•  What is Granite?
Granite is a naturally found stone composed of several large mineral grains tightly packed together.  The main components include Feldspar and Quartz with a mix of other minerals including Biotite and Muscovite.
The minerals Feldspar and Quartz, which are the major components of granite, are harder than steel.  This is why throughout human civilization, granite has been used as a building material.

•  Why is it so popular?
Granite has emerged as the most popular kitchen countertop material because of its natural beauty and durability.
The elegance  of granite countertops adds value to homes
Heat, scratch, and stain resistant

•  Where does granite originate?
Granite is naturally formed in most parts of the world, but it is quarried in significant quantities in Brazil, India, Italy, Africa, Norway, Finland, and China.  

•  Is granite high maintenance?
In fact, granite countertops require very little maintenance.  You only have to clean them with a mild soap and warm water.

•  Does heat damage granite?
No, granite can withstand very high temperatures.  Placing hot pans or a hot kettle will not cause any damage to the granite’s color or stability.  

•  Can knives scratch granite?
Knives cannot scratch true granite.  The only thing harder than granite is diamond.  For example, diamond is scored 10 on the MOH’s hardness scale and granite is scored 7. 

•  Is granite expensive?
Actually, the entry-level granite countertop prices have become very affordable because of the abundant supply of natural granite and modern technology.

•  Can granite be repaired?
We have been asked if granite can be repaired if chips or cracks that occur from accidental impacts can be fixed.  The answer is yes, they can be repaired by a granite fabricator.

•  Does granite harbor bacteria?
No, the center for disease control did not find any evidence to suggest that bacteria could grow in granite.

•  Does granite emit harmful radiation?
We are frequently asked this question by homeowners. The answer is granite was tested for Radon emissions and found to emit very insignificant levels of Radon. Granite is found to be safe for usage in homes without any harmful effects. You can read the report on this research at the website of the Marble Institute of America.

•  What is the thickness of the granite used for countertops?
The granite countertop industry uses 3cm (1 ¼”) thick granite for kitchen countertops application.  1 ¼” thickness granite is sturdy enough to be placed directly on the cabinets.

•  What surface finishes does granite come with?
Polished: A shiny, glossy surface.  This is by far the most popular.
Honed: A matte finish.
Brushed: A rough texture.  Suitable for outdoor kitchens, though some designers like to use it inside as well.

•  What are the pits in the granite?
It’s not uncommon to see some small pits on the surface of the granite slabs.  These pits are formed during the polishing process, when some of the weaker components of granite, like Biotite, flake off from the surface. This happens at the granite processing plants in different countries where the granite is quarried and polished.

•  How much can I extend the granite overhang?
Granite countertops can often be extended beyond the cabinets to give an added functionality to kitchen spaces.
 

This is a question we are asked every day.  The standard overhang is 1 ½” from the face frame of the cabinets.  This gives a good visual appearance because it creates a ¾” overhang from the door fronts.  
 

The actual overhang may slightly vary depending on how straight the countertops are installed.  Having the cabinets not installed in a straight line is not an uncommon problem.  Our measuring person discusses these issues with the homeowners to come to a clear understanding of what variances can be expected.
 

We can extend the 3 cm granite countertops up to a maximum of 8” from the cabinets unsupported.  With strong granite verities like Tan Brown, Coffee Brown, Black Pearl, and other stronger stones.
 

We have to be careful when we install upper bar tops that sit on a 5” knee wall.  These overhangs have to be supported by steel braces placed under the countertop and then screwed into the wooden studs in the knee wall.
 

Any granite countertops with more than an 8” overhang should be adequately supported by steel braces.
 

Extended islands, higher-level bar tops, and peninsulas are some of the areas of the kitchen that may have an extended overhang, up to 12”.  The placement of wood or metal supports that extend from the cabinets, sometimes called corbels, can hit your knees and are not visually appealing.  The ideal solution is to place steel bars, secured adequately and is permanent support that is almost invisible and does not hit your knees.

•  What is the ideal overhang for my bar top or breakfast area?
12” is the ideal overhang for comfortable seating without hitting your knees on the cabinet, however, the overhang does need to be adequately supported.

•  How is my dishwasher attached?
Dishwashers have to be attached to the undersurface of the kitchen countertop to prevent tipping the machine forward when the door is opened.  The attachment also prevents vibration during the dishwasher’s operation.

•  Can I keep my existing tile backsplash?
Yes.  While replacing the existing laminate countertops, many of our clients choose to keep their current tile backsplash.  However, you must consider the following points for better results:

The thickness of laminate countertops is 1 ½” and granite, marble, or engineered surfaces, like Ceasarstone, are 1 ¼” thick.  The replacement causes a visible gap of about ¼” between the new granite countertop and the existing tile.  This scenario applies in cases where the tile goes all the way down to the countertops.  You can solve this problem by using one of the following methods:

Applying caulk in the gap with a matching color to the existing grout.  The new caulk line will be about a ¼” thickness instead of the tile grout line of about 1/8”.  It is barely noticeable and an acceptable compromise.
If you have kept the grout from the original tile installation, you can use that grout to fill the gap.  This is the best-case scenario.

You can purchase and install a trim line from any tile supplier that fits between the tile and the granite countertop.  This should be done by your tile installer.
Installation of a 4” backsplash of granite over the existing tile.  This is another commonly used option.

In case the existing tile goes up to the 4” backsplash of laminate countertop:

4” granite backsplashes have to be placed between the granite countertops and the existing tile.  You can choose to have 4 ½” height granite backsplashes to cover the rough area created by the removal of the existing laminate backsplash.

•  Do I need to buy full slabs of granite?
No, you do not need to buy full slabs. We consider the cost of actual material used in your project. That is the advantage of choosing fabricators like Golden Marble & Granite that not only fabricate and install your countertops but carry a great assortment of granite slabs to choose from.

•  Do seams in Granite show?
The answer is Yes and No.
Yes, seems are visible if you look carefully at the countertops. However, the goal of a good granite installation company is to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

•  How much does granite weigh?
Granite weighs about 16 to 17 pounds per square foot.

•  How do you attach the granite countertops to my cabinet?
The stone countertops are places on the cabinets and, after ensuring that everything is leveled, a bead of silicone is applied at the intersection of the cabinets and the underside of the stone.  This is sufficient to hold the countertops in place in a normal situation.

If the cabinets are not leveled, which is not uncommon, we have to place shims underneath the countertops to level them.  In this situation, our installers place small blocks of wood pieces rinsed in epoxy to stabilize the shims.

•  Do I need to reinforce my cabinets for granite installation?
No. If you use 3cm (1 ¼”) thick granite, you do not need any special reinforcement. You may need some additional support in the corners of walls that our template specialist (the guy who comes to measure) will be able to explain to you.

•  Can you level my cabinets?
No, we do not level your cabinets. You will need the help of your carpenter or your contractor for that.

•  Do you sell cabinetry?
No.  But we can refer you to a great cabinet maker whom we have worked with many times before.

•  Can your company help me with granite color selection?
Yes, when you come to visit us you will get help making these tough decisions from our in-house designers at no additional cost. Having installed thousands of kitchen countertops, our project managers can also share with you their experiences to enhance your project.
 

•  Do I need an appointment?

No. You can visit us at any time during our normal business hours. 

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