How is granite formed?

Deep below the Earth's surface Granite starts out as liquid magma. As the hot liquid moves towards the Earths crust it begins to cool. As it cools it becomes thicker until it changes to a solid. Over millions of years these huge solid stone structures force their way through the Earths crust to create mountain ranges and rock outcrops. Through tectonic forces Granite Batholiths can be forced below the Earths surface after solidification. As the solidified rock moves towards the hot Core of the Earth it will begin to melt again. As granite begins to near its melting point it becomes softer and more pliant. In this state it will change shape. This creates the dramatic veined effect that some granite has. Granite also has the capability of freezing, but only at temperatures below -650 degrees Celsius.

Due to the various ways in which granite can be formed the rocks that are created are diverse and unique. You can find granite that is fairly uniform in color with very small crystals, or granite that has wild coloration and very large crystals called phenocrysts. A phenocryst is a relatively large and usually conspicuous crystal formed in the mass of igneous rock.

It takes many millions of years and intensely hot temperatures to form Granite. These conditions cannot be replicated in a lab. Therefore, no man made substance can compare to the uniqueness and durability of Natures own Granite.

How do I maintain my granite countertop?

Granite countertops require almost no maintenance. They should remain just as beautiful as the day they were installed with almost no upkeep. You may need to reseal your granite after a ten year period. Remember it is a natural stone material, made by Mother Nature, and part of its beauty is in the realization that every piece is different. Each piece has its own personality. Appreciate it for its natural qualities and don’t try to change or alter them.

How should my granite countertop be cleaned?

Granite is very simple to upkeep. We suggest that you use Windex or vinegar mixed with water to clean your granite. Use a clean dish cloth to dry the top after cleaning. You can also use ammonia and warm water at the ratio of 100ml of ammonia to 4 L of warm water. Dry the top after cleaning with a soft rag. These easy cleaning instructions will keep your granite looking beautiful. In order to keep your granite looking its best, please note the following: never use abrasive cleaners such as Soft Scrub. Do not use any harsh chemical cleaners such as 409 or Fantastic. Stay away from cleaners that contain alcohol, or those that dry faster than you can wipe them off. They will often cause a buildup that can make your tops look dull. Avoid chemical cleaners. Do not wax your tops.

How many seams should there be in my granite counter top?

Before your granite is cut, your templates will be placed on the surface of the granite slab that you have chosen. Our trades people will be sure to fit as much of your counter top into one piece as is physically possible. If your granite counter top should need seams due to the size of the slab or the entry way of your home, we use as few seams as possible. If needed, we will place seams through the sink or cook top area. This way you will have an uninterrupted working space with nothing to distract the eye from the beauty of your granite counter top.

If there are seams in my counter top, do the veins in the material match?

When we order our granite, we are always sure to order sequence matched slabs. This means that each slab in a sequence comes from the same block. Although each slab will be unique, they will follow a relatively similar vein and mineral pattern. If a seam is necessary in your counter top, the next piece will be cut from the next slab in the sequence, assuring that the vein and mineral pattern will follow through to the next piece. We will also make sure that all of the veining and mineral patterns will follow the same general direction creating an aesthetically pleasing image.