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Granite is a course grained, crystalline igneous rock primarily composed of Feldspar and Quartz. It forms from slowly cooling magma tha is
subjected to extreme pressures deep beneath the earth's surface.
Can I cut on my Granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and is very scratch resistant, however, we recommend
you use a wooden or plastic cutting board.
Can my granite top be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard
objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans
or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
How do I clean my granite tops?
POLISHED GRANITE is a very durable stone. It is also much harder than marble. Granite has been used in the past in the commercial
industry. Some of the obvious applications have been panels on the outside of buildings, walls, and floors of "high-traffic" areas. Granite
will withstand almost any element it comes up against including heat and cold. Granite itself is approximately 95-98% stain resistant but,
we use a silicone impregnator on all our natural stone products. This will insure lasting life and beauty. Polished granite should receive the
same cleaning care as polished marble, using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soap, soap flakes or powder which
contains no aromatics. Followed by a thorough rinsing and drying with cotton-flannel or chamois.
Does granite stain?
In general, no. All stone, however, is porous to some extent, but Granite has very little porosity. Most colors will never show any moisture.
A few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter for 30 minutes ,
may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This spot will then dry up and no evidence will show. Only a few colors demonstrate
this trait. We apply a sealer to all our granite and recommend resealing annually.
Can I set hot pot on my granite countertop?
Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earths crust. It generally is not affected by heat from a cook top
or frying pan, but we recommend using a trivet for very hot skillets or frying pans.
Can granite chip?
In only cases of sever abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture.
Do granite seams show?
Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10’ long, you will most likely end up
with seams. Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in an ’L’ shaped
corner. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern. A small, uniform grain (such as Uba Tuba) will not be as
apparent as a larger varied grain (such as Peacock Green). A dark color (Platinum) will be less apparent than a light color (Imperial
White). A dramatic pattern with swaths of color (Kinawa, Paradiso) will show more seams than a uniform pattern (Dakota Mahogany). Most
customers have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs the concern of seams.
How are seams made?
Seams are done where the two pieces of stone are put together. The seams are joined with epoxy that is mixed with the color that
matches the stone. Then the joined area is smoothened, leaving only a very thin line visible.
Can granite crack?
No, not with the ordinary use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this
durable material.
What is the difference between granite and marble?
The main difference between granite and marble is that granite is a highly dense material composed deep inside the earth’s core while
marble is formed from sediments under the seabed. Both solidify into stone after millions of years but the mineral composition of the two
stones makes marble and granite react different to various chemicals and household cleaners
What is the appropriate thickness for a granite countertop?
In this area most countertops are produced using 3 cm (approximately 1 1/4") material. Granite is also available in 2 cm (3/4") and 1 cm
(7/16") for tile.
Does granite have any pits or fissures?
Yes granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stones natural structure. Some types of granite have more of such
characteristics than other types, and pits can be minimized by applying sealer to the surface of the counter.
What do I need to consider when buying a granite countertop?
Granite is a natural stone. It is very hard and durable, heat and scratch resistant as well as easy to maintain; in all sense it’s the material
of the future. Aside from the practical aspect, granite is very versatile in the design field. It comes in various colors and structural
compositions. There are over 250 colors to choose from. All stones are not exactly the same, each lot will have unique characteristics
attributed to the specific granite.