What is the best stone for my kitchen counter tops?
Granite is the ideal stone for kitchen counter tops. Granite is formed deep in the earth's mantle at extremely high temperatures, and and it is an exceptionally hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. You can actually chop vegetables right on the counter top without damaging the surface, however you may damage your knives as the stone is harder than the knife blades and can dull them. Granite is considered the second hardest stone, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives and pots and pans under normal use. It is also not affected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans.
What is the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble are very different from each other. Granite is one of the oldest, most durable and most respected of building materials. Traditionally, it is the material chosen by both architects and engineers when permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are prime requirements. The marble family, limestone, travertine, marble, and onyx, starts out as sediment; animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, and silt, at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because it's main component is calcium, acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages can affect it.
Is it necessary to seal stone?
Since mineral surfaces are quite porous they absorb liquids, which may result in discoloring and staining. The impregnating substance penetrates the stone clogging most of its pores making its quite impervious to alcohol, juices, soft drinks, cosmetics, cleaners, coffee, food and even oil. With course of time, depending on how heavily the tops are used, the sealer gets washed out. The clear indication of this happening would be the fact that the liquids are easily absorbed into the stone leaving temporary (if promptly wiped off) stains.
What is the best way to clean marble and other stones?
Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent using a clean rag and warm water. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on the granite. The high acid content may etch the surface. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
Does granite burn or stain?
In general, no. You can't burn it with ordinary use. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances. As far as staining, all stone is porous to some extent, but Granite has very little porosity. Most colors will never show any moisture. A few colors may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter for 30 minutes for some colors, may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This spot will then dry up and no evidence will show. Only a few colors demonstrate this trait.
Can granite chip or crack?
Not with the ordinary use. In only cases of sever abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture.
Can granite cantilever?
You can cantilever granite up to 14" with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress like someone sitting on a counter or stepping on a counter to change a light bulb. You must have support underneath for these situations.
Will I have pits on my kitchen counter surface?
Natural stones, like granite, travertine, marble, limestone, etc. are not uniformly manmade - they are created naturally in the earth over hundreds and thousands of years. These pits are not imperfections or flaws in the stone; they are simply a result of the natural process of stone formation. These pits are sometimes more noticeable in granite which is composed of quartz and mica. Some stones are more pitted than others usually depending on the coarseness or "tightness" of the grain. Most pits on the polished surface of a slab are filled with a clear resin at the time the slabs are polished at the quarry. If a pit is visible on the surface of your stone, it can be filled with a color matched epoxy.