What is the difference between granite and marble?
Granite and Marble are both natural stones, quarried from across the globe. However, they both have very distinct physical differences. Granite is an igneous stone, forming from molten lava. It is one of the hardest natural stones, making it ideal for all stone applications. As such, granite is heat and scratch resistant. Marble is a metamorphic stone, formed when its original minerals went through a chemical change under heat and pressure. It is a softer stone than granite, making it susceptible to scratching. Comprised of calcite and other minerals, marble is sensitive to acidic solutions such as fruit juice, ketchup, alcohol, and vinegar. Because of this sensitivity, the marble will etch with exposure to these and other acidic solutions.
What can I clean my natural stone countertop with?
Natural stone countertops should be cleaned with mild soap and water or a PH neutral cleaning formula.
What is quartz?
Quartz is a man-made product, comprised of crushed natural quartz bound together in a resinous agent. During the quartz manufacturing process, pigmented additives may be introduced for veining and designs across the slabs.
What can I clean my quartz countertop with?
Suggested quartz cleaning products can vary among manufacturers, so it is best to consult the manufacturer’s website for additional information. However, you can always use a mild soap and water to clean off your surfaces.
What is the difference between polished, honed, brushed, and flamed finishes on my natural stone?
Natural stone can be prepared with many finishes, the most common being polished. Polished surfaces are shiny and can have a glass-like reflection. By using buffing pads, a polished finish can be brought down to a sheen or even matte finish, called honed. These are the two most common finishes. From here, we can use special equipment to brush, or create texture across stone’s surface. This gives a worn, leather-like appearance to the slab. Finally, the flamed finish is applied by torching a granite’s surface and making the crystalline structures burst. This finish is most often found in outdoor stone pavers, as it adds necessary traction.
What do I need to bring to my stone selection appointment?
After you make an appointment to view slabs, you’ll want to have everything necessary to begin the selection process. First, you will need your countertop floor plan. This doesn’t have to be fancy or exact dimensions, just enough information for us to build you a quote. Along with a countertop floor plan, you may want to bring any cabinet, paint, tile, or other samples that will help you match colors and visualize the project.
What is the project lead time?
Project lead times will vary based on the size of your project, material and edge selection. On average, a bathroom vanity and trim kit can take five to 10 business days from the date of field measure to the date of installation. Kitchen countertops average 10-15 business days.