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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prefabricated Granite and is that a better choice than custom slab Countertops?
Prefabricated means: Prefabricated Granite. It is mass produced In china and India mostly. The sections are cut, and the edge detail is already finished, cutting back fabrication time and cost for the shop. It is shipped here in containers ready to to be installed. This type of Granite is good for multi unit projects, apartments, condos, hotels rooms, and small bathrooms and Tiny kitchens, (Although you could get a higher quality piece of Granite from our scrap yard at a price as good as Prefabricated.) Your project must be straight and square as Prefabricated can not be used on splays and curves. If you have a large island Prefabricated cannot be used on that either.
Can you give me an estimate if I e-mail or FAX a sketch?
Certainly. Please make all the measurements as accurate as possible and allow for an 1.5 inch overhang on all the cabinets. Mark special areas (curves etc), indicate your preferred edge(s), colors, and details of your sink (Undermount or drop-in). Also indicate whether we will need to remove your old countertop and back splash. While estimates done this way can be quite close to the final numbers we cannot finalize the costs until we visit your project measure ourselves and discuss all the aspects of your job.
What is the time frame of a Kitchen counter installation?
The average kitchen two-slab job takes approximately four hours to install.
What is an "edge detail" and how do I chose one?
An edge detail is the shape of the outer edge of the granite. There are many different types of edges and cost is one factor to consider when choosing a "premium" edge.
What is the difference between "honed" and "polished" granite?
"Honed" and "Polished" refer to the finish of the granite. The finish of honed granite will range from flat to a low sheen gloss, which gives the stone a softer look. Polished granite refers to the glossy, highly reflective appearance, giving it a smooth, sleek look.
How do I know if I need to seal my granite?
One method you can use to check if your granite needs to be resealed is to sprinkle some water on your countertops. If the water soaks into the stone and does not bead up, then we would recommend resealing your granite.
How will I know if my old cabinets can support a new countertop?
Stone countertops can weigh upwards of 25 pounds per square foot and most of the time structural integrity is a good idea to prevent future problems such as seam seperation. At the time of your estimate or template, our team will make sure your cabinets are structurally sound to handle the weight of your new countertops.
Will my countertop have a seam?
We try extremely hard to avoid seams, but the reality is that the majority of kitchen countertops will have a seam no matter how hard we try. We are limited to the dimensions of the slab and consumption of material figured for the project.
How is the seam placement determined?
Seams are determined by GraniteMarble USA depending on countertop layout, slab sizes, support needed, and material usage.
Can Marble be used in the kitchen?
Marble is a beautiful stone but most marbles are not recommended for use in the kitchen because of its tendency to stain, etch, and scratch. However because of its beauty and the classic look, marble is an excellent choice for vanities, wet bars and fireplace surrounds.
11. Can I cut on granite?
Yes, Granite is an extremely tough, durable material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface without fear of scratching the stone (although knives may dull the surface by repeated cutting on the stone). However, with that being said, we always recommend using a cutting board.
Can I set hot pans on granite countertops?
Yes, Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn. Granite will not be harmed by hot pots, pans or open flames.
Can I set hot pans on quarts countertops?
NO, quartz countertops are a durable countertop surface for kitchens because under normal conditions they will not burn. However, our experience has shown that the manmade elements of quartz such as the resin can and in many cases will discolor. Granite will not be harmed by hot pots, pans or open flames.
Does granite chip or scratch?
Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, pots, pans and other heavy objects may chip the square edge around a sink area. Several other edge profiles are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chances of chipping.
Does granite stain?
In general it is unlikely. All stone and quartz counters are porous to some extent, however granite has very little porosity relative to other stones. Most granite colors will never show moisture but some colors will show a dark spot if a puddle of liquid is left on the counter for a period of time. To be safe, be sure that your granite is sealed properly before or during installation.
How can I limit the staining of granite or marble?
• Wipe up spills on marble and granite as quickly as possible.
• Avoid using acidic or oil-based products on marble.
How do you clean Granite?
Warm soapy water will do the trick. Or use cleaners specifically formulated to help clean and protect stone surfaces.
Should granite be sealed?
Though not necessary, all granites are sealed. The sealer used is a penetrating sealer that does not change the color of the stone. It penetrates the stone and will help prevent any staining. However, it will not stop the penetration of moisture entirely. When a liquid that might cause staining spills on top, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
Can granite be repaired?
While it is difficult to permanently repair granite, it is also very difficult to damage it. However, if some damage does occur, granite usually can be repaired by a mix of epoxy and ground up chips of granite.
Does granite have a completely smooth surface?
No. Many granites contain pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of granite. Some granites exhibit these characteristics more than others, and the lighting of the room can make these marks more or less visible. These characteristics should be pointed out to the client prior to deciding on a particular material and pre-approval of the actual slab is recommended.
How long are the slabs, and can seams be avoided?
The average slab size is typically 98" to 115" long by 55" to 72" tall. Your Project Manager will work with each customer to place a few seams as possible in a kitchen. Seams are required based on slab size and may be needed to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop.
How long can granite countertop pieces be?
It is typically safe to have granite pieces that are approximately 6' to 8' long, depending upon the stone type and cutout configurations.
What is the difference between 2cm and 3cm? And what is the most appropriate thickness for the tops?
The 2cm thick stone is approximately 3/4" thick. The 3cm is approximately 1 3/16" thick. We recommend using the 3cm for the kitchen countertops for both aesthetic reasons and structural reasons.
How much overhang can you have without supports, and what type of supports is required?
For 3cm stone, we recommend I-brace supports with overhangs that are 12" or greater. For 2cm stone, we recommend a I-brace supports, cantilevered bracket or corbels that match the cabinets. I-brace supports are spaced every 18"-24" and other bracket systems are spaced every 3' to 4'.
Why is some granite more expensive than others and are the higher priced granites stronger?
No! It is simply supply and demand and rarity of color. More attractive stones are in higher demand and if they come from a distant land in small quantities the price will be higher. Some of the toughest stones are also quite cheap and some of the most expensive can be very fragile. Also note that all natural stone contains small "pits" to varying degrees. These are simply small voids between grain boundaries and some of the most expensive stones can be full of them.
How much does granite weigh?
Granite tiles and slabs come in different thickness The weight per square foot for each thickness is as follows:
• 3/4"(20mm) thick slab: 12.8 lbs. sq. ft.
• 1/4"(30mm) thick slab: 18 lbs. sq. ft.
How does the dishwasher attach to the granite tops?
The best way to attach a dishwasher for the dishwasher to have mounting brackets on the side that attach the base cabinets. For older models we use a dishwasher mount bracket system. This allows the dishwasher to screw into a bracket system mounted under the counter top surface.

Marble - FAQ

Can I use marble on my kitchen counters?
We do not recommend the use of marble as kitchen counters because marbles (and limestone and travertine) are calcium carbonate, and their polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, catsup, citrus and a host of other food-related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction, which will remove the polish. Additionally, marble and limestone can be scratched more easily than harder stones such as granite. Marble is, however, sometimes used in the kitchen as a pastry slab; its perfectly smooth, cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough and pie crusts.
Marble, travertine, or limestone that is honed has a matte or satin finish, rather than a high reflective polish. This is achieved at the factory by stopping just short of the last stage of polishing. Some fabricators have special equipment and can hone marble in their shops by removing the factory polish. One feature of honed marble is that it doesn't show etching as readily, or wear patterns on floors. It is preferred by some because it has a less formal, softer appearance than polished stone.
Does green marble require special treatment?
Some green stones, such as the "jades" from Taiwan, are not truly marble, but a different material called serpentine. Serenities, or serpentines, as they are sometimes called, do not etch or react to acids the way limestone and marble do, and are somewhat harder. Green tiles of this family must always be installed with an epoxy adhesive to prevent the curling that can take place if a water-based setting material is used.
What is etching?
Etching happens when acid in some form comes in contact with a polished marble or limestone surface. This causes a chemical reaction, which removes the polish, or roughens the surface of honed marble or limestone. Green marbles, such as the "jades" from China are resistant to etching, and granite is impervious to any common household acids.
What's the best way to clean marble and other stones?
The old rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn't use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as Windex™.
* You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone.
How do I clean my marble?
Daily and weekly maintenance is the most important factor to keep your natural stone looking its best. A good rule of thumb is never use anything that you wouldn't use on your hands. Simply follow the instructions below:
• Blot spills immediately.
• Clean with a pH-balanced cleaner and clean cloth. . The term "pH" refers to the potential of Hydrogen, and is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH balanced cleaner will be a neutral solution, meaning that it will measure a 7 on the pH scale of 0-14.
• Use a stone cleaner (available at most hardware stores) or a small amount of ordinary dish soap (white or clear) and water to wipe down your surface.
• Squeegee shower walls daily.
• Wipe down shower walls weekly with pH-balance cleaning solution.
• Never use cleaning products containing harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or vinegar.
*Marble is very sensitive to acidic chemicals. The acid will "etch" the stone, leaving it dull. Some common acidic materials are tomatoes, citrus fruits, coffee, wine, fruit juice and vinegar.