Q1: Why are manmade materials more expensive than some granites?
The effective marketing of man-made quartz surfaces has led us to believe that ?engineered stone? is superior to granite, therefore we should pay more for imitation stone than for the real one. Nevertheless, manmade materials are not as superior as the natural stone. It is like paying more for an imitation diamond than for a real one.
Q2: Why are some stones more expensive than others?
There are to many factors: The availability, the location of quarries in the world (due to transportation expenses), the rarity of the color, and the amount of labor required to extract the stones. All this aspects, affect the price of natural stones.
Q3: Can I select my granite by looking at samples online?
The online granite´s photos, could be helpful to have an idea of your granite selection. However, the reflective surface of the stones, the lighting of the image and the differences in computer system, could modify the colors that you see on your monitor. The best way to admire the color and pattern of a stone is seing it live.
Q4: How is the granite obtained?
The granite is obtained from quarries that are a pit or some open excavation. This extration is the result of different process, such as digging, cutting or blasting. This process of removing the stone is called quarrying. Once quarrying is done, the processing of granite starts. There are four steps to granite processing, which include dressing, cutting, surface sanding and edge cutting. Once the processing is over, the granite is ready for further use.
Q5: Can I do everything myself or is necessary a stone builder?
The fabrication of natural stone slabs is not a do-it-yourself project. The cutting, polishing and installation, not only involves specific tools and machinery, but also requires extensive product knowledge.
Q6: What are the remmants?
The remnants are the smaller remaining pieces of stones from a previous job. These can be used in any stone application, as long as the size allows.
Q7: What is a fissure?
At first glance, a fissure may look like a crack. However, a fissure is not a structural defect. Fissures are a result of the immense heat and pressure that formed the granite eons ago. Fissures are one of the natural characteristics that are part of the beauty of natural stone and will not affect the function or durability of the material.
Q8: How can I have as few seams as possible?
On average, granite slabs are approximately 110? x 66?, though in some colors, 120? slabs are not unusual. When planning your kitchen, keep these sizes in mind. Extremely large island may either require a seam, or color selections will be limited to those slabs that have longer lengths or widths. Inquire about slab sizes when making final color selections and communicate with your fabricator to avoid any surprises.
Q9: My natural stone is polished. Does that mean it is sealed?
No. The polish of the stone has no bearing on whether it has been sealed or not. Though the polish on any given natural stone definitely closes the structure of the stone, making it less porous, it is still advisable to seal all natural stone upon installation and then to re-apply sealer according to the product directions, which is typically every 1-3 years .
Q10: I?ve heard that granite needs to be sealed all the time. Is this true? How long does it take to seal countertops?
No, granite countertops do not require frequent sealing or complicated maintenance. The manufacturers of ?engineered stone? often refer to natural stone as being time consuming and difficult to maintain in an effort to promote their manmade materials. The truth is, a few stones may require re-sealing once every 6-12 months, but most require sealer every three years, and some stones never need to be re-sealed. Sealing is easy to do yourself and takes very little time.
Q11: Can I use vinegar to clean my stone?
No. Vinegar is an acidic cleaner. Typically most household cleaners are either acidic or caustic. Though vinegar may not affect granite, it will definitely etch marble. Ideally, all natural stone should be cleaned with cleaners specifically manufactured for natural stone.
Q12: How long will my Natural Stone last?
Take care of your natural stone and it will last for generations. Some natural stones are as old as the earth.