Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use natural stone in my home?
Natural stone is more distinctive, beautiful, practical and durable than many artificial products. Rather than investing money in an inferior look-alike, choosing the real deal looks better, lasts longer and enhances your home’s resale value.
What is the best use for granite?
Granite is an excellent choice for kitchen countertops, floors, tabletops, and other heavily-used surfaces. While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat. Granite is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces, and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol or wine.
What daily care does granite require?
Granite countertops are virtually maintenance-free and can be cleaned with ease. If a spill occurs, blot the area with a paper towel. On the rare occasion that a stain is left, flush the area with plain water and mild soap several times and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. To keep the countertops looking new for years to come, wipe them down with mild soap and water mix or an ammonia-free window cleaner.
Does granite need to be sealed?
Granite must be properly sealed to protect against staining. Without proper and regular sealing, granite and other porous stones can absorb spilled substances and leave unsightly stains and marks.
Why is granite preferred for kitchen countertops?
Knives, dishes, pots and other implements may cause scratching of lesser materials. Granite is the hardest and densest of all natural stones, to withstand use. The feldspar content keeps it water resistant, and the silicates it contains won’t react with acid. These properties help granite resist staining and retain its fine luster over a longer period of time than ceramic tiles or other stones.
Does granite chip or scratch?
Second only to diamonds, granite is one of the Earth’s hardest stones. With that, few materials have the ability to scratch or chip your granite. Unless you are heavily abusing your countertop with a hammer or excessive force, granite is unlikely to chip. In the event that it does, you should save the chips and bring them to your fabricator. They will be able to use the chips to repair your countertop.
Is granite food-safe?
According to a study performed by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management, granite is rated second only to stainless steel for safety against bacterial contamination. Further, the study proves that granite is found to prevent food-borne illness pathogens from remaining on your countertop after cleaning better than composition stone.
What are different types of stone finishes?
Here’s a list of stone finishes to consider:
- Honed – Grinding and sanding produces a smooth, matte finish. This is best for low maintenance, high traffic applications.
- Pacific- Using a combination of brushes and ceramic to achieve a matte orange peel feel with a glossy touch.
- Antique- Matte suede feel, but not as deep as a leather finish.
- Flamed – Achieved by heating the stone to a high temperature that burns away most of the carbon content for a subtle coloration.
- Polished – Grinding, sanding, and buffing produces a high gloss, mirror-like surface.
- Sandblasted – A rough finish achieved by blasting the stone with high-pressure sand.
- Leather – Used on any stone with a deeper for a suede look and feel.
- Tumbled – By tumbling stones in a mix of sand, water and mild acid, it creates a classic, weathered look.
- Split Face – A raw, natural quarry texture with a flat back and uneven front surface.
- Veneer Stone – Stone used as a non-load-bearing decorative facing material such as wall cladding.