FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We strongly recommend setting up an appointment with one of our sales and design associates prior to your visit to our showroom. This will ensure one-on-one time dedicated to your project. Our showroom and slab yard are welcome to walk-ins, but we can not guarantee that someone will be available to give you individual attention to navigate the completion of your project planning.

Walk-ins Welcome

Appointments Highly Recommended

Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm.  Friday 9am to 4pm.

We strongly discourage cutting directly on top of your natural stone surface due to the fact that it can cause scratching and damage to the stone. You should always use a cutting board when cutting food on your natural stone countertops. Marble specifically, is quite porous due to its powder construction. Remember that marble can also be susceptible to stains, so always wipe down your countertops after each use and always keep them dry. It is also important to have your countertops sealed periodically to decrease your chances of staining and scratching.

Yes! We have many slabs available to purchase in our slab yard at our Morehead City location. Make an appointment to have specific slabs pulled out for viewing or laying out your project. If we do not have the color of your choice in stock, we are more than happy to contact our suppliers to locate the nearest slab. We work directly with suppliers as close as Raleigh, NC, where you may also go to view slabs before purchasing. For location and supplier information, please contact our office.

We at Coastal Countertops only order first quality stone through reputable and reliable vendors. We offer over 600 variations in color choices for our clients which can be special ordered in addition to the wonderful supply on site that is ever changing with the routine granite deliveries coming in.

It is recommended that you seal your natural stone, including but not limited to marble, granite, quartzite at least one a year to ensure maximum benefits and sustainability. There is however a 5 year sealer that we offer to our customers on any natural stone that is installed by our team. This sealer takes away the hassle of resealing your granite every six months to a year. If you are resealing your countertops on your own, we do recommend a natural stone sealer that has no additional harsh or abrasive chemicals added into the product. Our team can always schedule a time for your countertops to be professionally sealed as well.

There are many benefits to using quartz countertops in your home. It is very similar to granite and marble in appearance, but due to its manufacturing process, quartz is said to be more durable and is a non-porous option. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors that are consistent throughout the slabs. It is great in both kitchens and bathrooms because the stone is non-porous, meaning it is resistant to bacteria growth. Quartz countertops are also heat-resistant so they are suitable for hot pans and dishes. Because of its durability, quartz is easy to maintain. Unlike granite and marble, it does not require sealing. 

Both granite and marble are natural stones, meaning they can be susceptible to chipping or staining without proper maintenance. Granite is more durable and less prone to stains and scratching in comparison with marble. Both marble and granite can be used outside with proper sealing and both are relatively similar in price. Cost varies with color and appearance in both materials as well.

Porcelain tiles are in fact a type of ceramic tile. Due to the manufacturing process, porcelain is slightly more dense and less porous than ceramic. Ceramic tiles are better used as wall tiles or backslashes. Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are durable enough to use in high traffic areas and outside. Also, the color of the porcelain tile is fired all the way through, while colors of ceramic tiles are only fired through the top layer. Porcelain can be slightly more expensive due to its durability and quality. We recommend either option for your spaces, per specifications and can help you design your tile project and handle selection making should you choose.

Next to diamond, sapphire, and ruby, granite is the hardest natural product on earth. Once polished, granite will maintain its high gloss virtually forever, pending our care and maintenance guidelines. Granite is a dense material but still porous so it can get stained if a spill is not cleaned properly or in a timely manner. We seal the surface with a water-based sealant and ask the consumer to follow a simple maintenance schedule. A maintenance sealant is recommended to protect the granite from water patches and stains. Sealing can be done once a year or once every two years depending on the usage of the surface. Normal food preparation, use of kitchen appliances, cutlery, knives and cookware won’t leave scratches. Heat has almost no effect on natural granite, making it much safer than synthetic surfaces with polyesters and resins (I.E. solid surface counters). We recommended a natural, non-abrasive product to keep your granite counter clean.

Granite is virtually scratch and cut-resistant, very strong and can withstand extreme temperatures. It is a solid element that forms naturally and normally does not stain easily. To avoid stains, be sure to maintain a maintenance schedule and seal your granite countertops at least once a year. If your granite is left unsealed, its pores can open, causing the material to be more susceptible to staining. You should always clean your granite after each use, especially if you place or cut food on your countertops. The easiest way to clean your countertop is to use mild soap and water, or a neutral and natural cleaner. Be sure to never use any strong detergents or abrasive sponges because it could scratch. See our care and use guidelines for caring for your natural stone countertops.

Typically your most economical stone countertop selection is going to be an in stock granite from our slab yard. These options will most likely be sold per square foot and more budget friendly. Quartz will usually price higher than granite that is in stock. All stone pricing is relative to the color selection made, amount of material needed and size of the project.