The following list below summarizes some of the most Frequently Asked Questions that our sales representatives have been asked

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1. Is granite a completely smooth surface like other Solid Surface Materials?
2. What is the difference between 2 cm and 3 cm? What is the most appropriate thickness for the tops?
3. What kind of edges are available for granite countertops?
4. Are your countertops backed by a warranty?
5. Why do I have to have seams in my countertop and what do they look like?
6. What affects pricing of granite and marble?
7. How do granite and marble compare to other solid surface countertops?
8. Can a customer choose the granite slab that will be used for their countertops?
9. Can granite or marble be used in food preparation areas?
10. Can you cut on granite or marble?
11. Can you set hot pans on granite or marble?
12. Does granite or marble chip or scratch?
13. Will granite or marble stain?
14. How can you limit the staining of granite or marble?
15. Should granite be sealed?
16. Can granite be repaired?

1. Is granite a completely smooth surface like other Solid Surface Materials?

Ans: No, many granite contain pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of granite. Some granites exhibit these characteristics more that others, and the lighting of the room can make these marks more or less visible.

2. What is the difference between 2 cm and 3 cm? What is the most appropriate thickness for the tops?

Ans: The 2 cm thick stone is approximately 3/4" thick, ranging from 5/8" to 7/8" in thickness. The 3 cm is approximately 1 3/16", and can range from 1 1/16" to 1 5/16" thick. We recommend using the 3 cm granite for kitchen countertops for both aesthetic reasons and structural reasons.

3. What kind of edges are available for granite countertops?

Ans: Custom Stone Works offers the straight edge, half and full bull nose, bevel and ogee edges. If you are interested in other edge profiles, please discuss your options with a Custom Stone Works sales associate.

4. Are your countertops backed by a warranty?

Ans: Yes, all standard granite countertops are supported by a 1 year warranty.

5. Why do I have to have seams in my countertop and what do they look like?

Ans: Slab size may not be large enough for the entire run of the countertop. The weight of the material may dictate that seams are inserted so that the structural integrity of the materials is not jeopardized. The cabinet structure, placement of the cook tops, or other cutouts may require seams. Access to the job or layout of the countertops may be limited and/or difficult to work with. The type of material may require seams to maintain the structural integrity of the material. Tightness of seam will not to exceed 1/16" - 1/8" width. Custom Stone Works project managers will work with the Dealer and the client in every way possible to ensure that seams are kept to a minimum and are discreetly placed, while still maintaining the structural integrity of the stone.

6. What affects pricing of granite and marble?

Ans: There are several variables that affect the pricing of granite and marble. The material is priced by the square foot and these costs are dependent on the product's standard availability and the origin of material. Additional costs, such as cook top or sink cutouts, fabrication costs, and special requests are priced separately.

7. How do granite and marble compare to other solid surface countertops?

Ans: Granite is one of the most durable, maintenance-free countertop materials available. Granite is a natural material made of very hard igneous rock that is second only in hardness and compacted strength to diamonds. As a result of its geological composition, granite is stain, scratch, and burn resistant, Easy to care for and much desired for its natural beauty. Granite is an investment that amortizes over time, retaining its original appearance long after initial installation. In most cases, granite countertops fall within the same price range as other hign-end surfacing materials.

8. Can a customer choose the granite slab that will be used for their countertops?

Ans: Custom Stone Works recommends that customers visit fabrication shops to hand select their material. Customers will be shown different 'lots' of the same granite and the customer can select which lot they prefer.

9. Can granite or marble be used in food preparation areas?

Ans: Granite is an excellent product for use in kitchens and other food preparation areas. Under normal conditions it is stain, chip, scratch, and burn resistant. Like any other countertop material, if cleaned regularly and properly, granite poses no health or sanitation problems. Marble is not recommended for use in the kitchen because of its tendency to stain and scratch. However, because of its unparalleled beauty and classic look, marble is an excellent choice for vanities, wet bars, and especially fireplace surrounds.

10. Can you cut on granite or marble?

Ans: 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 repeated cutting on granite may dull knives. Using marble as a cutting surface will result in scratches as if cutting on a piece of wood.

11. Can you set hot pans on granite or marble?

Ans: Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn and it will not be harmed by hot pans or open flames. Marble should not be used in kitchens as excessive heat can cause damage and potentially leave scars or burn marks. Neither material is flammable.

12. Does granite or marble chip or scratch?

Ans: Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. Marble can be chipped and scratched under normal use and therefore, should be used in low traffic areas and should always be treated like a piece of fine wood.

13. Will granite or marble stain?

Ans: Marble and granite are porous materials and therefore, are subject to staining if not maintained properly. In granite, the same porosity that allows for staining also allows for easy stain removal. In most cases, stains can be prevented by quickly wiping the spill. If a spill is left overnight, especially if the liquid is grease, oil, coffee, or wine the granite will usually darken. To remove the stain, a poultice should be applied, which may pull out the stain from the granite. Marble can be stained and etched by acidic or oil-based products. If you try to remove the stain yourself and are unsuccessful, please contact Custom Stone Works.

14. How can you limit the staining of granite or marble?

Ans: Custom Stone Works impregnates all material to help reduce the chance of staining. To further prevent staining you should wipe up spills on marble and granite as quickly as possible, and avoid using acidic or oil-based products on marble.

15. Should granite be sealed?

Ans: The most effective method of protecting your granite is not sealing. Instead, Custom Stone Works applies a stone impregnator, which penetrates the granite and keeps dirt, liquids, and food from easily absorbing into the stone, giving a good window of time for proper clean up. The stone impregnating material does not change the color of the stone, as some sealing materials may. It penetrates the stone and will help prevent staining. However, it will not stop the penetration of moisture entirely. When a liquid that might cause staining spills on the top, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible.

16. Can granite be repaired?

Ans: While it is difficult to permanently repair granite, it is also very difficult to damage it. However, if some damage does occur, granite usually can be repaired by a mix of epoxy and ground-up chips of granite.