answers to faq's
Granite and other granite-like stones are formed of hard minerals such as quartz, feldspar and mica, which are fused together into a very hard stone ideal for kitchen counters because its polish is resistant to household acids such as citrus and vinegar and is hard enough to resist scratching from knives and pots and pans.
Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on 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.
Will my kitchen counters have tiny pits on the surface?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits – spaces between the various mineral crystals. You don’t see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite eons ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade.
Will my granite look like the sample?
The samples you see on the computer have been scanned and saved as digital images. The color tones may not be absolutely correct due to variations in computer systems, monitors and compression algorithms. Also, granite is a natural material with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty.
Can I set a hot pot on my granite countertop?
Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earths crust. It can not be affected by heat from a cook top or frying pan. A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.
In only cases of sever abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture.
No. You can't burn it with ordinary use. Granite does not stain. The only caveat is that a few colors may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact. Usually, no evidence remains when the liquid is removed and the granite dries, but could be a problem with dark pigmented liquids. Although granite has a sealer applied at the fabricator, a stone sealer is recommended for all granite after installation.
1. Granite is absorbent. Granite qualifies as impervious to
water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface
(plastic) products. Granite is commonly used as building
material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to
withstand gale force winds and rain.
2. Granite stains easily. Granite is resistant to stains.
Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up
within a few minutes, will not stain. However, even water can
soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark colored spot
but this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not
evaporate, such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into
the stone.
3. Stains in granite are permanent. Most stains can be
removed. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a
poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.
4. Granite will lose its polish over the years. While this may
be true of marble, granite will shine years from now just as
if it was brand new. Granite is highly scratch resistant and
will not show wear from daily use.
5. Granite requires a lot of maintenance. Routine cleaning
with mild soap and water is all that is generally required.
Once a year, a re-application of a penetrating sealer should
be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes—less time than
scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove
scratches.
6. Heat will cause granite to chip and crack. Granite is heat
resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans
without damage. Impact from a heavy object may chip granite
but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect
your countertop.
7. Dark colored granites are harder than light colored
granites. Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each
of which has specific performance properties. The hardest
mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally
a somewhat translucent, white to grey colored mineral.
8. Granite’s tiny pores and fissures harbor bacteria. Bacteria
are found everywhere. If it is on a granite top, then it can
also be found on a laminate or solid surface top. Use an
anti-bacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are
concerned.
9. Granite and marble are essentially the same. Besides the
fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished,
they are otherwise very different. Marble is generally a
calicoes stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then
compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however,
is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled
and then hardened below the earth’s surface.
10. Granite is expensive. Granite is usually competitively
priced compared to other high-end surfacing materials. You
will be amazed when you compare the price of granite to other
popularly famed “luxury surfaces”. Granite offers you an
unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance and
longevity.
What type of warranty do you offer on marble and granite products that are installed?
We offer a limited warranty for products we install.
Call 248-588-1599 for a FREE, no-obligation, in-home estimate!
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