This refers to the smooth sheen that is produced through the aging and use of natural stone.

Remnants are the smaller pieces of stone carried over from previous installations. If sufficient material is available, remnants can be used in any stone application.

The honing process slightly changes the porosity of the stone. However, use of the proper sealer will prevent it from staining.

This refers to granite that has not been polished to a shine. It retains a smooth, matte finish. Honed granite is lighter in color than its polished counterpart, and can be deepened using a color-enhancing sealer.

Granite is quarried in its natural form directly from the earth and is cut and processed by machine. Because of its extreme stability and mineral content, granite can be polished to a mirror-like finish.

It depends on the granite. Availability, color, and country of origin are major factors that affect the price of granite. If the supply of a particular stone is short and the demand is high, the price will be affected. However, many granite colors are available at the same price or even less than man made products.

Whether you choose marble or granite, there is a broad spectrum of pricing. Origin, availability, and yield of a given quarry are all factors that determine the price of natural stones.

There are many factors involved in pricing countertops. These include material cost, quantity of slabs, design, and edge profile. Once you have chosen a particular stone, the fabricator will need either an accurate drawing or a field visit in order to give a firm estimate.

Because natural stone has variations, it is not a good idea to select stone too early. Colorations and veining may vary from one shipment to the next. Three to four weeks before installing your cabinets is a good time to make your final selection, based on current inventory.

Because of the movement and veining in natural stone, an exact representation is impossible on a swatch. Stone varies from shipment to shipment, so if you have a sample from a previous batch, it may not match the current supply. We encourage our customers to select an actual slab prior to fabrication.

We recommend that you do. This will help to prevent any surprises or disappointments once the actual material is installed.

Yes, but weigh this decision carefully. Marble is susceptible to staining, scratching, and etching.

Yes. It is not uncommon to mix colors and types of stone within a room. When mixing stones, consider which material would be the most practical for each space. For example, when mixing granite with marble, the granite would be best suited for the area around the range because it is the most durable. The marble could be used on the island or as a dining table.

Fabrication and installation of natural stone is rarely a do-it-yourself project. The cutting, polishing, and installation of natural stone requires extensive product knowledge and specialized tools and machinery.

Yes, granite is very durable and can be used outside. Granite is often used for outdoor kitchens, as pavers for driveways and walkways, as stair treads, and as exterior cladding on commercial buildings. Be aware, there are a handful of granites that can change color when exposed to UV rays. So tell your installer which granite you plan to use outdoors.

Any polished surface is slippery when wet. Always exercise caution when exiting the shower and tub, and on other wet areas.

Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs food to live. Granite is not edible and performs second only to stainless steel in ability to resist bacterial growth. Just remember to keep your granite countertops clean.

Yes. Placing a hot pot on granite will in no way affect it.

While planning your kitchen, keep granite slab sizes in mind. On average, granite slabs are approx. 110 inches x 66 inches. Though in some colors, 120-inch slabs are not unusual. The color selection in unusually large slabs is limited, so an especially large work surface may require a seam.

This is a matter of personal preference. If installed properly, both types of sinks are sanitary and safe. The aesthetic appeal and ability to wipe crumbs directly into the sink make under-mounted sinks popular. Though, they generally incur a small additional fee due to the finishing process of the edges around the sink.

Three-centimeter (1-1/4 inch) granite weighs about 19 pounds per square foot. Typical cabinet construction is more than adequate for most installations. However large, self-standing, or furniture-style islands may require additional corner bracing. It is advisable to tell your cabinet installer that you are using granite to ensure proper support.

According to the Marble Institute of America, corbels, or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10 inches for three-centimeter granite, and six inches for two-centimeter stone.

Yes it is. However severe settling, excessive impact, and abuse, is usually the culprit. Happily, a specialist can repair most minor cracks and chipping in granite.

No, you can cut directly on the granite countertops. However, this may in time dull your cutlery.

Cast stone is composed of finely ground stone mixed with resins or cement-based products. This is poured into a mold to produce either a slab or to create sinks, mantels, etc. Natural stone, however, is hewn from the earth, then cut and polished to retain the original, natural form.

This refers to granite with a satin, textured finish. During the processing phase, the more typical polishing bricks are replaced with abrasive brushes to produce this unique finish.

Pits are microscopic craters that naturally occur in granite. Most granite has some degree of pitting, usually invisible to the naked eye. With today’s advanced processing, pitting is greatly reduced.

Not necessarily. Some veins are strictly color variations. However in some materials, natural flaws can exist within the vein, enhancing the color of the stone. With today’s processing, these materials still meet the structural requirements for countertop use.

Mesh backing gives stone the sufficient stability required for shipping, fabrication, and installation.

No. Textured granites are created when the original slabs are flamed and brushed, creating a low sheen with an evenly textured finish. Although enhanced, the stone retains its superior durability over alternative countertop surfaces.

Some natural stones are as old as the earth. Take care of your natural stone and it will continue to last for generations.

It is best to use a cleaning product made specifically for natural stone. Depending on your stone, we can recommend the ideal product.

Granite porosities vary. If not properly sealed, some granite can absorb liquid into the pores. This may initially appear as a stain. However in many instances, a dark area on the countertop will dry and disappear over time. If discoloration occurs, there are products available to remove them.

That depends on whether you have granite or marble. With normal use, granite will not dull, as things typically found in the kitchen should not harm your granite. Marble, on the other hand, is a calcite that will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish. Proper sealing and maintenance is very crucial with marble countertops.

The polish on any natural stone closes the structure, making it less porous. Still, it is best to seal all natural stone upon installation.

Many people recommend an annual resealing of your stone. However, some types of granite are harder than others and may never require resealing. If you notice water absorption into the countertop or darker areas around the sink, it is time to reseal.

No, this is easily a do-it-yourself project. Sealer is a liquid that is applied to a clean, dry countertop with a soft cloth. After the sealer is generously applied, remove the excess with a dry cloth. Check the back of the sealer to determine how long to allow countertops to dry before returning to normal use.

Traditionally, homeowners have been told to seal their granite annually. However, with the advancements in sealing products, some only need to be reapplied every three to five years. Follow the recommendations listed on the back of your sealer.

No. The sealer is not a coating on top of the stone. Rather, it is an impregnator, which fills the pores in order to repel food and liquid. Over time, cleaners do reduce the effectiveness of the sealer. Re-sealing may be necessary every one to five years, depending on the material and sealer used. In order to increase the life of your sealer, use cleaners that are intended for natural stone.

A color enhancer is used to enrich stone’s natural color. The color that a stone becomes when wet is a good indication of the color it will be once enhanced. Enhancers may need to be re-applied periodically and should be tested in a small area or on a sample piece of the stone prior to application.

Yes, most color enhancing sealers retain the same properties of other sealers.

Yes, marble countertops can be refinished through a process of grinding and re-polishing. The process will vary depending on the damage or wear. This project will require a professional refinisher.

Yes, granite is found in many states including Georgia, North Carolina, Maine, the Dakotas, California and New York.