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GENERAL FAQ
Do I Need an Appointment to Visit the Showroom?
We are currently not requiring appointments to come to our showroom. However, we are following all COVID-19 guidelines. If you are feeling sick, please make sure that you reschedule your visit for another day when you are feeling better. We appreciate your help in keeping our guests and staff safe.
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What Kind of Timeline Should I Expect When Getting Countertops From Exotic Stone?
We try our best to make the process as efficient and quick as possible while still delivering high quality level of work. However, depending on the volume of orders that we are working through, the timelines may differ. Please contact us at (250)-881-1001 for more information.
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Where Can I See Projects that Exotic Stone has Completed?
In our 20 years of business, we have continued to build a reputation for excellent service and attention to detail. We have completed several small and large projects all across Vancouver Island as well as Vancouver.
Please visit our Commercial Projects page to see our completed and current Commercial Projects
Please visit out Residential Projects page to see our completed Residential Projects.
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My Company Needs Countertops For a Commercial Project. Who Should I Contact?
We would love to hear from you! Please fill out the contact form on our Commercial Projects Page, and one of us will be in contact shortly.
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Does Exotic Stone Carry Remnants?
Yes, Exotic Stone carries a selection of remnant pieces that you can choose from. Come by our showroom during operation hours to come pick out the perfect piece for your project. Please note that we do require a $1000 minimum for all jobs due to the volume of orders we have.
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What Kind of Materials does Exotic Stone Carry?
We carry a wide selection of materials including Quartz, Natural Stone, Dekton, and Porcelain.
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QUARTZ FAQ
Where Do Quartz Countertops Come from?
In northeast Italy, in 1963, a technology for creating engineered stone was developed by a company called Breton. This company licensed the process out under the trademark Bretonstone®. Bretonstone technology has licensed more than 50 companies around the world, including Silestone, Cambria, and Caesarstone. All of the manufacturers are still working off of that original patent, from Breton.
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Engineered Quartz, What is it?
Engineered quartz is made from a composite of quartz crystals bound together by resins and other binding agents. This combination forms a hard granite-like surface that is extremely durable and non-porous.
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What is Stronger Quartz or Granite?
Quartz is harder than granite, which means it damages less easily. Both countertops are heat, scratch, chemical, and stain resistant and both surfaces are low maintenance. However, Quartz countertops are at an increased risk of damage and discoloration from the heat of your pots and pans.
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How are Quartz Countertops with Heat?
Quartz countertops are not resistant to high heat. If the temperature gets too high, you can damage your quartz countertops. Hot pots or pans should never be directly placed onto a quartz countertop.
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Do Quartz Countertops Scratch?
Quartz is a hard surface. However, not hard enough to withstand the effects of sharp objects like knives cutting directly on them. Quartz countertops are scratch resistant but not scratch proof.
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Can I Cut On My Quartz Countertop
Slice, dice, and chop to your heart’s content, but make sure to do it on a cutting board.
Things to avoid to keep your quartz:
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dropping pans or other hard objects on the surface.
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dragging heavy or anything hard across the service.
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grit or abrasive cleaners.
While Quartz countertops are not easily scratched with normal use they are definitely more likely to scratch over granite.
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How do I care for my quartz countertop?
Quartz countertops are easy to care for. Because the surface is non-porous, they are hard to stain. Please see document here for more detailed instructions and our recommendations on how to clean and maintain your quartz countertop.
NATURAL STONE FAQ
What is the difference between marble and granite countertops?
There are 3 main differences between granite and marble countertops:
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The look.
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The maintenance, and
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The care of the stones.
Marble is a more delicate natural stone than granite. Marble is softer and scratches more easily the granite.
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How do I care for my natural stone countertop?
Natural stone countertops can be easy to care for. Soap and water are great for daily cleaning. We often recommend once a week use a natural stone cleaner. This will help you maintain the sealer and shine. Please see document here for more detailed instructions and our recommendations on how to clean and maintain your natural stone countertop.
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Can I cut on natural stone countertops or put hot pots on the surface?
You can cut right on your natural stone countertops but we recommend you don’t. Using a cutting board will ensure that your countertops don't get any scratches.
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Can I see my stone before ordering it?
We always recommend this but it isn’t mandatory. Remember, each piece of natural stone is unique. This means that colors and tones may be lighter or darker from one slab to the next and patterns may also vary. We recommend going to Hari Stones, Margranite, and West Coast Granite so that you can look at all of your options and choose the perfect stone for you. Please also note that all natural stones may have small imperfections as they are a natural product making each slab unique.
If you have any countertop questions or if you’re looking for a new countertop, please fill out our Contact form or email info@exoticstone.ca.
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We are a locally owned and operated countertop shop in Victoria. Our goal is to make your kitchen countertop look extraordinary. We have been serving Victoria, Vancouver Island for over 15 years providing quality craftsmanship, competitive rates, and fast and efficient service.
Adding warmth and style to your home is our passion.
​Contact us today or come by our showroom!