Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers. We’ve done our best to compile all of the most common questions our customers have, but if you don’t see yours here, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask.
Granite is an igneous rock, meaning it’s formed when magma or lava cools and solidifies. It’s composed mostly of quartz and feldspar with smaller amounts of mica, amphiboles and other minerals. The material is very tough, can be a variety of colors and contains grains that are clearly visible.
Marble, a metamorphic rock, forms when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure. It’s made mostly of calcite but typically contains other minerals as well. It’s not as durable as granite, but its unusual, elegant pattern of white with splashes of black make it a coveted home material. Plus, with some basic care, marble should stay in good condition.
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms when sandstone is exposed to heat and pressure and the mineral quartz fills the spaces in the sandstone. Quartzite often looks similar to granite but is more likely than granite to come in lighter colors that are closer to the color of marble. The durability of quartzite is about the same as that of granite. Quartzite is often confused with quartz – a manmade material that also contains the mineral quartz.
Granite and quartzite are extremely difficult to scratch and will actually dull your knife if it’s used directly on them. Softer rocks like marble, onyx, slate and travertine can scratch if they come into direct contact with a sharp object.
Granite and quartzite are very resistant to stains as well as etching, which is damage that occurs when acidic substances, such as lemons, red wine and cola, come into contact with a stone surface. Marble and related stones are more susceptible to both staining and etching.
You can place hot items on granite and quartzite surfaces, although it’s generally recommended that you avoid doing so when possible. Softer stones like marble may end up with burn marks or other damage if it comes into contact with intense heat.
Avoid placing hot items, substances containing acid and containers filled with liquid directly on the surface of your countertop. Wipe up all spills immediately and use cleaning products made especially for natural stone to remove stains. Although granite and quartzite are more durable than other materials, following these guidelines can help any countertop last longer.
Sealing involves placing a thin coating on a stone surface that protects it by absorbing spills, scratches and other potential damage. Less durable surfaces benefit from sealing, while tougher ones usually don’t require it. For the most susceptible surfaces, sealer may need to be replaced every year. For the toughest surfaces, sealer may not be necessary. Because the need for sealing varies by countertop, we can assess yours and determine if it would benefit from sealing.
The amount and visibility of seams depends on the design, placement and material of your project, but most surfaces will require them. However, seams do not usually cause a problem as we minimize the appearance of seams as much as possible.
A polished finish leaves the stone with a glossy, reflective surface. It is ideal for bringing out the natural colors and patterns in the stone.
A honed finish does not have the shine of a polished finish. Instead, it creates a smooth, matte finish with no bumps and little or no reflection.
Yes. Minor damage can be repaired with a mixture of epoxy and ground-up pieces of stone.
Yes. Please visit our sinks page for more information.
We have a variety of edges available. Please visit our edges page for more information.
Absolutely. Click here to get in touch.
