Granite and natural stone countertops in Chilliwack

Granite is hard and handles heat better than many surfaces, which is why it has long been a kitchen favourite. Even so, a trivet under hot pans is a good habit, since sudden temperature changes and some sealers don't love direct heat.

Natural stone is porous to varying degrees. Most granite countertops are sealed, and resealing from time to time helps the surface resist stains from oil, wine and similar spills. How often depends on the stone and how the counter is used; we'll talk through care for the slab you choose.

With natural stone, a small sample only tells part of the story. Pattern and colour can shift across a full slab, so where possible it's worth seeing the slab itself, or a good photo of it, before deciding.

Seam placement is part of the choice too. On a long counter or a large island, where the joins fall affects how the veining flows. We'll talk through layout with you before anything is cut.

The order of work is similar to other stone surfaces, with a little more attention on the slab itself.

Stone is heavy and unforgiving of uneven cabinets, so the cabinetry below matters. Cheam Sardis combines Cheam Countertops and Cabinets, for the cabinetry and surfaces, with Sardis Contracting, for the renovation around them.

You can come to us for a granite countertop on its own. If it's part of a larger change, one team looking at the cabinets, the stone and the room means fewer surprises where they meet.

It's the question we hear most. Granite is natural, every slab is unique, and it has a depth that engineered surfaces imitate rather than reproduce. Quartz is engineered, consistent from slab to slab, and doesn't need regular sealing.

Neither is the right answer for everyone. If you love the idea of a slab nobody else has, and don't mind occasional resealing, granite is hard to beat. If you'd rather have a predictable pattern and as little upkeep as possible, quartz may suit you better. We'll put samples of both on the table and talk through how each would work in your kitchen.

Natural stone is well suited to undermount sinks, where the edge of the cut-out is polished and the sink sits beneath the counter for easy wiping. Faucet holes, cooktop openings and any outlets in an island are planned before the slab is cut, so having your sink, faucet and appliances chosen early keeps things simple.

Backsplashes can be cut from the same stone for a seamless look, or done in tile for contrast.

We work with homeowners in the communities below. If you're elsewhere in the Fraser Valley, ask us. If you've already seen a stone you love, bring a photo or the name; it's a good starting point.