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Where is granite found?
Granite is quarried from the earth with specialized equipment and machinery. It is found all over the world. A few parts of the world where granite is quarried: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, India, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Ukraine, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
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What is the difference between marble, granite, & quartz countertops?
Marble is a soft, calcium- based natural stone. It will etch, scratch & stain easily & requires extra caution, care, & maintenance. If you are someone who likes to cook or entertain, marble may not be an ideal choice for your kitchen countertops.
Granite is a very strong natural stone. It is made up of many natural minerals that have formed together under heat & pressure in the earth. Granite can have natural texture & polish variation on the surface where those minerals have come together. These characteristics are what give a truly unique countertop. All natural stones do require a sealer. MMG seals every natural stone with a 20 year sealer, so most stones will not require another coat of sealer for many years.
Quartz is a durable man-made product. It does not require a sealer & comes in many different patterns & colors. Although it is a man-made product, it is produced with natural quartz minerals so there still may be variation in shade & surface sheen.
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What is the strength of granite?
Granite is a very strong and durable natural stone. The actual strength of a specific piece of granite depends on the stone.
Will my countertop break?
With normal everyday wear and tear - No, With heavy abuse it could.
Do I need to seal my countertops?
Maybe - depends on the granite you choose. As a rule of thumb, the lighter stones need to be sealed and darker ones don't. Try the water test to determine if your stone should be sealed. Look under (Products / Info / FAQ) "Water Test".
What is etching?
Etching is surface damage. When acids from items such as lemons, alcohols, and even some cleaning products come into contact with 'certain minerals' in your stone, they leave dull spots or rings. Sometimes an etch can be felt... it feels rougher than the surrounding stone. Other times, you cannot feel a difference but you'll see a dull looking area.
Can I cut on my countertops?
Yes you can but you'll probably want to use a cutting board. Granite is very hard and will most likely dull your knives. Sometimes little slivers of the knife become embedded in your top. It's really noticeable on darker stones and these slivers are hard to remove.
Will granite chip?
It can. A lot of times chips happen around the sink area or near an edge. They're easily repaired using a clear or colored epoxy. If you get a chip larger chip, save the piece of stone so it can be used to repair your countertop.
Will granite scratch?
It can and it will if you try hard enough. Concerned? Test on a stone scrap with knife or keys.
What is the weight of granite?
On average: 2cm (3/4") - 13 pounds per SF 3cm (1 1/4") - 18t o 20 pounds per SF darker stone are usually heavier than the lighter ones.
Will my cabinets support granite countertops?
Most cabinets will as long as they're sturdy. Granite spreads its weight out. If your cabinets aren't sturdy enough, IKEA for example, reinforce them.
Will my marble and granite contractor tear out my old countertops?
Maybe. Some of them will some of them won't. Ask.
What is the granite installation time frame?
The average time to install a kitchen based on an average size kitchen is 4-6 hours. Larger jobs taking more time.
What are seams and are they necessary?
Seams are joints where two pieces of stone meet or join together. Granite slabs are very big but larger kitchens and lay outs sometimes need a seam. If you have curves, arches, or really long spans of granite you will usually need seams. Hire a good fabricator and seams are hardly noticeable.
Will granite burn?
Not usually. Many granites can withstand heat up to 1200F. But we've heard from customers who've put ot pressure cookers on their stone and are amazed when crystals pop. Use a little care and a lot of common sense.
Should I view my stone before ordering it?
It's not mandatory but it's wise. Each and every piece of granite & stone is unique. The color tones may be lighter or darker from one slab to the next, the patterns vary, and the dimensions differ. You can pick from a small sample but this sample will never showcase the uniqueness of your slab.