Kitchens Made Simple

Granite Countertops FAQ's

What is granite?
Granite, from the Italian granito (meaning grained), are igneous rocks which were formed by slowly cooling pockets of magma that were trapped beneath the earth's surface. Granite contains crystallized minerals such as feldspar, quartz and mica. The colors and patterns of granite are determined by the varying concentrations of these minerals, as well as the temperature, pressure and the rate at which the rocks cool down on their ascent to the earth's surface. It is this range of colors and patterns that make granite such an appealing and unique material to use for kitchen countertops.

How much does granite weigh?
Granite countertop slabs come in different thicknesses. The weight per square foot for 30 mm thick granite is 18 lbs sq. ft. Although granite is heavy and will require proper equipment to transport, fabricate and install, the great weight will provide desirable stability unmatched by lighter, man-made materials.

Why is granite an excellent material for kitchen countertops?
Next to diamond, sapphire, and ruby, granite is the hardest natural product on earth. Polished granite will maintain its high gloss virtually forever. Normal use of kitchen knives, cutlery, and cookware leaves no scratches. Heat has almost no effect on natural granite, making it much safer than synthetic polyesters and resins surfaces. Pots and pans heated up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit will not dull natural granite's lustrous finish, although using trivets is recommended to keep your granite counter clean.

Is granite a sanitary choice of countertop material?
Granite is a very dense material. Its hard surface discourages the growth or the accumulation of bacteria. As demonstrated in a scientific study, routine cleaning with water and vinegar eliminates most bacteria on a polished granite surface when compared to other popular countertop material. Therefore, granite is an excellent choice for those who are health-conscious.

Why choose granite over synthetic material?
There are numerous advantages to using granite in place of synthetic materials. Natural stone is durable, long-lasting and color selection is generally far more extensive. Also, the resilience of granite has been proven to be cost effective over time. Being a natural product, granite is always preferred for its attractiveness. Because of this, synthetic products usually try to mimic the color variations found in granite and many man-made materials produce a similar look. However, there is a definite difference in quality and ease of use. Granite countertops can withstand high heat, and are virtually scratch-proof. All these desirable characteristics make granite the material of choice for kitchen countertops.

Will granite countertop increase the value of my house?
Most definitely. Using granite for your kitchen countertops is a great way to increase the overall value of your home. It is one the most desired features on all real estate brokers' listings and it is almost a "must-have" for higher-end homes.

Can granite get stained and do I need to seal it?
Granite is a highly dense material and relatively porous so it can get stained only if a spill is not cleaned quickly. Sealing the granite surface with sealant is an easy and fast procedure. Therefore, it is recommended to seal the granite once a year (a 15 minute wipe on - wipe off application) to protect the surface from water patches and stains.

What kind of sealer should I use?
Solvent based sealers generally work much better than water based ones. A sealer works by penetrating into the pores of the stone and building an invisible barrier that allows for easier cleaning, protection against scratching/stains and creating a harder, less slippery surface. Sealers are easy to apply and take only a few hours to effectively dry.

What daily maintenance is required to keep granite countertop clean and beautiful?
The best daily cleaning agent is dish soap diluted with water. Simply wipe down your kitchen surfaces with a damp cloth. Granite is a beautiful and classic addition to any home and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Can my granite top be damaged?
Only in cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture. If a chip occurs on your countertop, do not throw out the chipped pieces. These chips can be ground up and mixed with epoxy to fix the countertop, so that no one will be able to tell it was ever chipped. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids should not affect granite under normal circumstances.

Do granite seams show?
Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10 ft long, you will most likely end up with seams. Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in a U or L shaped kitchen. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern. However, most customers have found that the beauty of natural granite far outweighs the concern of seams. The seams are joined with epoxy that is mixed with the color that matches the stone. Then the joined area is smoothed, leaving only a very thin line visible.

Does granite have any pits or fissures?
Yes, granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stone's 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.

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