Granite

What is Granite?

Granite is the most durable architectural building stone. This igneous rock is comprised mainly of quartz, graphite, mica and other minerals. The increasing popularity of this stone is a testament to its beauty, versatility and consistency. Used in a wide array of commercial and residential applications, granite is ideal for tile floors, walls and countertops, as well as exterior applications such as pavers and wall cladding. Granite is quarried worldwide.

Why choose granite counter tops over synthetic materials?

When seeking countertop options, granite and marble surfaces are common choices. Both are natural stones, which set them apart from synthetic materials like Silestone. Because granite and marble are natural stones, they are both susceptible to chips and stains. When compared to marble, granite is the more durable selection, which explains its popularity in kitchens where they are likely to get a workout..

Does granite need to be sealed to avoid staining?

While granite is a strong material and holds up really well, it’s not your only option if you are worried about scratching, staining, or etching. Recent technological advances in natural stone sealers have exponentially expanded sealing options. There are many possibilities to keep natural stones such as marble, onyx, and even limestone to look as beautiful as the day they were installed.

Does where my granite originate from affect the price?

Some granite countertops are treated with advanced products to make them less susceptible to being stained. Most granite kitchen countertops must be freshly sealed every year in order to prevent stains more effectively. Some granite slabs are specially treated so that they can go 10-15 years before they have to be sealed again. These premium granite countertops will cost more than standard kitchen countertops made from granite.

My granite kitchen counter top doesn't look exactly like my sample. Why?

Granite is an organic substance and just as no two people are exactly alike, no two samples of granite will be either. The composition of minerals and the deposit it was quarried from all play a part in the appearance of granite. At United Granite, after selecting a sample, our customers then select the exact block of stone from which we fabricate their surface.

Is granite really scratch resistant?

Granite will only be scratched by another piece of granite or with specially sharpened tools designed to cut through the material. Granite chopping boards may sound like a nice idea but placing one on your granite surface will scratch it

I've heard of 'high movement' stone. What is it?

You may hear this term when you seek to buy natural stone. The colors in natural stone that swirl and change irregularly is called “movement”. Dramatic patterns and color changes are called “high movement”. It takes eons for massive forces beneath the surface of the earth form these features in marble and granite. “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.

Is it true granite won't chip, crack or ding?

We assure you that your countertop will not chip, crack or ding under normal use. The fabrication process is the most stressful on the stone, and if it doesn’t break at our factory, it will not under normal use in your home.

Is it hard to care for a granite countertop?

Not at all, in fact, you’ll wish everything were this easy. Normal cleaning with soap and water should be enough. However, if you need a little more cleansing, just use a common non-abrasive commercial product, such as Soft Scrub, to wipe it down and keep your countertop shining.

Are all granite kitchen counters a high gloss finish?

No, there are several different finishes you can get. The highly polished finish is just the most popular. There is a honed finish that produces a matte look and an “antique” finish which gives the surface a leather like finish. These items require more care because the surfaces are more porous and more easily absorbs spills.

What's the difference between a drop-in sink and an undermount sink?

- Drop-In: Drop-in sinks, the most familiar type and still the most popular, are also called self-rimming or top-mount sinks. All terms mean the same thing: sinks that have a visible lip around the perimeter that rests flat on the counter. The sink drops straight into the countertop cut-out and the lip holds it vertically in place. Controlling horizontal movement are hidden metal clips that clamp the sink to the counter.

- Undermount: Undermount sinks install from below the counter. This sink does have a rim, but the rim is not visible as it attaches to the bottom of the counter.

Will I know where my granite is from?

Granite began as a localized industry, so you can imagine how difficult and rare it was to find a reliable quarry nearby. The advancement of transportation services made it possible to import granites from Brazil, Italy, India, and China. This lead to readily available granite at much more affordable prices.

Is there Radon in granite countertops?

Please click on the following link to find the answers to this question from different perspectives : http://www.marble-institute.com/pdfs/countertops_radon_wp.pdf