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 SCI Spray-N-Seal.

Q. Is it expensive or difficult to seal the granite?
A. While you will need to follow the instructions that come with the sealer it is a very simple process.  Many homeowners are able to seal their granite themselves. We recommend SCI Spray-N-Seal.

Q. How do you clean granite and other natural stones?
A. We recommend a certified stone cleaner such as SCI Clean EnCounters Countertops Spray.

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.