Natural Stone FAQ

What is granite?

Granite is defined as a visibly granular, igneous rock generally ranging in color from pink to light or dark gray and consisting mostly of quartz and feldspars accompanied by one or more dark minerals. The texture is typically homogenous but may be gneissic or prophetic.

Where does granite come from and how is it quarried?

Granite, is quarried at different locations throughout the world. Hundreds of colors and patterns are available from such countries as Italy, Spain, France, China, Brazil, and The United States. Typically, blocks are extracted from the granite quarry located high in the mountains on the outskirts of a major city. These blocks, averaging 9 feet by 5 feet by 5 feet deep in size are transported down the mountain to the fabrication plant in the city. Once at the plant, these blocks are either cut into tiles or slabs. Tiles are usually cut to standard sizes of 12" x 12", 16" x 16", 18" x 18" and 24" x 24". Tiles range in thickness from 3/8" to 3/4". Slabs sizes usually vary depending on overall block size. Average slab sizes are usually 9 feet by 5 feet and are typically 3/4" (2 cm) or 1 1/4. (3 cm) in thickness. After the tiles or slabs are cut, they are sent through a large multi-head polishing machine, which puts a natural shine on the face of the stone using abrasive compound bricks or diamond polishing discs. Tiles are usually beveled as a final finishing step. Several other finishes can be applied to the slabs or tiles at this time such as a honed finish or, on some granite, a flamed finish. By far, the most popular finish tends to be the high polish.

What colors are granites available in?

Granites are available in a wide range of colors and veining. There are beige colors, Emerald green tones, Reds, Blacks, Violets, Mauves and a host of others. The color of the stone is dependent upon what region of the world the stone comes from. Some colors have been in use for hundreds of years; others are fairly new to the market. Some stones are available in slabs and tiles; others are only available in either slab or tile but not both. The size of the quarry, its location, accessibility and demand for the material will affect pricing. Labor costs in various countries also affects material costs. Technology is not the same in all countries, so beware of stones manufactured with inferior and outdated technology. These materials are usually not difficult to spot.

What should I know about color variation & veining?

When granite is purchased within the same lot or bundle, variations in color and veining should be expected and considered. In this situation, each slab or tile when viewed overall will look like it belongs with the remainder of the lot. In most cases, bundles of slabs are cut consecutively from the same block so as to keep color and veining consistent.

When granite is purchased at different times or from different lots and bundles, extreme variation in color and veining can occur. As quarrying continues, materials from different sections of the quarry or from different depths of the quarry can vary greatly. In certain cases, quarries have run out of certain shades or the veining has changed so drastically that current lots no longer match previous lots. For these reasons, it is important to purchase sufficient quantities at the same time or verify that additional material of the same lot is indeed available for a later purchase. Being a natural stone, variations from shipment to shipment or lot to lot cannot be controlled or predicted.

What can granite be used for?

Due to it's high density, acid resistance, low absorption rate, and scratch resistance, granite can be used for a wide range of applications including floors, fireplaces, furniture and kitchen counter tops. One of the leading uses of granite is for kitchen counter tops. Hundreds of colors and patterns are available as well as numerous edge details to allow granite to fit in with any kitchen design scheme.

Will there be seams in my kitchen counter tops?

Granite is a stone and because of this, seams cannot be "melted" together. There will of course have to be seams in a typical granite project. The location and quantity of seams depends on the project design and slab sizes. It helps to have some idea of typical slab sizes during the design stages of a kitchen. Are the seams very noticeable? We try to give you the least number of seams possible. This varies depending on the size of the slabs and your particular counter top or island design.

Is the shine and surface appearance of all granite alike?

Is the shine and surface appearance of all granite alike?

Not all granites are alike. Different minerals polish out differently. Some minerals will not shine as much as the quartz and feldspar found in granite. When shopping for granite, take a close look at the shine and surface texture. Some granites have minute fissures in between the various granules which is normal and will not trap liquids or food particles. If this is a concern, please direct questions to the stone salesperson or your fabricator/installer prior to fabrication and installation.

How should I maintain my granite counter tops?

The first and most important step is to make sure your granite counter tops are sealed using a good grade, silicone-based, impregnating sealer. A good coat of sealer will help prevent staining from liquids that are spilled on the surface. A good stone soap or stone polish should be used for on going maintenance. Do not use abrasive cleansers or harsh ammonia based cleaners. If you do not have access to stone maintenance products, a mild soap such as dishwashing soap and water will suffice.

We're building a new home and would love to put a marble floor in our foyer, but we're concerned about the heavy foot traffic it will receive. Any suggestions?

Marble has been used as a flooring material for more than 6,000 years and continues to be a popular choice for bringing beauty to entry foyers and other areas of the home. You need only take some simple precautions to protect your investment. Use a non-slip mat outside the entrance to your foyer and a carpet or area rug inside to capture the abrasive grit and dirt tracked in form outdoors. Dust mop your marble floor frequently to remove dirt and dust particles that can scratch the surface. Use warm water and a small amount of mild detergent to wash. Then rinse and dry thoroughly.

What are the advantages of having granite?

• Granite can withstand heat up to 1800 degrees
• Granite can be used as a cutting board (although we don't recommend this as it will dull your knives).
• For those who love to bake, granite is the perfect prep surface for all your pastries.
• With your granite counter top your kitchen will look as beautiful as the day it was installed for many, many years to come.
• Unlike plastic counter top material, (remember the yellow Formica from the 1960's?!) granite is not a "dated" counter top material. Natural stone has been used throughout the centuries and has maintained "timeless beauty"

Isn't granite porous? What about sealers?

Granite is the next hardest material to a diamond. There are some granites that are more porous than others however, all of our granite countertops are sealed upon installation. The rule of thumb is that when the water no longer beads up, it's time to re-seal. For some folks that's 6 monhs, for some it's 2 years. It depends upon usage.

I've heard that granite breeds bacteria, is that true?

We think that rumor was started by the "solid surface" manufacturers. Granite does not generate or "breed" any more or any less bacteria than your average countertop surface.

How do I clean my granite countertops?

Regular maintenance of your tops is easy, just use mild soap and water. When properly maintained, your granite tops will last a lifetime.

Doesn't granite scratch easily?

No. Granite is a very durable work surface and has proven itself over the centuries. The only things that can scratch granite are carbide, diamond or another piece of granite.

Aren't all granites dark-colored?

No. There is a wide range of colors to choose from to match any decor and compliment any cabinetry. You can find granites with white, green, blue, yellow, beige, taupe, mauve, pink, peach, gold, red, black, gray and brown.

How long a process is it to get granite installed?

A deposit is required to order your slab material. Installation is approximately 7-10 business days from time of deposit/template/final measurement. If you are having new cabinetry installed, all of the new cabinets and or a farm sink must be in place in order for us to template.