How do you clean a granite countertop?

Always avoid using powdered cleansers (which typically contain pumice, a powdered volcanic stone) abrasive pads or acidic products. Instead, we recommend using warm water and mild soap.

Can I put a hot pot directly on granite?

Yes, you can, but it's best to be proactive and use a trivet.

Can granite crack or chip?

Under ordinary circumstances, granite will not chip or crack. However, it is not indestructible. Sharp objects that make hard impact on the surface can damage granite, most of which may be fairly easily repaired. If your granite does chip, please save the chip as it can be used to repair your countertop.

How often do you have to seal granite?

Traditionally, homeowners have been told to seal their granite annually. However, with the advancements that have been made in sealing products, some sealers may not need to be reapplied. Do a simple test to check your granite by pouring a small amount of water in various spots, letting it sit for 30 minutes and then wiping it up. If the stone darkened where the water was, the stone should be resealed.

Does granite or quartz show seams?

Your countertop will likely have seams. Their visibility will depend on the grain, color and pattern you choose to install. Darker granite typically hides seams better.

Will samples match my actual slab?

Because of the movement and veining in natural stone it is difficult to accurately represent stone with a small sample. Also, stone varies from block to block, so if you have a sample from a previous block, it may not match the current supply. It is advisable to view the actual slabs at the Stone Holding showroom nearest you or at the shop prior to fabrication.

Can granite be used outside?

Yes. There are a handful of granites that can change color when exposed to UV rays, but it is very durable and can be used outside. Granite is often used for outdoor kitchens, pavers for driveways and walkways, stair treads, and as exterior cladding on commercial buildings.

Does quartz require care and maintenance?

No, keeping with its care-free promise, Quartz requires no sealing, polishing or reconditioning…ever. Simply wipe with warm water and use mild soap if desired.

Is quartz safe for food preperation?

Yes, Quartz is intended to come into contact with food and is resistant to bacterial growth.

Can quartz crack or chip?

Quartz is durable and more resistant to surface damage than other stone. However, all stone can be damaged by force and no stone is chip-proof. Objects hitting edges, particularly at sinks or dishwashers, may cause chips. Though a minor knife slip will dull the knife and not harm Quartz, no stone surface is scratch-proof. Surface markings are more visible on monotone designs than multi-colored surfaces.

Can I put a hot pan directly on quartz?

Quartz may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, and some crock-pots or roaster ovens and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a hot pad or trivet is always recommended to prevent heating the product.

Is granite safe for food preparation?

Yes, Granite is intended to come into contact with food and is resistant to bacterial growth.

When should I select my stone?

30 days before installation of the cabinets, visit our stone gallery, request an estimate or give us a call. Once you've made a final selection, your fabricator will purchase the slabs for your project.

How long does it take to install a countertop?

The installation occurs 3 weeks after your project has been templated.

Can I work with a builder, remodeler, architect, designer, or kitchen and bath store to get your granite for my house?

Absolutely! Just ask the builder, remodeler, architect, designer, or kitchen and bath store to connect with us. If they don't already know how, give them our number: 800-594-9432. We'll introduce them to the product and put them in contact with the right person.

What's involved in the pricing of a countertop?

There are many factors involved in pricing countertops: material cost, quantity of slabs, design and edge profile are primary considerations. Once you have chosen a particular stone, the fabricator will need either an accurate drawing or a field visit in order to clarify all the details. The fabricator will then provide you with a finished installed price.

If my granite is honed, is it more likely to stain?

A polished surface is going to be the best protection for your stone. The honing process slightly changes the porosity of the stone. However, use of the proper sealer can help prevent any additional staining that may occur due to the honed finish.

What is granite?

Granite (from the Latin granum, or grain, signifying its characteristic structure), an igneous rock, was formed billions of years ago when magma cooled deep beneath the earth’s crust. Nearly as durable as diamond, granite owes its density and hardness to its origins, solidified deep within the earth under extreme pressure.

What is quartz?

Quartz is one of the most well-known minerals on earth. It occurs in basically all mineralenvironments, and is the important constituent of many rocks. Quartz is also the most varied of all minerals, occurring in all different forms, habits, and colors. There are more variety names given to Quartz than any other mineral. Although the Feldspars as a group are more prevalent than Quartz, as an individual mineral Quartz is the most common mineral. In a quartz countertop, the primary ingredient is ground quartz (about 94 percent), combined with polyester resins to bind it and pigments to give it color. For some designs, small amounts of recycled glass or metallic flecks are added to the mix. The resins also help make these counters stain and scratch resistant—and nonporous, so they never need to be sealed.

What does "honed' mean?

Honed granite is granite that has not been polished to a shine. It has a smooth, matte finish that takes on a grey tone. However the color can be deepened with a color-enhancing sealer.

What is a "pit" and will I have them in my countertop?

Most granite has some degree of pitting, whether microscopic or visible to the naked eye. With today's advanced processing, the natural pitting or tiny craters in a granite finish are greatly reduced. These natural pits pose no maintenance or wear issues. The depth of these pits is virtually immeasurable.

What is a frabricator?

Fabrication involves making a final inspection for stone flaws, including blemishes, fissures, seams, and scratches. The slab is laid out to ensure the best appearance of both color and vein texture. Then, the stone is cut to approximately 1/16 of an inch of its final thickness. Edging and any special scribing will further shape the stone. Support rods and drain boards that the slab may require are installed next. A multi-step process involving ever-increasing grit polish is used to smooth the stone surface; finally, your stone is washed, dried, and the sealer base coat is applied. All of this typically occurs off the job-site so the stone is ready to be installed when it reaches your home.