Q: What are the benefits of using granite as a countertop?

A: Granite is a product of nature and has a unique beauty not seen in manufactured products. Just as no two snowflakes are identical, no two slabs of granite are identical. Each countertop is truly one of a kind.  In addition to its timelessness and enduring beauty, granite is extremely durable and easy to maintain.

Q: How long will my granite countertops last?

A: In a household environment, under normal residential conditions, new granite countertops will last virtually forever. Granite is one of the the strongest and hardest stones on earth. It's this hardness and strength that make it an ideal countertop surface.

Q: Where does granite come from?

A: Granite is an igneous rock which means it was formed under conditions of intense heat, typically in volcanoes. Different mountain ranges in different parts of the world yield different colored stones; subsequently, granite is quarried all over the world.

Q: Why is there such a large price difference among different colors of granite slabs?

A: There are a number of factors contributing to the price of a particular stone; those factors include but are not limited to: rarity and availability of the stone, varying labor costs at different quarries in different countries around the world, the degree of difficulty quarrying and fabricating a particular stone, and the cost of shipping the material.

Q: Does granite need to be sealed?  If so, how often?

A:  Granite does need to be sealed. Granex Industries offers two sealing options: an annual sealer and a permanent sealer. Our installation crews apply the annual sealer to the stone after installation and the customer will re-apply a similar product on an annual basis thereafter. Most home improvement stores sell granite sealers. The permanent sealer is applied to the stone in a four part process at our shop.  With this option the customer will never have to seal their stone themselves.

Q: How do I keep my granite countertops clean?  Do I need a special cleaner?

A: Ease of maintenance is one of the best features of granite. Truly, all you need to keep your granite countertops clean is mild anti-bacterial dish washing soap and water. Most general purpose cleaners contain acidic and alkaline solutions, abrasives, ammonia or bleach... all of which can degrade sealers and damage stone surfaces over time.

Q: Is granite porous?

A: Yes, which is why it needs to be sealed.

Q: Will granite scratch or burn?

A: If you are really trying to scratch or damage granite, you can. However, under “normal” conditions it will not be damaged by every day usage. Granite can be used as a cutting board and still not scratch; however, cutting directly on granite will quickly dull most kitchen knives. A hot pan taken directly from the oven and placed on the granite will not scorch nor burn the surface.

Q: How well is granite rated for cleanup after food preparation?

A: In a recent study conducted by Dr. Peter Snyder, Jr. PhD of the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management, Granite countertops provided the greatest reduction in bacteria counts of all materials tested.  In the test, six countertops were contaminated with ecoli bacteria, then washed and rinsed using dish soap and normal cleaning practices. The products included Granite, stainless steel, concrete, tile, wood and plastic laminate. 

Q: Does granite need to be polished every year?

A: No, the shine of the granite is the natural sheen of the stone itself.

Q: How thick is the granite used for countertops?

A: The granite we use is 3CM (1 3/16”) thick.

Q: Are seams necessary in granite surfaces?

A: Every job is different. The layout of a particular countertop and the slab size of the stone used will determine if seams are required and where they will be placed. 

Q: I've seen some granite counters that appear to have tiny cracks and pits in the surface. 
Are these defects?

A: No, these are not defects but rather natural characteristics of some stones. Keep in mind you are purchasing a rock, and not a manufactured product. Nearly every slab of granite will have variations in veining, fissures (small visible lines on the polished surface), natural mineral deposit concentrations, and “pock marks” of varying size which can effect the material's ability to accept a polished finish. It's these characteristics that add to the uniqueness of your countertop. If these characteristics do not appeal to you, we suggest researching our quartz products.

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