Important facts about granite
Frequently asked questions
What is Granite?
Granite is a stone formed from magma deep within pockets of the earth’s crust. The stone undergoes a metamorphosis where the crystalline structure of the minerals within the stone are changed creating the physical characteristics we find in granite.
Can Granite be scratched?
It is always possible to scratch a surface, even a diamond, if it is subjected to sufficient force. However, Granite has a very hard surface and will not scratch under normal use as a kitchen countertop. Go ahead and cut on it but your knife will become dull.
Will Granite stain?
Granite is a porous stone and therefore is subject to the potential of staining. The porosity varies depending upon the minerals that are present in the granite. To protect the granite surface from staining it should be sealed at least once per year. Our recommendation is twice per year just to assure it is done once. Any stain that occurs in granite can be removed.
Why use Granite?
Granite is the most preferred product for not only kitchen countertops but also for vanities, islands, bar tops, tabletops, backsplash, and fire place surrounds. Money magazine stated that one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home is by adding granite countertops.
What colors are available in Granite?
There are over 800 different colors of granite available in the marketplace. If you can’t find the exact color you’re searching for, we can refer you to granite distributors that service our area. Keowee Granite & Stone works closely with all of the major distributors serving our market.
What is the difference between Marble and Granite?
The difference is in the chemical makeup and how they were formed.Granite is formed from magma within the Earth’s crust. The magma is deep within the Earth and is subjected to extreme pressure over millions of years. The composition is primarily silicate crystals and it goes through a metamorphic stage changing the basic composition. The result is an extremely dense hard material.Marble is basically limestone, a sedimentary stone, and is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. However the marble, unlike limestone, goes through a metamorphic stage where the crystalline structure is changed becoming more dense and harder than limestone. Due to marbles calcium carbonate base it is not as resistant to stains or abrasions as granite. Keowee Granite & Stone does not recommend marble for kitchen countertops. However we will fabricate and install marble with the appropriate caveats.
What type of finishes are available?
An overwhelming majority of our customers prefer the standard polished finish. This finish brings out all of the beauty inherent in the granite. There are some customers who prefer a subtler look that is called honed. Honed is achieved by either omitting the final polishing steps at the quarry or by mechanically removing the polished finish with abrasives. Other types of finishes used primarily in floor applications, (e.g. flamed, hammered, sawn or jet washed), are available but will require special ordering.
Will my countertop require a seam?
The necessity of a seam will be reviewed when our technical expert does a “Detail” for your particular granite installation. There are several issues that could result in the necessity for a seam.Some reasons for requiring a seam are the physical dimensions of the slab ·Veining in the slab requiring cuts to make the veining flow in the same direction on the countertop ·
physical limitation of where the piece will be installed ·access to the installation point (sometimes stairways and door ways are not large enough to permit one piece applications) ·the physical limitations associated with moving a very heavy piece (some can weigh as much as 800 lbs) into position ·the potential to damage a piece that has a challenging geometry. Be assured we will do all we can do to limit the number of seams.
physical limitation of where the piece will be installed ·access to the installation point (sometimes stairways and door ways are not large enough to permit one piece applications) ·the physical limitations associated with moving a very heavy piece (some can weigh as much as 800 lbs) into position ·the potential to damage a piece that has a challenging geometry. Be assured we will do all we can do to limit the number of seams.How big will the seam be?
Standard in the industry is a seam width of 1/16 +/- 1/64 of an inch. There is a maximum lippage (amount one piece will protrude above another) for the industry of 3/32 of an inch at the center point of the countertop with no lippage at the ends. The professionals at Keowee Granite & Stone use special tools to assure that the seam will be much tighter than industry standards. You should be able to freely slide a quarter over the seam with no interference. Additionally, our technicians are trained in how to color match the filler in the seam to the color of your granite.
Is a higher priced granite better quality than lower priced granite?
No, the price of granite is based primarily on two factors one is availability (the lower the supply the higher the cost) and the second is where it is quarried with the associated transportation and labor costs. Granite from Keowee Granite & Stone, no matter what the cost, will be a high quality stone.
Why does some granite have many areas that look like little flakes or pockmarks?
Being a natural stone, granite contains many minerals. Some of these minerals, like biotites, are softer than the surrounding minerals. When the granite is polished the biotites are removed due to the high pressure used in polishing the surface leaving pockmark type look. The sealant used will generally correct the rough feeling.
Why do some granites appear to have cracks?
A crack is a break in the granite caused by a mechanical force of some sort. Cracks will be entirely through the granite from top to bottom. Granite does naturally have fissures. These fissures are more prevalent in granites that have multiple colors. The various minerals flowing at different viscosities cause the fissures at the time the granite is formed, they are natural and do not weaken the granite. It would be very rare for a fissure to extend from the top to the bottom surface of a slab.
What type of warranty do you have?
Keowee Granite & Stone offers a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship. If there is ever a problem with the installation of the granite we will fix it. I intend to extend my new granite countertop beyond the cabinet base.
How far can I extend it without adding support?
The maximum extension is two fold:1.It cannot extend more 1/3 the width of the countertop without support. 2.In any instance it cannot be extended more than 10 inches regardless of the width without additional support.
What is the maximum span between cabinets?
The maximum span for 3 cm granite is 30 inches between cabinets. Any span greater than 30 inches will require additional support.I do not intend on using a backsplash, will there be a gap between the wall and the granite edge?Yes, the gap is needed to be able to put the granite into position. Depending upon the difficulty of installing the granite piece the gap would be a maximum of ¼ inch.
Are there different types of edge treatments?
Other custom profiles are available just contact one of our sales representatives for details.
I have a small job can you do this?
We welcome any size job. However, we do have a 25 sq ft minimum charge. You could select a piece of granite from our remnant yard wherein the square foot minimum would be waived.
Will Keowee Granite & Stone take care of all of the cabinetry, plumbing, electric and gas issues for me?
The only business that Keowee Granite & Stone is licensed and insured to do is the fabrication and installation of granite and other stone countertops. We do not have a license or insurance for carpentry, plumbing or electrical work. We will, when requested, supply the names of other tradesman who are licensed and qualified.
Can there be an issue with bacteria growth on my granite kitchen countertops?
The Marble Institute of America (MIA) states: “ Bacteria requires several things in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, sunlight, water, nutrients and a substrate to form on. The minerals found in granite are toxic to bacteria. As a result there is no habitable environment for the bacteria to live and grow on a granite surface.” The MIA has also conducted independent research on bacteria growth on countertop materials. Granite was second in inhibiting bacteria growth only to stainless steel.
Can you tell me how to properly care for my granite countertops?
Yes..
Stone is a collection of bonded materials naturally occurring within the earth. There are many types of stone granite, marble, travertine, etc. They can be divided into three major groups.
- Sedimentary limestone, sandstone, and shale
- Metamorphic marble, travertine, and slate
- Igneous granite, gabbro, and basalt
Stone Facts
Sedimentary stone that is made from the mineral calcite which came from the beds of evaporated seas, lakes and from sea animal shells. Limestone is one of the widely recognized sedimentary stones.
* Excellent for building work-exterior and interior
* Colors available are tan, brown, white, gray, and yellow
* Other sedimentary stones are sandstone, shale, and gypsum
Metamorphic stone has changed from one type to another. Marble is the most common metamorphic rock. Made primarily of calcium carbonate. It has been crystallized by exposure to heat and pressure.
* A variety of colors are available
* There is a wide variation of physical properties within this group
* Check the compressive strength, flexural strength, and
abrasion resistance to ASTM Standards.
Igneous rock is formed from a molten mass that has cooled over millions of years below the earths surface.
* Hundreds of colors are available domestic and foreign
* Molten rock below the earth's surface is called magma
* Molten rock above the ground is called lava
* Igneous rocks include granite, basalt's, and gabbros
* Uses are for interior and exterior building cladding, inside and outside flooring, curbing, signage, stairs, and of course counter tops
* Colors of stone from the same quarry can vary and everyone considering granite should be aware of this fact.
Finishes of stone
Polished- Mirror like finish achieved by applying a series of abrasives
Honed- Smooth finish but not glazed
Flamed- Coarse texture achieved by exposing stone to intense heat causing a spalling of the surface.
Sanded- Surface has a slightly coarse texture achieved by grinding the surface with coarse abrasives
