Myths about Granite
Granite is absorbent. - Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products. Granite is commonly used as building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.
Granite stains easily. - Granite is resistant to stains. Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain. However, even water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark colored spot but this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone.
Stains in granite are permanent. - Most stains can be removed. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.
Granite will lose its polish over the years. - While this may be true of marble, granite will shine years from now just as if it was brand new. Granite is highly scratch resistant and will not show wear from daily use.
Granite requires a lot of maintenance. -Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a re-application of a penetrating sealer should be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes—less time than scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches.
Heat will cause granite to chip and crack. - Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage. Impact from a heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.
Granite’s tiny pores harbor bacteria. - Bacteria are found everywhere. If it is on a granite top, then it can also be found on a laminate or solid surface top. Use an anti-bacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are concerned.
Granite and marble are essentially the same. -Besides the fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished, they are otherwise very different. Marble is generally a calcious stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled and then hardened below the earth’s surface.
Granite is expensive. - Granite is usually competitively priced compared to other high-end surfacing materials. You will be amazed when you compare the price of granite to other popularly famed “luxury surfaces”. Granite offers you an unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where does granite come from?
A: Granite is quarried all over the world. However, most of the granite that is imported to the United States is from India, Brazil, Italy and China.
A: Granite rocks are igneous rocks also known as "fire rocks" which were formed by slowly cooling pockets of magma that were trapped beneath the earth's surface. Granite is the hardest of all building stones with a very close grain, making it almost impervious to stain and uniquely applicable for any interior use. If polished, it's high-gloss finish will endure even in harsh environments. These characteristics are ideal for countertops and flooring making granite a reliable stone for these applications.
Q: Is granite repairable?
A: It is very hard to damage granite. If any damage occurs it can be sealed with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of granite. The Granite Shop does indeed provide granite repair services, if needed.
Q: What do I use to clean granite?
A: A neutral stone cleaner can be found in just about any local store or supermarket. This should be used instead of soap and water as these products help protect the seal so it lasts longer.
Q: Can I place hot items directly on my granite countertop?
A: Yes. Granite will tolerate temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees (F.). You can safely place items from your oven/stove top or grill directly on the granite without a trivet or hot pad. WARNING: Due to the extreme temperature differences, hot glass dishes may crack when placed on the cool surface of the granite; this is known as thermal shock. For this reason alone glass or Pyrex® dishes should be placed on a trivet or hot pad.
Q: I left a cold drink on my granite top and now there is a dark ring. What do I do?
A: Nothing. Just as the cold liquid inside the glass pulled water from the air to create sweat on the outside of the glass, the cold has condensed water (under the sealer) within the stone. Simply remove the glass; wipe up excess water, the condensed water with in the stone will dissipate after a few hours.
Q: Can I use my granite counter top as a cutting board?
A: Yes, though not recommended. Regular steel knives are no match for the hardness of granite and your knives will dull; so you’ll need to sharpen your knives much more frequently.
Q: Can you re-connect my electrical and plumbing installation?
A: Classic Granite & Marble is a highly trained contractor for granite countertop fabrication and installation. We are not electricians and plumbers. Therefore, we cannot assume any liability for electrical or plumbing installations.