Frequently Asked Questions:
Classifications of Natural Stone:
Igneous Rock - (Granite) is formed by the cooling down and solidification of molten magmas and lava. As they cool, crystals form and grow upon one another until the entire molten body has turned to stone. This group of rock was the first to form on the planet and today makes up 95% of the earth's crust.
Sedimentary Rock - (Limestone & Travertine) is formed one of two ways. Some are formed by pressing together or compacting loose particles such as mud, sand, shells, or pebbles and/or the remains of living things such as plants and animals, which have been deposited on land or in bodies of water such as seas or lakes. Other sedimentary rocks are formed by crystallization of dissolved minerals.
Metamorphic Rock - (Marble & Slate) is formed by the chemical and physical alteration of existing rock. Metamorphic stone originates from a natural change from one type of stone to another type thru the mixture of heat, pressure, and minerals. The change may be a new development of veining, texture change or color change.
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Will granite scratch?
It would be extremely difficult to scratch the surface of a granite countertop from traditional everyday use. Granite is the hardest of all natural building stones with a very close grain, making it almost impervious to scratches and uniquely applicable for any interior use. If polished, its high-gloss finish will endure even in harsh environments. These characteristics are ideal for countertops and flooring making granite a reliable stone for these applications.
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Will granite stain?
Granite is a porous material by nature, but some granites are more porous than others. Highly polished granite, however, is highly resistant to staining, especially when it is sealed.
The biggest threat to the natural color and shine of granite is oil. Cooking oils, olive oil, bacon grease, oil that seeps through pizza boxes, etc. are to be treated with care. Oil that seeps into granite can be removed, and sometimes it dissipates on its own over time, but once again, regular sealing will almost always stop oil from damaging the top.
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Is granite right for me?
Granite can be manipulated in many ways to accommodate a multitude of applications - kitchen countertops, vanities, islands, bar tops, tabletops, backsplash, fire place surrounds, hearths and more. For most projects, granite is the preferred product of choice by many homeowners. "Money" magazine stated that one of the easiest ways to build equity into your home is by adding granite countertops. It is one of the best investments you can make.
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What types of granite are available?
Including imports, there are well over 400 different granites available. If you are unsure of the granite you would like to use, visiting a stone yard to see their selection firsthand is highly recommended.
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Does where my granite originates from affect the price?
Very little. Granite is quarried in such places as: United States, Canada, Brazil, China, Africa, Norway, India, Argentina, Portugal, Italy, Finland, Russia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and more. Prices are more affected by the supply and demand placed upon the quarry and more importantly the access to and from the quarry. You’ll find that red and blue tones are a bit higher priced than other colors due to their lack of abundance.
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What is "high movement" stone?
Sometimes called “grain in the stone”, “movement” is veins that swirl and change irregularly in granite due to the massive forces at work on it beneath the surface of the earth during the eons it took to form. “Movement” is also affected by trace amounts of other minerals such as hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet and corundum. Many people find this flow of blending colors to be the most attractive and compelling quality about granite.
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What types of finishes are available?
There are several options when it comes to stone finishes, but a polished finish is by far the most popular choice in regards to staining and scratching factors.
- Polished: A polished finish can be defined as a reflective, mirror gloss finish. It is by far the most popular and best choice for granite countertops in regards to staining and scratching factors.
- Honed: A honed finish can be defined as a matte finish, that has a dull look and is non-reflective in nature. It is also fairly popular for grantie countertops, but the honing process does make the material more susceptible to staining and scratching.
- Thermal/Flamed: A thermal or flamed finish can be defined as a rough texture varying in depth. It is produced with the use of a high temperature flame that is quickly run across the surface of the stone. This type of finish can be used for flooring, fireplace surrounds, etc.
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What types of edges are available?
Flat Polish |
3/8" Roundover |
1/4" Bevel |
1/2" Bevel |
1" Bevel |
Demi Bullnose |
Full Bullnose |
Ogee Edge |
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Will I have visible seams?
Most granite installations will require at least one or more joints called "seams". During layout and design, we will always try to minimize the number of seams required in your granite countertops. Although seams are inevitable with larger countertops due to transportation restrictions and preset slab sizes, we utilize custom color-matching techniques to naturally blend the seam in with the countertops.
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What’s the difference between a drop-in sink and an undermount sink?
A drop-in or self-rimming sink sits on top of the cutout in your granite countertop while an undermount sink sits beneath the cutout. There is generally an extra polishing charge required in preparing a granite countertop for an undermount sink.
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Know the facts:
Certain engineered stone manufacturers have been spreading lies and myths about granite through various advertising means. We’d like to present the facts:
- Engineered stone is 6% plastic (minimum) by weight, which is why granite is more scratch resistant, more heat resistant, and produces a brighter polish.
- Since engineered stone is part plastic, it is UV sensitive—sunlight will discolor it!
- Engineered stone comes in approximately 30 colors. There are well over 400 granite colors available.
- Engineered stone is mixed in a vat and poured in a mold by humans, there will always be a margin of error. Granite was created millions of years ago with the formation of the earth.
- Mother Nature's creation is a triple threat; beautiful, durable, and varied selection.
In the November 15, 2001 issue of STONE magazine, its Technical Editor, Fred Hueston unequivocally stated the advantages of granite:
- Durable, scratch-resistant surface
- Endless patterns and colors
- Each piece is unique
- Lasting value – granite will last forever
- Will not burn when hot pots are set on it
- Stains can be removed
- Harbors no bacteria or radon
- Can be repaired if ever scratched
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What maintenance is suggested for granite?
Most granite surfaces only require that they be cleaned with a soft white cloth, some hot water, and dish soap. A glass cleaner may also be used, with no ammonia.
To remove stubborn sticky materials, like glue, hardened drink mix, etc. use a razor-blade tipped at a slight angle to remove most of it. To get the final residue, use “000” (or finer) steel wool. Use of dry cleansers are not recommended.
The majority of granites require no sealer at all, but because a small percentage do, along with some other natural stones such as marble, slate, travertine, onyx, etc.; we seal everything before it leaves our facility. As previously stated, it is recommended to seal your granite on an annual basis.
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Copyright © 2008 Ron's Custom Stone & Maintenance, Inc. Cell: 631-245-4312 Fax: 631-669-6519. All rights reserved.