celtic-granite-stone

What to Expect During Your Countertop Installation

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:21:27 GMT

From Template to Finish

What to Expect During Your Countertop Installation:

Step-by-Step Guide

For many homeowners, countertop installation feels mysterious.

What happens on template day?

How long does fabrication take?

How messy is installation?

Here’s your clear, simple breakdown of what to expect when you work with Celtic Stone Granite.

Step 1: Quote Bring your project's layout for an estimate.

Step 2: Template Our technician arrives to measure and capture exact dimensions. Be sure to have all countertops cleared and ready for us to measure.

Step 3: Fabrication Your chosen slab is cut, polished, edged, and prepared at our shop. Custom sink cutouts and seam placements happen here.

Step 4: Installation Day Install typically takes up to 2 hours (depending on the size of the project.)

We remove old countertops (if applicable)

Set new slabs

Level and secure

Install undermount sink

Seal (if granite)

Clean up

Finally we check the seams, edges, leveling, and answer any questions about care + maintenance.

Ready to start your countertop project?

Our team at Celtic Stone Granite is here to guide you from slab selection to installation day and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit one of our showrooms to explore our selection of granite and quartz.

Allentown Office: 610-435-ROCK

Wilkes-Barre Office: 570-550-9810

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The Complete Guide to Caring for Granite & Countertops

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:34:20 GMT

The Complete Guide to Caring for Granite & Quartz Countertops

Investing in new countertops is one of the most exciting parts of a kitchen or bathroom reno vation. At Celtic Stone Granite, we know how important it is to keep your surfaces looking just as beautiful years from now as they did on installation day.

The good news? With a few simple habits, your granite or quartz countertops can stay durable, clean, and timeless for decades.

Here’s your complete care guide.

Everyday Cleaning Made Simple

Your daily routine doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simplest approach is the best one.

For everyday cleaning | Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water and mild dish soap. Wipe the surface dry to avoid streaks or residue.

Clean up spills quickly—especially acidic foods like wine, coffee, lemon juice, and vinegar.

Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners. These can dull the finish and shorten the lifespan of your countertops.

A quick wipe each day keeps buildup from forming and preserves the natural beauty of the stone.

How to Prevent Scratches & Chips

Granite and quartz are incredibly durable, but they’re not indestructible.

A few preventative habits go a long way.

Use cutting boards | Even though stone is scratch-resistant, cutting directly on the surface can dull knives and potentially damage the finish over time.

Be mindful of heavy impacts | Edges and corners are the most vulnerable parts of any countertop. Avoid dropping heavy pots, appliances, or tools onto these areas. Think of your countertops as you would hardwood floors—strong, but deserving of care.

Granite Care: Sealing & Protection

Granite is a natural stone, which means it’s slightly porous. To keep it protected, sealing is essential.

How often should granite be sealed | Most granite countertops should be sealed every 1–2 years, depending on usage and the type of stone.

How to test if resealing is needed | Try this quick water test:

Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface, wait 10–15 minutes

if the area darkens, it’s time to reseal.

Use a granite-safe sealer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This simple step helps prevent staining and keeps your countertops looking new.

At Celtic Stone we offer Sealing service - give us a call for more information and pricing.

Quartz Care: Low Maintenance & Durable

Quartz countertops are engineered to be non-porous, which makes them extremely low maintenance.

Unlike granite:

-Quartz does not need sealing

-It resists stains and bacteria naturally

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid strong solvents such as:

-Paint removers

-Nail polish remover

-Oven cleaners

These chemicals can damage the resin that binds quartz surfaces.

Heat protection matters

Quartz is heat-resistant but not heat-proof. Always use trivets or hot pads and avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface.

Sunlight exposure

Prolonged direct sunlight may cause discoloration over time, especially near large windows or outdoor kitchens.

Removing Stubborn Stains

Most spills wipe away easily, but occasionally you may need a little extra help.

For granite:

Use a paste of baking soda and water and gently clean the area.

For quartz:

Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner or a gentle glass cleaner.

Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, or anything abrasive that could scratch the finish.

Protecting Your Investment for Years to Come

With proper care, granite and quartz countertops can last a lifetime.

A simple routine of gentle cleaning, quick spill response, and preventative habits is all it takes to preserve their beauty.

If you ever have questions about maintenance, sealing, or care products, we’re always happy to help.

Celtic Stone Granite

Allentown Office: 610-435-ROCK

Wilkes-Barre Office: 570-550-9810

Your countertops are built to last — and with the right care, they truly will.

Granite VS Quartz

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:16:27 GMT

Granite vs. Quartz: Which Countertop Is Best for Your Home in 2026?

Choosing new countertops is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your kitchen — but with so many materials available, how do you know which one truly fits your lifestyle?

At Celtic Stone Granite, we help homeowners every day choose between the two most popular surfaces: granite and quartz.

Both are beautiful. Both are durable. But they perform very differently in real-life kitchens.

Here’s your complete breakdown — including cost, durability, maintenance, and which one is best depending on how you actually use your home.

1. Appearance: Natural vs. Engineered Beauty

Granite

Granite is 100% natural stone, cut directly from the earth — meaning every slab has unique veining, movement, and coloration. No two kitchens will ever look alike.

Perfect for homeowners who want character, drama, and texture.

Quartz

Quartz is engineered using crushed stone + resins, giving it a clean, consistent look with soft veining or pure solid color.

Perfect for modern, minimalist, or light-and-bright kitchens.

2. Durability: Both Strong, But Quartz Has the Edge

Both materials score high in durability, but quartz is slightly stronger because of the resin binders.

Granite

Heat-resistant

Scratch-resistant

Porous → needs sealing

Quartz

Non-porous

Stain-resistant

Doesn’t require sealing

Not as heat-tolerant (use trivets!)

3. Maintenance: Low vs. Ultra-Low

Granite Maintenance

Seal 1× per year

Use pH-neutral cleaners (I've used this one for years https://a.co/d/0LtqsjT and absolutely love it and stick with it)

Avoid harsh chemicals

Quartz Maintenance

No sealing

Wipe with mild soap & water

Truly “set it and forget it”

4. Cost Comparison

In Pennsylvania, average installed prices:

Material Price Range (Installed)

Granite $49–$109/sq ft

Quartz $59–$120/sq ft

(Quartz tends to cost slightly more but requires less maintenance.)

5. Which Should You Choose?

Choose Granite if you:

✔ Love natural stone movement

✔ Want something truly unique

✔ Cook often and use hot pans

✔ Prefer organic/earthy design

Choose Quartz if you:

✔ Want zero maintenance

✔ Prefer bright modern styles

✔ Need durability against spills

✔ Want a consistent pattern

Thinking About New Countertops? At Celtic Stone Granite, we help you choose the perfect surface for your style AND lifestyle.

Get a free estimate or visit our Lehigh Valley or Wilkes-Barre showroom to explore real slabs