Questions on Granite Countertops

What is the difference between marble and granite countertops?
The look first and foremost. The maintenance and care of the stones will also vary. Marble is a softer stone, and it will etch easier. It is a more delicate natural stone when compared to granite.

What is the strength of granite?
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.

Will my granite countertop break?
With heavy abuse. With normal every day wear and tear, no.

Do I need to seal my granite countertops?
This depends on the granite you choose. As a rule of thumb, "The lighter stones need to be sealed and the darker ones don't". Consult with your fabricator while choosing your stone.

What is etching?
Etching is when acids from items such as lemons, alcohols, and even some cleaning products leave dull spots or rings on a stone.

Can I cut on my granite countertops?
Yes you can. Granite is very hard and will dull your knives. Little slivers of the knife may become embedded in your countertop. This is very noticeable with darker granites.

Will granite chip?
It can. 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.

Will granite scratch?
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.

Will granite burn?
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.

What are seams and do I need them?
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.

What is the thickness of a granite countertop?
2cm =3/4", 3cm =1 1/4", 3cm is the prefered thickness for granite countertops.

Will my cabinets support granite countertops?
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.

Where do I go to look at granite?
This web site is a great starting point for getting a feel for the colors and patterns. Your fabricator will either send you to a stone yard or have stone at his shop for you to view.

How to clean granite countertops?
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.

How much does a granite countertop cost?
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.