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Frequently Asked Questions What is marble? Can I use a marble countertop for my kitchen? Does green marble countertop require special treatment? What is honed marble or limestone and where can it be used? What is etching? Can your company make a custom marble countertop for me? What's the best way to clean stone surfaces? Why is it a good choice to have a GRANITE countertop for the kitchen? Can granite countertops be damaged? What is flamed granite? What is honed granite? My little sample of granite has pits on the surface - will I have these on my granite countertops? Can I cut on my granite countertop? Can I have limestone countertop in my kitchen? Is limestone soft and chalky? Why is it a good choice to have a GRANITE countertop for the kitchen? Because granite is a very hard stone that's formed at very high temperatures deep in the earth, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives, pots and pans. It's unaffected by typical kitchen heat, such as hot pans, or spilled liquid. Back to Top
Can granite countertops be damaged? Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite countertops. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite countertops can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite countertops under normal circumstances. Back to Top
What is flamed granite? Granite is flamed by applying blowtorch-strength heat to the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface which is ideal for exterior paving or wet areas for non-slipperiness. Back to Top
What is honed granite? Strictly speaking, granite is called "honed" when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface is achieved. This gives a softer, matte appearance to the stone. Back to Top
My little sample of granite has pits on the surface will I have these on my granite countertops? Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits - spaces between the various mineral crystals. You don't see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite countertops sometimes have natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite millions years ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material. Back to Top
Can I cut on my granite countertop? Yes. However, granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Also, if you do not seal your countertop as required (at least once a year; every 90 days for heavy usage), you could potentially stain them. NEVER CHOP on your countertop. While it is unlikely you will damage your granite countertops, it is possible. It's a reliable routine to always chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board. Back to Top
Can I have limestone countertop in my kitchen? Like marble, polished limestone countertop is subject to surface changes or damage from kitchen acids including citrus juices, vinegars, mustards, and so forth. Unsealed, some of the more porous limestone's can be subject to stains. If the limestone countertop is polished or semi-polished, you will see a rough spot where the substance sat on the stone. On a honed surface, such etches will be less noticeable. Back to Top
Is limestone soft and chalky? No, not at all. There are some limestone countertops such as made from Beauharnais that are very hard and dense, nearly as hard and resistant as granite, and extremely non-porous. Keep in mind, though, that these very hard limestone countertops are still calcium-based and, if polished, are subject to damage from household acids. Back to Top
What is Marble? It is a natural stone formed from fossil sediment deposits, which have been placed under the earth's tremendous pressure for at least a few million years. The combination of the natural materials in these deposits, along with natural geologic events, produces unique veining with a richness of depth and intensity. Marble material is generally softer than granite, therefore scratching occurs more so on marble. This characteristic should be considered when making your stone selection. Generally, marble countertops are recommended for such places as: bathrooms, bar tops, fireplaces, etc; and granite countertops are generally utilized for kitchen countertops. Aside from our recommendations, if so desired, Marble can be used for any countertop. Marble is available in a multitude of colors from light to dark, and generally boasts beautiful flowing veins. This unequalled beauty makes marble a natural choice for countertops, bath vanities, wall and floor tiles or slabs, and tub and fireplace surrounds. Commercially, the term "marble" applies to any compact limestone that will take a polish, which includes most of the colored marbles, except some of the greens. Back to Top
Can I use a marble countertop for my kitchen? Marble countertops can be scratched more easily than harder stone such as granite. Marble is sometimes used in the kitchen as a pastry slab; its perfectly smooth, cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough and piecrusts. However keep in mind that the ideal material for the kitchen is granite. Marble pieces that have a honed finish will not etch because their surfaces start out with a matte finish. Because marble (and limestone) are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, ketchup, citrus and a host of other food-related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction that will remove the polish. Back to Top
Does green marble countertop require special treatment? Some green stones, such as the "jades" from Taiwan, are not truly marble, but a different material called serpentinite. Serpentinites, or serpentines, as they are sometimes called, do not etch or react to acids the way limestone and marble do, and are somewhat harder. Green tiles of this family must always be installed with an epoxy adhesive to prevent the curling that can take place if a water-based setting material is used. Back to Top
What is honed marble or limestone and where can it be used? Marble or limestone that is honed has a matte or satin finish, rather than a high reflective polish. This is achieved at the factory by stopping just short of the last stage of polishing. One feature of honed marble is that it doesn't show etching as readily, or wear patterns on floors. Some prefer it because it has a less formal, softer appearance than polished stone and is also a good choice for marble countertops. Back to Top
What is etching? Etching happens when acid in some form comes in contact with a polished marble or limestone surface. This causes a chemical reaction that removes the polish, or roughens the surface of honed stone. Green marbles, such as the "jades" from China are resistant to etching, and granite is impervious to any common household acids. Back to Top
Can your company make a custom marble countertop for me? Yes, we can build a custom marble countertop for you. Our custom made countertop is also a very affordable option for our customers. Back to Top
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