Granite FAQs

Can I cut on my granite kitchen top?

 

Granite is harder than knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the kitchen top as a cutting surface. Use a wooden or plastic cutting board for cutting or chopping.

Can my granite surface top be damaged?

 

Like any solid top, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. However, heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.

Will my granite look exactly like the sample I choose?

 

Granite is a natural material with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. Therefore, no two granite stones will ever look exactly alike.

Can I set hot pot on my granite kitchen table top?

 

Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earths crust. It will not be affected by heat from a cook pot or frying pan. A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.

Can granite chip?

 

Only in cases of severe abuse with an impact tool such as a hammer. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture. If a chip occurs on your counter top, do not throw out the chipped pieces. We can use them to fix the table top, so that no one will be able to tell it was ever chipped.

How are seams made?

 

Seams are done where the two pieces of stone are put together. The seams are joined with epoxy that is mixed with the color that matches the stone. Then the joined area is smoothened, leaving only a very thin line visible.

Can granite crack?

 

Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable material. Under normal household use, the granite will not crack.

What is the appropriate thickness for a granite kitchen cabinet table top?

 
A kitchen cabinet table top usually can be about 18 mm +/- thick for structural reasons. Bathroom vanity tops can be thinner.

Does granite have any pits or fissures?

 

Granite does have natural pits and fissures that are part of the stones natural structure. Some types of granite have more of such characteristics than other types, and pits can be minimized by applying sealer to the surface of the counter.

Can granite be repaired?

 
It is very hard to damage granite. If minor damage occurs it can be sealed with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of granite.

Do granite seams show?

 
Because granite is a natural material and is usually sold in rectangular pieces; a worktop design such as in an “L” shaped corner will have seams. The visibility of seams will also depend on the granularity, color and pattern. A small, uniform grain will not be as apparent as a larger varied grain. A dark color will be less apparent than a light color. A dramatic pattern with swaths of color will show more seams than a uniform pattern. Most customers have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs the concern of seams.

How do I clean my granite kitchen top?

 
All stones are porous to some extent, but granite has very little porosity. Most colors will never show any moisture. Granite is a very durable stone. It is also much harder than marble. Granite has been used in the past in the commercial industry. Some of the obvious applications have been panels on the outside of buildings, walls, and floors of ‘high-traffic’ areas. Granite will withstand almost any element it comes up against including heat and cold. Granite itself is approximately 95-98% stain resistant and this will insure lasting life and beauty.