Stone Surface Cheat Sheet: Understanding Countertop Lingo

Sep 30, 2022 | Premier Countertop Installation and Fabrication

If you’re in the market for new countertops, understanding the stone surface (Granite, Quartz, and Marble) lingo can be challenging. At Bad Lizard, we aim to make the process of buying new countertops simple, so we’ve compiled this list of countertop terms that are helpful to know when you need new countertops.

Backsplash

Your backsplash is the area on the wall above your countertop and under the cabinets. This is a good term to know because the backsplash is an important decision you will need to make when buying countertops. A backsplash that goes well with your countertops = major style points!  

Porosity

Porosity refers to how porous the stone is. A more porous stone will be more likely to absorb substances into the stone, creating the risk of stains to occur.

Sealing

To protect against that previously mentioned staining, you will need to seal your countertops. This varies depending on how porous the stone is, but most stone countertops need to be sealed roughly every five years. Need more info on this? We’ve got you covered! 

Veining

Veining is one of the most common terms used to describe stone slabs. Veining refers to the lines or movement in the stone. This is one of the most commonly-used terms and an important one to know, so you can find an aesthetically pleasing slab. 

Edge Finish

The edge treatment refers to how the edges of your countertops are cut and polished. The cut you decide to finish your countertops with will have a dramatic effect on their appearance of them.

Finish

The finish refers to the appearance of the top of the slabs. For example, a slab can have a matte finish, so it is smooth yet has very little shine, or a slab can be polished with a gloss finish, giving it a shiny appearance.

Countertop Lingo | Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz

These terms should leave you feeling more confident and equipped to talk about your new countertops and find the right one for you! 

Choosing a new countertop can be an overwhelming process. At Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz, we have West Virginia’s largest indoor selection of natural and engineered stone slabs, so you can see the whole slab rather than look at a tiny sample. This gives you a better idea of what the slab will look like in your home.

Our Bad Lizard Granite & Quartz team is here to help make your stone surface countertop dream a reality. When it comes to stone surface fabrication and installation, we’re the best in West Virginia.

Call us at 304-472-6483 or contact us online today if you have any questions.