Stone is a natural solid formation comprised of minerals. Thousands of stone types including granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, onyx and travertine have been quarried for centuries from locations around the world. The majority of natural stone comes from Italy, Spain, Turkey, United States, Mexico, China, India, France, Brazil and Canada.
The three most appealing features of granite are its natural beauty, life-long durability and low maintenance. Granite is an excellent choice for busy kitchen counter tops. It is very scratch resistant and one can cut directly on it. It is also heat resistant and hot plates can be placed safely on the surface. Granite is a timeless addition that will add immeasurable value to your home.
Marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, onyx and travertine can be both aesthetically pleasing and practical in applications such as vanity counter tops, shower surrounds, fireplace hearths and furniture pieces, among others. Marble and these other softer, more porous stones may also be used for kitchen applications, but are not recommended, as excessive use and exposure to heat and coloured or acidic liquids can leave unattractive scars, stains and etching, even if regularly resealed.
The installed product may not be exactly like a showroom sample. Not unlike wood, each stone has unique natural veining, pitting, fissures, micro-cracks and colour variations including patterns, markings, and darker or lighter spots which are all natural characteristics of stone. Characteristics are not to be considered deficiencies or faults, nor can they be avoided in fabrication. The surface of granite is not as consistently smooth or shiny as glass to the eye or touch.
Granite is a natural stone, somewhat porous and can stain. Prior to installation the granite is sealed with an FDA compliant solvent based “Impregnator Sealer” to protect the surface and deter stains. Once the sealer has been applied, small amounts of spilled liquid will bead up and can easily be wiped off with a damp cloth. Do use reasonable care and immediately blot up excessive spills such as red wine to minimize permanent discoloration. Resealing is required once or twice a year; a container of sealer can be purchased in our showroom and application simply entails pouring it on to a clean, dry cloth and wiping it on to your counter top.
Daily maintenance of granite is easily achieved with warm water and a small amount of liquid dish soap to clean up most spills. Rinsing with clear water and wiping with a dry dish cloth is very important to remove any soap residue which can leave a light haze if allowed to build up. As a daily cleaner, you can also use “Revitalizer Cleaner and Protector” with antimicrobial agents, available in our showroom. Do not use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, abrasive powder or cream cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone as they may etch away and/or coat the natural polish. Proper care and maintenance will prolong the natural stone polish for many years to come.
Resealing is required once or twice a year; a container of sealer can be purchased in our showroom and application simply entails pouring it on to a clean, dry cloth and wiping it on to your counter top.
GraniteWorx warranties the workmanship of counter tops for a period of one year. This warranty does not cover the natural characteristics of stone as outlined above nor does it cover any structural shift or extreme pressure placed on the stone which could result in damage to the granite or causes it to crack or chip. Any damage resulting after proper installation of an acceptable product will be assumed to have occurred through no fault of Granite Worx and any resulting charges will be the responsibility of the builder, contractor or homeowner.
Seal your stone once per year or once in 25 years?
Countertops are under daily assault from regular household stains. A simple red wine spill or a drop of olive oil can permanently stain granite or marble. However, treated properly your customer’s investment will last a lifetime. Natural Stone should be sealed once per year.
With a one-time application an additional 25 Year Warranty is available. Click here for further information.