FAQ
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING GRANITE?
Since Granite is natural, it is hard and durable. It is also resistant to heat and scratches and to top it all; it comes with an easy maintenance. When it comes to the designs aspect, granite is known for its versatility. It is available in variety of structural compositions and colors. On our site, we offer over 1000 colors but with different designs. Each piece of granite come with unique features, that’s why it is hard to find two pieces that are exactly the same. Its natural characteristics have made it a top choice for many homes because it comes with a natural beauty that has captured the eye of many people throughout the years. Granite also comes without predictability making it a great thing for sophisticated designers and architects to work with.
Many consumers who do not know more about this product usually expect to get stones that are similar to the sample they have seen. It is important to note that although the samples are a representation of what is available, the material extracted at times comes with a wide range of colors and veining aspects. The same product would also feature range of colors across its surface- a feature that many architects and designers consider as an advantage, it irregularities of the stone produces a natural element that could not be designed by humans, commercial and residential. It’s sophisticated design is great for both.
IS MARBLE DIFFERENT FORM GRANITE?
They may both be extracted from earth but Granite and marble including all other types of marble such as limestone, travertine and onyx are different from one another. Granite is generated inside the mantle of the earth at very high temperatures, resulting in the heat resistance the hard stone made as a result of mineral crystallization. Marble on the other hand is as a result of solidification of materials such as sediments, plant matter, silt, shells and animal skeletons. The major component in marble is calcium and it is therefore prone to damage from acidic products such as beverages containing citrus and vinegar.
BETWEEN MARBLE AND GRANITE, WHICH IS BETTER FOR MY KITCHEN?
Marble can be used for the bathroom vanity tops, fireplaces and Jacuzzi tops but it is also applicable in the kitchen counters. Most designers do not recommend it because it is prone to scratches and it can be damaged by acidic products like ketchup and vinegar. The other reason we do not recommend it is because of the loss of the high-gloss appearance as a result of etching of the surface by many chemicals. Granite, on the other hand, is highly recommended as a kitchen countertop because it is considered as the second stone in the hardest stones list. The surface of marble is not prone to damage as a result of the acids, household tools such as knives and pots. Since it is heat resistant it is not affected by the kitchen heat.
Having said that, some people prefer the softness and look of marble and like that it shows wear. We will be happy to work with you on your kitchen in marble if that is your preference, but we will always be honest about every product we sell in terms of both – it’s benefits and it’s challenges.
SHOULD I SEAL STONE?
Many mineral surfaces absorb different types of liquid because they are porous and this causes discoloration and staining. Most of the commercial grade products in the market are designed to maintain the original luster of the stone, though it is advisable for the client to carry our simple precautionary steps, as well as proper maintenance process to help them maintain the surface. Marble and granite tops are sealed after they have been installed, to cover all the pores in order to prevent the absorption of substances such as cosmetics, cleaners, beverages, food and oil. The durability of the sealer depends on many factors such as the frequency of the use. It is therefore recommended that the clients have us return to reseal the granite every 1-2 years and marble every 6 months.
WHAT ABOUT COMPOSITE MATERIALS LIKE QUARTZ?
Quartz and other composite materials are fairly new on the countertop scene, and we are very excited to be at the forefront in working with these new materials. The benefits of composites are that they are as durable as granite, but with more control over the look, since they are not natural, there is no variation from slab to slab, which is great if you want a very consistent look, or a special color which is not found in the nature. They wear well, are easy to maintain and look fantastic. Stone Masters is proud to work with local distributors of composite materials, and we have worked very hard to become the very best fabricator for these tricky slabs. Other fabricator cannot achieve the same precision in cuts that we have, and we are the top recommended fabricator by local composite distributors.
