Don’t Buy Granite Countertops Without Knowing The Answer To These Questions…

1. WHAT IS GRANITE?

Granite rocks are igneous rocks which are the hardest of all building stones with a very close grain, making it almost impervious to stain and uniquely applicable for any interior use, and if polished, is ideal for countertops and flooring applications.

2. WILL INSTALLED GRANITE HAVE VISIBLE SEAMS?

Most granite installations will require at least one or more joints. These joints form what is referred to as seams. Talk to your granite installer to find out ahead of time where those seams will be located so you are both in agreement. Installers are trained and have the most current epoxies to hide these seams.

3. DO I HAVE TO SEAL MY NEW GRANITE COUNTERTOPS AFTER THEY ARE INSTALLED?

Yes! All natural stone products should be initially sealed and periodically resealed. Make sure you talk to your installer to make sure the granite has been sealed. If not, you will need to seal it yourself before you use the granite.

4. ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CLEANING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANITE?

For regular cleaning, it is recommended that you use a specially formulated stone cleaner. Everyday household cleaners could lessen the effectiveness of the sealer. Spills left on the surface of the granite for extended periods of time can leave some residual staining. Most stains usually dissipate
over time on their own, but if you want immediate stain removal, there are special stain-lifting poultice powders that will work to get stains out. Maintenance of granite surfaces is easy, and you should consider caring for your investment.

5. HOW THICK ARE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS?

Countertops range from 5/8– 3/4 of an inch in the field with a 1 3/4 to 2 inch overhang at the edge. However, some people prefer to have an overhang that is the same as the whole slab. (5/8 – 3/4 of an inch)

6. HOW MUCH OVERHANG DO I NEED TO ALLOW?

The standard is 2 inches. However, this can be changed to reflect personal tastes or to accommodate custom cabinet construction.

7. WHAT DOES THE PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT INCLUDE?

You can expect to have the cutting, edging, profiling, polishing and installation of your granite included in the price per square foot. Extras may include things like compound complex curves, sink cutouts, polish edges for under mounted sinks, and plumbing cutouts. However, the customer should make sure to have the pricing spelled out in writing ahead of time.

8. DOES THERE NEED TO BE ANYTHING PUT UNDER THE GRANITE TO HELP SUPPORT IT?

You should put a ¾ inch thick plywood sub-counter underneath to help support the countertop for granite that is ¾ inch thick. Thicker granite will not need a plywood subcounter. It is also a good idea to seal the plywood or protect the wood from direct contact with the granite.

9. CAN I INSTALL MY OWN COUNTERTOPS?

No, you cannot install your own countertops but some suppliers will fabricate a tabletop and you can install a tabletop piece yourself as long as there are no cutouts.

10. CAN I CUT DIRECTLY ON MY COUNTERTOPS?

Avoid the possibility of scratching the surface and protect your knives by using a cutting board. Many installers will offer matching granite cutting boards if you wish. Cutting on stone will dull and damage your knives’ edges quickly.

 

You may also visit www.Granite-One.com for more information!