Pros and Cons: A Guide to Elegant Kitchen Surfaces'
Design Trends

Marble Countertops Pros and Cons: A Guide to Elegant Kitchen Surfaces

You'll learn how marble countertops can enhance your kitchen's elegance, along with the maintenance required to preserve their beauty and longevity. Imagine walking into your kitchen, where the he

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Max Kuchman
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Thumbnail image for 'Types Of Granite Countertops'
Design Trends

Types Of Granite Countertops

You'll learn what makes granite countertops unique and why they remain timeless regardless of trends. The article will help you understand how to choose the right type of granite, considering its durability, appearance, and longevity

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Max Kuchman
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Max Kuchman

Chief Author of Countertops Contractors

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Chief Author of Countertops Contractors

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