Granite FAQs 

What is granite?
Granite is an igneous rock formed when magma is cooled deep within the earth. Minerals within granite typically appear as small flecks throughout the stone, once creating a "salt and pepper" look.  Other types have veining similar to marble. It is an extremely hard, dense-grained, stone and comes in a wide variety of colors, and can be either rough, polished or finished in a variety of different ways.

Not as porous as other cladding stones, granite is extremely durable, and highly resistant to stains, weathering, and corrosion. It is not strongly affected by freezing , thawing, UV rays or acids and is suitable for in-house and outdoor purposes.

Can I set a hot pot on my granite countertop?
Because granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure beneath the earths crust it is not affected by heat from a cook top or frying pan.   Even a lit flame placed under the granite will not have a melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.

Can I cut on my granite countertop?
In theory, yes - however it is not recommended.  Because granite is harder than the material used in knife blades, it tends to dull blades rather quickly.  Even with granite countertops, it is recommended that you use an appropriate wooden or plastic cutting board when using your knives. 

Can granite chip?
Only in cases of extreme abuse, as with a hammer or impact tool, will granite chip. Chips to granite can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture.

Can granite crack?
Granite will not crack with ordinary use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable material.

Does granite stain?
In general, granite does not stain.  All stone is porous to some extent and therefore is susceptable to staining, however granite has very little porosity and is less susceptable.   Most granite colors will never show any moisture once a liquid is removed and the granite has dried.  The only caveat is that a few colors may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact. Our fabricators apply sealers to granite in order to further protect its surface.  Stone sealears can also be applied to granite after it is installed to further increase its durability.  

Can my granite countertop be damaged?
Granite is extremely durable and under normal use, heat from pots, pans or liquids will not affect it. However the substance should not be deemed indestructable.  Hard, high impact blows or hard, sharp objects can damage and chip granite.  Unsealed, granite can also absorb stains such as oil, which can lead to discoloration.  Despite its excellent durability, appropriate care and maintenance should still be given.

How do I clean my granite tops?
Polished Granite should receive the same cleaning care as polished marble, using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soap, soap flakes or powder which contain no aromatics.  Followed by a through rinsing and drying with cotton-flannel or chamois.  This will insure lasting life and beauty.  

My sample of granite has pits on the surface – will I have these on my kitchen counters?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits – spaces between the various mineral crystals. You don’t see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite sometimes has 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 which formed the granite eons ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade.

Can granite show seams?
Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks  you will end up with seams. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern.  Seaming in some colors and patterns of granite are more noticeable than in others.  In order to reduce costs, you may want to utilize the use of seams, such as in an 'L' shaped corner.  Most customers have found that the natural beauty of granite outweighs the concern of seams.