Stone Countertops

Stone Countertops

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MARBLE, GRANITE, & STONE COUNTERTOPS

When it comes to kitchen countertops, Shell Fab Countertops & Casework in Buffalo, NY has all the materials and options you need to choose from.

Call today for more information on any of the following materials.

Quartz Surface Countertops

This new engineered stone material is created through a manufacturing process that mixes 95% ground natural quartz material with 5% polymer resins. The process consists of blending pulverized stone aggregate with a mix of polymers, removing the air, then heating and shaping the airtight material into slabs that have the hardness and appearance of natural stone. The licensing to this technology, developed by the Breton Company in 1963, has been purchased by more than 50 companies currently manufacturing quartz surface products. Although there are many brands of quartz surface products, those featured at Shell Fab are Silestone® and Wilsonart Quartz®.

Marble Countertops

A beautiful, natural surface that's affordable. Marble is a porous surface that needs to be treated every 6 months if your kitchen is used frequently. Being softer than many stones, scratches and chips are more likely. However, for a grownup kitchen, this stone can be yours - it's beautiful and the price is right!

Granite Countertops

Igneous rock that contains at least 20% natural quartz by volume, also containing some mica and feldspar. It's mined around the world, including quarries in India, Brazil, Norway, Italy and China. Granite is durable and recyclable. The price of granite will depend on the exoticness of its color or country of origin, or both. With 10,000 square feet of granite gallery, inside viewing space, we currently stock the classics, as well as colors you won't see anywhere else in WNY. Also stocking a variety of finishes.

Quartzite

Like granite, quartzite is a natural stone occurring metamorphically - starting out as sandstone and evolving into a hard surface over time and under immense heat and pressure. It is quarried like granite and then cut into slabs. Both granite and quartzite get their hardness from natural quartz content, however, quartzite contains more quartz per volume, thus making it a harder material than granite. Quartzite is not indestructible and should be sealed to prevent staining. One of the main benefits of quartzite is that many of the color choices are similar to marble in appearance but require much less maintenance, so this is a good option for those that appreciate the look of marble countertops but want something sturdier and more durable. We are currently stocking several quartzite colors in our 10,000 square foot stone gallery.

Stone Finishes

Polished

The most common finish for a granite countertop. A polished finish is high gloss and makes the surface look almost glass or mirror-like. The polished finished is considered the easiest to keep clean. However, water spots, fingerprints and smudges are easily visible.

Honed

A matte finish that is achieved before the regular polished finishing process begins. This finish can be used on a typical countertop application but can increase the opportunity for staining. You may need to seal this finish more frequently.

Leathered

This finish is created by running diamond tipped brushes over an already honed surface to add texture. Leathered granite tends to display more of the natural beauty and color than a honed surface. This surface choice hides water spots, fingerprints and smudges.