Natural Stone Countertops at Gallery 77

Marble is a “living” surface. Because it is a calcium-based metamorphic rock, it is chemically sensitive to acids (lemon juice, wine, vinegar), which can cause “etching”—a dulling of the surface. While many European kitchens have used marble for centuries, we recommend it for homeowners who appreciate a “patina” or those choosing it for lower-impact areas like bathroom vanities or baking stations. If you love the look but fear the maintenance, we suggest a honed finish, which makes etches much less visible than a polished finish.

Soapstone’s unique texture comes from its high talc content. Unlike Granite or Quartzite, Soapstone is non-porous and chemically inert, meaning it will never stain or etch from acids. It is a favorite for rustic or historic homes in the St. Croix Valley because of its heat retention properties (it is often used in wood-burning stoves). While it can scratch more easily due to its softness, these marks can be sanded out or hidden with a light application of mineral oil.

Most natural stones are porous to some degree and require an impregnating sealer to prevent liquids from seeping into the stone’s “capillaries.” However, very dark granites (like Absolute Black) are often so dense that they do not absorb sealer at all. Conversely, light-colored stones like White Springs Granite or most Marble varieties require a high-quality sealer application every 6 to 12 months. At Gallery 77, we apply an initial seal, but the “water bead test” is your best guide for when to reseal.

Etching is a chemical reaction, not a stain. When an acidic substance touches the calcium carbonate in stones like Marble, Travertine, or Limestone, it literally dissolves a tiny layer of the stone, leaving a dull spot. If the etch is light (surface-level), it can often be buffed out using specialized polishing powders.

Yes, but selection is critical. The freeze-thaw cycles in Wisconsin and Minnesota can cause certain stones to crack if they absorb too much water. Granite and certain types of Slate or Sintered Stone are the best performers for outdoor kitchens. We generally advise against using highly veined Quartzites or Marbles outdoors, as the moisture can penetrate the veins and cause the stone to “spall” or flake during a hard freeze.

White Granite, such as Colonial White or River White, provides a clean, spa-like aesthetic while offering the heat resistance necessary for styling tools (curling irons/straighteners). Unlike many other bathroom materials, granite won’t melt or scorch. It elevates a bathroom refresh into a luxury sanctuary while maintaining a value that lasts a lifetime.

Onyx is a translucent, banded mineral that is essentially a form of chalcedony. Because of its translucency, it is often back-lit with LED panels to create a glowing, dramatic focal point for bar tops or powder room vanities. It is significantly more fragile than Granite and should be treated as a decorative “jewelry” piece for your home rather than a heavy-duty work surface.

A fissure is a naturally occurring hairline crack that develops during the stone’s formation millions of years ago. It is an aesthetic characteristic of the stone, not a structural flaw. Fissures do not go all the way through the slab and do not affect the integrity of your countertop installation. During our fabrication process, we inspect every slab to ensure any fissures are stable and won’t interfere with the daily use of your kitchen.

Technically, Granite and Quartzite are harder than your steel knife blades, so cutting on them will actually dull your knives rather than scratch the stone. However, we always recommend using a cutting board. Repeatedly cutting in the same spot can eventually break down the sealer in that area, leaving the stone vulnerable to oils and juices.

The price of natural stone is dictated by rarity and logistics, not just durability. A stone that is quarried in a remote region of Brazil or Italy and has high “movement” (dramatic patterns) will cost more than a standard “salt and pepper” granite quarried locally. At Gallery 77, we help you balance your design vision with your budget by offering financing options for premium slabs.

The most important rule is to avoid “The Big Three”: Vinegar, Lemon, and Bleach. These are all acidic or highly alkaline and will strip your sealer instantly. For daily cleaning, use a dedicated stone cleaner or simply warm water with a tiny drop of mild, non-citrus dish soap. Use a microfiber cloth to prevent streaking on polished surfaces.

To see if your stone needs resealing, pour a small amount of room-temperature water (about the size of a lemon) on a high-use area of your countertop. Wait 15 minutes. If the water is still “beaded” on top, your sealer is healthy. If the water has disappeared and left a dark spot on the stone, the sealer has worn off and the stone is absorbing liquid. This is an actionable way to prevent permanent staining.

Yes. If you accidentally drop a heavy cast-iron pot and chip the edge of your granite, save the piece of stone if possible! We can often repair chips using a specialized color-matched epoxy resin. Once polished, the repair is usually invisible to the naked eye.

Bookmatching is a process where two consecutive slabs from the same stone block are polished on opposite sides. When placed side-by-side, the veining mirrors each other like an open book. This is a stunning technique for large islands or full-height backsplashes, creating a symmetrical, high-art look.

Natural stone has high thermal mass and is an excellent conductor of heat. It naturally draws heat away from anything touching it, including your skin, which is why it feels cool. This makes it the perfect surface for rolling out pastry dough, as the stone keeps the butter in the dough from melting too quickly.

Natural stone is one of the most environmentally friendly countertop materials because it requires minimal processing compared to man-made materials. It is also completely recyclable and emits zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Sourcing stone quarried in North America (like Cold Spring Granite) further reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

A polished finish is high-gloss and reflective, highlighting the stone’s color and depth. A honed finish is matte or satin-like, providing a softer look that is excellent at hiding scratches and etches. There is also a “leathered” finish, which adds a slight texture to the stone and is increasingly popular for outdoor kitchens and modern rustic designs.

Because natural slabs have size limits (usually around 120″ x 70″), most large kitchens require a seam. At Gallery 77, we use a mechanical seam-setter and color-matched glues to make the join as inconspicuous as possible. We also allow you to participate in a “layout approval” at our fabrication shop to ensure the pattern flows naturally across the seam.

In most cases, yes, provided your cabinets are structurally sound and level. Natural stone is heavy (approx. 18-22 lbs per square foot), so we inspect your cabinetry during the laser template phase to ensure it can support the weight. If your cabinets are older, we may suggest reinforcing the corners before installation.

There is a common myth that granite countertops emit dangerous levels of radon gas. While all stone (and even the soil around your home) contains trace amounts of radioactive elements, numerous studies by the EPA and independent labs have shown that granite countertops contribute a negligible amount of radon to the air—far less than the background radiation you receive from the outdoors or typical building materials.

The industry standard for countertops is 3cm (approx. 1 ¼ inches), which provides the best balance of strength and aesthetic weight. Some vanities or wall claddings use 2cm (approx. ¾ inch) stone. If you want a thicker look, we can “miter” the edge in our shop to make a 3cm slab appear as thick as 6cm or more.

Extreme changes in humidity between a Hudson summer and a dry Wisconsin winter can cause your wood cabinets to expand and contract slightly. Because stone does not move, this can sometimes cause a small bead of caulk at the backsplash to pull away. This is a normal part of home maintenance in our climate and is easily fixed with a fresh bead of silicone.

With over 23 years of experience and a philosophy that focuses on education and relationships, we treat your home like a gallery. Our onsite fabrication, precision laser templating, and dedicated installation crews ensure that your investment in natural stone is protected by the highest standards of craftsmanship in the St. Croix River Valley.