Your Countertop Questions, Answered

In the Naples and Southwest Florida area, quartz countertops typically run $50 to $120 per square foot installed, including materials and labor. Most kitchen projects land between $3,000 and $7,500 total depending on square footage, edge profile, and number of cutouts. At Stone Express Inc, we provide free estimates so you know exactly what to expect — call us at 239-213-0555.

Marble can be comparable in price to quartz, but it requires significantly more maintenance — regular sealing, careful cleaning with pH-neutral products, and immediate spill cleanup. In Florida’s humid environment, marble needs extra attention to prevent moisture damage and staining. If budget and low maintenance are priorities, quartz gives you a better return on investment.

Common edge profiles include eased (straight with a slight round), beveled, half bullnose, full bullnose, and ogee. Simple edges like eased and beveled are typically included in the base price. Decorative edges like ogee and waterfall can add $10 to $60 per linear foot. We bring edge samples to your home so you can see and feel the options before deciding.

Not necessarily, but your cabinets do need to be level and structurally sound enough to support the weight. Quartz is heavier than laminate, so if your existing cabinets are made of particle board or MDF and are in poor condition, reinforcement or replacement may be needed. Our team inspects your cabinets during the templating visit and will let you know if any work is needed before installation.

For most Florida homeowners, quartz is the better choice. It’s non-porous, so it won’t absorb moisture in our high-humidity climate. Unlike granite, quartz never needs sealing and is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria — all major concerns in Southwest Florida. Granite is a great option too, especially if you want a completely natural stone look or need countertops for an outdoor kitchen exposed to direct sunlight. Stone Express installs both — we’ll help you choose based on your space.

Despite the similar names, they’re very different materials. Quartz countertops are engineered — manufactured from ground quartz crystals combined with resin and pigments. Quartzite is a 100% natural stone that’s been subjected to heat and pressure underground. Quartzite is harder, more heat-resistant, and can be used outdoors, but it costs more ($65–$220/sq ft installed) and requires periodic sealing. Stone Express fabricates and installs both.

White and gray quartz with subtle veining — mimicking the look of Calacatta or Carrara marble — are by far the most popular choices. Warm beige tones are also trending. Neutral colors work well for resale value and pair with any cabinet style. Quartz can be manufactured in virtually any color, including bold blues and greens for statement installations. We carry a wide selection at our Naples showroom.

Quartz countertops can last 25 years or more with proper care. Because they don’t require sealing and resist scratches, stains, and moisture, they maintain their appearance longer than most natural stone options. This makes quartz one of the best long-term investments for kitchen and bathroom remodels.

Quartz is highly stain-resistant because it’s non-porous — liquids can’t penetrate the surface. However, it’s not stain-proof. Strong pigments like red wine, turmeric, or coffee can leave marks if left sitting for extended periods. The fix is simple: wipe spills promptly and clean with mild dish soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can damage the resin.

No. While quartz is durable, the resin binders in engineered quartz can be damaged by sustained high heat. Always use trivets or hot pads under pots, pans, and heat-generating appliances like slow cookers. Granite and quartzite are more heat-tolerant if this is a major concern for you.

Yes. Minor chips and scratches can be repaired using color-matched resin or epoxy. For larger damage, a professional fabricator can restore the surface. Chips are rare with quartz due to its hardness, but they can happen from heavy impact on edges or corners. Avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface and use cutting boards when prepping food.

It depends on the material. Porous stones like unsealed granite and marble can absorb moisture, leading to staining, discoloration, and mold growth in Florida’s humid climate. Quartz is non-porous and handles humidity with zero issues — no sealing required, no moisture absorption, no mold or mildew risk. This is one of the main reasons quartz is so popular in Southwest Florida homes.

Standard quartz is not recommended for outdoor kitchens exposed to direct sunlight. Florida’s intense UV rays cause the resin and pigments in quartz to discolor and fade — sometimes within a single season. If your outdoor kitchen is fully covered (under a lanai or pergola with no direct sun exposure), quartz can work. For uncovered outdoor kitchens, granite or quartzite are better choices. We install all three at Stone Express and can advise on what fits your setup.

No. Unlike granite and marble, quartz countertops never need sealing. The engineering process binds crushed quartz with resin, creating a completely non-porous surface. This is a major advantage in Florida’s humid climate — you save time and money on maintenance compared to natural stone options that need resealing every 12 to 18 months.

Daily cleaning is simple: use a soft cloth with warm water and mild dish soap. For tougher messes, a gentle pH-balanced cleaner works well. Avoid bleach, vinegar, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners — these can damage the resin finish. In Florida homes with hard water, using distilled water occasionally prevents mineral haze buildup, especially on dark quartz.

The average kitchen has about 30 to 40 square feet of countertop space. To estimate yours, measure the length of each countertop section and multiply by the depth (standard depth is 25.5 inches, or about 2 feet). Island countertops add extra square footage. Stone Express provides free in-home measurements with laser-precision templating to give you an exact quote.

Quartz slabs max out at about 125 inches by 65 inches. If your countertop is larger than this, seams will be necessary. The good news: because quartz has consistent patterns, a skilled fabricator can make seams nearly invisible. At Stone Express, our craftsmen specialize in minimizing seam visibility through precise placement and color-matched adhesives.

We strongly advise against it. Quartz slabs are extremely heavy — a standard kitchen slab can weigh 300 to 500 pounds. Improper handling can crack the slab, damage your cabinets, or cause injury. Professional installation also ensures your cabinets are properly leveled, cutouts are precise, and seams are tight. DIY installation will also void most manufacturer warranties.

The full process from template to installation typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Templating takes about an hour, fabrication takes several business days, and installation day itself usually takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the scope. Stone Express is known for fast turnaround — we’ve completed emergency jobs in as little as 48 hours when needed.

Stone Express Inc serves all of Southwest Florida, including Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the Everglades area. Our showroom and fabrication facility is located at 3557 Prospect Ave, Naples, FL 34104. Call 239-213-0555 to schedule a free estimate.