frequently asked questions

Can I cut on my Granite Countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives.  Granite is harder than your knife and will dull it very quickly.

Can my granite be damaged?  Can granite be repaired?
It is very hard to damage granite but like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Your granite can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. If damage occurs it can be sealed with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of granite.

How do I clean my granite countertop?
Use a mild phosphate-free cleaner such as StoneTech Revitalizer with a lint-free cloth or sponge.

Does granite stain?
In general no. A few colours may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time. Example: a puddle of water left on the counter for a long period may show a dark spot after it’s wiped away.

Can I set hot pots on my granite countertop?
Granite cannot be affected by heat from a cook top or a frying pan. A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.

What is the appropriate thickness for a granite countertop?
A kitchen countertop should be 1¼” (3cm) thick.  Bathroom vanities can be thinner.

Does granite have any pits or fissures?
Yes granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stones’ natural structures.  Some types of granite have more of these characteristics than others – applying sealer to the surface can minimize pits.

Do granite seams show?
Because granite is a natural material mined from a quarry in blocks usually no more than 10’ long, you will likely end up with seams. The visibility of seams depends on colour and pattern. A small uniform grain will not be as apparent as a large varied grain. A dark colour will be less evident than a light colour. A dramatic pattern with swaths of colour shows more seams than a uniform pattern. Most customers find the beauty of natural granite outweighs the concern of seams.