Questions and Answers about Stone Surfaces

Natural stone is 100% from the earth and are unique in their veining and colors. Engineered stone is “man-made” using crushed stones, resins and pigments. They have consistent and uniform color patterns across slabs.

Natural stone is often used outdoors as they can handle the weather and are UV-stable. Engineered stone should not be used outdoors.

Natural stone is porous, so be sure your stone is sealed before installation and every year after that. Engineered stone is non-porous and does not require sealing.

Natural stone is heat resistant. Engineered stone can be damaged by high temperatures. Do not put hot cookware directly on the surface.

Costs vary on both, but natural stone can be significantly more expensive.

Besides aesthetics, durability and maintenance are key in choosing a kitchen countertop. A natural stone like quartzite has the beauty of a marble and the durability of granite. An engineered stone like quartz comes in a variety of colors and can take a beating.

In bathrooms, you may want to consider a non-porous, engineered stone because of the high-moisture environment which can lead to mold or bacteria growth.

We sure do. Please, stop by!

8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri

221 NE Hawthorne Ave
Bend, OR 97701

Come see us and our selection of stones. If you’re not exactly sure what you want, the best way to get started is to bring your project measurements to our office and discuss it with one of our team members. We can provide you with a free quote and answer questions. 

If you already have cabinet plans for your kitchen, bathroom, or other countertop need, you can obtain a quote by simply sending them to us via email, or our easy to use web form. Please make sure you include all of the details, including stone name/type, sink style, edge type, and any other design characteristic that we need to consider.

After accepting our quote, we will schedule a visit with you at your location to take measurements. It is important that you are present for questions and accuracy.

We use a modern, laser-based templating system to get exact measurements. We’ll use these to create a digital template for the fabrication. 

Any sinks, faucets or other items should be onsite and available at the time of templating. Though you won’t need to remove your current countertops for measurements, we get better accuracy if they are removed.

We’ll enter the template into our computer network, then match the templates with the slabs to ensure proper grain pattern and color continuity.

Fabrication begins with rough cutting the slabs using a large, diamond blade saw.

Then, we use our state-of-the-art CNC machine to cut to the exact shape of the template. Edge details are also applied at that time. All pieces are then hand polished and completed… ready for installation.

Installation is relatively quick – usually completed in one day. We’ll install and seal your new stone and mount any bathroom or kitchen sinks as necessary.

You will need to have any sink hardware such as faucets, soap dispensers, etc., available at the time of installation so that holes can be drilled.

Natural Stone will need to be sealed. Imagine Stoneworks will initially seal your stone as part of the installation.

We suggest that all types of natural stone be sealed annually. Sealers fill in the pores, hindering the stone’s absorption of stains. It’s not difficult to do using an inexpensive sealer. Or, give us a call to set up an appointment for us to do it for you.

Stones like Marble will etch. It reacts chemically from acids such as lemon juice, vinegar, wine, and cleaning products. They eat away the surface, leaving dull, rough, or light-colored spots.

Best advice: whether Natural or Engineered Stone, stay away from acidic, abrasive or harsh cleaners and products.

First, whether Natural or Engineered Stone, stay away from acidic, abrasive or harsh cleaners and products.

Clean your stone daily.

For Natural Stone: If you spill, immediately blot the spill with paper towels; wiping will spread the spill!

For stones that are sealed, we recommend a stone-safe daily cleaner that reinforces the sealer. Or, use warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent (not lemon!).

General all-purpose cleaners should NOT be used on your stone, especially if they contain lemon, vinegar, bleach, ammonia or any other acids. They will break down the sealer that is protecting your stone.

And that goes for engineered stones, too. They may be “maintenance free” but that doesn’t mean they are “care” free!

One of our most popular upgrades is a backsplash made from the same slab material as the countertop. We can fabricate and install backsplashes in varying heights from a common 4″ to a full height backsplash that extends all the way to the bottom of the upper cabinets.

We can also cut custom designed backsplashes into unique shapes.

From simple metal corbels, to complicated metal frames, Imagine Stoneworks can help you with the design and fabrication of most custom metal supports.

Imagine Stoneworks also specializes in restoration and protection of old or damaged stone countertops.

This is a great service for customers who have high end marble or other soft natural stone that became distressed, etched or scratched overtime. Our team can professionally re-surface the countertop to restore that brand new look.

In addition, our team can apply permanent coating on these soft materials to prevent future etching and staining. Please ask us about our Anti-Etch coating. The Anti-Etch coating can be applied at our fabrication facility for brand new jobs for customer who want that extra piece of mind. Spilling red wine or leaving piece of sliced lime during family and friend gathering will not be a problem as the countertop is protected with invisible barrier.

Why yes, yes we do. To provide “one stop” services for our clients, we launched a new division specializing in remodeling, handyman work and other construction related services.

We can now handle remodels and new constructions that goes above and beyond our specialty of countertops.  From building decks and pergolas for summer gatherings to full bathroom remodel, we can handle all under one roof.

Ask us about our Imagine Homeworks Division and lists of services we provide.

Yes, we are! Oregon CCB# 156898, and  we have been in business for 20+ years.

Commercial General Contractor Level 1
Residential Specialty Contractor

Silica (silicon dioxide) is a naturally occurring mineral found in many types of stone. 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.

In our shop, 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.

In your home, you don’t need to worry. Major fabrication work is done offsite. If minor adjustments are needed on the job site, we use tools fitted with HEPA vacuum systems. This ensures your home stays dust-free during installation.