• What is granite ?
Granite is an igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture. It is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts off as liquid magma deep within the earth’s core where it is cooled and compressed over millions of years under tons of pressure. It is then quarried, cut and polished. After that process it can be applied in various ways like kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds as well as Jacuzzi surrounds and other custom designs
• What’s the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages
• How can I use granite ?
Here are some of the most prevalent applications found in modern architecture:
1. Architectural Stone
Exterior and interior cladding panels
Stairs and copings
Columns
Paving and floor covering
Signage
Window-sills and moldings, etc.
2. Urban Design
Horizontal surfaces (pavers, steps, etc.)
Security barriers and railings
Urban furniture (park benches, picnic tables, etc.)
Monuments (urban and other)
3. Interior Design
Bistro tables
Countertops and vanities
Reception desks
Conference tables
Pedestals
4. Civil Engineering
Street curbs
Bridge pillars
Retaining walls
Fire-break walls
Well bed-plates, mains
• Why should I choose granite for my project ?
When you are looking for an enduring cladding material, elegant and easy to care for, then what you need is the unique and exclusive properties of granite.
Granite is available in a variety of colors, textures and finishes which make it an excellent product for countless applications related to building,
designing and civil engineering. Granite also possesses indisputable strength and long-term durability; moreover, it is an aesthetic and eye-catching material.
- Granite resists to corrosion, to our cities’ polluted air and to acid rain
- It also resists remarkably well to wear and tear on interior flooring applications
- Used outdoors, granite’s mineralogical structure is not influenced by freeze-thaw cycles.
- Granite also provides a natural acoustic barrier, which is another very practical and exclusive advantage of this stone
- Its thermal inertia is of great interest to architects and promoters, who have to comply with energy saving programs
- Finally, granite is an all-natural material to which nothing has been added, or removed
• What do I do with similar granites that have different names ?
Ask the firms that provided you with the samples to confirm the color pattern. This will enable you to find if the colors match the granite you want. Be cautious: there may be more than one quarry, which produce very similar granites within a limited geographic area
• Can you explain the different finishes for stone?
There are many finishes and options available. Here are the most widely used:
o Polished - A high gloss surface.
o Honed - Smooth with squared edges and without a polished surface.
o Tumbled - Lightly tumbled to achieve rounded edges and a surface that is not as smooth as honed.
o Antique Tumbled - Medium tumble edges and surface to achieve a slight rustic look.
o Cobbled or Distressed - Heavily tumbled edges and surface to achieve an aged or ancient look.
o Brushed - Acid washed and wire brushed for a smooth textured surface. Flamed - Blow torched for a rough textured surface.
• Is it necessary to seal stone?
Since mineral surfaces are quite porous they absorb liquids, which may result in discoloring and staining. Although there are many commercial grade products available on the market which may bring the stone to its to its original luster, taking simple precautions and regular maintenance can save a lot of trouble and cost. All marble and granite tops are sealed immediately after they are installed. 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. You should seal your marble every six months and your granite every year, at least.
• How do I clean my granite tops?
POLISHED GRANITE is a very durable stone. It is also much harder than marble. Granite has been used in the past in the commercial industry. Some of the obvious applications have been panels on the outside of buildings, walls, and floors of "high-traffic" areas. Granite will withstand almost any element it comes up against including heat and cold. Granite itself is approximately 95-98% stain resistant but, we use a silicone impregnator on all our natural stone products. This will insure lasting life and beauty. Polished granite should receive the same cleaning care as polished marble, using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soap, soap flakes or powder which contains no aromatics. Followed by a thorough rinsing and drying with cotton-flannel or chamois.
• Can I set hot pot on my granite countertop?
Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earths crust. It can not be affected by heat from a cook top or frying pan. A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.
• Do granite seams show?
Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10’ long, you will most likely end up with seams. Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in an ’L’ shaped corner. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern. A small, uniform grain (such as Ubatuba) will not be as apparent as a larger varied grain (such as Peacock Green). A dark color (Platinum) will be less apparent than a light color (Imperial White). A dramatic pattern with swaths of color (Kinawa, Paradiso) will show more seams than a uniform pattern (Dakota Mahogany). Most customers have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs the concern of seams.
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