FAQ's
  1. What is Granite?
  2. What is Marble?
  3. Does Granite stain?
  4. Why doesn't my Granite look exactly like the sample?
  5. How scratch-resistant is Granite?
  6. How heat-resistant is Granite?
  7. Will my Granite counter top chip or crack?
  8. How do I care for my Granite counter top?
  9. Are there other finishes for Granite besides the high polished surface?
  10. What is the difference between an undermount sink and a drop-in sink?
  11. What is a "high-movement" stone?
  12. Where is my stone from and how does that affect the price?
  1. top What is granite?
    Granite is an igneous (formed from fire) stone consisting of quartz, feldspar and mica. Because it is resistant to blistering, scratching, cracking and scorching, granite is the number one choice in natural stone for kitchen counter tops.
  2. top What is marble?
    Marble is a metamorphic stone. Marble is composed primarily of calcium carbonate or calcite. Marble is softer and more porous then granite. Marble is usually a good choice in bathrooms.
  3. top Does Granite stain?
    For the most part granite does not stain. True in the fact that natural stone is a porous material, granite is the least porous. Water left on a granite surface over a period of time will show evidence of moisture. It will however evaporate and the dark spot will disappear. Oil left on a granite surface will slowly be absorbed into the stone. If the spill is not caught in time and a stain does occur, a poultice may be applied to draw the oil back out of the stone. In helping to safeguard against staining, we apply an impregnating sealer to the stone before it is installed.
  4. top Why doesn't my Granite look exactly like the sample?
    Granite constantly varies in veining and shading. As the granite is quarried, differences in the stone's shading and pattern will appear. This is the reason why we generally recommend our customers approve the actual slab(s) prior to fabrication.
  5. top How scratch-resistant is Granite?
    Under normal use, even cutting directly upon it, you will not mar the finish of your countertop. Unlike any other surface granite will not lose its shine.
  6. top How heat-resistant is Granite?
    Granite (being formed from heat) can withstand a dish hot from the oven or stove directly on its surface.
  7. top Will my Granite counter top chip or crack?
    Under normal working conditions no, the granite should not break. The base that the stone is sitting on should also be checked for proper installation and being as level as possible. Otherwise in order for stone to crack or chip, it has to be hit with something hard like a hammer, and even then you would have to work at it.
  8. top How do I care for my Granite counter top?
    Wiping your countertops down with a mild soap and water mixture will work well for everyday cleaning. We stock a full line of spray cleaners with antibacterial additives that are available to our customers as well.
  9. top Are there other finishes for Granite besides the high polished surface?
    Usually granite comes in two different finishes. The most popular is the highly polished surface. The other type of finish is called a "honed" finish. This gives the stone a smooth feel but more of a matte finish.
  10. top What is the difference between an undermount sink and a drop-in sink?
    A drop-in or top mount sink, sits on top of the cutout, and does not add any additional cost to the job. An undermount sink is mounted on the bottom of the granite, revealing a polished sink cutout opening. One of the benefits to this type of sink is that it provides a smooth surface from countertop to sink. This type of cutout does include a standard fee, being that it requires additional fabrication.
  11. top What is a "high-movement" stone?
    A "high-movement" stone is one in which the pattern is generally not consistent. Different colors have different patterns or veining.(This is what sets natural stone in a class of its own) Since samples can only show a portion of the actual color, we highly recommend our customers view the slab(s) that will be used for their project.
  12. top Where is my stone from and how does that affect the price?
    Natural stone comes from all over the world: Italy, India, Egypt, Brazil, just to name a few. The place in which your stone comes from does not affect the cost of the stone. The cost of the stone depends primarily on availability of the material. (supply and demand.