get informed
learning with confidence
Selecting the right material is a key part of any successful design. At Montgomery Quartz, we’re committed to helping you make an informed and confident choice! One that balances beauty, performance, and practicality.
how can i select the best material for me?
Whether it's for a kitchen countertop or shower wall, selecting the correct material is highly important in protecting the longevity of your investment. Each stone selection has it's unique characteristics and components. It's crucial to know how each stone category works and how your environment, lifestyle and design impacts the selection you make. We take great pride in being fully transparent about the components of each material. Stone is a beautiful and wonderful addition to any project, lets us help you make the right decision!
Whether it's for a kitchen countertop or shower wall, selecting the correct material is highly important in protecting the longevity of your investment. Each stone selection has it's unique characteristics and components. It's crucial to know how each stone category works and how your environment, lifestyle and design impacts the selection you make. We take great pride in being fully transparent about the components of each material. Stone is a beautiful and wonderful addition to any project, lets us help you make the right decision!
care tips
Quartz:
Wipe with mild soap and water; avoid heat exposure.
Granite:
Use stone cleaner; reseal annually.
Marble:
Wipe spills quickly; use coasters and avoid chemical cleaners.
Quartzite:
Treat like granite; reseal as needed.
Soapstone:
Can be oiled for a rich look; scratches can be sanded.
Porcelain:
mild soap and water; always use cutting boards
finish types
slab finishes require special care and considerations
leather
A leathered finish is a textured surface available on natural stone, quartz, and porcelain slabs. This finish is created by brushing the surface with diamond-tipped abrasives, resulting in a soft, tactile texture that enhances the stone’s natural character.
For natural stone, leathering not only provides a refined, organic look but also tightens the surface’s pores—offering increased resistance to stains and bacteria. It’s a practical choice for high-use areas, as the texture helps conceal fingerprints, water spots, and signs of daily wear.
In contrast, engineered materials such as quartz and porcelain are manufactured with their finish applied during production. These finishes cannot be altered post-fabrication.
A leathered finish is a textured surface available on natural stone, quartz, and porcelain slabs. This finish is created by brushing the surface with diamond-tipped abrasives, resulting in a soft, tactile texture that enhances the stone’s natural character.
For natural stone, leathering not only provides a refined, organic look but also tightens the surface’s pores—offering increased resistance to stains and bacteria. It’s a practical choice for high-use areas, as the texture helps conceal fingerprints, water spots, and signs of daily wear.
In contrast, engineered materials such as quartz and porcelain are manufactured with their finish applied during production. These finishes cannot be altered post-fabrication.
pros and cons
- soap and water for daily clean
- anti-bacterial
- stain resistant
- soap and water for daily clean
- anti-bacterial
- stain resistant
- prone to dust particles
- low scratch resistant
- some leather material can not be polished due to density
- cleaning challenged due to trapped crumbs or dust particles
- not scratch resistant
honed
A honed finish is available on natural stone, quartz, and porcelain slabs. A honed finish is achieved by grinding the surface of the slab with a series of abrasives until it becomes smooth, but not shiny. This finish has a matte appearance and is ideal for achieving a more natural and understated look. It is also less prone to showing scratches and wear over time than a polished finish, making it a popular choice for countertops and flooring.
Honed finish on natural stone can be altered to polish and vise versa. In contrast, engineered materials such as quartz and porcelain are manufactured with their finish applied during production. These finishes cannot be altered post-fabrication.
pros and cons
- able to be refinished after wear and tear
- non-slippery
- timeless
- able to hide scratched better than polish
- non slippery
- timeless
- cleaning challenges
- porous - not stain resistant
- frequent sealing
- susceptible to etching
- cleaning challenges
- porous - not stain resistant
- frequent sealing
- susceptible to etching
polished
A polished finished is available on natural stone, quartz, and porcelain slabs. A polished finish is achieved by grinding and buffing the surface of the slab with a series of diamond abrasives until it becomes smooth and glossy. This finish is perfect for achieving a sleek and modern look and is commonly used in high-end designs and commercial spaces.
Polish finish is a great way to enhance the colors and pattern of a slab. Polish finish can be altered on natural stone either by hand or machine to leathered or honed finishes. In contrast, engineered materials such as quartz and porcelain are manufactured with their finish applied during production. These finishes cannot be altered post-fabrication.
pros and cons
- easy to clean - soap, water, or stone product depending on material
- stain resistant
- can be altered easily to other finished
- easy to clean - soap, water, or stone product depending on material
- stain resistant
- can be altered easily to other finished
- slippery when wet
- dull over time
- more prone to etching and scratches
- slippery when wet
- dull over time
- more prone to etching and scratches
