Granite... easy to maintain, easy to love, easy choice!
"Our Reputation Is Set In Stone"
FAQs
We have assembled this FAQs page to help answer common questions related to tile or stone.
Q: What is the difference between marble and granite?
A: To keep it simple, Marble and Limestone contain "Calcium", Acids in food or cleaners will etch these stones,
as well as minerals in water. Marble and Limestone are softer stones.
Granite does not contain calcium. Granite is a much harder stone. Etching is not a problem with granite.
Q: Is marble a good choice for a kitchen countertop?
A: Because marble contains calcium and is a relatively soft stone, it does not make sense for most people
to use it in kitchens. Although in some instances, marble's ability to achieve a patina with use and age
is an attractive trait for developing the "old world" look.
Q: Why is granite such a desireable countertop material?
A: Granite is the hardest and most heat resistant material available. The ease of maintenance and it's ability
to retain it's original look makes it appealing to the homeowner.
Q: What is Quartz or Engineered Quartz?
A: Quartz or Engineered Quartz is a man made material that contains quarts "gravel" embeded in a polyester
resin binder.
Q: Which is better, Quartz or Granite?
A: That depends on who you ask! They both have their pro's and con's. Granite is much more heat resistant while
Quartz offers more monolithic colors. Neither is totaly stain proof. Quartz is generally more expensive and can
fade if subjected to sunlight.
It is possible to scratch both materials, Granite scratches can be repaired while Quartz scratches are not repairable.
Both products make excellent countertops. The only way to get a fair answer is to ask someone who works with both
products.
Q: I have heard that granite is a lot of maintenance, is this true?
A: Absolutly not! This is propaganda some manufacturers use to gain a market share in the countertop industry!
Granite is one of the easiest materials to live with. If the Granite is properly sealed initially, then just an occasional
wipe down is all that's needed, as with most countertops.
We reccomend using a "3 in 1" cleaner/protector once every 1 to 2 weeks and you'll never have to seal again!
Q: How do I take care of my countertop?
A: Never use soap, vinegar or generic cleaning products such as glass cleaner, unless it specifically states on the
label that it is formulated for natural stone. ("Cultured marble" is not natural stone, it is a man-made resin product)
Use a specialized cleaner, such as 3in1, that is designed to work on natural stone
Q: Does Granite harbor bacteria?
A: No, that is another myth perpetuated by competing countertop manufactures! In fact here is a link to a study done by
the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management. See for yourself!
Q: I found "prefabricated granite blanks" I'd like to use in my kitchen that are much cheaper than other estimates
I've received, is this a good deal?
A: "Prefabricated blanks" can be a savings in a very few instances. You still have to have someone with very specific
tools, equipment and skills to install them, they are not "Do It Yourself" friendly, the cost of having these modified
to fit your job can be high.
The blanks usually require more seams than custom cut granite, and color selection is very limited.
Q: I've heard things about Radon. Should I be concerned?
A: Radon is a health concern people should learn about. But granite is not a major contributor to elevated Radon levels
in ones home.
Due to a propaganda marketing blitz initiated by competing products to granite countertops, there was some public
hysteria about Radon coming from granite. These reports were backed up by "junk" science. If you are concerned
about Radon, please click on the following link and educate yourself. Radon & Granite Countertops.
Granite Gallery
Browse the granite gallery and see some of the stones we have available
Specialty tiles
We have a huge selection of specialty tiles as well as floor and backsplash tile
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