Granite Worktops Tips & Advice

A: Granite rocks are igneous rocks also known as "fire rocks" which were formed by slowly cooling pockets of magma that were trapped beneath the earth's surface. Granite is the hardest of all building stones with a very close grain, making it almost impervious to stain and uniquely applicable for any interior use. If polished, it's high-gloss finish will endure even in harsh environments. These characteristics are ideal for worktops and flooring making granite a reliable stone for these applications.

A: Granite is a very durable work surface. The only things that can scratch granite are carbide, diamonds or another piece of granite. With normal daily use, we do NOT recommend cutting directly on you worktop and should use a chopping board whenever possible. Unlike any other surface, Granite will not lose its shine.

A: Most flaws in stone are detected during transit of the slab. If it can withstand the fabrication process, it will never break under normal kitchen conditions. You would have to assault it with something like a hammer and even then, you'd have to work at it.

A: We carry a complete selection of stone care products to help keep your granite beautiful. Be sure not to use an oily cloth to clean your granite as oils may stain the granite. Essentially, granite is very low maintenance.

A: Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth. Granite is composed primarily of quartz, feldspar and mica. Other minerals may be present in the stone creating its unique colors, textures and patterns. Used as a worktop material, it is resistant to scratches, stains and heat. It is long-lasting, durable and available in a wide variety of colors, textures and unique crystal patterns that create a warm and inviting environment for you kitchen or bath.

A: For the most part, granite does not stain. While it is true that stone is a porous material, of all the stones, Granite is the least porous. We also apply a sealer to the stone when it is installed to further protect it from this possibility. Water left on a Granite worktop for a long period of time will show evidence of moisture. It will however evaporate and the"dark spot"will disappear. Oil and wine left on a Granite surface will slowly be absorbed into the stone. It is recommended that any spills be wiped up when they occur. If the spill is not caught in time and a stain does occur, a poultice may be applied to draw the oil back out of the stone. Over time the oil will naturally redistribute itself in the stone until it becomes virtually undetectable.

A: Yes. An increasing tight construction market, building owners, and home owners are turning to renovation and restoration of their existing properties. In that effort, many design and construction professionals are integrating high-quality and durable building materials into their plans. Regardless of its finish or shine, granite creates an immediate impression of elegance. Today, the presence of granite anywhere in a residential or commercial property is a plus on any estate agent's checklist. A granite worktop or bathroom surround makes a tangible contribution to the value of your property.

A:"Honed" and "Polished" refer to the finish of the granite. The finish of honed granite will range from flat to a low sheen gloss, which gives the stone a softer look. Polished granite refers to the glossy, highly reflective appearance, giving it a smooth, sleek look.

A: We try to give you the least number of joints possible. This varies depending on the size of the slabs and your particular design. Joints are approximately 3mm in width. We seal the joint with specialist silicon to ensure a water proof, durable finish.