GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
FAQ'S
QUESTION:
Where does granite come
from?
ANSWER:
Granite is quarried from the earth with specialized
equipment and machinery. It is found all over the world. A few
parts of the world where granite is quarried: Argentina,
Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, India, Italy, Norway,
Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden,
Ukraine, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
QUESTION:
What is the difference between
granite & marble countertops?
ANSWER: The
look first and foremost. The maintenance and care of the stones
will also vary. Marble is softer and more porous and it will etch
and stain easier. Marble is more delicate natural stone when
compared to granite.
QUESTION: How
strong is granite?
ANSWER:
Granite is a very strong and durable natural stone. The
actual strength of a specific piece of granite will vary depending
on the stone and where it was quarried from.
QUESTION:
Can granite
break?
ANSWER:
Yes, with heavy abuse. With normal every day wear and
tear, no.
QUESTION:
Do I need to seal my granite
countertop?
ANSWER: This
depends on the granite you choose. Most granites need to be sealed,
although the rule of thumb is that, "The lighter stones need to be
sealed and the darker ones don't". Consult with your fabricator
while choosing your stone.
QUESTION:
What is etching? Will my granite
countertop etch?
ANSWER:
Etching is when acids from items such as lemons,
alcohols, and even some cleaning
products leave dull spots or rings on a stone. Granite
is a siliceous natural stone and not highly
reactive to acids like a marble or a
limestone. If your granite is sealed, the
sealer may etch.
QUESTION:
Can I cut directly on my granite
countertop?
ANSWER:
Although granite is very hard and will actually dull
your knives and little slivers of the knife may become embedded in
your countertop, we do not recommend cutting directly on the
countertop - granites vary, use a cutting board.
QUESTION:
Will granite
chip?
ANSWER:
It can, although it happens rarely. If it chips, it is
usually around the sink or near an edge. The chip is usually small
and not visible, but you can feel it. This is easy to repair. A
colored epoxy is used to fill in the small area. If you did get a
larger chip, save the chip so it can be used to repair your
countertop.
QUESTION:
Will granite
scratch?
ANSWER:
No, not usually. the only things that may scratch it
are diamonds, other pieces of granite, and some green kitchen scrub
pads. Granite can only be scratched by
materials, which are harder than granite.
QUESTION: Will granite burn?
ANSWER:
No, it can withstand heat up to 1200F. You can set hot
pots on your granite countertop without worrying about charring or
scorching your granite. It is not recommended to place hot pots
near seams or joints.
QUESTION:
Will my granite have seams? What are
seams?
ANSWER:
Seams are joints where two pieces of stone meet or join
together. Granite slabs are very big but larger kitchens may need a
seam or two. If you have curves, arches, or really long spans of
granite you will usually need seams. They are located in out of the
way places. Hire a good fabricator and the seams are barely
noticeable.
QUESTION:
How much does granite
weigh?
ANSWER:
The weight of granite depends on its density. The
average 3/4" thick granite weighs 13 pounds per square foot, 1 1/4"
thick granite weighs around 18 to 20 pounds per square foot, and 2"
thick granite weighs about 30 pounds per square foot. The darker
stones are usually heavier than the lighter stones.
QUESTION:
How thick is a granite countertop?
Do I need underlayment?
ANSWER:
2cm =3/4", 3cm =1 1/4", 3cm is the preferred thickness
for granite countertops. Not with 1 1/4" granite. If you plan to
use 3/4", you may. It depends on the type of granite you choose.
Ask your fabricator.
QUESTION:Will my cabinets support the granite
countertop?
ANSWER:
Most cabinets will as long as they're sturdy. Granite spreads
its weight out like a waterbed does. Your cabinets may need to be
reinforced if they are not sturdy enough. Ask your granite
fabricator.
QUESTION:
WHAT IS GRANITE USED
FOR?
ANSWER:
It is used on exteriors and interiors of homes and
commercial buildings. The most common uses are for headstones and
kitchen countertops. Some other examples include: fireplaces, bars,
vanities, sinks, cabinet handles, outlet switch plate covers,
tables, walls, benches, fountains, shower surrounds, flooring....
If you can imagine it, you can use granite.
QUESTION:
Is it necessary to see the actual
slabs my granite countertop will be made
of?
ANSWER:
This isn't mandatory but it is wise. Each and every
piece of granite is unique. The color tones may be lighter or
darker from one slab to the next. The pattern of the stone will
also vary. It's actually pretty fun to go to the "stone warehouse"
and pick out your stone. You never know, another one may catch your
eye.
QUESTION
: How do I match granite to
cabinets?
ANSWER:
If you're unsure of how well your granite countertop
will match your cabinets, use granite color charts or samples. Look
at the stone samples in different lighting and in different areas
of your kitchen. If you are unsure please visit our
Stone Selection
Guide.
QUESTION
: How do I clean granite
countertops?
ANSWER:
A mild dish soap and water will work. But, a soap build
up may occur over time if you don't rinse your countertops well.
It's best to use products made specifically for stone.
QUESTION: How much does a granite countertop
cost?
ANSWER:
Granite countertop costs will vary depending on your
region and also the type of granite you choose.
Exotics, hard to finds, and blues are usually more expensive. Sink
cut outs, outlet holes, arches and curves, as well as special
edgings and tear outs of old countertops add to the
cost.
Marble & Granite Supply of
Illinois
6666 W. Howard St
Niles, IL 60714
T: (847) 972-1161
F: (847) 972-1530
sales@marble-granites.com
www.marble-granites.com
Disclaimer:
Please note that the information on
this page is a general summary of industry-accepted tips in stone
care that we have compiled to help you in your stone selection and
care. Please note that natural stone varies substantially. Ask your
stone specialist what works best for your particular
stone.