Is it necessary to seal stone surfaces?
All types of stone are porous to varying degrees and will absorb stains. It is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine, or other liquids soaking into the surface.
What is the difference between granite and marble?
While both stones are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s cousins: limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different. Granite is made of crystallized minerals formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures. It is characteristically very hard and highly stain and heat resistant.
Marble starts out as sediment, animal skeletons, shells, plant matter, and silt at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years, this solidifies into stone. Since its main component is calcium, marble is softer and less resistant than granite to acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages.
What is “etching?”
Etching happens when acid comes in contact with a marble, limestone or unsealed granite surface. This causes a chemical reaction, which damages the polish and roughens the surface. Green marbles, such as the ‘jades” from China are resistant to etching, and granite is impervious to most common household acids.
Can granite be damaged?
High impact blows can harm granite, especially to the corners and edges. Its crystalline structure makes it somewhat vulnerable to chipping from the blunt force of very hard objects. Products such a oil, coffee, juice, and wine can cause stains or discoloration on unsealed granite. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
In the event that your granite does become damaged, Premier Countertops offers a repair service. We also offer a 15 year granite sealer to preemptively protects your surface for years to come.
Will I have small pits in my granite counters?
Granite’s crystalline structure always has tiny pits and small spaces between the various mineral crystals. Such pits are not readily apparent on large pieces because the overall appearance is polished and mirror like. Additionally, some granite slabs have natural fissures and cracks that are not necessarily structural defects. These fissures occur naturally and are the result of the immense heat and pressure which originally formed the granite.
Why can’t I use marble on my kitchen countertop?
There is no rule that you can’t. However, marble and limestone are more easily scratched than granite. The calcium carbonate structure of marble, limestone, and travertine is highly vulnerable to most household acids such as vinegar, mustard, ketchup, citrus and a host of other food related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction that often damages the polished finish. However, consumers often find marble used in the kitchen as pastry slabs. It’s perfectly smooth, cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough and pie crusts.
What countertop finishes are available?
Solid Surface comes with a standard “matte” finish. “Satin” and “polished” finishes are available for an additional charge.
Quartz and granite come with a standard “polished” finish. “Honed” and “leather” finishes are available with some brands and colors for an additional charge.
Which countertops are heat resistant?
Although we never recommend placing hot pots or pans directly on your countertop surface, Granite and Dekton are able to withstand those high temperatures without burning, scorching or cracking. You’ll never have to worry about your Crock Pots degrading the quality of your surface. Quartz and solid surface are also heat resistant, but are not heat proof.
Although all products can withstand high heat, we recommend using a hot pad or trivet under pots and pans.
What are the main differences between the various countertop surfaces?
Solid surface is comprised of acrylic material with aluminum trihydrate. This creates a very durable, non-porous surface.
Quartz consists of approximately 80% natural quartz crystals, suspended in a polymer compressed under extreme pressure. The result is a non-porous surface that is extremely scratch resistant.
Granite is a 100% natural product mined straight from the earth. It is mined in large blocks, cut into slabs, polished, and delivered to our facility for manufacture into a countertop.
Dekton is a surface material made of ultra-compacted glass, porcelain, and quartz. This ultra-compaction contributes to the material’s low porosity, making it low-maintenance and a life-long product.
I am familiar with Corian, but what other solid surface products are available?
Corian is just one of many solid surface materials available. While it is the most well known brand, there are many excellent brands available. View the solid surface product page for more information.