Question 1

What is quartz? Do you sell it?

Accepted Answer

Ninety-five percent of the stone we sell at Stone & Cabinet Outlet is man-made quartz.Quartz is an engineered stone made from roughly 96% natural quartz powder mixed with resin and pigments to produce patterns that mimic natural stone.We recommend quartz to most of our customers because it is affordable, durable, and easier to maintain than natural stone. The hardness of quartz is on par with granite, and it's non-porous, waterproof, and scratch-, stain-, and chip-resistant. It is also more uniform than natural stone, so you don't need to worry about impurities or hidden weaknesses that may cause your stone to crack unexpectedly. At SCO we carry only the highest grades of quartz countertops (Grade A), sourced directly from the best stone factories that produce the most realistic, lifelike stone patterns.

Question 2

How much does your stone cost?

Accepted Answer

At Stone & Cabinet Outlet, the price of your stone depends on the size of your job (how much counterspace you need to cover), the variety of stone you choose, plus any additional charges incurred for fabrication, labor, or installation.While many big-box retailers and large stone shops price their stone by the square foot, we sell our stone by the slab in the following sizes:- 26" x 110" standard countertop size- 36" x 110" standard peninsula size- 52" x 110" standard island size)- 6" x 110" backsplash- We source jumbo and extra-jumbo slabs on requestWe can give you a ballpark price for materials by looking at your kitchen measurements (e.g., "you'll need around ___ slabs", which would cost $__"), but to provide you an accurate estimate, we need to know things like:- The exact dimensions of your countertop space.- The style of stone you want (more detailed styles cost more).- Whether you want to install and fabricate the stone yourself or have us fabricate or install it for you.- If we're installing, does our crew need to travel far to get to your location?- Do you want a matching backsplash?- How many sink or range top cutouts do you need cut?- Undermount sink or top-mount sink?- Whether you want any special fabrication like waterfall edges, special island shapes, etc.We also factor in labor charges, like cutting and polishing the stone.We know all of the above sounds expensive and complicated, so we do several things to offset the labor and material costs for our customers. First, we are a wholesale stone importer with no middlemen, meaning we can sell you our premium-quality stone at discounted prices that are significantly lower than our competitors, including offering standard discounts for retail customers and contractors.Additionally, our stone arrives from the factory pre-polished on three edges, which saves our customers a lot of money by avoiding extra polishing (one of the most expensive labor charges).If it's your first time buying stone countertops or you're not sure whether you're measuring your space correctly, we recommend stopping by our showroom at 14130 NE Airport Way in Portland, Oregon, or give us a call at (503) 285-5606 to get started on a free countertop design and estimate.

Question 3

Do you sell natural stone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Stone & Cabinet Outlet carries several varieties of granite, marble, and natural quartz, and we can also help source natural stone from suppliers we work with in the Portland, OR area.If you are interested in purchasing natural stone countertops, there are several things you need to be aware of:- Natural stone has small pores (holes/crevices) that trap dirt, dust, liquid, and other debris easily, so it must be re-sealed annually and cleaned regularly using non-acidic cleaning agents.- Every piece of natural stone is completely different. What you see in photos online and in our showroom may differ significantly from the actual stone you end up purchasing.- Natural stone can have hidden imperfections that may result in it breaking or cracking unexpectedly.- Marble is a softer natural stone that can easily break or chip.  We recommend considering marble for lower-use areas, such as bathroom vanities, where it will experience less daily wear and fewer impacts from heavy objects.If it's your first time purchasing stone countertops, we recommend considering our engineered quartz stone as it is durable (same hardness as granite), non-porous (less maintenance required), and heat-, scratch-, and chip-resistant.We also source synthetic solid-surface materials such as Formica® and Corian® on an as-needed basis.

Question 4

How to clean and maintain quartz or natural stone countertops?

Accepted Answer

Check below for Stone & Cabinet Outlet's recommended cleaning and maintenance best practices for your stone countertops.NOTE: Stone cleaninging and maintenance techniques vary depending on the type of stone you're using for your countertops. Make sure to follow the recommended guidance for your stone type.Day-to-Day Cleaning and Maintenance: QuartzFor quartz, we recommend using warm water and a mild, pH-neutral dish soap, then drying the stone with a clean, dry cloth.For tougher stains or grime, you can consider using general househould cleaning products, including acidic products like vinegar- and citrus-based cleaners, or acetone, but avoid highly acidic products. Quartz-specific cleaning products are also okay to use.Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool or scouring pads, and always use a cutting board for food prep. Do not drop hard, heavy objects on the stone to avoid chipping. Day-to-Day Cleaning and Maintenance: Natural StoneFor natural stone, we also recommend starting by using warm water and a mild, pH-neutral dish soap, and drying with a clean, dry cloth. Unlike Quartz, you should only use non-acidic, non-caustic, low-pH cleaning products and soaps for natural stone. For marble, acidic and caustic cleaning materials will damage the stone and cause etching (faded white spots on the stone). For granite, it will strip the sealer and expose the stone to damage and stains.The general list of products to avoid using with natural stone includes:- Acidic, high pH cleaning agents, including vinegar and citric acid-based solutions- Ammonia or ammonia-based cleaning solutions- Bleach or oven cleaner.Natural stone-specific cleaning products are also okay to use.Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool or scouring pads, and always use a cutting board for food prep. Do not drop hard, heavy objects on the stone to avoid chipping. Sealing Your CountertopsQuartz countertops don't require sealing. Quartz is an engineered stone made of crushed natural quartz and resin, with a non-porous surface that doesn't need to be protected by a sealer.All natural stone is porous and requires sealing. The frequency of sealing depends on the type of natural stone surface and the sealer used.Granite countertops should be re-sealed every 1-2 years.Marble and other lighter stones can require re-sealing every 6-12 months depending on how often the countertops are used.To test whether your natural stone countertops need re-sealed, pour a few drops of water on them. If the water beads up, your sealer is in good condition. If it soaks in and creates a dark spot after a few minutes, your counter needs to be resealed.Cleaning StainsFor Quartz, clean spills immediately using warm water and dish soap. For persistent or strong stains, like from coffee or wine, you can consider trying household cleaning products, including acidic cleaners and acetone, or quartz-specific cleaning products. For natural stone, you can also start by cleaning stains immediately with warm water and dish soap. However, stronger stains like coffee, wine, and tomato sauce must be cleaned using a poultice of baking soda and water. Apply the poultice to the stain, then cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 hours to draw out the stain. Commercial stone poultices can be found for purchase online or at stone shops and warehouses.Using acidic or caustic household products and cleaning solutions to clean stains on natural stone will damage the stone or strip the sealer.

Question 5

Can I put hot objects on my stone countertops?

Accepted Answer

While quartz and natural stone countertops are both heat-resistent, they are not "heatproof," so Stone & Cabinet Outlet always recommends placing hot objects, like pots and pans, on trivets or hot pads.

For quartz, the resin used to bind it can melt or turn yellow if exposed to temperatures above 300°F (150°C), and the sudden application of high heat can also cause cracks from thermal shock.

Natural stone like granite is also susceptible to cracking from thermal shock.

Question 6

How do I measure my space for cabinets/countertops?

Accepted Answer

How to Measure Your Home for New Cabinets and Countertops

STONE & CABINET OUTLET

Stone Countertops

Styles

Fairy Light

Celeste

Swirl White

QG101

Nimbus Gray

Calacatta Laza

Malachite White

Truffle White

Caladonia White

Brecha Maron

New Calacatta Gold

Calacatta Luccia

Luna White

Latte Grey

Taj Mahal

New White Cloud

Golden Surf

Nebula White

Basaltino

Greece White

Fairy Black

Aden White

Venus White

Erie White

Arabescato Vagli

Baikal White

Daria

Christallo Sienna

Crystal White

Charcoal Grey

French Persia

White Wave

Angel White

Qatari White

Lightning White

Calacatta Gold

About Our Stone

Available Sizes

6" x 110" - Backsplash 26" x 110" - Countertop 36" x 110" - Peninsula 52" x 110 "- Island ​ Jumbo and extra-jumbo slabs available!

Standard slabs are 3 cm thick, and are factory polished on three sides. ​ Note: 2 cm stone is available in limited styles.

We offer fabrication and installation performed by our experienced in-house professional stone workers and installation crews.

Frequently asked questions