Frequently Asked Questions

Some commonly asked questions and answers.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask your Sales Representative.

Q: How do I know if I need to seal my granite?
A: We use First Line Sealer. Using our First Line Care Kits, your granite will not need to be resealed for 10 years.

Q: Will my countertops have seams?
A: That will depend on the configuration of your countertops. For the most part, the answer will be yes. Seams are placed based on length of your slab, kitchen sink placement, stability of the stone, and safety at the time of installation. We work very hard to minimize seams, but sometimes seams are necessary to insure quality, stability, and safety.

Q: What do seams look like?
A: Seams, by MIA (Marble Institute of America) standards, can be up to 1/16" wide and about a credit card's thickness out of level. We strive for perfection and, typically, have smaller joints and a greater amount of levelness.

Q: Can Marble be used in the kitchen?
A: We do not recommend Marble for kitchen applications. Marble is very soft and porous, making it easy to scratch and stain. Although sealing Marble helps with staining problems, typical kitchen use will over time scratch and dull Marble.

Q: Can I cut or set hot pans on Granite?
A: Absolutely. Although, we recommend you use your Granite countertops the way you have always used other countertops. Granite will dull knives, so we would recommend a cutting board that is designed specifically for cutting. We would also recommend you use a trivet for hot pans. Not because of the heat, but because of what else could be on the outside of pans (grease, water) that could change the dynamics of the sealer.

Q: Can I cut or set hot pans on Quartz Surfacing?
A: No. Quartz Surfacing is 93% natural quartz and 7% acrylic resin. The acrylic resin can scratch and it also can discolor with high heat.

Q: Does Granite chip or scratch?
A: Granite is basically a rock with all the properties of rocks. As such, it is very durable but it can chip or scratch. Sharp edges and profiles are the most susceptible to chipping (ex. around the sink).

Q: Can Granite be repaired?
A: No. But it can, in most cases, be patched. We would reinforce the damaged area and apply a resin fill that would minimize the appearance of any damage.

Q: Does Granite stain?
A: Yes. However, we use First Line Sealer, which makes Granite very resistant to staining. If a stain does occur, we have had great experience in removing stains.

Q: How large of an overhang can I have?
A: This is the 2/3 rule. 2/3 of your countertop must be supported to allow for a 1/3 overhang up to 10". With 12" and more overhang, you will need corbels spaced every 3 to 4 feet. We have an excellent source for corbels. Just ask your Sales Representative for prices.

Q: What kind of sinks can be used?
A: You can use almost any sink that will fit in your base cabinet. Drop-in sink holes will be cut at your job site. Undermount sink holes will be cut and polished at our facility, therefore we will need either your sink or the sink template before we can install your countertops.

Q: How does the dishwasher attach to Granite countertops?
A: You will be required to provide a ledger board at the front style of your cabinets. When we install your countertops, we will adhere this ledger board to the countertop. After installation, you will then be able to secure your dishwasher to this ledger board.