FAQs

Quartz, granite, quartzite, and porcelain slab countertops are among the most durable options. Porcelain slabs are non-porous, resistant to scratches, and highly durable, making them a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Natural stones such as granite and quartzite are also among the most durable and heat-resistant options, but depending on the color, they may require occasional sealing to maintain their natural beauty.

Natural stone countertops may also be repairable if scratched, stained, or damaged, making them the most resilient and longest-lasting countertop option. Quartz countertops, like Cambria quartz, offer great durability with consistent patterns and designs, but they are made with resins, which are not heat-resistant, and they may not be repairable if scratched, stained, or damaged. To learn more about our countertop materials, including granite, quartzite, porcelain slab, and quartz in Sarasota, FL, reach out to our team today.

The maintenance of countertops depends on the material. Quartz countertops require simple cleaning with mild soap and water. Marble, granite, quartzite, and other natural stone countertops may need occasional sealing to help prevent staining, and they can also be cleaned with a pH-balanced cleaner or mild soap and water.

Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers on all countertop surfaces to maintain their appearance and longevity. For more information on the care and maintenance of your countertops in Sarasota, FL, please visit our Discovery Center page.

Yes. Natural stones like granite, marble, limestone, and natural quartzite are biodegradable, don't require other materials to produce, and can be recycled.

They also have a smaller carbon footprint than man-made materials like engineered quartz because they require less processing. Porcelain tile and porcelain slabs are also eco-friendly. Porcelain tile and porcelain slabs are sustainable because they are made from natural materials, are durable, and can last a lifetime, in our professional experience. Their production process is also energy efficient and creates little waste. Reach out to our team if you have any questions about our countertops in Sarasota, FL.

When choosing the right countertop material, consider factors like durability, maintenance, cost, and style. If you need a low-maintenance and durable option, granite and quartzite countertops might be ideal. For a classic, unique look, marble could be the way to go, though it may require more care. If you want a more uniform manufactured look then engineered quartz or porcelain would work best. We would be happy to help you choose the right material for your countertops in Sarasota, FL.

It's generally not recommended to cut directly on kitchen countertops, regardless of the material. While some countertops like granite, porcelain, and quartzite are scratch-resistant, using a cutting board will protect the surface from potential scratches and keep your knives sharp. Cutting directly on softer materials like marble can lead to visible scratch marks on your countertops in Sarasota, FL.

Porcelain tile is highly durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for flooring in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

It is also available in various colors, patterns, and finishes, including wood and stone looks, providing versatile design options. Additionally, porcelain tile is resistant to stains and scratches, making it ideal for both residential and commercial applications. Porcelain tile is also the most economical and eco-friendly flooring option, compared to stone tile and wood flooring. Choosing porcelain tile in Sarasota, FL is a great decision for those looking to upgrade their flooring.

According to Forbes, tile is cheaper than natural stone, but it may cost up to $3,000.

Yes. Porcelain tile is an excellent choice for outdoor use, particularly for patios, walkways, and pool areas. It is frost-resistant and less likely to absorb water, making it suitable for various climates.

When choosing porcelain tile for outdoor use, it's important to select a tile with a textured or grip finish to prevent slipping, especially in wet conditions. We also provide porcelain paver options that are thicker than standard tiles and can be sand set, mud set, or installed on a floating pedestal system. Due to its high strength, porcelain pavers are an excellent choice for pool decks and driveways. Reach out to Tile & Stone of Italy to learn more about porcelain tile in Sarasota, FL.

Porcelain tile in Sarasota, FL comes in various sizes. The most common sizes include 12”x24” and 24”x24”, but we also specialize in large format porcelain tile with sizes including 24”x48”, 48”x48”, 36”x36”, and many more.

Alternately, there are also porcelain slab sizes that can be as large as 120”x60”, which work great for shower walls and countertops to help minimize or avoid grout lines.

Porcelain tile in Sarasota, FL is a great choice for wall applications, especially in shower areas. Porcelain tiles have a very low absorption rate, and with large lightweight sizes, it is an ideal material to use as a low-maintenance, economical wall covering. Porcelain tile is also available in large format slab sizes, which help to minimize or eliminate grout joints in most applications.

Porcelain tile in Sarasota, FL is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps remove dirt and debris. Mopping with warm water and a mild detergent keeps the surface looking fresh. For tougher stains, a mixture of vinegar and water can be used. For more information on the care and maintenance of porcelain tile and other products, please visit our Discovery Center page.