Expert Answers About Countertops, Cabinets, Kitchen Remodeling & Bathroom Remodeling
Planning a new kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or countertop replacement project often comes with a lot of questions. At Countertops Unlimited in Augusta, New Jersey, we help homeowners, contractors, builders, designers, and other trade professionals understand their options and choose materials that fit their space, style, lifestyle, and budget.
From granite countertops, quartz countertops, engineered stone and quartzite to kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and laundry-room cabinetry, our goal is to make the selection and ordering process as straightforward as possible.
Countertops Unlimited has been serving customers throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania since 2001, with more than 30 years of countertop-industry experience. Visit our showroom at 755 County Route 565 in Augusta, NJ to see countertop slabs, samples, cabinets, sinks, faucets and other kitchen and bathroom options.
COUNTERTOP FAQs
What types of countertops does Countertops Unlimited offer?
Countertops Unlimited offers a wide range of countertop materials for kitchens, bathrooms, vanities, islands, laundry rooms and other residential or commercial applications.
Options include:
Granite countertops
Quartz countertops
Engineered stone countertops
Quartzite and other natural stone
Solid-surface countertops
Laminate countertops
Countertop remnants for smaller projects
We also carry or display products from well-known engineered-surface manufacturers. Availability of individual colors, collections and slabs changes, so visit our Augusta, NJ showroom or contact us for current options.
Does Countertops Unlimited fabricate and install countertops?
Yes. Countertops Unlimited provides custom countertop fabrication, onsite templating and countertop installation.
After you choose your material and finalize your project, accurate measurements are taken so your countertops can be fabricated specifically for your space.
Where is your countertop and cabinet showroom?
Our showroom is located at:
Countertops Unlimited
755 County Route 565
Augusta, NJ 07822
973-875-0033
Customers can visit the showroom to compare countertop materials, see natural-stone slabs, look through quartz samples, explore cabinet options and receive design assistance.
Can I see full slabs before choosing my countertop?
Yes. Countertops Unlimited stocks hundreds of granite and marble slabs onsite at our Augusta showroom.
Seeing a full slab is especially valuable when choosing natural stone because granite, quartzite and other natural materials can have significant differences in veining, movement, coloring and mineral patterns from one slab to another.
Can I take countertop samples home?
We have a large selection of countertop samples, and selected samples can be taken home so you can see how they look with your cabinets, flooring, backsplash, wall color and lighting.
Colors can look dramatically different under showroom lighting versus the lighting in your home.
Do you offer free countertop estimates?
Yes. Countertops Unlimited offers free estimates.
You can bring your project dimensions, drawings or plans to our Augusta showroom or contact us about arranging an estimate.
What is granite?
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth and cut into slabs. Because it is a natural material, every granite slab has its own combination of colors, veining, mineral deposits and movement.
This variation is one reason homeowners choose granite when they want a countertop that is genuinely unique.
What are the benefits of granite countertops?
Granite is popular for kitchens and bathrooms because it combines natural beauty with excellent durability.
Depending on the particular stone, benefits can include:
Natural, one-of-a-kind appearance
Excellent durability
Good heat resistance
Resistance to scratches during normal use
Long service life
Wide selection of colors and patterns
Suitability for kitchens and bathrooms
Potential to add visual appeal and value to a home
Does granite need to be sealed?
Many granite countertops benefit from sealing because natural stone can vary in porosity.
The appropriate sealer and sealing schedule depend on the particular granite and the product used. We can discuss care recommendations for the stone you select.
Can granite countertops stain?
Granite is stain resistant when properly selected, sealed and maintained, but no natural stone should automatically be considered completely stain-proof.
Promptly cleaning spills—especially oils, wine, coffee and strongly pigmented foods—is always a good practice.
Can I put hot pots on granite?
Granite has excellent natural heat resistance. However, we still recommend using trivets or heat pads whenever practical.
Doing so protects not only the stone but also sealers and surrounding materials.
Can I cut directly on granite?
Granite is very hard, but using a cutting board is still recommended.
Cutting directly on stone can dull your knives and is unnecessary wear on the countertop surface.
Is every granite slab different?
Yes. Natural stone varies from slab to slab.
Even two slabs sold under the same granite name may have differences in color, pattern and movement. If appearance is especially important to your project, seeing and selecting the actual slab is preferable to relying only on a small sample.
Are granite countertops still popular?
Yes. Granite remains an excellent choice for homeowners who prefer genuine natural stone.
Today's granite selections range from subtle and understated to dramatic, heavily veined stones, so the finished appearance depends heavily on the particular slab you choose.
What are quartz countertops?
In the countertop industry, "quartz countertops" usually means engineered quartz.
Engineered quartz is manufactured using quartz minerals combined with binders, pigments and other materials. Because it is manufactured rather than quarried as a single natural slab, quartz can offer greater consistency in color and pattern than many natural stones.
Is quartz the same as quartzite?
No. This is one of the most common countertop questions.
Quartz countertops are generally engineered or manufactured surfaces.
Quartzite countertops are natural stone quarried from the earth.
Although the names sound similar, they are completely different countertop materials.
What are the advantages of quartz countertops?
Engineered quartz is popular because it can provide:
Excellent durability
A nonporous surface
No routine stone sealing
Strong stain resistance
Easy everyday cleaning
Consistent colors and patterns
A wide range of styles
Marble-inspired and natural-stone-inspired designs
Modern, traditional and transitional options
Does quartz need to be sealed?
Most engineered quartz does not require routine sealing.
That is one of the primary maintenance differences between engineered quartz and many natural stones.
Always follow the care instructions from the manufacturer of the exact quartz product you select.
Can quartz countertops stain?
Quartz is generally highly stain resistant because of its nonporous nature, but it should not be treated as indestructible or completely stain-proof.
Clean spills promptly and follow the manufacturer's care recommendations.
Can I put a hot pan directly on quartz?
We recommend using a trivet or heat pad.
Engineered quartz contains resin or other binding materials, and excessive direct heat can damage the surface. Heat recommendations vary by manufacturer and product.
Are quartz countertops scratch-proof?
No countertop material should be treated as scratch-proof.
Quartz is durable and scratch resistant during normal use, but cutting boards are recommended and abrasive materials should be avoided.
Does quartz come in marble-looking designs?
Yes. Marble-inspired quartz is one of the most popular engineered-surface categories.
Options range from very subtle veining to dramatic patterns designed to resemble natural marble or quartzite.
Does quartz come in solid colors?
Yes. Depending on the manufacturer, quartz is available in solid colors, subtle patterns, concrete-inspired surfaces, fine-grained designs and dramatic veined patterns.
What is quartzite?
Quartzite is a natural stone, unlike engineered quartz.
It is quarried in slabs and often features attractive natural movement and veining.
Why do homeowners choose quartzite?
Quartzite is often selected by homeowners who want:
Genuine natural stone
Distinctive slab-to-slab variation
Dramatic veining
A luxury stone appearance
A countertop that can serve as a focal point in the kitchen
Some quartzite slabs have a light background and veining that can resemble marble.
Does quartzite need sealing?
Many quartzites benefit from sealing.
Exact care requirements depend on the individual stone, so care recommendations should be based on the actual slab selected rather than a universal rule.
Which is better: quartz or quartzite?
Neither is automatically better.
Engineered quartz may be preferable if you want predictable patterns, a nonporous surface and minimal routine maintenance.
Quartzite may be preferable if you want genuine natural stone and the unique veining and movement that comes with it.
Your budget, lifestyle and design goals should all influence the decision.
Which countertop is easiest to maintain?
Engineered quartz is generally among the easiest countertop materials to maintain because it is nonporous and typically does not require periodic sealing.
Natural granite and quartzite may need periodic sealing depending on the specific stone.
Which countertop is best for a busy family?
Granite, engineered quartz and quartzite can all work well in active kitchens.
Many busy households choose quartz because of its low routine maintenance. Others prefer granite because of its durability, heat resistance and natural appearance.
The right choice depends on how you use your kitchen and what look you prefer.
Which countertop looks most like marble?
There are two popular approaches.
Engineered quartz manufacturers offer many marble-inspired designs with controlled veining.
Some natural quartzites have dramatic veining that can give the appearance of marble while still providing the character of natural stone.
Is granite cheaper than quartz?
Not necessarily.
Granite and quartz both span a wide range of price points. Some granite selections cost less than certain quartz collections, while other granites can cost considerably more.
Comparing specific materials is much more useful than comparing the categories as a whole.
Is quartzite more expensive than granite?
Some quartzites are premium natural stones and can be more expensive than commonly available granites, but pricing varies significantly by material.
The actual slab, availability, square footage and fabrication requirements all influence the final price.
What quartz brands do you offer?
Countertops Unlimited works with or displays products from several recognizable engineered-surface manufacturers and brands, including names such as:
Cambria
Silestone
Caesarstone
Pental Quartz
Viatera
Corian Quartz
Other major engineered-surface manufacturers
Brands, collections, colors and availability change, so contact our showroom if you're interested in a particular product.
Do you carry Cambria quartz?
Countertops Unlimited offers access to Cambria quartz selections.
Visit our Augusta showroom to discuss current Cambria designs, samples and availability.
Do you carry Silestone countertops?
Silestone is among the recognizable engineered-surface brands offered through Countertops Unlimited.
Contact us for currently available Silestone collections and colors.
Do you carry Pental Quartz?
Pental Quartz, sometimes searched as PentalQuartz, is another engineered quartz option associated with our quartz selections.
Do you carry Viatera quartz?
Viatera is among the quartz brands displayed by Countertops Unlimited.
Viatera is currently associated with LX Hausys and may still appear in older searches as LG Hausys Viatera or LG Viatera.
Which quartz brand is best?
There is no single quartz brand that is best for every project.
When comparing manufacturers, consider:
Color and pattern
Surface finish
Warranty
Maintenance requirements
Slab dimensions
Availability
Price
Fabrication requirements
Whether the design works with the rest of your room
Our showroom staff can help you compare options.
What does countertop fabrication mean?
Fabrication is the process of turning a countertop slab into the finished pieces that fit your kitchen, bathroom or other space.
Depending on the project, fabrication may include:
Cutting slabs to size
Creating countertop edges
Sink cutouts
Cooktop cutouts
Faucet holes
Polishing
Preparing seams
Creating custom shapes and details
What countertop edge styles are available?
Countertops Unlimited offers multiple countertop edge options, including simple contemporary profiles and more decorative traditional edges.
Examples include:
Straight
Quarter round
Quarter bevel
Top and bottom round
Half bullnose
Demi bullnose
Full bullnose
Half bevel
Single bevel
Top and bottom bevel
The best edge depends on your countertop material, cabinet style, kitchen design and personal preference.
What is the most popular countertop edge?
Simple straight or lightly rounded edges are popular because they work with many kitchen styles and allow the countertop material itself to be the focal point.
More decorative bullnose and beveled profiles can work especially well in traditional kitchens.
Can you make sink and cooktop cutouts?
Custom fabrication commonly includes the openings required for sinks, cooktops, faucets and other fixtures.
Exact appliance and fixture information should be finalized when required so the countertop can be fabricated correctly.
Can I have an undermount sink with granite or quartz?
Yes. Undermount sinks are commonly installed with granite, quartz and quartzite countertops.
Sink style and installation requirements should be finalized before fabrication.
Will countertop seams be invisible?
No reputable fabricator should promise that every seam will be completely invisible.
Seam appearance depends on the countertop pattern, color, slab dimensions, layout, installation conditions and required seam location.
A skilled fabricator works to make seams as visually appropriate as possible.
What is countertop templating?
Templating is the precise measuring process used before your countertops are fabricated.
It determines the exact size and shape of the countertop pieces and accounts for walls, cabinets, corners, sinks, appliances, overhangs and other project details.
Do my cabinets need to be installed before countertop templating?
In most countertop projects, cabinets should be fully installed, secured and level before final templating.
Moving cabinets after the countertops have been measured can affect the fit.
Do I need my sink before the countertop is measured?
Sink information generally needs to be finalized before fabrication.
Depending on the sink and project, the fabricator may need the sink itself, its manufacturer template or exact model specifications.
Do I need my cooktop before templating?
Cooktop and appliance specifications may be needed to verify cutout dimensions.
If you are purchasing new appliances, have exact model information available and ask us what needs to be onsite before your template appointment.
Should someone be home during countertop templating?
It is helpful for a homeowner, contractor or other project decision-maker to be available if questions arise about overhangs, seams, sink placement, edge profiles or other details.
What happens after my countertops are measured?
The typical process is:
Choose your countertop material.
Receive and approve your estimate.
Finalize project details.
Schedule onsite templating.
Fabricate the countertops.
Schedule installation.
Install the finished countertops.
Project timing varies depending on material availability, complexity and current scheduling.
How long does countertop fabrication take?
Lead times vary depending on the material, project complexity, slab availability and current fabrication schedule.
Contact Countertops Unlimited for current turnaround information.
Do you remove old countertops?
Removal requirements can vary from project to project.
Discuss countertop removal and disposal with us before your installation so everyone understands what is included in the project scope.
Is plumbing included with countertop installation?
Do not assume that countertop installation automatically includes plumbing disconnection or reconnection.
Sink plumbing, garbage disposals, faucets, gas lines and electrical work may require an appropriate licensed trade. We can explain what needs to be arranged for your particular project.
Could countertop installation damage my walls or backsplash?
Stone and engineered countertops are heavy and must often be maneuvered into tight spaces.
Installers take reasonable care, but minor wall or paint touch-ups can sometimes be needed after installation.
When can I use my kitchen after countertop installation?
That depends on sink mounting, plumbing reconnection, adhesives, seams, backsplash work and other project details.
Follow the instructions provided for your particular installation.
How much do new countertops cost?
Countertop prices vary significantly based on:
Material
Brand or stone selection
Square footage
Number of slabs required
Edge profile
Sink cutouts
Cooktop cutouts
Backsplash
Number and location of seams
Fabrication complexity
Installation conditions
Removal of existing countertops
Project location
The best way to determine the cost of your project is to request a free estimate.
What is the least expensive countertop option?
Countertops Unlimited carries materials at multiple price points.
Depending on the project, laminate, solid surface, selected granite or quartz options, and remnants may offer opportunities to control costs.
Can countertop remnants save money?
Yes, remnants can be an excellent choice for smaller projects when a suitable piece is available.
Common remnant projects include:
Bathroom vanity tops
Small bar tops
Laundry counters
Desktops
Shelving
Small custom stone pieces
Do you sell granite remnants?
Yes. Countertops Unlimited offers discounted remnants that may be suitable for vanities and smaller projects.
Remnant inventory constantly changes, so visit or contact the showroom to see what is currently available.
How should I clean granite countertops?
Use a soft cloth with a cleaner appropriate for natural stone.
For routine cleaning, mild soap and water may be appropriate, but always follow the care recommendations for your particular stone and sealer.
How should I clean quartz countertops?
Quartz manufacturers commonly recommend simple routine cleaning using warm water, a soft cloth and mild soap.
Always follow the instructions for your particular quartz brand because chemical compatibility can vary.
Can I use vinegar on countertops?
It depends on the countertop material.
Acidic products such as vinegar can be inappropriate for some natural stones and sealers. Engineered-surface manufacturers also have their own cleaning instructions.
Use cleaners approved for the specific surface rather than treating all countertops the same.
Can I use bleach on quartz countertops?
Chemical recommendations vary by quartz manufacturer.
Do not assume that concentrated bleach or strong chemical cleaners are appropriate for every engineered quartz surface. Follow the current manufacturer instructions for your particular product.
Should I always use a cutting board?
Yes.
Even when a countertop is highly scratch resistant, using a cutting board helps protect both the countertop and your knives.
Should I use trivets on my countertops?
Yes.
Trivets or heat pads are inexpensive protection, particularly with engineered quartz. They are also a sensible precaution with natural stone.