Caring for Granite
TK Quartz & Granite, LLC
Brookings, South Dakota
Brookings, South Dakota
Can I cut on my granite counter top?
You can only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly if you use the granite counter top as a cutting surface. Always cut or chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
Can my granite counter top be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of it’s crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects or blows. If left unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oils, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
My little sample of granite has pits on the surface. Will we have these on our kitchen countertops?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits/spaces between the various mineral crystals. You won’t normally see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror like. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well; which may look like cracks but these are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite eons ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of granite and will not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade or perfect.
Will my granite look like the online sample?
The samples you see on our website are pictures which have been uploaded to the website as a digital image. The color tones may not be absolutely correct due to variations in computers or smartphones, resolution, and the lighting when the picture was taken. Also, granite is a natural material with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity and patterns. Also, a different batch/lot of granite mined and cut at different times will have different characteristics. These variations should be expected and quite frankly are the source of granite’s natural beauty.
Can I set a hot pot on my granite countertop?
Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure beneath the earth’s crust. It cannot be affected by heat from a cook-top, hot pot or frying pan. A lit flame placed under granite will have no effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.
Can granite chip?
Only in cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and an epoxy mixture. If a chip occurs on your countertop, do not throw out the chipped piece. We can use the chip or piece to fix the countertop so that you will not be able to tell it was ever chipped.
How are seams made?
Seams are done where two pieces of stone are put together. The seams are joined with epoxy that is mixed with the color that matches the stone. The joined area is smoothed and polished, leaving only a very thin line that is visible.
Can granite crack?
No, not from regular use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not over-stress this durable material.
Can granite cantilever?
You can cantilever granite up to 14” with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress like someone sitting on a counter or stepping on a counter to reach something. You must have support underneath for these situations.
What is the difference between granite and marble?
The main difference between granite and marble is that granite is a highly dense material formed deep inside the earth’s core while marble is formed from sediments under the seabed. Both solidify into stone after millions of years but the mineral composition of the two stones makes marble and granite react differently to various chemicals and household cleaners.
What thickness are available for a granite countertop?
Most granite countertops are available in a 2cm (¾”) or 3cm (1 3/16”) thickness. Some custom granite countertops are 2cm in thickness with an edge profile that is 3cm in thickness. We offer a more affordable 2cm countertop material with our GranitEEZ-Murano lines as well as the regular 3cm countertop material which is the predominate thickness in precut-prefabricated countertops, or we also utilize a local supplier for custom countertop fabrications.
Does granite have any pits or fissures?
Yes, granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stones natural structure. Some types of granite have more of these such characteristics than other types. Most of these pits and fissures can be minimized by applying a sealer to the surface of the countertop.
How is granite formed?
Granite is an igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture. It is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts as liquid magma deep within the earth’s crust where it is cooled and compressed over millions of years under pressure. It is then quarried, cut and polished. After that process it can be applied in various ways like kitchen counter tops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, bar tops as well as other custom designs.
How are sink and stove cutouts done?
Granite can be cut with a saw with a diamond blade or with CNC technology that can cut any sink or surface unit cutout with computer aided design files. Under-mounted sinks (sinks that are mounted under the counter top so as to not show any rim) are fully cut out , then the inside of the hole is polished. The counter top can be reinforced with metal rods for extra support. Self rimming cutouts are cut 6” into each corner leaving some the straight section to be cut in the field or job site to facilitate safe shipping and handling.
Do granite seams show?
Because granite is a natural stone and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10′ long, you will most likely end up with seams. Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in an “L” shaped corner. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern of the granite chosen for your project. A small uniform grain like “Uba-Tuba” will not be as apparent as a larger grain such as “Wild Sea”. A dark color like “Black Pearl” will be less apparent than a lighter color like “River White”. A dramatic pattern with swaths of color will show more seams than a uniform pattern like “Dakota Mahogany”. Most customers have found that the natural beauty of granite far outweighs the concern of seams.
How do we clean our granite countertops?
Granite is a very durable stone. It is also much harder than marble. Granite has been used in the past in the commercial industry. Some of the obvious applications have been panels on the outside of buildings, walls, and floors of “high traffic” areas. Granite will withstand almost any element it comes up against including heat and cold. Granite itself is approximately 95% stain resistant but we use a special impregnator on all of our natural stone products. This will insure lasting life and beauty. Polished granite should receive the same cleaning care as polished marble, preferably using a specially formulated daily granite cleaner or using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish soap, soap flakes or powder which contains no aromatics. You can follow this up by a thorough rinsing and drying with cotton-flannel or chamois. If you are going to go with just plain soap and water, keep in mind that this can lead to soap buildup. This in turn will dull your countertop’s finish significantly. Also, plain soap and water will not bring your countertop to a beautiful shone like a daily granite cleaner will. When using a granite cleaner, let it sit for about 30 seconds and then wipe it off well using a soft cloth. This will work best.
Will granite stain and how do we care for it?
In general no, however all stone is porous to some extent. Granite has very little porosity and most colors will never show any moisture. A few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time. For example, if a puddle of water is left on the counter for 30 minutes, some colors may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This spot will then dry up and no evidence will show. Only a few colors demonstrate this trait. Usually, no evidence remains when the liquid is removed and the granite dries but it could be a problem with dark liquids. The countertops should be sealed with a specially formulated stone sealer that is recommended for all granite after they are installed. Also, if a daily granite cleaner is used there will be no need to reseal the countertops because the cleaner contains some sealer and every time the countertops are cleaned they are also being sealed at the same time.
You can only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly if you use the granite counter top as a cutting surface. Always cut or chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
Can my granite counter top be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of it’s crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects or blows. If left unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oils, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
My little sample of granite has pits on the surface. Will we have these on our kitchen countertops?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits/spaces between the various mineral crystals. You won’t normally see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror like. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well; which may look like cracks but these are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite eons ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of granite and will not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade or perfect.
Will my granite look like the online sample?
The samples you see on our website are pictures which have been uploaded to the website as a digital image. The color tones may not be absolutely correct due to variations in computers or smartphones, resolution, and the lighting when the picture was taken. Also, granite is a natural material with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity and patterns. Also, a different batch/lot of granite mined and cut at different times will have different characteristics. These variations should be expected and quite frankly are the source of granite’s natural beauty.
Can I set a hot pot on my granite countertop?
Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure beneath the earth’s crust. It cannot be affected by heat from a cook-top, hot pot or frying pan. A lit flame placed under granite will have no effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.
Can granite chip?
Only in cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and an epoxy mixture. If a chip occurs on your countertop, do not throw out the chipped piece. We can use the chip or piece to fix the countertop so that you will not be able to tell it was ever chipped.
How are seams made?
Seams are done where two pieces of stone are put together. The seams are joined with epoxy that is mixed with the color that matches the stone. The joined area is smoothed and polished, leaving only a very thin line that is visible.
Can granite crack?
No, not from regular use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not over-stress this durable material.
Can granite cantilever?
You can cantilever granite up to 14” with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress like someone sitting on a counter or stepping on a counter to reach something. You must have support underneath for these situations.
What is the difference between granite and marble?
The main difference between granite and marble is that granite is a highly dense material formed deep inside the earth’s core while marble is formed from sediments under the seabed. Both solidify into stone after millions of years but the mineral composition of the two stones makes marble and granite react differently to various chemicals and household cleaners.
What thickness are available for a granite countertop?
Most granite countertops are available in a 2cm (¾”) or 3cm (1 3/16”) thickness. Some custom granite countertops are 2cm in thickness with an edge profile that is 3cm in thickness. We offer a more affordable 2cm countertop material with our GranitEEZ-Murano lines as well as the regular 3cm countertop material which is the predominate thickness in precut-prefabricated countertops, or we also utilize a local supplier for custom countertop fabrications.
Does granite have any pits or fissures?
Yes, granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stones natural structure. Some types of granite have more of these such characteristics than other types. Most of these pits and fissures can be minimized by applying a sealer to the surface of the countertop.
How is granite formed?
Granite is an igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture. It is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts as liquid magma deep within the earth’s crust where it is cooled and compressed over millions of years under pressure. It is then quarried, cut and polished. After that process it can be applied in various ways like kitchen counter tops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, bar tops as well as other custom designs.
How are sink and stove cutouts done?
Granite can be cut with a saw with a diamond blade or with CNC technology that can cut any sink or surface unit cutout with computer aided design files. Under-mounted sinks (sinks that are mounted under the counter top so as to not show any rim) are fully cut out , then the inside of the hole is polished. The counter top can be reinforced with metal rods for extra support. Self rimming cutouts are cut 6” into each corner leaving some the straight section to be cut in the field or job site to facilitate safe shipping and handling.
Do granite seams show?
Because granite is a natural stone and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10′ long, you will most likely end up with seams. Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in an “L” shaped corner. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern of the granite chosen for your project. A small uniform grain like “Uba-Tuba” will not be as apparent as a larger grain such as “Wild Sea”. A dark color like “Black Pearl” will be less apparent than a lighter color like “River White”. A dramatic pattern with swaths of color will show more seams than a uniform pattern like “Dakota Mahogany”. Most customers have found that the natural beauty of granite far outweighs the concern of seams.
How do we clean our granite countertops?
Granite is a very durable stone. It is also much harder than marble. Granite has been used in the past in the commercial industry. Some of the obvious applications have been panels on the outside of buildings, walls, and floors of “high traffic” areas. Granite will withstand almost any element it comes up against including heat and cold. Granite itself is approximately 95% stain resistant but we use a special impregnator on all of our natural stone products. This will insure lasting life and beauty. Polished granite should receive the same cleaning care as polished marble, preferably using a specially formulated daily granite cleaner or using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish soap, soap flakes or powder which contains no aromatics. You can follow this up by a thorough rinsing and drying with cotton-flannel or chamois. If you are going to go with just plain soap and water, keep in mind that this can lead to soap buildup. This in turn will dull your countertop’s finish significantly. Also, plain soap and water will not bring your countertop to a beautiful shone like a daily granite cleaner will. When using a granite cleaner, let it sit for about 30 seconds and then wipe it off well using a soft cloth. This will work best.
Will granite stain and how do we care for it?
In general no, however all stone is porous to some extent. Granite has very little porosity and most colors will never show any moisture. A few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time. For example, if a puddle of water is left on the counter for 30 minutes, some colors may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This spot will then dry up and no evidence will show. Only a few colors demonstrate this trait. Usually, no evidence remains when the liquid is removed and the granite dries but it could be a problem with dark liquids. The countertops should be sealed with a specially formulated stone sealer that is recommended for all granite after they are installed. Also, if a daily granite cleaner is used there will be no need to reseal the countertops because the cleaner contains some sealer and every time the countertops are cleaned they are also being sealed at the same time.