Have questions about Granite and Granite Countertops? Browse through the Frequently Asked Questions below.:
1Where is granite found?
Granite is a coarse grained crystalline igneous rock composed primarily of quartz and feldspar. It forms from slowly cooling magma that is subjected to extreme pressures deep beneath the earth’s surface.
2What is Granite?
Granite is quarried from the earth with specialized equipment and machinery. It is found all over the world. A few parts of the world where granite is quarried: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, India, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Ukraine, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
3What is the difference between marble and granite countertops?
The look first and foremost. The maintenance and care of the stones will also vary. Marble colors is a softer stone, and it will etch easier. It is a more delicate natural stone when compared to granite.
4What is the strength of granite?
Granite is a very strong and durable natural stone. The actual strength of a specific piece of granite will vary depending on the stone and where it was quarried from.
5Will my granite countertop break?
With heavy abuse. With normal every day wear and tear, no.
6Do I need to seal my granite countertops?
There are a lot of different sealer brand names on the market; some of them give one year protection promise some others up to 5-6 years. As an expert our recommendations put sealer on your countertop once a year. It is hassle free easy application and takes less than ten minutes. You need to put sealer once year for better protection of countertop This depends on the granite you choose. As a rule of thumb, “The lighter stones need to be sealed and the darker ones don’t.
7What is etching?
Etching is when acids from items such as lemons, alcohols, and even some cleaning products leave dull spots or rings on a stone. Etching is an issue for marble countertops not for granites.
8Will granite chip?
It can. If it chips, it is usually around the sink or near an edge. The chip is usually small and not visible, but, you can feel it. This is easy to repair. A colored epoxy is used to fill in the small area. If you did get a larger chip, save the chip so it can be used to repair your countertop.
9Will granite scratch?
No, not usually. the only things that may scratch it are diamonds, other pieces of granite, and some green kitchen scrub pads. Granite can only be scratched by materials which are harder than granite.
10Will granite burn?
No, it can withstand heat up to 1200F. You can set hot pots on your granite countertop without worrying about charring or scorching your granite.
11What are seams and do I need them?
Seams are joints where two pieces of stone meet or join together. Granite slabs are very big but larger kitchens may need a seam or two. If you have curves, arches, or really long spans of granite you will usually need seams.
12What is the weight of granite?
The weight of granite depends on its density. The average 3/4″ thick granite weighs 13 pounds per square foot, 1 1/4″ thick granite weighs around 18 to 20 pounds per square foot, and 2″ thick granite weighs about 30 pounds per square foot. The darker stones are usually heavier than the lighter stones.
13What is the thickness of a granite countertop?
2cm =3/4″, 3cm =1 1/4″, 3cm is the prefered thickness for granite countertops. Discover Granite & Marble use 3cm thickness granite for countertops project.
14Will my cabinets support granite countertops?
Most cabinets will as long as they’re sturdy. Granite spreads its weight out like a waterbed does. Your cabinets may need to be reinforced if they are not sturdy enough. Discover Granite & Marble experts check your cabinets strength.
15Do I need underlayment?
Not with 1 1/4″ granite. If you plan to use 3/4″, you may
16What are some of the uses of granite?
It is used on exteriors and interiors of homes and commercial buildings. The most common uses are for headstones and kitchen countertops. Some other examples include: fireplaces, bars, vanities, sinks, cabinet handles, outlet switch plate covers, tables, walls, benches, fountains, shower surrounds, flooring…. If you can imagine it, you can use granite
17What is the granite installation time frame?
99% of Discover Granite & Marble’s countertop installation takes a day. Very rarely and depending on the size of your job might takes two. Discover Granite & Marble’s regular turnaround time is a 10 days. Preparations before installation, such as cutting, polishing and getting your stone to the shop can take anywhere from a week to a month or so.
18How to clean granite countertops?
A mild dish soap and water will work. But, a soap build up may occur over time if you don’t rinse your countertops well.
19What are some of the granite countertop colors?
There are hundreds of granite colors and color combinations. The “groups” of colors are white, black/gray, brown, blue, green, red, pink, yellow, and violet.
20How much does a granite countertop cost?
Granite countertop costs will vary depending on your region and also the type of granite colors you choose. Exotics, hard to finds, and blues are usually more expensive. Sink cut outs, outlet holes, arches and curves, as well as special edgings and tear outs of old countertops add to the cost. Discover Granite & Marble has most reasonable prices wit best service quality.