Custom Countertop Design and Installation
Custom Countertop Design and Installation
Granite, Quartzite, Marble, Quartz, and Porcelain Slab Products
GemStone Countertops specializes in natural stone
– granite, marble, and quartzite – for kitchen countertops and islands, bathrooms, vanities, shower walls, fireplace surrounds, bars and entertainment areas.
We also offer quartz and porcelain materials.
With the only slab showroom in the Quincy area, you can view a wide selection of countertop slabs up close and hand-select the one that’s ideal for your space. With an entire slab, not just a sample, you can scrutinize all the details – the full pattern, the range of colors, the shading and markings
– and better visualize what it will look like installed in your home or office.
When you come to GemStone Countertops, owner Lindsay Ertel will share her vast knowledge of stone materials and options with you, as well as her design expertise, to ensure you’re confident in your final choice.
You’re choosing the exact slab that we’ll install in your home
– so there are no surprises!
Natural Stone
Countertops
When you choose natural stone for your countertops, it’s like getting an original piece of art.
Natural stone is extracted from quarries around the world. Each large block that’s broken away from the bedrock has its own mineral colors, veining, and patterns – making each piece unique. Once the granite, marble, or quartzite blocks are removed from the earth, they’re transported to a facility, cut into slabs, and polished to the desired finish – with the look of the stone changing based on how it’s cut and processed.
Those natural stone slabs – like the ones you’ll find in our slab showroom – are then ready to make an elegant statement in your home!
Granite
The most popular natural stone for countertops, granite offers both elegance and durability. You can choose from a wide range of colors, as well as types of minerals in the granite – from shiny flecks to longer veins. You’re going to get a one-of-a-kind pattern found only in nature. Granite is water-, heat-, and scratch-resistant and easy to maintain. It’s durable enough to last a lifetime.
Marble
A classic and timeless choice, marble is the pinnacle of beauty for your countertops. It’s like having a piece of art in your kitchen or bathroom. Marble slabs can be mostly solid in color with slight variations of shades, and some have distinctive veining that runs through the stone. While marble is heat-resistant, it’s more likely than granite or quartzite to stain and scratch.
Quartzite
Not to be confused with quartz, which is an engineered stone, quartzite is a natural stone that looks like marble but is more durable with granite-like properties. It’s an ideal choice for kitchens and is available in a wide array of patterns and colors, although it typically ranges from whites to grays. One of the hardest stones in nature, it’s extremely resistant to heat, water, scratches, and anything acidic.
Soapstone
Durable and virtually maintenance-free, Soapstone is a natural quarried stone with a soft surface because of the mineral talc that’s present in the stone. This countertop surface is heat-resistant, won’t stain, stands up to acidic materials, and doesn’t require a sealant. It’s available in a range of gray shades, with some blue and green undertones, and darkens over time.
Limestone
This natural stone is made of exoskeletons of coral, shells, algae, and calcium carbonate. An elegant choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops, limestone slabs are beautiful with neutral tones and light hues that will look great with any color scheme. Limestone also offers durability and is an affordable option for homeowners.
Quartz & Porcelain
Countertops
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone, made by combining about 93 percent ground quartz and 7 percent resins, polymers, and colors. This gives you almost endless color and pattern choices for your countertops, and it looks like natural stone. Quartz is a durable and low-maintenance material, but not as heat-resistant as granite.
Porcelain Slabs
A relatively new choice for countertops, porcelain is an option worth considering. Porcelain is made from clay and combined with minerals and mineral oxides in a kiln and fired at extremely high temperatures. The result is a dense material that is unmatched in terms of durability. Porcelain is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
Choose a Beautiful & Functional Sink
You’ve chosen the perfect natural stone for your countertops. Now it’s time to choose the sink that will beautifully complement your countertops and create a functional space for your needs.
From stainless steel and granite to ceramic sinks, from a modern look to farmhouse style, from top-mount and under-mount sinks to an apron-front style … you have a wide array of choices and we’ll help you find the one that best fits your design and lifestyle.
Remember that function is as important as appearance. Think about how much time you spend at your sink. It’s the hub of your kitchen and it’s got to be just right! We’ll ensure your sink is in the best location and has all the features you need as part of a functional kitchen workspace.
Tips
on Choosing a Countertop Material
The choice of countertop material is a matter of personal preference and taste. Chances are, you’ll have a good idea of what you want. If not, we’ll educate you about the pros and cons of the various surfaces and show you a variety of options.
Keep the following tips in mind to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
Function
Think about function and how you’ll use your countertops daily. Do you have kids? You’ll likely want a material that can withstand scratches and spills. Do you cook a lot? Choosing a surface that can handle heat is important
Aesthetics
Consider aesthetics and your design style. Choose a surface that fits your style, keeping your room’s color scheme and design in mind. Are you going for a modern, contemporary look or favor a more traditional style? Are you drawn to bold patterns or prefer a simpler design?
Coordinate
Coordinate with your kitchen cabinets. Bring one of your kitchen cabinet doors with you when looking at countertop slabs. You’ll want a pattern that complements the color of your cabinets.
Size
Keep the size of your room in mind. If you have a small kitchen, for example, you might consider lighter countertops to make the room feel larger.
Maintenance
Decide how much maintenance you’re willing to perform. Be aware of the care and maintenance required for each type of material and decide whether you’re willing to handle some upkeep or want a surface as maintenance-free as possible.
Budget
Don’t lose sight of your budget. Set a budget that’s practical and choose a countertop that you’ll love without breaking the bank. But realize that this is a decision you’ll be living with for many years to come, so investing a bit more to get the desired outcome might be worth it.
Our Process
1
Contact us
to get the process started. We can take on any countertop project and we’ll work with any cabinet retailer or builder that’s involved in your construction or remodeling endeavor.
2
During a free consultation in your home, we’ll get measurements and talk with you about your project, needs, budget, and vision. Then we’ll provide a quote.
3
Once you decide to move forward, you’ll come to our showroom to hand-select the slab that checks all your boxes. Owner Lindsay Ertel will help guide you as you make your decision. If you don’t initially see what you like, we will search our database to find more options for you to select from.
4
Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll choose the edging you want and other details, including your sink.
5
We’ll create the custom template to ensure a perfect fit for your space. After the template, you even have the option to digitally view your kitchen layout on the slabs to ensure there are no surprises with the final product.
6
Our team will fabricate your custom countertops and install them. We won’t leave until we’re certain everything is to your satisfaction.