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Granite & Marble
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Granites and marbles are not manufactured,
they are products of nature. Granite is composed primarily of quartz,
feldspar and mica, while marbles are made up of calcite. Other minerals
may be present in these stones that create their special colors, textures
and patterns. These stones are quarried in large blocks that are cut
into slabs that are then fabricated into your countertop. Because
each block is different and each slab is different, your countertop
is unique, unlike anything else in the world.
Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth. Used as a countertop
material, it is resistant to scratches, acids, 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 your kitchen or bath. |
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Marble works beautifully especially in the bath
where the veining patterns and colors that appear can be used to
create exquisite designs. Marble is sensitive to acidic foods such
as vinegar, lemons, tomatoes, wine, as well as some tile cleaners,
mildew removers and other materials commonly found in the kitchen
or bath and will dull a polished finish. Some marbles with honed
or matte finishes make exceptionally high quality kitchen countertops.
Selecting Your Countertop
• Select a color and pattern that you can live with for a long
time.
• Initial selection from a sample should be followed up by
inspecting the actual slab that will be used for your countertop.
Because they are natural materials, granite and marble samples will
differ considerably from slabs.
• Select an edge treatment that is compatible with the style
and look of your kitchen or bath. There are many edge treatments
to choose from. More complicated edge treatments with them being
more expensive.
Installing Your Countertop
• Cabinets must be structurally sound, level, and capable of
supporting the weight of the stone (11 – 16 lbs./s.f. for 2cm
slab and 16 – 22 lbs./s.f. for 3cm slab) and eliminating any
flex or movement of the stone to prevent cracking.
• An unsupported span of 24” and up to a maximum of 36”
is acceptable as long as the stone is supported on both sides of
the span. Longer spans must be supported across the span.
• Overhangs should not exceed 6” beyond the supported
area. The supported area must be anchored to keep it from tipping
over.
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Caring
For Your Countertop
• Clean the surface with a few drops of mild plain or antibacterial
dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse the surface thoroughly
with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
• While granite is generally not affected by heat, exceptionally
hot pans may damage the surface. Do not set hot pans on marble surfaces.
• Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing
acids on polished marble surfaces. Granites are not affected by most
acids commonly found in kitchens and baths.
• If your countertop will be used as a food preparation area,
it may need to have a penetrating sealer applied; be sure the sealer
is non-toxic and safe for use on food preparation surfaces. Check
with your stone supplier on the advisability of applying a sealer.
The Marble Institute of America has published a brochure entitled
“Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone Surfaces” that offers
detailed information on care
and maintenance as well as stain identification and removal. Contact
the Institute for information on how to obtain a copy. |
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