(419) 664-3314 | 235 Stanford Pkwy, Findlay, OH
(419) 664-3314 | 235 Stanford Pkwy, Findlay, OH
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Quartzite is the hardest natural stone available for countertops — harder than both granite and marble. For engineered surfaces, quartz ranks among the most durable options. That said, “durable” means different things depending on your priorities. Quartzite and granite resist scratching and heat better. Quartz resists staining better without sealing. Soapstone is non-porous and heat resistant but softer. The right material depends on how you cook and how you live, not just which one scores highest on a hardness chart.
Granite is one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available — it was formed by volcanic heat deep inside the earth, so a hot pan from your oven is not going to damage it. That said, we still recommend using trivets or hot pads as a habit, primarily to protect the sealer on the surface (not the stone itself). The stone can handle the heat. The sealer may not love repeated thermal shock over time.
Granite is extremely hard and unlikely to crack under normal household use. Cracks typically occur from severe impact — like dropping something heavy directly on the stone — or from structural movement in the cabinet base below. Natural stone does occasionally contain fissures (natural lines within the stone) that are present when it comes from the quarry. These are not cracks and don’t affect structural integrity. We inspect every slab and will point out any natural fissures before fabrication so you can decide how you want them oriented.
Daily cleaning is simple — warm water and a mild dish soap is all you need for routine wipe-downs. For a dedicated stone cleaner, we recommend Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner & Conditioner. It’s pH-balanced specifically for natural stone and maintains the sealer with every use. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners, bleach, ammonia-based products, and anything highly acidic (like vinegar or lemon juice cleaners) — these can break down the sealer and dull the surface over time.
This is why we strongly encourage clients to come to our showroom and choose their actual slab rather than selecting from a small sample chip. Granite is a natural stone — every slab is unique, and the variation between slabs within the same color family can be significant. At Legacy, you choose your specific slab. You see the actual piece of stone that will become your countertop, not a representative sample of what it might look like. That’s one of the most important things we do differently from big-box retailers.
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Yes — and some quartz designs do it exceptionally well. Modern manufacturing technology, including HD inkjet printing used in MSI’s Q+ line, creates realistic veining patterns that closely mimic Calacatta marble, Carrara, and other natural stone looks. Brands like Vicostone and Viatera carry entire marble-inspired collections. While a trained eye can often distinguish quartz from real marble up close, the visual effect in a finished kitchen is genuinely compelling. You get the aesthetic without the porosity or acid sensitivity of actual marble.
We carry quartz from MSI (including Q Premium Natural Quartz and Q+), Viatera by LX Hausys, Vicostone, and selections from Surfaces by Pacific. Each brand has different strengths in terms of design range, color options, and price point. MSI offers the widest color variety. Viatera carries the strongest warranty (15 years, transferable). Vicostone delivers premium certified quality at 15-25% below comparable European brands. Our team can walk you through the differences based on your specific project.
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The most beautiful and most misunderstood stone. Here’s what marble actually requires.
Etching is a chemical reaction that occurs when acidic substances — lemon juice, vinegar, wine, tomatoes, citrus — come into contact with marble’s calcium carbonate composition. The acid dissolves the surface slightly, leaving a dull or light spot that is distinct from a stain (etching removes material; staining adds it). Sealing reduces staining but does not prevent etching — etching is a chemical reaction, not an absorption issue. The best prevention is prompt cleanup of acidic spills and avoiding leaving acidic cleaners on the surface. Honed marble hides etching better than polished marble because the matte finish makes dulled areas less visible.
Most marble countertops benefit from sealing once or twice per year, depending on how heavily the surface is used and how porous your specific marble is. A simple test: place a few drops of water on the surface and wait 10-15 minutes. If the water soaks in and darkens the stone, it’s time to seal. If it beads and wipes away cleanly, the seal is still intact. We recommend using a quality pH-neutral stone sealer and Supreme Surface Cleaner for daily maintenance between sealing cycles.
Both come from quarries in Tuscany, Italy, but they have distinct appearances and price differences. Carrara is more common — it has a soft white to gray background with fine, subtle gray veining. It’s the classic, understated marble look. Calacatta is rarer and more dramatic — a brighter white background with bolder, more pronounced veining that can include gold or warm tones. Because Calacatta is less common and more visually striking, it typically commands a higher price. Both are beautiful; the choice usually comes down to whether you want quiet elegance or a more dramatic statement piece.
Yes — and this is one of marble’s advantages over engineered surfaces. Minor chips and cracks in natural stone can be filled with color-matched epoxy or resin and polished smooth. Deep stains can sometimes be drawn out with poultice treatments. Etching can be polished out by a stone restoration professional. Natural stone is generally more repairable than engineered quartz, which is very difficult to repair invisibly. Contact us if you have a damage concern — we can advise on whether a professional restoration is the right path.
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The hardest natural stone and the most misidentified. What quartzite actually is and how it performs.
Yes — quartzite is generally harder than granite and is among the hardest natural stones used for countertops. On the Mohs hardness scale, quartzite typically ranks at 7 or above, compared to granite which generally falls between 6 and 7. In practical kitchen terms, this means quartzite is highly scratch resistant and stands up well to the demands of an active kitchen without surface damage under normal use.
Yes. Quartzite is denser than marble but is still a porous natural stone that benefits from sealing. Sealing helps protect against staining from oils, liquids, and kitchen spills. We apply sealer at installation and recommend Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner & Conditioner for ongoing daily maintenance. With proper care, quartzite resists staining very effectively in normal kitchen use.
Because quartzite begins as sandstone and is transformed by the same metamorphic processes that create marble, both stones can develop dramatic veining and a similar visual character. The key difference is in hardness and porosity — quartzite is significantly harder and less reactive to acids than marble. This is why quartzite is often described as “the marble look with granite durability.” For clients who love the look of marble but are concerned about its maintenance requirements, quartzite is frequently the answer.
Our current quartzite inventory includes Amazonite, Calcatta Mykonos, Gabana Extra, and Mercury Gray — along with additional slabs sourced through our supplier network. Because we personally source slabs by visiting quarries, our inventory changes as we find exceptional pieces. The best way to see what’s available is to visit our showroom in Findlay. We’ll show you what’s currently in stock and can source specific materials if you have something particular in mind.
06
The surface most people know the least about. Answers to the questions we hear from clients discovering soapstone for the first time.
Never. Soapstone is naturally non-porous — liquids cannot penetrate the surface. This is one of its most compelling advantages. Unlike granite, marble, or quartzite, soapstone does not stain, does not require sealing at installation, and does not require re-sealing at any point in its life. The only “maintenance” is optional mineral oil application for appearance purposes, not protection.
Soapstone is softer than granite or quartzite and can develop surface scratches from daily use — particularly in a busy kitchen. What makes soapstone different is that scratches can be completely sanded out with fine-grit sandpaper, and a coat of mineral oil makes them nearly invisible in the meantime. Many soapstone owners come to view this as a feature rather than a flaw — the surface develops character and patina over time rather than permanent damage. If a perfectly pristine surface is important to you, quartzite or quartz may be a better fit.
Mineral oil is applied to soapstone purely for appearance. It darkens the stone’s color, adds depth, and helps the natural patina develop evenly across the entire surface. Without oil, soapstone will darken unevenly over time — areas that get more use will darken faster than areas with less contact. Applying mineral oil speeds up and evens out this process. It does not protect the stone from staining (soapstone doesn’t stain) and it is not a sealer. It’s entirely optional — you can let the patina develop naturally if you prefer.
Yes — soapstone is one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available and has been used in fireplaces and wood stoves for centuries. Hot pots and pans can be placed directly on the surface without concern. This is one area where soapstone has a significant advantage over quartz and engineered surfaces. It handles thermal cycling well and will not be damaged by the heat of normal cooking.
07
What to expect when you work with Legacy. From the first visit to the day your countertops are installed.
Yes — quartzite is generally harder than granite and is among the hardest natural stones used for countertops. On the Mohs hardness scale, quartzite typically ranks at 7 or above, compared to granite which generally falls between 6 and 7. In practical kitchen terms, this means quartzite is highly scratch resistant and stands up well to the demands of an active kitchen without surface damage under normal use.
Yes. Quartzite is denser than marble but is still a porous natural stone that benefits from sealing. Sealing helps protect against staining from oils, liquids, and kitchen spills. We apply sealer at installation and recommend Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner & Conditioner for ongoing daily maintenance. With proper care, quartzite resists staining very effectively in normal kitchen use.
Because quartzite begins as sandstone and is transformed by the same metamorphic processes that create marble, both stones can develop dramatic veining and a similar visual character. The key difference is in hardness and porosity — quartzite is significantly harder and less reactive to acids than marble. This is why quartzite is often described as “the marble look with granite durability.” For clients who love the look of marble but are concerned about its maintenance requirements, quartzite is frequently the answer.
Our current quartzite inventory includes Amazonite, Calcatta Mykonos, Gabana Extra, and Mercury Gray — along with additional slabs sourced through our supplier network. Because we personally source slabs by visiting quarries, our inventory changes as we find exceptional pieces. The best way to see what’s available is to visit our showroom in Findlay. We’ll show you what’s currently in stock and can source specific materials if you have something particular in mind.
Our current quartzite inventory includes Amazonite, Calcatta Mykonos, Gabana Extra, and Mercury Gray — along with additional slabs sourced through our supplier network. Because we personally source slabs by visiting quarries, our inventory changes as we find exceptional pieces. The best way to see what’s available is to visit our showroom in Findlay. We’ll show you what’s currently in stock and can source specific materials if you have something particular in mind.
Our current quartzite inventory includes Amazonite, Calcatta Mykonos, Gabana Extra, and Mercury Gray — along with additional slabs sourced through our supplier network. Because we personally source slabs by visiting quarries, our inventory changes as we find exceptional pieces. The best way to see what’s available is to visit our showroom in Findlay. We’ll show you what’s currently in stock and can source specific materials if you have something particular in mind.
08
Honest answers about what countertops cost and how to make them work for your budget.
Countertop pricing varies significantly based on material, slab selection, edge profile, and the square footage of your project. As a general reference, mid-range granite and quartz typically fall in the $65–$120 per square foot range installed. Premium exotic stones, rare quartzites, and luxury marble varieties can run considerably higher. Entry-level options exist below that range as well. The most accurate way to understand your cost is to come in, tell us your project scope and your budget, and let us show you what’s possible at your price point. We build estimates that show you options at multiple tiers — not just one number.
They’re generally in a similar price range, with significant overlap. Some premium quartz colors are priced above mid-range granite; some exotic or rare granites run well above premium quartz. The material cost alone isn’t the whole picture — the consistency of quartz means less waste during fabrication compared to natural stone with irregular patterns, which can affect total project cost. We’ll give you honest side-by-side pricing for the specific options you’re considering.
Yes — and this is something we’re proud of. When we sit down with you, we build estimates that show you what’s possible at multiple price points. We can often achieve a similar design at a more accessible budget by selecting a different stone in the same color family, adjusting edge profiles, or choosing a mid-range slab over a premium exotic. We serve rental property renovations, budget-conscious remodels, mid-range upgrades, and luxury showcase kitchens. We’ll find a path that works — and we’re honest about what each option involves.
Generally yes — natural stone and high-quality engineered quartz countertops are among the kitchen upgrades most commonly cited by real estate professionals as adding perceived and appraised value to a home. The kitchen is the single most influential room in most home purchase decisions, and countertops are one of the first things buyers notice. Beyond resale value, you’re investing in something you’ll interact with every day for years — the quality of your daily environment is worth something beyond what you’d recover in a sale.
Yes — Legacy Marble & Granite offers financing options to help make your project accessible. Ask about financing during your consultation or call us at (419) 664-3314 for current details. We want the project you actually want, not the one you have to settle for because of cash flow timing.
09
How to keep your countertops looking their best, for the material you’ve chosen.
We recommend Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner & Conditioner for granite, quartzite, and marble. It’s pH-balanced specifically for natural stone, safe for sealed surfaces, and maintains the sealer with every use so your stone is protected every time you clean it. For daily light cleaning, warm water and a mild dish soap is perfectly fine. The key is what NOT to use: avoid bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, harsh abrasives, and anything acidic — vinegar, lemon, and citrus-based cleaners can etch marble and break down the sealer on any natural stone.
For fresh stains on sealed stone: blot (don’t wipe) the spill immediately to prevent it spreading, then clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. For older or set stains, a stone poultice can be effective — it draws the stain out of the stone by absorption over 24–48 hours. Oil-based stains respond to poultices made with baking soda and acetone. Organic stains (coffee, wine, food) respond to hydrogen peroxide-based poultices. If you’re dealing with a significant stain and aren’t sure how to proceed, call us before attempting anything aggressive. We can advise you based on your specific stone and stain type.
The water test is the most reliable method: place a few drops of water on the surface and wait 10–15 minutes. If the water beads up and wipes away cleanly, your seal is intact. If the water soaks in and darkens the stone, it’s time to reseal. As a general guideline, most granite benefits from sealing once a year; marble may need it every six months depending on use and porosity. If you’re using Supreme Surface Cleaner daily, it maintains and conditions the sealer with every use, which can extend the interval between full resealing applications.
We recommend against it for natural stone. Bleach and many commercial disinfecting wipes contain chemicals that can break down natural stone sealers over time, eventually leaving the stone unprotected and prone to staining. For quartz, bleach is generally safe in diluted form for occasional use (check your specific brand’s guidelines). For natural stone, a pH-neutral cleaner handles both cleaning and disinfection adequately for normal household surfaces. If deep disinfection is a concern — for example, after raw meat contact — a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (one part hydrogen peroxide to four parts water) is gentler on stone than bleach.
Yes — always use a cutting board, regardless of your countertop material. While granite and quartzite are scratch resistant, repeatedly cutting directly on stone will dull your knife blades far more quickly than it will scratch the stone. More importantly, if you use a ceramic knife or other very hard cutting tool, you risk scratching even the hardest natural stone. Use a cutting board, keep your knives sharp and in good condition, and your countertop and your cookware will both last longer.
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Most kitchen countertop installations are completed in a single day. Bathroom vanity installs are typically faster. The actual time depends on the size of your project, the number of pieces, and whether any complex cuts or on-site adjustments are needed. We’ll give you a realistic time estimate when we schedule your installation so you can plan accordingly. Most clients are using their kitchen again by the same evening.
Clear everything off your existing countertops and remove items from the cabinets below. Make sure there’s clear access to your kitchen or bathroom for our crew. If you have an undermount sink, it will be installed or reinstalled as part of the countertop installation. Disconnect your plumbing before we arrive or we can coordinate timing with your plumber. We’ll confirm all of this with you when we schedule installation so there are no surprises on the day.
This is rare because of our digital templating process — we confirm your layout with you before fabrication begins, which eliminates most fit issues before they can happen. In the uncommon event that something doesn’t go as planned, we address it directly. We don’t subcontract our installation, which means there’s no finger-pointing between vendors. You call Legacy, and Legacy handles it. Our own crew, our own accountability, start to finish.
Seams are sometimes necessary for large countertop runs, L-shaped configurations, or to minimize material waste on expensive slabs. Our fabricators place seams intentionally — choosing locations that are least visible (typically near a sink or in a corner) and that allow the stone pattern to flow as naturally as possible across the join. We’ll discuss seam placement with you during the layout approval process before fabrication begins. With quartz, seam-filling materials can be very closely color-matched. With natural stone, we work to orient the pattern to minimize visual disruption at seam locations.
For most countertop installations, you can use the surface immediately after our crew leaves. The adhesive and caulk used to secure the countertop and seal the backsplash edge need a few hours to fully cure — we’ll give you specific guidance at the final walkthrough. We’ll also review care and maintenance for your specific material at that time so you know exactly what to use and what to avoid from day one.
Yes — Legacy Marble & Granite serves all of Northwest Ohio, including Findlay, Bowling Green, Lima, Tiffin, Perrysburg, Toledo, Sandusky, Ottawa, Upper Sandusky, Marion, and surrounding communities. If you’re not sure whether your area falls within our service zone, call us at (419) 664-3314 or visit our showroom at 235 Stanford Parkway in Findlay. We’re generally able to serve clients throughout the region and are happy to discuss your project regardless of where you’re located in Northwest Ohio.
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