1.What is the strength of granite?
Granite is a very strong and durable natural stone. The actual strength of a specific piece of granite depends on the stone.

2.Will my granite countertop break?
With heavy abuse it could. With normal every day wear and tear, no.

3.Do I need to seal my granite countertops?
This depends on the granite you choose. As a rule of thumb, The lighter stones need to be sealed and the darker ones don't. Try The Water Test to determine if your stone should be sealed.

4.What is etching?
Etching is surface damage. When acids from items such as lemons, alcohols, and even some cleaning products come into contact with 'certain minerals' in your stone, they leave dull spots or rings. Sometimes an etch can be felt... it feels rougher. Other times, you cannot feel a difference but you'll see a dull looking area.

 5.Will my granite etch?
Most granites don't etch. But there's always an exceptions to the rule. Find out before purchasing your stone. Get a scrap and test it by doing the Oil & Lemon Juice Test.

6.Can I cut on my granite countertops?
Yes you can. Granite is very hard. It might dull your knives. Sometimes little slivers of the knife become embedded in your top. It's really noticeable on dark stones and hard to remove.

7.Will granite chip?
It can. A lot of times chips are around the sink or near an edge and can be repaired. A colored epoxy is used to fill in small areas. If you get a larger chip, save the piece of stone so it can be used to repair your countertop.

8.Will granite scratch?
Not usually but again, it depends on the granite. Test on a scrap with a knife or keys. We've noticed that on many black granites dragging a knife across the top... with a lot of pressure... will leave scratches.

9.Will granite burn?
Not usually. Granite can withstand heat up to 1200F.

10.How to clean granite countertops?
A mild dish soap and water will work. A soap will build up might occur over time if you don't rinse your countertops well. Use products made for stone. You can find Granite Counter Top Care products here. These cleaners, polishes, and disinfectants are all stone friendly.

11.What are seams and do I need them?
Seams are joints where two pieces of stone meet or join together. Although granite slabs are very big, larger kitchens sometimes need a seam. If you have curves, arches, or really long spans of granite you will usually need seams. Hire a good fabricator and seams are barely noticeable.

12.What are some of the granite countertop colors? There are hundreds of colors and color combinations. There's whites, blacks and grays, brown, blues, greens, reds, pinks, yellows, tans and violets. The colors can be bright or muted... subtle or bold. The patterns vary also. Speckles, veins, dots, monochrome, etc.

13.Should I see my stone before ordering it?
It's not mandatory but it's wise. Each and every piece of granite is unique. The color tones may be lighter or darker from one slab to the next, the patterns vary, and the dimensions differ. Each piece is unique.

14.What are granite remnants?
Remnants are smaller pieces of stone. You can't special order remnants. What you see at your fabricator's place of business are your choices. These remnants work great if you need a bathroom vanity and you are not set on a specific granite. Think shelves, laundry room, small desks or tables, etc.

15.What are granite color charts?
Granite color charts are small pieces of stone in booklet form or on a large piece of board. You use these color charts to compare many different colors and patterns at one time.

16.What are granite samples?
Granite samples are small tiles or 'scraps'. The small tiles are used to compare colors and patterns.(similar to a color chart except the stone tiles are larger) Small pieces of granite which are left over from your job, 'scraps', can be used to help match curtains, knobs, rugs, or whatever else you can think of to your granite countertop. They can also be used for testing. For example:

17.Matching granite countertops with cabinets?
If you're unsure of how well your granite countertop will match your cabinets, use granite color charts or samples.

18.What is the weight of granite?
On average:
3/4" Granite - 13 pounds per SF
1 1/4" Granite - 18 to 20 pounds per SF
2" Granite - 30 pounds per SF
The darker stones are usually heavier than the lighter stones.

19.What is the thickness of a granite countertop?
The thickness of your tops depends on your geographic location. It also depends on money. The thicker your granite countertops, the more it costs.

2cm =3/4"
3cm =1 1/4"
Generally 3cm is the preferred thickness for granite countertops.

20.Do I need underlayment?
Not with 1 1/4" granite. If you plan to use 3/4", most likely.

21.Will my cabinets support granite countertops?
Most cabinets will as long as they're sturdy. Granite spreads its weight. If they are not sturdy enough, your cabinets  need to be reinforced.

22.What are some of the uses of granite?
Granite is used on exteriors and interiors of homes and commercial buildings. It is used for headstones, kitchen countertops, fireplaces, bars, vanities, sinks, cabinet knobs, switch plate covers, tables, walls, benches, fountains, shower surrounds, flooring.... whew! If you can imagine it, you can use granite.

23.What is a fabricator?
This is the stone person who measures, cuts, shapes, and polishes the edges of your stone. He / she should be able to answer any of your questions on specific granites and help you locate your stone of choice. Find a Local Contractor 

24.Where do I go to look at granite?
Stone yards, showrooms or at your fabricators place of business.

25.Will the marble and granite contractor tear out my old countertops?
Some of them will and some of them won't.

26.What is the granite installation time frame?
The actual installation takes a day or two depending on the size of your job. Preparations before installation, such as cutting, polishing and getting your stone to the shop can take anywhere from a couple of days to a month. This depends on the company you hire.

27.How much does a granite countertop cost?
Granite countertop costs vary depending on your region and also the type of granite you choose. Exotics, hard to finds, and blues are usually more expensive. Sink cut outs, outlet holes, arches & curves, special edgings and tearing out of old countertops add to the cost.