FAQ

Why use Granite over other countertop materials?

The Beauty of Nature cannot be duplicated by man.  Natural stones such as granite and marble are quarried all over the world, and since each region comprises different minerals each quarry produces a different and unique palette. There are thousands of distinct colors of granite available today. Synthetic alternatives such as Corian and Quartz are manufactured in factories and, while they try very hard, they cannot reproduce the wonderful look of granite as they are made with consistency and uniformity in mind. Granite, on the other hand, can and does vary in color and texture both within a single slab and from slab to slab. Every granite countertop is unique and nothing can compare to the beauty of Mother Nature. Another advantage of granite is its durability. Granite can withstand temperatures of 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can place hot pots and pans directly on your counters, or even use the countertop as a cutting board! Manmade alternatives simply cannot match the strength, durability or longevity of natural granite, contrary to what their promotional materials may claim.

What’s the difference between Marble and Granite?

Granite is a crystalline igneous rock meaning it was once a hot molten mass or “magma”.  It is composed primarily of quartz, mica and feldspar. It forms from the slowly cooling magma under extreme pressures deep beneath the earth’s surface. Marble is a metamorphic rock composed mostly of calcite, aragonite and/or dolomite crystals. It forms when existing limestone deposits are subjected to changes in heat, pressure or chemicals through a process called solid-state recrystallization. Marble was never molten or liquid.  Marble is much softer than Granite.  Marble has been used as a building material for thousands of years.

Why do Granite and Marble vary in price?

Prices vary for a number of reasons.  Natural stones come from all over the world so shipping is a contributing factor.  Availability plays a big part as well as some stones are in less abundance than others.  Quarries can be located on mountain tops and even underwater, making accessibility an issue as well.  Some stones are tremendously fragile and working with them very time consuming.  The more labor required to achieve your dream the higher the price.  You get what you pay for and quality never comes at the lowest price. We work hard to provide a varied selection of affordable, attractive stones for our clients. We also have many stones exclusive to our company.  As one of the largest Fabrication shops in the area we are able to offer the most attractive materials at very reasonable rates.

Where does granite come from?

Granites are quarried all over the world. There are hundreds of different varieties with our primary suppliers being Brazil, Italy, India, South Africa, Spain, France, China, and the USA.

How expensive is granite?

Due to improved shipping routes, the evolution of diamond tooling and the increased demand for granite, the prices have dropped significantly over the past 10 years making granite countertops a very affordable option.  These days, granite can be purchased for less than mid-range solid surface materials like Corian.

Is Granite a good investment?

In today’s market two things sell homes: kitchens and bathrooms. Nationally, the payback for remodels on kitchens and bathrooms is over 90% of your investment. If you are trying to sell an upscale home that has existing tile or laminate tops, you will likely hit market resistance; installing new natural stone countertops will be a lasting investment that you can also enjoy now.

Can granite scratch or stain?

As one of the hardest materials available for countertop use, Granite surfaces are scratch, heat, stain, and chip resistant.

I’ve heard that granite requires regular maintenance and has to be resealed often.

Those days are way behind us as we now have amazingly effective and long-term impregnating sealers at our disposal.  Granite is the easiest of all countertop materials to maintain.  The key to a lasting shine is in keeping your granite countertops clean and free of chemical build-up.  Do not use trendy cleaners or polishes on granite.  Clean your stone with warm water and, if necessary, add a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Always rinse to remove the soap and dry to preserve the shine.  Following these simple steps will ensure keep your granite in superb condition. We recommend most granite tops be sealed before they leave our fabrication facility. Different stones have different sealing needs.  We offer several options for this.

Do I have to have seams?

It depends on the size and layout of the countertops.  Granite slabs typically measure approximately 114” x 66”.  I say approximately because each quarry puts out slightly different slab sizes.  Each piece of the puzzle must not only fit within that parameter but also must be logistically possible to produce.  (a fragile stone with a sink cutout in the middle measuring 114” long will most certainly break during transportation).  After templating, we layout the job to ensure the best possible end result.  This means having all grain running in the same direction, having different color tones match as best possible, all in an effort to achieve a seam that is as invisible as possible.  Great care must be taken when matching seams. Our company is known for the quality of its seams.  While the industry standard is 1/16″, our seams are less than a human hair wide and require a focused search to identify their location.

Does granite come with a warranty?

Granite is a natural product of nature and therefore there is no warranty on the product itself.  We do, however, offer a lifetime warranty on all of our fabrication and installation.