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0% Financing Available — Start Your Project Today
0% Financing Available — Start Your Project Today
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Onslow Stoneworks has locations in Swansboro, New Bern and Wilmington. See our showroom hours here.
You do not have to have an appointment to visit our showrooms. We have team members available to help you with the selection and design process. If you’d prefer to schedule an appointment click here – SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
There are various types of natural stone such as Granite, Marble, Soapstone and Quartzite. These are natural materials mined in quarries all over the world. Each natural stone slab has color variations, veining, pitting, inclusions, fissures, fill and other naturally occurring characteristics.
Quartz is typically made of 93% natural quartz, manufactured with resin, colorants and other materials. This material has the look and feel of natural stone, but can offer more durability due to its engineered make-up.
A countertop seam is where the two pieces of stone meet. The seams are joined with epoxy that matches the color of the stone. Then the joined area is smoothed so that only a thin line is visible.
We recommend never putting items from your oven, stove top or grill directly on your countertop without a trivet or hot pad.
No. We work with a variety of customer including homeowners, commercial customers and kitchen and bathroom dealers.
With our 3 locations we are able to service Eastern North Carolina. Primary cities include New Bern, Wilmington, Jacksonville, Swansboro, Hampstead, Kinston, Goldsboro, Greenville.
Both materials perform exceptionally well, but they offer different advantages. Quartz is non-porous and low-maintenance, making it ideal for busy households concerned about staining and cleanup. Granite offers natural beauty, strong heat resistance, and unique movement patterns that many homeowners prefer.
Quartz, granite, quartzite, and porcelain remain among the most popular countertop materials for homes throughout coastal North Carolina. Many homeowners prioritize surfaces that can handle humidity, everyday wear, and changing temperatures while still offering timeless style and long-term durability.
Quartzite and marble can appear visually similar, but quartzite is generally harder and more resistant to scratching and etching. Marble is prized for its elegant veining and timeless luxury appearance, while quartzite often provides greater durability for active kitchens.
Granite, porcelain, and ultra compact surfaces are among the best choices for outdoor kitchens because they resist UV exposure, temperature changes, and moisture better than many engineered indoor-only materials.
Quartz surfaces tend to resist fingerprints, stains, and daily wear particularly well because of their non-porous construction. Matte finishes and mid-tone colors can also help reduce the visibility of smudges and everyday use.
Quartz and quartzite are often chosen for balancing visual appeal with practical performance. Quartz provides consistent patterns and low maintenance, while quartzite delivers dramatic natural movement with strong long-term durability.
Polished finishes create a glossy, reflective appearance that enhances color depth and pattern movement. Honed finishes offer a softer matte appearance, while leathered finishes provide added texture and a more natural feel. Each finish can slightly affect maintenance needs, stain visibility, and overall design style.
Many coastal-inspired homes pair well with quartz, quartzite, and light-toned granite surfaces featuring soft movement and natural textures. Warm whites, sandy neutrals, and subtle gray veining remain especially popular for coastal kitchens and bathrooms.
In many cases, yes. Natural stones like granite, marble, and quartzite may require periodic sealing depending on the material and finish. Engineered surfaces like quartz typically require less maintenance because they are non-porous.
The frequency depends on the type of stone, finish, and amount of use. Many granite and quartzite countertops benefit from sealing every one to several years, while some denser materials may require less frequent maintenance.
Avoid harsh abrasives, bleach-based cleaners, acidic solutions, and products containing ammonia or vinegar on many natural stone surfaces. These products can dull finishes, weaken sealers, or cause etching over time.
Yes. While quartz is highly durable, excessive direct heat from hot pans or appliances can damage the resins used within the surface. Using trivets and heat pads is strongly recommended.
The safest approach depends on the type of stain and the material itself. In many cases, a stone-safe cleaner or poultice designed specifically for natural stone can help remove stains without damaging the finish.
Using cutting boards, wiping spills quickly, avoiding harsh chemicals, and following proper sealing recommendations can significantly extend the life and appearance of countertops in active kitchens.
Etching occurs when acidic substances like citrus juice, vinegar, or certain cleaners react with calcium-based stone surfaces such as marble. While etching cannot always be completely prevented, using coasters, wiping spills quickly, and avoiding acidic cleaners can help minimize it.
Homes near the coast often experience increased moisture, humidity, and sand exposure. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and periodic sealing can help maintain the appearance and longevity of natural stone countertops in coastal environments.
Digital templating allows fabricators to capture highly precise measurements, helping ensure tighter fits, cleaner seams, and more accurate fabrication for kitchens, bathrooms, and specialty spaces.
Yes. Many homeowners prefer to view full slabs in person so they can evaluate movement, veining, color variation, and overall appearance before fabrication begins.
Seam placement depends on slab size, layout, structural support, and the overall design of the project. Experienced fabricators strategically position seams to minimize visibility while maintaining proper strength and functionality.
Minor unevenness in walls or cabinetry is fairly common in residential construction. During installation, fabricators may make adjustments or scribe surfaces as needed to achieve the cleanest and most seamless fit possible.
Project timelines vary depending on material availability, project complexity, and fabrication schedules. In many cases, fabrication and installation can be completed within one to several weeks after templating.
Yes. Waterfall edges and full-height backsplashes typically require additional planning, fabrication precision, and material matching to maintain proper pattern continuity and visual alignment.
Several factors can influence the overall cost of a countertop project, including the material selected, slab availability, edge profiles, backsplash height, cutouts, island size, and installation complexity. Natural stone slabs with dramatic movement or rare colors may also vary in price depending on availability and sourcing.
Yes. Appliances, sinks, faucets, and cooktops should ideally be finalized and installed before templating begins. This helps ensure accurate measurements, proper clearances, and a more precise fit during fabrication and installation.
An in-home consultation typically includes reviewing the project layout, discussing countertop materials and design preferences, evaluating existing cabinetry, taking preliminary measurements, and answering questions related to fabrication, installation, and maintenance expectations.
Warranty coverage varies depending on the manufacturer and material type. Many warranties cover manufacturing defects, while issues caused by improper maintenance, impact damage, excessive heat exposure, or misuse may not be included. Homeowners should always review warranty details carefully before finalizing a material selection.
One of the most common mistakes is focusing only on appearance without considering durability, maintenance requirements, or how the space will be used daily. Viewing full slabs in person, understanding lifestyle needs, and comparing long-term performance can help homeowners make a more informed decision.
The best approach is to prioritize materials that align with both daily use and long-term goals. Many homeowners focus on timeless colors, durable surfaces, and practical layouts that provide lasting value without chasing short-term design trends. A well-planned countertop investment should balance aesthetics, maintenance expectations, and overall project budget.
Yes. High-quality countertop materials can significantly improve the appearance, functionality, and perceived value of a home. Timeless surfaces like quartz, granite, and quartzite are often viewed as desirable upgrades by future buyers.
The right balance depends on how the space will be used. Busy family kitchens often prioritize durability and low maintenance, while design-focused spaces may place greater emphasis on visual impact. Ideally, homeowners should select a countertop material that complements both their lifestyle and long-term design goals.
Yes. Coastal environments can expose surfaces to humidity, moisture, sand, and heavy indoor-outdoor traffic. Quartz, porcelain, granite, and ultra compact surfaces tend to perform especially well in coastal homes because of their durability and resistance to moisture.
Many Jacksonville homeowners are gravitating toward warm neutral tones, natural movement patterns, waterfall islands, matte finishes, and durable low-maintenance surfaces like quartz and quartzite. Outdoor kitchens and multifunctional entertaining spaces also continue to grow in popularity.
Neutral color palettes, natural textures, and classic materials tend to age more gracefully than highly trend-driven designs. Quartz, granite, and quartzite in soft whites, warm grays, earth tones, and subtle movement patterns are often strong long-term choices.