About Granite

Granite is the most popular natural stone and countertop material due to its versatility and superior performance characteristics. It is rated the top performing kitchen countertop material when compared with engineered stone, butcher block, ceramic tile, stainless steel and other manufactured surfaces.

Granite is the second hardest stone known to man. It is believed to have been formed as long as 300 million years ago. It polishes beautifully, will not fade and is basically maintenance free. It is superior in its resistance to bacteria, easy to clean and is by far the most beautiful countertop material available on the market today. It can withstand extremely high temperatures and when properly installed it is virtually indestructible. So if beauty, durability, value, ease of care and safety are important factors in your buying decision, welcome to the world of Granite. You will not find a better solution for your next countertop.

Granite is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It may also contain hints of muscovite, biotite, hornblende, and pyroxene and other minerals. These minerals are what give it its various colors. The white mineral grains in granite are feldspar, our planet's most abundant rock, which makes up about 60% of the earth's surface. The light gray, glass-like veins are quartz, and the black, flake-like veins are biotite or black mica.

Other minerals imbue the stone with a rainbow of colors, depending on their source, and these varieties are often given unique names. One coarse grained type, for example, is called pegmatite, which is often rich in rare elements such as uranium, tungsten, and tantalum.

Granite is drilled and blasted from the quarry in large blocks, cut into slabs by a gang saw, and polished to uniform thickness by automatic polishing machines. Many slabs are coated with a resin prior to polish to fill any pores or fissures. The size of the slabs will vary from quarry to quarry, but are rarely more than 10 feet long and six feet tall. It is cut and fabricated into countertops using diamond saw blades and bits.

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What is involved in the maintenance of a granite countertop?

The best way to keepy your granite in perfect condition, is to keep it clean. The most common way to maintain a stone is to brush away dust. Your stone should be washed with a clean, soft cloth and fresh water. A mild detergent can be used periodically to remove any residue that remains ingrained. These steps will save you many problems.

How can stains be removed?

Un-sealed granite is naturally porous and thus susceptible to staining; however, with simple care and maintenance it's hardly a concern and certainly not the problem or hassle that competitors in the industry would have you believe. In the unlikely event of a stain, rest assured, we can easily remove the stain using a poultice. If you are interested, there is a great book written by Fred Houston:Stain Removal Guide for Stone.

How should I maintain my granite counter tops?

The first and most important step is to make sure your granite counter tops are sealed using a good grade, silicone-based, impregnating sealer. A good coat of sealer will help prevent staining from liquids that are spilled on the surface. A good stone soap or stone polish should be used for on going maintenance. Do not use abrasive cleansers or harsh ammonia based cleaners. If you do not have access to stone maintenance products, a mild soap such as dish washing soap and water will suffice.

Doesn't granite scratch easily?

No. Granite is a very durable work surface and has proven itself over the centuries. The only things that can scratch granite are carbide, diamond or another piece of granite.