Frequently Asked Questions

Proper care depends on the type of stone you choose, but daily maintenance is simple and
easy.

Daily Cleaning
For most surfaces, use:
● Warm water
● A mild dish soap
● A soft cloth or microfiber towel
Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals, as they can dull
the finish or damage the surface over time.

Quartz Countertops
Quartz is non-porous and does not require sealing.
● Clean with mild soap and water.
● Avoid prolonged heat exposure (always use trivets).
● Do not use harsh chemicals or oven cleaners.

Granite & Natural Stone
Natural stone may require periodic sealing depending on the material and use.
● Wipe up spills quickly, especially oils, wine, and acidic foods.
● Use stone-safe cleaners when possible.
● We can reseal your countertops if needed.
If you ever have questions about your specific material, contact us — we’re happy to help guide
you on proper care to keep your countertops looking beautiful for years to come.

Yes. We have a team that can remove existing countertops for you.

In most cases, the demolition is completed the same day as installation to keep the project moving efficiently and minimize disruption in your home.

If the removal is more complex—such as countertops that are heavily integrated with tile backsplashes, plumbing, or cabinetry—we may schedule the demolition a few days prior to installation to properly prepare the space.

During the templating process, our team will review your project and let you know the best plan for removal and installation.

It depends on the type of material you choose.

Quartz countertops are non-porous and do not require sealing. They are very low maintenance and can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Natural stone countertops, such as granite, marble, or dolomite, are porous materials and may require periodic sealing to help protect against stains and moisture. Many slabs come pre-sealed from the manufacturer, but additional sealing may be recommended over time depending on the material and how the countertops are used.

If you would like longer-lasting protection, we also work with Permatreat, a professional sealing service that can apply a treatment with a 25 year warranty.

If you’re unsure about your specific stone, our team is happy to help recommend the best care and maintenance for your countertops.

Quartz and quartzite are often confused, but they are very different materials.

Quartz is a man-made engineered stone made from crushed natural quartz mixed with resins and pigments. Because of this process, quartz offers consistent patterns and colors and is non-porous, meaning it does not require sealing.

Quartzite, on the other hand, is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth. It is known for its natural veining and movement, often resembling marble in appearance.

Because quartzite has the elegant veining of marble but is much harder, it is a popular choice for kitchens as a marble alternative.

Marble can develop “etching,” which happens when acidic or high-pH substances (like lemon juice, vinegar, or certain cleaners) react with the stone and cause the surface to lose its shine or dull in spots. Quartzite is far more resistant to this issue, making it a more durable option for many kitchens.

The timeline can vary depending on the project, but most jobs follow this general process:

1. Rough Estimate
   The first step is a rough estimate based on measurements provided by the customer. This helps give you a general idea of pricing before moving forward. Final pricing will be confirmed after we complete the template.
2. Material Selection
   Next, you’ll choose the stone for your project. This can be done from the slabs we carry in-house, through one of our suppliers, or at a local slab yard.
3. Templating
   Once cabinets are installed and the space is ready, we schedule digital templating to take precise measurements of your countertops.
4. Fabrication
   After templating, the slabs go into fabrication where we cut, shape, polish, and finish the countertops to match your layout and edge selections.
5. Installation
   Once fabrication is complete, we schedule your installation day. Most countertop installations are completed in one day.

From templating to installation, the typical timeline is about 7–10 business days, depending on the material and complexity of the project.

Yes! Some clients like to come in and lay out their templates directly on the slab to ensure the veining and movement run exactly how they envision.

We’re happy to accommodate this at no extra charge. We just ask that you schedule an appointment ahead of time so our team can make sure someone is available to give you the help and attention you need during the process.

Granite countertops are heat safe and can generally handle hot pots and pans better than most other materials. However, we still recommend using trivets or hot pads when possible to protect the finish and extend the life of the stone.

Quartz countertops are heat resistant, but they are not designed to handle direct high heat. Because quartz contains resins, placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface can damage or discolor the material.

For the best long-term care of your countertops, it’s always safest to use trivets, hot pads, or heat-resistant mats when setting down hot cookware.

No, our team does not handle appliance or plumbing hookups.

We focus on fabrication and installation of your countertops, including cutting for sinks, cooktops, and other built-ins. Any final plumbing or appliance connections should be completed by a licensed plumber or appliance professional to ensure proper installation and warranty compliance.

You are welcome to pick up your remnants or use them for additional projects.

However, any materials not claimed within 30 days of project completion will become the property of Cristone Countertops.

A 50% deposit is required to begin your project, covering materials and fabrication. Any changes or additions to the project may result in a price adjustment.

The remaining balance is due in full at the time of completion.

We accept cash, check, or ACH payments. Please note that if a check is returned, a $50 fee will be applied.

The biggest thing that sets Cristone Countertops apart is that we are a local, family-owned business. Our family has grown up in the Magic Valley, and we have a deep-rooted love for the community we serve. We understand that your countertops are a big, forever investment, and we take the trust you place in us seriously.

While we’re a small, local business, we don’t compromise on technology. We use state-of-the-art CNC equipment and advanced fabrication tools to ensure:

• Precise measurements and accurate cuts
• Efficient production and faster turnaround times
• Greater customization for your unique design

This combination of personal, community-focused service and modern technology allows us to deliver higher-quality results than traditional methods, all while keeping the process smooth and professional.

At Cristone, we’re proud to serve our community with top-notch craftsmanship, advanced technology, and the care of a family-owned business.

You can typically expect installation within 7–10 business days from the date your countertop template is created.

This time allows our team to complete the fabrication process, including cutting, finishing, and preparing your countertops for installation.

Please note that the timeline may be extended if cabinets or appliances are not installed and ready for templating, or if slabs need to be special ordered. In those cases, additional time may be required before fabrication can begin.

Yes, we mount most sinks during the countertop installation.

The exception is farmhouse (apron-front) sinks. These sinks do not need to be fully installed, but they must be set and properly positioned before the templating appointment so our team can take accurate measurements for the countertop cutout.

Please note that while we mount the sink, we do not connect or reconnect plumbing. A plumber will need to complete the final plumbing connections after installation.

Due to the busy schedules of our installers, we are not able to commit to a specific appointment time for installation. However, we will always let you know whether to expect our installers in the morning (AM) or afternoon (PM). On the day of installation, our team will call you when they are within about 30 minutes of arriving so you know when to expect them.

Yes, our estimates are free.

We recommend stopping by our office location with rough measurements of your project and a general idea of the material you would like to use. From there, we can calculate an estimate for you shortly after reviewing the details.

If you are unable to come in person, you can also email your plans, cabinet drawings, or hand measurements along with the project details to cristonecountertops@gmail.com, and we will prepare an estimate for you that way.