Material Options

The options that we have available today for stone and solid surface countertops is nothing short of amazing. However, not all materials excel in all situations, which is why we at Leading Edge Countertops utilize a wide collection of materials and brands for the wide variety of needs and desires that our customers have for the look and performance of their new countertops.

Quartz

Quartz is an amazing material. It seems to have the resilience and strength of steel without any of the natural inclusions that granite has. Since it is manufactured, it is produced in uniform slabs – every one is nearly identical.  In the last several years, several of the manufacturers have begun to be able to produce quartz that is beginning to rival granite in it’s movement and beauty. Depending on your requirements, quartz can easily be your material of choice.

nero soapstone

Things To Know:

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Heat

Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use a hot pad at all times.

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Sealing

Quartz is nonporous and stain-resistant. Its smooth surface does not allow liquids to penetrate and that makes it easy to clean. Quartz does NOT need to be sealed.

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Colors

The coloration of quartz is fairly consistent and available in a  wide array of colors since it is produced with color pigments. To see current colors from our suppliers, navigate the following links:

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Wear

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible.

    colonial gold
    bianco carrara
    pewter
    oyster shell
    gold rush

    Granite

    You can’t improve on nature’s beauty. You might say we just cut it to fit and polish it up. It is the beauty and permanence of granite that makes it so desirable. When you have countertops made from granite, just like all other natural materials, no two finished products are exactly alike. Our goal is to cut and fabricate your granite into countertops in such a way that we bring out the natural movement, the colors and even the beautiful inclusions so that your countertops not only look beautifully but also perform flawlessly.

    white ice

    White Ice Granite

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    Unique Colors

    Whether you’re looking for a subtle compliment to your kitchen or a standout slab with unique mineral inclusions, there is an almost limitless selection. Since granite is a natural stone that is mined,  no two granite slabs are the same.

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    Uses

    Kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, tub surrounds, outdoor area. Hot kitchen utensils can be place directly on granite, as the material is resistant to heat and fire.

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    Colors

    We get our granite from several distributors for the maximum number of colors and styles. Click on the links below to see the colors from the individual suppliers:

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      Sealing

      Granite countertops are sealed before they are installed and do need to be resealed on a regular basis (3-5 years).

        agatha black
        alps white
        golden lightening
        lemurian blue
        silver cloud

        Solid Surface

        Enough good cannot be said about Solid Surface materials. When an experienced craftsman builds countertops using solid surface material, you cannot see any seams.  It can be molded. It can be heat-formed. It can be combined with other materials. It comes in a seemingly infinite array of colors, styles, and manufacturers.  Compared to granite and quartz it is lightweight and it is beautiful.

        white ice

        Solid Surface as we get it from the manufacturer are typically in sheets 30″ x 144″

        Things To Know:

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        Heat

        Solid Surface material can be scorched by excessive heat, so use hot pads at all times

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        Renewable Finish

        One of the beautiful things about Solid Surface materials is that they are solid. That means that after 15 or 20 years if the finish is not the beautiful sheen it had new, it can be easily and quickly re-finished to a like-new condition.  Although this can be done many times, it is often not necessary depending on how the surface is cared for.

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        Colors

        We utilize material from a variety of manufacturers and each manufacturer has a huge color palette. We almost never have issues coming up with a color or colors that our customer is not thrilled with. Navigate these links to see the current colors from our suppliers:

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            Non-Porous

            Solid Surface materials are non-porous which means that they will not stain or if cleaned properly, will not allow the growth of bacteria, which is why they are wonderful for kitchens, hospitals, and offices.

              avalanche white
              burled beach
              clam shell
              deep lapis
              cosmos prima

              Marble

              Marble is a luxurious surface that lends warmth and sophistication. Its price tag, comparative softness and susceptibility to stains mean it’s not always used throughout the kitchen. Instead, many homeowners choose to install it on an island or separate baking center to both lower the cost and reduce wear and tear. Rich with crystals and color variations, marble comes in a variety of shades, including white, cream, black, green and pink.

              marble slab
              statuary marble

              Statuary Marble

              Things To Know:

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              Heat

              Marble is heat resistant, it can stand up well to hot pans or hair styling tools, unless left on it hot for some time. It’s a popular material for fireplace surrounds because it won’t yellow due to the heat and can withstand the occasional spark on its surface.

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              Colors

              As with other materials we utilize several suppliers so that we can offer a larger variety of colors and options, however, our main suppliers of marble are: Levantina and MSI

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              Why Marble?

              With its nature polish, hardness, unique textures, and range colors, marble is a favorite material among architects and interior designers.

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                    Uses

                    Use – bathroom countertops, fireplaces, facades, and internal walls. Two reasons Leading Edge does not recommend marble for kitchens is because of staining and scratching.

                    • Marble is vulnerable to staining agents such as wine or  oils. If staining does occur it is difficult to repair. To help prevent this damage, Leading Edge professionally seals the surface upon installation. With marble we strongly suggest repeating the sealing process every 6 months.
                    • Marble can be easily scratched by sharp kitchen knives. Also, heavy pots or mugs may chip the marble or even break off a corner.
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                      Finishes

                      Availability in polished, honed,  aged or bush-hammered.

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                        Permanence

                        The color remains unchanged forever.

                          crema marfil
                          eggplant white
                          emperador dark
                          rain forest
                          fantasy brown

                          “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.

                          Your countertops are similar to adding a piece of art to your home.  Countertops can express a feeling of warmth, stand out as a focal point for a room, or simply add function and increase the value of your home.

                          Stone Profile Options

                          (Click the above image to see the profiles)

                          Solid Surface Profile Options

                          (Click the above image to see the profiles)

                          Contact Us

                          Fax 574.658.3296

                          Office and Showroom Hours

                          Monday
                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm
                          Tuesday
                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm
                          Wednesday
                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm
                          Thursday
                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm
                          Friday
                          8:00 am - 4:30 pm