Things you might not Know

We get a lot of questions about how to care for Granite, and even where they come from.

Here are three brief facts you may not know about granite countertops.

1) Wipe Messes Up Quickly
Cleaning granite countertops is a simple procedure, and the surfaces are undeniably sturdy, but they can stain. Therefore, make sure to wipe up messes quickly to keep the acids from juices or other substances from seeping in. Over time, these small damages will add up to a noticeable discolorment.

2) Your Granite Countertops Might Not Be Sealed Correctly
To help further against those stains, make sure your countertops are sealed correctly. You’ll know they are if water forms tight, round beads on the surface. Test this, and ask your installers for the best product to keep your countertops properly sealed.

3) Granite Color Names Are Not Universal

This one is simple but not commonly known. Many installers and granite cutters elsewhere create their own names for their granite colors. If you find something you like online and it doesn’t seem like we carry it, this may not actually be the case – they likely have just given it a different names. Make sure to ask!

 How to Select the Right Granite for Your Kitchen Countertops

Choosing the right granite is an important decision and challenge for homeowners while doing their kitchen remodeling. The granite selection has become ever more challenging given the present day availability of numerous granite colors in the American market.

When so many colors seem to go well with your kitchen, how do you pinpoint one color and say, “That is my granite”? You need to coordinate the cabinet, granite, floor color, and other aspects of your kitchen to achieve your desired result. We suggest you bring a sample of your cabinet door and floor if available, and a picture of the kitchen to match to the granite.

We understand that at times it can be an overwhelming process for homeowners to choose their granite. We have helped thousands of homeowners during our years in business and would like to share some of our experience with you so that it becomes an easy and rewarding experience for you.

How Big Are Granite Slabs?

Since granite is a natural material quarried from the Earth, sizing varies. However, most slabs used for countertops range from 5 to 6 feet deep, and from 7 to 10 feet wide.

What's Best About Them?

In terms of performance,Granite countertops are life long. While no slab countertop can be expected to have zero seams, the number of seams are greatly limited. And obviously, if your countertop is no more than 7-10 feet wide, you might even have a seamless granite counter.

Can I Install Them Myself?

No. Slab granite is too heavy and the installation learning curve too steep for most homeowners to DIY-install slab granite

What Are Their Closest Competitors?

 Quartz are the next best thing, though that's a bit of a misstatement as quartz actually surpass granite in some respects.  Natural slab granite still provides the greatest visual (3D) depth, and the variety of its patterning cannot be matched by quartz.  But Quartz is a more consisent Material, which means that it is more durable and less prone to cracking.

How Thick Are They?

Most slabs used for counters are roughly (3cm) 1.25" thick. But it is interesting to note that the thickness can vary across the entire expanse of the slab. Thus, installers often have to shore up parts of the slab so that all areas are supported.

What Do They Cost?

A lot. Let's say you want slab granite on your Kitchen island, 7' by 4', for a total square footage of 28 sq. ft. We offer level 1 granite for as cheap as $50 to $60 per square foot, installed. At that rate, "slabbing" your kitchen island will set you back $1,400 to $1,600. And that's the easy counter. Other counters will cost more because they will require extras, like backsplashes, cut-outs for sinks, etc.

Any Tricks For Saving Money?

One simple way to hold down the cost of your counters is to minimize the edge treatment. More complicated edge treatments can drive up the cost. Essentially, the more fabrication that is needed, the more the finished product will cost.

Are There Any Variations?

Yes.  A thinner type of slab granite (2cm) which is structurally supported by MDF board. The field area of the granite is a scant 3/4" thick, but the MDF supports it. For the sake of appearance, the edge is thicked by laminating it with a 1.5"- 3" rip of the stone. Making the the counter 1.5 inches thick in the front. This also allows for edge treatments, if desired. but may drive up price as more labor/stone is needed.