FAQ’s For Granite Countertops…

Q. Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Q. Can I set a hot pot on my granite countertop?
Q. Can granite chip?
Q. Can granite crack?
Q. How are seams made?
Q. Can granite cantilever?
Q. What is the appropriate thickness for a granite countertop?
Q. Does granite have any pits or fissures?
Q. Can granite be repaired?
Q. How do I deal with sink and stove cutouts?
Q. Do granite seams show?
Q. How do I clean my granite countertop?
Q. Does granite stain?
Q. What can I expect to pay for granite countertops?
Q. What edge profiles are available?
Q. What kind of warranty do you offer?

Can I cut on my granite countertop?

We do not recommend using your countertop surface as a cutting board. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly. Always cut and chop on a wooden, glass or plastic cutting board.

Can I set a hot pot on my granite countertop?

We recommend that you DO NOT place hot pots and/or dishes directly on any of the countertops we offer.

Can granite chip?

Only in cases of sever abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture. If a chip occurs on your countertop, do not throw out the chipped pieces. We can use them to fix the countertop.

Can granite crack?

Not with regular use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable stone.

How are seams made?

Seams are done where the two pieces of stone are put together. The seams are joined with a color matching epoxy. We then smooth the seam leaving only a very thin line.

Can granite cantilever?

You can cantilever granite up to 14" with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress.

What is the appropriate thickness for a granite countertop?

A kitchen countertop should be a 1¼” thick for structural reasons. Bathroom vanity tops can be thinner.

Does granite have any pits or fissures?

Granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stone’s natural structure. Some types of granite have more of these characteristics vs. others.

Can granite be repaired?

It is hard to damage granite. It really depends on the severity of damage. Consult your installer / fabricator.

How do I deal with sink and stove cutouts?

With our CNC technology we have the ability to cut any sink or surface unit cut-out with computer aided design files. Undermounted sinks (sinks that are mounted under that countertop so as not to show any rim) are fully cut-out, then the inside of the hole is polished.

Do granite seams show?

Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10 ft long, you may end up with seams depending on how large your surface area is. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern. A small, uniform grain will not be as apparent as a larger varied grain. A dark color will be less apparent than a light color. A dramatic pattern with swaths of color will show more seams than a uniform pattern. Most clients have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs the concern of seams.

How do I clean my granite countertop?

Polished granite should receive the same cleaning care as polished marble, preferably using a specially formulated daily granite cleaner or using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soap, which contains no aromatics, followed by a thorough rinsing and drying. If you are going to go with just plain soap and water, keep in mind that this can lead to soap build up. This, in turn, may dull your countertop’s finish. When using a daily granite cleaner, let it sit for about 30 seconds and then wipe it off well using a soft cloth

Does granite stain?

All stone, is porous to some extent, but granite has very little porosity. The only caveat is that a few colors may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter for 30 minutes for some colors, may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This spot will then dry up and no evidence will show. Only a few colors demonstrate this trait. Your countertop will be sealed after they are installed. Also if a daily granite cleaner is used you may find that you don’t have to re-seal the counters as often because granite cleaner contains some sealer and every time the countertops are cleaned they are also being sealed at the same time.

What can I expect to pay for granite countertops?

Many things go into the cost of your countertops. Granite countertops start around $65 per sqft and go up from there installed. We are happy to work with you and your designer to give you an estimate on your project, and we can help you with options to fit your budget.

What edge profiles are available?

Click here for examples of available edge profiles

What kind of warranty do you offer?

NW Concrete Interiors offers a One-Year Limited Warranty against manufacturing defect.