SLABS

Exceptional Beauty from Italy’s Premier Quarries

Slab FAQs

Kitchen Countertops

Da Vinci Marble offers a wide selection of kitchen countertop materials at our San Carlos, California showroom, serving homeowners and designers throughout the Bay Area. Our inventory includes both natural stone and engineered surfaces, allowing you to compare materials side by side in person.

 

Popular kitchen countertop options include:

  • Granite – durable, heat-resistant, and ideal for busy kitchens
  • Marble – classic, elegant, and timeless
  • Quartzite – natural stone with exceptional hardness and durability
  • Quartz – engineered, consistent, and low-maintenance
  • Porcelain – thin, durable, and highly versatile

We also carry basalt, limestone, onyx, precious stone, shellstone, soapstone, and travertine slabs. Our showroom features hundreds of full slabs, allowing customers searching for kitchen countertops near me to see true color variation and veining before selecting material. Our team helps guide material selection based on lifestyle, aesthetics, and fabrication considerations.

Choosing between granite and marble depends on how you use your kitchen and the look you prefer. Granite and quartzite are extremely durable and heat-resistant, making them well-suited for high-traffic kitchens and families. Marble offers a softer, more classic appearance but is more susceptible to etching and staining from acidic foods.

 

Many homeowners still choose marble countertops because they appreciate the natural patina that develops over time. Sealers can help reduce maintenance concerns, and viewing granite and marble slabs side by side in person often makes the decision much easier.

Stone Countertops & Slabs

Da Vinci Marble carries all major stone countertop types, including granite, marble, quartzite, soapstone, limestone, travertine, onyx, engineered quartz, and porcelain. Each material performs differently—quartzite and granite are highly durable, marble and limestone offer elegance with additional care, and engineered surfaces provide consistency and ease of maintenance.
Visiting our San Carlos showroom allows you to compare stone countertops in person and understand how each material will perform in kitchens, bathrooms, and specialty applications.

Yes, viewing slabs in person is strongly recommended. At our San Carlos showroom, you can view full granite, marble, quartzite, basalt, limestone, onyx, precious stone, shellstone, soapstone, travertine, quartz, and porcelain slabs rather than relying on small samples.

 

Seeing full slabs allows you to compare veining, movement, finishes, and color variation under real lighting conditions. We serve the entire Bay Area and frequently welcome customers searching for granite countertops near me, quartz countertops near me, marble countertops near me, and stone slabs near me. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available for dedicated design guidance.

When selecting countertop slabs, focus on overall color balance, veining pattern, and natural characteristics across the entire slab—not just a small section. Slabs from the same quarry can vary significantly. Lighting conditions and slab layout also matter, and our team can help you visualize how specific areas of a slab will be used in your finished countertops.
Specialty Stone

Yes, we can source specialty pink marbles such as Rosa Antico and Rosa Portogallo through our international supplier network. These marbles are commonly used in bathrooms, vanities, and feature walls. Lead times are typically longer due to their specialty nature.

Bathrooms & Specialty Applications

Yes, stone countertops work beautifully in bathrooms and are commonly used for vanity tops, tub surrounds, and custom features. Bathroom countertops made from marble, quartzite, granite, and quartz are widely used throughout Bay Area homes.

Because bathrooms typically experience less wear than kitchens, softer stones like marble are especially well-suited and create a refined, spa-like aesthetic.

Custom-Carved Stone

The custom carving process begins with selecting your stone at our San Carlos showroom. Our team collaborates with your designer or architect to finalize shop drawings. Once approved, fabrication typically takes 20–24 weeks.

Custom-carved stone pieces include vanities, tubs, fireplaces, mantels, and architectural elements. We provide updates throughout the process so you know exactly what to expect.

Stone Sourcing & Suppliers

Da Vinci Marble works directly with quarries and suppliers in Brazil, Italy, India, Africa, and other major stone-producing regions. We maintain close relationships with reliable granite slab suppliers in Brazil, India, and Africa.

 

Our team personally selects the materials we bring into our showroom, ensuring quality and consistency. These relationships allow us to offer competitive pricing while remaining a trusted source for custom stone slabs and tile throughout the Bay Area.

We stock a rotating selection of quartzite, including popular varieties such as Taj Mahal, Macaubas White, and Cielo. If you are searching for specialty quartzites like Madeirus (also known as Madeiras), we can typically source them through our supplier network.

 

Quartzite is one of the most popular natural stones due to its durability, heat resistance, and natural beauty.

Buying Decisions

When choosing a countertop material, consider durability, maintenance requirements, heat resistance, overall aesthetic, and how the material will be used daily. Viewing full slabs in person is one of the most important steps, as natural variation plays a significant role in the final result.
Pricing differences depend on rarity, origin, thickness, transportation, and fabrication complexity. Exotic stones and imported materials typically cost more due to sourcing and logistics, while more common materials may be more budget-friendly.

Quality & Expectations

Natural stone is formed over thousands of years, so no two slabs are identical. Variations in veining, color, and movement are part of what makes natural stone unique. Viewing slabs in person ensures you select the exact material you want.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners such as vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or abrasive scrubs on natural stone. These can damage the sealant or surface. Instead, use pH-neutral cleaners designed specifically for stone to maintain the finish and longevity.
Most natural stone countertops, including granite, marble, and quartzite, benefit from sealing to help protect against stains and moisture. Engineered quartz does not require sealing because it is non-porous. Most but not all quartz materials list sealing as something that will void the warranty.
Sealing frequency depends on the material and usage. Many natural stones should be sealed once every 1–2 years, although some denser stones may require less frequent sealing. A simple water test can help determine when resealing is needed.

Visit our showroom for your next project.