Thursday, December 5, 2013

Frequently Asked Questions About Granite

What is Granite?
Granite is a coarse grained crystalline igneous rock composed primarily of quartz and feldspar. It forms from slowly cooling magma that is subjected to extreme pressures deep beneath the earth's surface.

How much does granite cost?
We charge by the square foot and that price includes the material, the fabrication work (including cutting and polishing), the templating process, and the installation. We are happy to provide quotes at no charge or obligation.

For the most accurate quote, we ask that you send us the cabinet layout, the type of sink you are planning on using and stove or cook top information. If possible, show on your drawing any areas that have more than a 1 ½ “ overhang and areas that require back splash. We can give you a price in three ranges, which cover 90% of the colors we carry. We also carry nearly 1,000 remnants that can be used on smaller projects at a substantial savings.

Does granite chip or stain?
Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, pots, pans and other heavy objects may chip the square edge around a sink area. Several other edge profiles are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chances of chipping.

Can I place hot pans on granite?
Yes, up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I cut on granite?
Granite is an extremely tough, durable material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface without fear of scratching the stone (although knives may dull the surface by repeated cutting on the stone). Over time you will dull your knives so we recommend using a cutting board.

What do I use to clean granite?
For everyday cleaning mild dish soap and water should be sufficient. There are also a vast number of granite cleaners available at your local home improvement stores. To avoid water streaks, wipe counters dry after cleaning. Windex® or similar products can be used to clean up excess oil. Because of the acidic levels it is not recommended for daily cleaning. These types of cleaners also contain dyes and should not be left on the counters for an extended period of time.

Can I Stain granite?
Almost anything can be stained, but sealed granite will resist most common stains. Oil will penetrate this seal and can be difficult to remove. Oil spills should be cleaned up immediately. If oil has penetrated the seal, clean up as much of it as you can, then sprinkle baby powder or baking soda over the stain, cover with plastic wrap and allow it to sit for 24 hours. This will encourage the oil to be absorbed by the powder. Depending on how long the oil was allowed to sit on the top, this may require more than one application. In the case of stubborn stains you may want to call in a professional stone restorer.

How often does the surface need to be sealed?
Our company seals the granite after the installation process has been completed. This allows us one final inspection and will leave the countertop clean and safe to use. We have sampled numerous sealers over the years and use what we believe is the best available. Some granite may need a more aggressive impregnator, which is often overlooked by fabricators without experience. We recommend that countertops be resealed approximately every 4 or 5 years. You can however do it more often if you like.

Sealing is not a difficult task and can be done in 2 or 3 hours. If you like an extremely smooth feel to your granite, apply a stone polish to your countertop from time to time. Polish will also help restrict the absorption of various spills. Note: This is a liquid polish (a product, not a process) that is applied to the original, naturally derived polish.

If you are looking for a granite counter in Denver, check out Bath & Granite 4 Less showroom at 4755 E 46th Ave Denver, CO 80216 or give them a call (303) 351-8252.  They offer a wide variety of grantie tiles and vanities and sinks for kitchens and bathrooms.

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