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A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, to get a surface like this, you’d have to search high and low, sifting through slabs of jet-black natural stone for one with just the right amount of sparkle. Luckily today quartz manufacturers like ColorQuartz make it easy to get surfacing in dramatic colors with interesting patterns or shimmering particulate.

Ultra-compact Neolith surfacing just got even more practical. The availability of a new 6mm thickness makes this versatile, durable “super hero” of a surface now even more efficient. Already ideal for a catalog of applications, the new size now aligns Neolith with industry standards for even more uses.

Looking for fresh color ideas to keep your projects current? Consider one of the many shades of white available in surfacing today. And if you love the look of white countertops, but aren’t necessarily in the market for marble or white granite, ColorQuartz is a great option.

The availability of three new finishes now makes ultra-compact Neolith a truly versatile design choice. Recognized for its durability, it also now offers increased design flexibility.

Did you take chemistry class in high school? If you did, you’ve likely already experienced soapstone. Most lab tables are made of this material because of its chemically “inert” composition. (That’s just a fancy way of saying that chemicals won’t ruin it. It’s all coming back to you now, isn’t it?) Resistant to stains and bacteria, soapstone can hold up to Bunsen burners and high school students determined to wreak havoc. Its ability to withstand all of that makes soapstone a pretty great choice for kitchen and bath countertops too.

Just as important as it is to choose a material that suits the function of a particular project, it’s equally important to select the appropriate finish for the material. When it comes to natural stone, the surface finish helps to dictate the functional characteristics of the material. For example, a honed surface will provide slip-resistance, whereas a polished surface will be highly reflective. Finish can also go a long way in affecting the color of natural stone. Some finishes will intensify the color while others will soften it.

White countertops offer a look that’s timeless, clean, and fresh. Blended with white cabinetry, they offer a soothing look. Paired with black cabinets, they help create drama and contrast. Marble is usually the material that comes to mind when most of our customers think of white natural stone. But if you want the look of white countertops with a little less work, consider white granite.

You’ve heard us say before that Quartz surfacing is more than just a passing fad. As building professionals and homeowners learn more about this remarkable material, its popularity is expanding exponentially. In fact, it’s one of the most popular countertop materials used today, second only to granite. In a recent study by Consumer Reports, Quartz came out ahead over 14 other materials tested, proving that it can hold its own against the competition.

Q: Help! My boyfriend put a ring on it, but not the kind of ring I was hoping for. He forgot to use a coaster on my marble countertop and now there’s a visible water ring. Is there anything I can do to remove it?

Q: We’re trying to decide on a color for our new countertop. Is there a “rule of thumb” or standard way to determine whether we should go light or dark?