FAQ

Granite is relatively easy to care for. Day to day, all you really need is warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge.

Because granite is a natural stone, it should be sealed from time to time to help reduce staining. You’ll also want to avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive scrubbers, and acidic products like vinegar. With those basic habits in place, granite is a practical and low-maintenance option for many homes.

Granite is quarried from the earth in large blocks and then cut into slabs for fabrication. It is found in many parts of the world, and different regions produce different colors, patterns, and mineral characteristics.

Once the stone is quarried, the slabs are processed, finished, and shipped to distributors or fabricators. That’s why you’ll often see a wide range of granite styles, from subtle and consistent patterns to bold movement and dramatic color variation.

Engineered quartz is a manufactured countertop surface made from natural quartz combined with resins and pigments. This process creates a durable, non-porous surface that offers a more consistent appearance than many natural stones.

One of the biggest advantages of quartz is that it does not require sealing. It’s also highly resistant to everyday staining, which makes it a popular choice for busy kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-use areas. If you want a surface with low maintenance and a more uniform look, quartz is often a strong option.

That depends on what matters most to you.
Granite is a natural stone, so every slab has its own unique color variation, movement, and character. Many people choose granite because they want a one-of-a-kind look and the beauty that comes from a natural material.
Quartz offers a different set of advantages. Because it is engineered, it has a more consistent appearance from slab to slab. It is also non-porous, which means it does not require sealing and is generally very easy to maintain.
If you’re deciding between the two, it usually comes down to your priorities:

• Choose granite if you want a natural look with unique variation
• Choose quartz if you want low maintenance and more visual consistency

If you’re comparing materials for a specific space, seeing the slabs in person often makes the decision much easier.

In addition to granite and quartz, we also work with several other stone materials depending on the style and performance you’re looking for.
These include:

• Marble for a classic, elegant look
• Quartzite for natural beauty with strong durability
• Dolomite for a marble-like appearance with a different performance profile
• Soapstone for a softer, natural look that develops character over time
• Remnants for vanities and other smaller projects

Each material has its own appearance, maintenance needs, and practical advantages. If you’re not sure which one fits your project best, we can help you compare the options.

Most natural stone countertops benefit from sealing because natural stone contains microscopic pores that can absorb moisture and spills over time. A sealer helps reduce absorption and gives you more time to clean up liquids before they can stain the surface.

Granite, marble, quartzite, and dolomite are often sealed periodically, depending on the material and how heavily the countertops are used. Soapstone is different. It is dense and non-porous, so it does not require sealing, although some people choose to apply mineral oil to deepen its color.

Sealing helps protect natural stone, but it does not make it completely stain-proof. It’s still important to wipe up spills promptly and use the right cleaning products.

Quartz countertops are low-maintenance, but not completely maintenance-free.

Because quartz is non-porous, it does not require sealing, and routine cleaning is simple. In most cases, warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth are all you need for everyday care.

That said, quartz still benefits from good habits. You should avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers, and direct heat from hot pans. So while quartz is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain, it still needs proper day-to-day care.

Yes, natural stone countertops can stain if spills are left on the surface long enough. Because natural stone is porous to some degree, liquids such as oil, coffee, wine, or sauces can soak in over time if the surface is not properly sealed or the spill is not cleaned up promptly.

The good news is that sealing helps reduce that risk, and good daily care goes a long way. Cleaning spills quickly and using stone-safe products will help keep natural stone looking its best over time.

Most countertop projects include at least one seam, especially in larger kitchens, long runs, or L-shaped layouts. Seams are a normal part of stone fabrication and installation. The goal is to place them thoughtfully and finish them as cleanly as possible so they work with the layout of the space.

How noticeable a seam is can depend on the material, color, pattern, and where the seam needs to be placed. Some materials hide seams better than others, but careful planning always makes a difference.

We use digital templating to measure countertops for fabrication. This allows us to capture the dimensions of your space accurately and create a layout before any stone is cut.

That layout helps guide the fabrication process and supports important decisions like seam placement, cutouts, and overall fit. Starting with accurate measurements helps the project move more smoothly from templating to fabrication to installation.

The timeline can vary depending on the material you choose, the size and complexity of the project, and current scheduling. Because each job is different, we do not use one standard timeline for every project.

In general, the process includes material selection, measuring or templating, fabrication, and installation. Once we know the details of your project, we can give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

After you choose your stone, the next step is to finalize the details needed for fabrication. That may include confirming measurements, reviewing the layout, selecting edge details, and making sure the project information is complete.

Once everything is confirmed, the job moves into fabrication. After fabrication is complete, the countertops are scheduled for installation.

Yes. We fabricate countertops in-house, which gives us greater control over the quality of the work, the accuracy of the cuts, and the finishing process.

Keeping fabrication in-house also helps connect the entire project, from material selection to installation, so the process stays more consistent from start to finish.

Yes. We handle both fabrication and installation. That matters because even a well-fabricated countertop still needs to be transported, placed, and fitted carefully in the space.

By handling both parts of the project, we can keep the process more connected and maintain better control over the final result.

Yes. We work with builders, contractors, designers, and cabinet shops on residential and light commercial countertop projects.

That includes custom countertop fabrication as well as support for projects that require accurate layouts, reliable fabrication, and a professional finished product.

No. You do not need an appointment to visit our showroom during regular business hours. That said, calling ahead can be helpful, especially if you want to look at specific slabs or talk through a particular project.

Yes. We encourage you to view slabs in person. Seeing stone up close makes it much easier to compare color, pattern, movement, and finish before making a decision, especially with natural stone, where each slab is unique. AMG highlights in-person slab selection as part of the showroom experience and notes that it keeps more than 400 slabs on site.

We keep more than 400 slabs in stock. Having that many materials on site gives you the chance to compare options in person and find a surface that fits your design and budget more easily.

Yes. If you do not find the right material in our inventory, we also work with wholesalers in the Portland metro and Seattle area. If you visit one of those warehouses, let them know you are working with American Marble & Granite so the proper holds can be placed on your selections.

Yes. You are welcome to bring your designer or contractor with you. We work with homeowners, designers, contractors, and builders, so having your project team involved in slab selection can make it easier to compare materials and make decisions with confidence.

Our countertops are priced by the square foot, which gives you a straightforward way to compare materials and understand project costs. The final price depends on the stone you choose, the size of the project, and details like cutouts, edge profiles, and backsplashes.

Yes. Remnants are a great option for smaller projects that do not require a full slab. They allow you to use quality stone for a more compact space without selecting material for a larger installation.

Remnants are typically best for smaller surfaces, such as:

• Bathroom vanities
• Laundry room countertops
• Wet bars
• Small counters
• Powder room tops

They are a practical option when you want a finished stone surface for a smaller area.

Yes. We provide estimates for countertop projects based on the material, dimensions, and scope of work. If you already have measurements, plans, or project details, that helps us prepare a more accurate quote.

Yes. We regularly work with contractors, builders, designers, and cabinet shops. We can support these projects with material selection, fabrication, layout guidance, and installation coordination where needed.

Yes. We handle light commercial countertop fabrication and installation for spaces such as offices, tenant improvements, restaurants, and other interiors that need durable stone surfaces.

Yes. We offer installation-ready fabrication for builders and other trade partners who need stone fabricated to project specifications. This can be a good fit for teams that need a reliable fabrication partner and precise finished work.