I had an amazing experience with this company from start to finish. They installed beautiful quartz countertops in my kitchen, and the quality of the work was exceptional. What really impressed me was their dedication to helping me find a specific custom cabinet that I wanted. The customer service was impeccable, friendly, efficient, and professional throughout the entire process. Communication was excellent, and everything was completed on time, with great attention to detail. I highly recommend the company if you are looking for high-quality work and a team that truly cares about its clients.
Roger Timoteo
My experience with North Lion was great! Very professional and with an excellent work ethic. Claudia and her team were very attentive and careful during my kitchen renovation. They anticipate potential problems and identify problem areas, presenting solutions. I am very satisfied with my countertops and wall covering.
Recently changed my countertops with them and had an amazing experience, I was a little indecisive between granite and quartz, and Karine took the time to explain the difference between both and made sure the process went very smooth and fast, couldn’t be happier with my choice.
Maria Ferreirai
The principle flaw you'll find in quartzite is its tendency to etch in certain areas of countertops. Etching, or cutting and scratching into unprotected surfaces due to acid or other other substances, can be prevented by hone finished stone rather than polish finished. Honed countertops are not reflective, unlike polished, but it's more difficult to polish stone the harder it is. Because honed stone is smoother and flatter than polished, this can help prevent etching. While not as glossy as a polish surface finish, honed surfaces on harder materials are much more durable for quartzite kitchen countertops.
The timeline varies but generally installation occurs two weeks after purchase.
That depends on how the surface in question is used and what environment it's in. For example, how often do you clean your carpet? Generally speaking, the same goes for your stone. The only hard-and-fast answer for this question applies to areas that are regularly in contact with water (showers, fountains, etc.) which should be sealed at least once every twelve months.
Natural stone requires about the same level of care and maintenance as any countertop or floor, and certainly no more than natural wood products like tables and chairs.
The best care you can give your natural stone is preventative care. Preventing stains or scratches before they happen is far easier than getting rid of them after the fact.
Quartzite and Granite countertops are surprisingly resilient to stains, and practically impossible to scratch. But, as a preventative measure, wipe up any spills on the countertops within a reasonable amount of time. Don’t let liquid sit on the countertop overnight. They are most prone to staining by oil and acid, so blot these spills up soon they happen and then clean the stone with mild soap and water.
Marble countertops are easily stained by acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine. Wipe any spills immediately, and then clean with mild soap and hot water. Do not set hot pans directly onto marble. And place a mat or a pad between marble and anything which might scratch it, like pan or utensils. Use coasters between marble and any glasses, especially the ones containing acidic compounds like fruit juices, wine or coffee.
On floors, the best preventative measure is regular cleaning. The movement of dirt and grits as it ground into marble or granite tiles can wear away the finish. So, the regular use of a dust mop can help keep dirt off the floor and preserve the finish. Use mats at all entry points to further ensure the long life of your floor’s beautiful finish. Wet mop regularly with very hot water and change the rinse water frequently. If the floor is particularly dirty, the use of a neutral stone cleaner or a mild dish detergent (one that is not oil-base) is perfectly acceptable.
In bathrooms, marble, quartzite and granite tend to attract soap scum, just like manmade tile. Keep a squeegee handy for shower walls, and rinse vanities and natural stone sinks with hot, clean water regularly. Then towel them dry.
The use of sealers is also a powerful preventative measure. For countertops, ask North Lion if a sealant was applied before installation. If not, get a recommendation for a high-quality, food-grade sealer and apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions. You will need to reapply this sealer periodically. The frequency of applications will depend on the sealer, and on the type of stone you have. Penetrating sealers are also available for flooring and bath areas, Likewise, the application of additional coats of sealer will depend on the type of stone, the frequency of use, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If stains and scratches do occur, there are many things you can do on your own to remove them. On quartzite/granite countertops, remove oil-base stains with acetone, mineral spirits, or bleach or ammonia diluted in water. (NEVER mix ammonia and bleach!) Food stains like coffee, tea, or fruit juices can usually be removed with hydrogen peroxide. Combined with a few drops of ammonia. On marble countertops, avoid harsh cleaners and acidic cleaners, including vinegar.
For stubborn soap scum in the bath, ammonia can be used sparingly. Ammonia will, over time, dull the finish on marble, so use it with caution, and only when the soap scum cannot be removed with a mild, neutral detergent and hot water.
Remember the following list of DOs and DON’Ts:
DO use preventative cleaning measures to keep your stone pristine.
DO use sealers, applied and reapplied according to manufacturer’s directions. We recommend once per year.
DO wipe out spills quickly, and then wash with mild soapy water.
DON’T use any kind of acidic cleaner on marble, limestone or travertine.
DON’T use harsh bathroom cleaners or grout cleaner on any natural stone.
DON’T be afraid to call North Lion for suggestions on maintenance, care and cleaning.
DON’T worry, if you get a significant stain or scratch, that your entire natural stone investment is ruined. Some of the stains can be removed. But be careful because not all are removable.
And above all, DON’T let the fear of maintenance for natural stone scare you into avoiding it. There is no substitute for natural stone when it comes to beauty, practicality, and value. Keeping your natural stone beautiful is something you will enjoy!
