Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between marble and granite?
A. Granite is a quartz based stone that is highly recommended for frequently used countertop areas.  Granite varies in color and hardness and is an excellent product to use on kitchen countertops.  Marble is a much softer stone than granite and therefore prone to scratches and staining.  It is often used in bathrooms or fireplace surrounds.

Q. Which material do you recommend for kitchen countertops?
A. We recommend granite because it is heat and scratch resistant and when properly sealed it is also stain resistant.

Q. What do you use marble for?
A. Marble, limestone and travertine are all natural stones that are great for fireplace surrounds, floors, showers and tub surrounds.

Q. Can I put hot pans on my countertops?
A. Granite is heat resistant however we still recommend you use a trivet or hot pad.

Q. Does granite scratch?
A. Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth.  Only diamonds and other pieces of granite will scratch the granite’s surface.  Granite is even harder than the metal in your knives, so although the granite will not scratch you do run the risk of dulling your knives.

Q. Does granite stain?
A. When properly sealed, granite is resistant to stain.  If something is absorbed into the granite it will usually orate or fade over time.  Sometimes a poultice will help pull the stain out faster.  We recommend SCI Poultice Powders.

Q. How often do you seal granite?
A. Depending on the sealer and cleaner that you use you will need to seal granite every three to five years in most cases.  We recommend Dry Treat's Stain Proof 15 year sealer so you don't have to worry about it again.

Q. Is it expensive or difficult to seal the granite?
A. We apply a standard sealer on your counters after installation.  We also offer a 15 year sealer we can apply at our shop or after installation.  It actually changes the molecular structure of the stone, preventing anything from penetrating the surface.  After your counters have been sealed with Dry-Treat, they will be much easier to clean. Dry-Treat is also available for tile, glass doors, porcelain products, and exterior finishes. 

Q. How do you clean granite and other natural stones?
A. We recommend a daily certified stone cleaner such as Grand Quartz 3-in-1 Spray Cleaner.

Q. What is the difference between granite and corian?
A. Corian is a man-made solid surface comprised of resin.  It shrinks and expands which prevents having tight fitting seams.  Corian is not scratch resistant and it lacks the natural beauty and flow that granite possesses.