FAQs

Customers not familiar with natural stone may expect the granite or marble they order to be identical to pictures or samples they have seen. Although sample stones are intended to be representative of the material, the granite or marble quarried at one time may differ slightly in color and veining from the sample. Moreover, even single slabs of granite or marble will possess a certain amount of color variation from one end to the other. These slight irregularities are what will make your project unique and different from any other.

Since some stone surfaces are porous they can and will absorb liquids, which may result in discoloration and possible staining.

We will seal the marble or granite upon installation. Depending on how heavily the tops are used, this sealer may wear and need to be reapplied. 

We recommended having marble resealed at least once every six months and that granite is resealed annually.

Granite can be cleaned with a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish soap. Granite should always be cleaned and sealed with cleaning products specifically designed for natural stone.

Cutting on your Granite countertops will not harm your granite, however, the blade of the knife will dull over time.

Granite is a very durable stone. It is significantly harder than marble. Granite is often used in the home and commercial industries as it will withstand almost any element, including extreme cold and heat.

High impact blows can harm granite just like any other solid surface.  Because of its crystalline structure, granite can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects.

Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not harm granite under normal conditions.

Granite, since it has a crystalline structure, always has tiny pits (spaces between the various mineral crystals). You do not see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite and marble sometimes have natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure that formed the granite ages ago.

These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of the stone and will not impair the function or durability of the granite. However, we do strongly recommend that customers viewing their slab prior to installation to ensure their awareness of the locations of any existing fissures that may be present.

In general, no, granite does not stain.  All stone, however, is porous to some extent, but granite has very little porosity.

Some colors may absorb moisture with prolonged contact. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. Usually, no evidence remains once the liquid is removed and the granite dries.

Marble and granite are porous materials and therefore, are subject to staining if not maintained properly.

In granite, the same porosity that allows for staining also allows for easy stain removal. In most cases, stains can be prevented by quickly wiping the spill. If a spill is left overnight, especially if the liquid is grease, oil, coffee, or wine, the granite will usually darken at the site of the spill.

To remove a stain, a poultice should be applied, which may pull out the stain from the granite.  Marble can be stained and etched by acidic or oil-based products.

Etching occurs when acid in some form comes in contact with a polished marble surface. This causes a chemical reaction, which removes the polish, or roughens the surface of honed marble.
Green marbles, such as the “jades” from China are resistant to etching, and granite is impervious to any common household acids.

This depends on how much overhang of stone will be suspended without support. Stone can cantilevered 10” before needing any additional supports.