Where is granite from?
Granite is a type of igneous rock. Quarries are created where large deposits of granite have been found. The rock is removed from the quarries with special equipment. There are granite quarries in countries all over the world, from Argentina to South Africa, India to Ukraine, Zimbabwe to China, and many others.
What is the difference betweene graniteand marble countertops?
The most noticeable difference is how they look. Marble appears smooth with swirls and lines running through it, while granite has a more grainy appearance. Because granite is much harder and more durable than marble, it does not require the same delicate care and maintenance that marble does.
How strong is granite?
That depends. Since there are many different types of granite, its strength varies from stone to stone depending on the mineral content and where it was quarried from.
How much does granite weigh?
Again, that depends. Denser granite will weigh more per square foot than less dense stones, and darker granite is often heavier than lighter colored stones. On average, though, granite weighs between 13 and 30 pounds per square foot, depending on how thick it is.
How thick is a granite countertop?
1 ¼” (3 cm) is the most common thickness, but granite countertops can range anywhere from ¾” to 2” thick.
Do granite countertops break?
If you hit it repeatedly with a sledgehammer, probably! But regular, every day use is unlikely to break it.
Does my granite countertop need to be sealed?
Possibly, depending on what type of granite you choose. Darker granite usually does not need to be sealed, while lighter stone usually does. Discuss this with your fabricator when you are making your selection.
What does etching mean?
When certain acids leave permanent dull spots on a stone, it is known as etching. Lemon juice, alcohols, harsh cleansers, and other substances could cause etching.
Can my granite etch?
No. Granite does not usually react to acids the way some other stones do. However, the sealant on a sealed granite countertop might be susceptible to etching.
Will I be able to cut on my granite countertops?
Yes. In fact, granite is so hard it may actually dull your knives.
Does granite chip?
It might. If granite does chip, it is usually on an edge. Most chips are very small and virtually invisible, but you may be able to feel them. Chipped areas can be repaired by filling them in with colored epoxy. Save any larger pieces that chip off so they can be used in repairing the damaged area.
Can granite be scratched?
Probably not. Just like any substance, granite cannot be scratched by anything softer than itself. Diamonds and other pieces of granite could scratch your countertop, as could some abrasive kitchen scrubbers.
Does granite burn?
No. You can place hot pots and pans on directly on your granite countertop without fear of leaving scorch marks. However, hot items should not be placed near joints or seams in your countertop.
Do I need seems and what does that mean?
The place where two pieces of granite meet is called a seam or joint. Even though slabs of granite can be very large, bigger countertops may require more than one slab. Arches, curves, and large areas covered by granite will usually need a seam or two. A good fabricator will strategically place seams so they are as inconspicuous as possible.
Will granite countertops be supported by my cabinets?
If your cabinets are sturdy, yes. They may need to be reinforced, though, if they are not quite sturdy enough.
What is underlayment and what does it involve?
For thinner granite countertops (3/4”) you might, but standard 1 ¼” granite should not need underlayment. It does depend slightly on the type of granite, though.
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What are some typical granite uses?
The most popular uses for granite are to make countertops and headstones. However, its use is not limited to those two items. Beautiful benches, fireplaces, tables, fountains, drawer pulls, floors, and more can be created from granite.
What exactly is a fabricator?
A fabricator is the person who is responsible for measuring, cutting, shaping, and polishing your granite. If you have any questions about granite countertops or need help selecting the best stone for your needs, your fabricator should be able to help you.
Where can I view samples of granite?
This web site should give you a good idea of what colors and patterns are available. You can also either visit the stone yard or your fabricator’s shop if you want to view samples.
Do I need to see the stone before ordering it?
No, but it is recommended. Even among similar stones, colors and patterns can vary dramatically, making each slab unique. If you don’t want to be surprised by a countertop that looks slightly different than what you expected, you probably want to visit the stone yard and pick out your own slab.
Will my old countertops be torn out by my granite contractor?
They might. You should ask your contractor up front if that service is available.
What is the cost of tearing out the old countertops?
That depends on a lot of factors. Discuss this with your contractor to determine a price.
How long does granite take to install?
Depending on the contractor you hire and the size of the job, it usually only takes a day or two. Before it can be installed, though, your granite needs to be cut, polished, and otherwise tailored for your needs. This process could take up to a month to ensure that your stone is perfect before being installed.
What are remnants of granite and how much cheaper are they?
Granite remnants are smaller pieces, usually less than 4 feet long, left over from another order. They usually cost much less than the original slab did, but they can’t be special ordered. If you want to purchase granite remnants, your options are whatever your fabricator has on hand. They are great for smaller projects—shelves, vanities, tables, etc.—when you don’t have a specific type of granite in mind.
What do granite color charts tell me?
Granite color charts allow you to preview and compare different stone colors and patterns. Small pieces of granite are collected on a large “poster” or in a booklet for you to view at your convenience.
What does granite samples mean?
Small tiles called granite samples are also used to give you an idea of available colors and patterns. Any small pieces cut from the original slab may also be referred to as samples. You can ask your fabricator for samples from your job if you want to shop for paint, fabric, or other accessories to match your granite.
Can you match cabinets with granite coutnertops?
Use granite samples or a color chart to see how well different granites will match your existing cabinets. Be sure to view the samples in various areas and under different lighting conditions to be sure it complements the entire kitchen and not just one spot. Take a look at our Picture Gallery to see how other people have coordinated their countertops and cabinets.
How do I go about cleaning my granite countertops?
Mild dish soap and water will do the job. Just be sure to rinse your countertops well in order to prevent soap buildup. Using cleaning products designed to be stone friendly is always the best option. Check out our Granite Counter Top Care section to find cleansers, disinfectants, and polishes you can use on your countertop.
What are some examples of granite countertop colors?
With granite, the colors and color combination possibilities are endless, but stones are usually categorized into one of the following color groups: black/gray, white, brown, red, pink, violet, blue, green, and yellow.
What is the cost of new granite countertops?
That will depend both on where you live and what kind of granite you want. More exotic, difficult to find stones will very likely be more expensive than common colors and patterns. Certain customizations, such as cut outs or curves, will probably add to the cost of your countertop. |