GRANITE:     (Please scroll down for frequently asked questions on Engineered Stone)

 

Q. Is all granite the same?

No. There are 1st and 2nd quality granite and we only purchase 1st quality slabs. The difference is in 1st quality you do not get any open fissures (cracks) or any unsightly markings which are prevalent in second quality. Also with second quality you receive a 3 step diamond polish process with a final wax. When the wax wears you have to apply more to keep the luster up. This will have to be done every month. This is a lot of maintenance for a product which should be easy to maintain.

With 1st quality you receive a 7 step diamond polishing process and no wax. You will never have to apply any wax. The luster will remain the same forever. You do not have to deal with the hassle of waxing every month.

 

---

Q. What maintenance is involved?

To prevent staining we recommend you reseal every 3-5 years. If you have been shopping around you have undoubtedly heard every 6 months. This is for two reasons. One we use an impregnating sealer, most others use a topical sealant. The difference is a impregnating sealer sinks into the pours of the stone whereas a topical sealant stays on top. Since it stays on top it wears faster. Also it is not as good at preventing stains. The second is since that since we apply seven steps of polish whereas some do 3 steps the stone is less porous.

 

---

Q. When my stone is delivered do I have to seal it?

No, your stone comes pre-sealed.

 

---

Q. Is it easy to stain granite?

No. Even Granite that does not have a sealer is hard to stain. With our impregnating sealer which is more effective than a topical sealant makes it even harder. The biggest concern is cooking oil. As long as you wipe down your counters like you normally would after dinner it is not a problem. In the RARE event a stain does penetrate we will come out free of charge to remove it professionally.

 

---

Q. Is sealing a difficult process?

No you wipe it on at night before you go to sleep and when you wake up wipe it off. It’s that easy!

 

---

Q. I have been told that I cannot cut or put a hot pot on granite?

You have obviously been talking to people who are not familiar with stone. At some point granite was molten lava you will never be able to get anything hot enough to burn granite. As far as cutting goes you can if you want to damage your knives!

 

---

Q. Can granite crack?

Very rarely if it were to crack it would only happen during delivery or during installation. Once it is installed it is not a problem to worry about. Unless you stand on it in the area of a sink or cooktop cutout.

 

---

Q. What happens if it does crack during installation?

We will replace the piece free of charge.

 

---

Q. Can I over hang granite?

Yes. A good rule of thumb is you can overhang half of the supporting structure without support. For example on 24inch base cabinets you can overhang 12 inches.

 

---

Q. Will I have a seam?

Most kitchens do. This is because of many factors this includes but is not limited to size of the slab, weight, and access during install.

 

---

Q. Will my seam show?

You will always be able to see a seam upon close inspection. However it is not an eyesore. Our expert installers color code it and get it as tight as possible then it is filled with a colored epoxy. By implementing this process we insure it will be as invisible as possible. Example seams can be seen on our display work.

 

---

Q. Can granite chip?

Never under normal household use. It will only happen under extreme negligence or intent to do damage. An example would be taking a hammer to it.

 

---

Q. What is granite made of?

Some of the hardest minerals on earth: quartz, mica and feldspar.

 

---

Q. Is granite 100 percent natural?

Yes. Granite comes out of the earth in blocks. They are than cut and polished into slabs. They are made by mother nature and crafted by man.

 

 

---

Engineered Stone:

 

Q. How do I clean my engineered stone countertop?

For routine cleaning, use a damp cloth or paper towel and simply wipe with warm water and soap if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach or nonabrasive cleanser may be used.

 

---

Q. Will my engineered stone stain?

Engineered stone is a no porous product. Even though the product resists permanent staining when exposed to edible liquids found in the kitchen, it is recommended to wipe up food and liquid spills as soon as possible. For stubborn or dried spills, use a non-abrasive pad such as a Scotchbrite® with Formula 409® or similar cleanser. One could also gently scrape dried substances with a putty knife or razor blade.

 

---

Q.  Do I need to seal my engineered stone countertop?

The non-porous nature of engineered stone provides maximum resistance to staining and fully eliminates the need for any sealing. The non-porous quality of the surface also greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth.

 

---

Q. Can I use bleach on my engineered stone countertop?

Avoid using cleansers that contain bleach

 

---

Q. Can I place a hot pot on my engineered stone countertop?

Although engineered stone can withstand exposure to normal cooking temperatures from pots, pans and dishes, do not place hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the surface. Engineered stone can potentially be damaged by rapid temperature changes therefore It is recommended that you place hot pads or trivets onto the surface to maintain the beauty of the countertop.

 

---

Q. What chemicals will affect my engineered stone countertop?

Avoid strong chemicals or solvents such as paint removers, oven cleaners, furniture strippers, chemicals containing trichlorethane or methylene chloride or high alkaline cleansers (high-ph).. Do not allow the engineered stone to come into contact with, nail polish remover, bleach, bluing, permanent markers or inks and oil soaps. If contact should occur, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for removal that can be found in the care and maintenance guide for the particular product.

 

---

Q. I have an overhang on my countertop. Do I need some type of support?

3CM engineered stone will cantilever a maximum of 10 inches without the need of support. Overhangs greater than 10” will need a corbel, bracket or leg.

 

---

Q. Can I cut on my engineered stone countertop?

Although cutting on the countertop will likely not cause damage, it is recommended that you use a cutting board to prevent dulling the surface and also prevent dulling your knives.

 

---

Q. Can engineered stone be used outdoors?

Customers can elect to use the material outdoors, however a review of each manufacturer’s warranty is suggested.

 

---

Q. Will my engineered stone have seams?

Depending on the layout of the countertop versus the size of the slab it is possible that the countertop will have a seam. Seams are similar to natural stone seams in that they are visible.

 

---

Q. Do I need to select my slab?

Engineered stone is a manufactured product and has lot numbers with nominal shade differences. Selecting a slab is not required as the slabs color differentiation is minimal from the sample. It is very possible to use different lots in the same room without noticing any color difference whatsoever. Some engineered stones have a veining pattern like natural stone. If the color you are interested in has this pattern it is recommended that a full slab be viewed as a small sample will not disclose the overall look of the product