At Imagine Stoneworks, we take great pride in creating one-of-a-kind natural and quartz stone surfaces that elevate your home. Our top priority, along with craftsmanship, is SAFETY for both our team and our clients. That is why we are ahead of the curve in protecting you, your family, and our team from silica dust.
Here’s Why Clients Trust Us with Their Quartz Projects
In the remodeling industry, there’s growing awareness about the potential hazards associated with silica dust that can be produced during quartz fabrication. The concern lies not in the finished material itself, but in the fabrication process—specifically when quartz is dry cut, ground, or drilled without proper safety controls. We will take the time and effort to ensure the quartz countertops installed in your home are completely safe.
Silica-Safe Fabrication at Our Jobsite
- State-of-the-art wet cutting and polishing
We use advanced equipment that continuously applies water to the cutting and polishing surface, keeping silica dust out of the air and contained for safe disposal. - Air ventilation for rare dry cutting
On the rare occasion dry work is necessary at our shop, our ventilation system directs dusty away from the work station. - Strict daily cleanup protocols
We never dry sweep. Instead, we use wet cleanup method to prevent dust from becoming airborne. - Highly trained team with top-tier PPE
Every Imagine Stoneworks craftsman is professionally trained in best safety practices and wears proper personal protective equipment at all times. - Transition to low-silica quartz
As more manufacturers offer low- or no-silica quartz alternatives, we are actively phasing out high-silica products from our lineup altogether.
Safe Installations in Your Home
When it comes to installation, we maintain those same high standards for dust control:
- Major cuts are completed in our shop. This keeps any material alteration that could generate dust away from your home.
- Minor adjustments use HEPA vacuums. If small onsite modifications are required, we perform them with precision tools equipped with HEPA vacuums to capture dust at the source.
- Water-cooled CNC drilling. Even holes for faucets and fixtures are drilled at our fabrication facility with a water-cooled CNC machine, preventing dust from escaping into the air.
That’s why we always encourage clients to finalize fixture and layout details during the template stage—so everything can be done safely and accurately before your countertops ever reach your home. The days of drilling, cutting, or grinding at the jobsite after installation are over.
Protecting our team and your family isn’t optional. It is part of the craftsmanship we stand behind every day.
At Imagine Stoneworks, your health and safety drive every decision we make. From fabrication through installation, we’re committed to setting the highest standard in dust-free stonework craftsmanship.
If you ever have questions about silica safety or how we fabricate your countertops, we’re here to help.
FAQs About Silica and Quartz Countertops
Q: Is quartz safe to have in my home?
A: Absolutely. Finished quartz countertops are completely non-toxic and safe. The health risks come only from inhaling fine silica dust created during dry cutting or grinding during fabrication—not from the material itself once installed.
Q: What is silica dust, and why is it a concern?
A: Silica (silicon dioxide) is a naturally occurring mineral found in many types of stone. When quartz is cut or ground dry, microscopic silica particles can become airborne. Prolonged inhalation of this dust may cause respiratory issues if not properly controlled—something we rigorously prevent.
Q: How does Imagine Stoneworks manage silica dust during fabrication?
A: We use wet cutting and polishing, supported by shop air ventilation systems, and follow strict no dry sweeping cleanup protocols. These methods nearly eliminate airborne silica exposure in our workspace.
Q: What precautions are taken during installation at my home?
A: Major fabrication work is done offsite. If minor onsite adjustments are needed, we use tools fitted with HEPA vacuum systems. This ensures your home stays dust-free during installation.
Q: Will quartz countertops be phased out entirely because of silica concerns?
A: Manufacturers are developing innovative low-silica quartz options, and we actively support that transition. Our long-term goal is to offer stone surfaces with minimal or zero silica content—without compromising on beauty or performance.
Q: What can homeowners do to help ensure the safest installation?
A: The best step is to finalize faucet and fixture placements during the templating process. This allows us to complete all drilling and cutting in our shop under controlled, dust-free conditions.
Q. Are there any alternative options to Silica Containing Quartz?
A: Yes, there are a lot of options for customers who want to completely stay away from Silica Containing Quartz. Such customers can consider low to no silica containing quartz, natural stone slabs, or porcelain slabs.