• What is the difference between granite and marble?

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 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 you kitchen or bath.Marble works beautifully especially in the bath where the veining patterns and colors that appear can be used to create exquisite designs. Marbles are made up of mostly of calcite. Marble is sensitive to acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon, 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.

• Should I use granite or marble for my kitchen countertop?

Better to use granite. Granite is the most versatile stone to work with. Granite can be used anywhere indoors or outdoors.Marble can be used almost anywhere, but it has limitations. Marble is sensitive to acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon, tomatoes, wine, as well as some tile cleaners. Marble weathers outdoors and it is more susceptible to dulling, scratching and staining.

• 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.

• Can I cut on my granite countertop?

Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.

• Can I look at the slab before cutting?

Yes, we welcome your visit.

• Will you visit us to make templates?

Yes. In order for us to come and measure, we need the following: Lower cabinets installed, 5/8″ plywood sub top on top of the cabinets, and sinks cut and sitting in sub top.

• How much unsupported overhang can my countertops have?

Overhangs should not exceed 6″ beyond the supported area. An unsupported span of 24″ and up to a maximum of 36″ is acceptable as long as the stone is supported on bottom.

• Can backsplash tiling take place before fitting of the tops?

No, please wait until the stone tops are installed.

• Do I need to be present during your template operation?

Yes please, to help with any questions that we may have.

• What are seams and why do you need them?

Seams are the joints where two pieces of stone meet. We do everything we can to avoid or reduce the number of seams in a job. Then, we do everything we can to make the seams less noticeable. We use an epoxy to glue and seal the seam. We color the epoxy to make it blend with the stone. We also try to match the coloring and patterns of adjacent pieces to detract from the seams.

• Can stone countertops be repaired?

Reasonable damage can be repaired: small cracks or chips. If the stone is chipped, always try to save the piece that chipped off.

• Will granite chip, scratch or burn?

Under normal use granite doesn’t chip, scratch or burn, but is most susceptible to chipping on edges and cutouts if impacted by heavy objects such as cast iron frying pan. It can only be scratched by something as hard as it is which includes sandy grit that might be on the bottom of a heavy box put on the counter. Although granite can’t burn, it can be damaged by high heat especially along the edges or near a joint. Care should be taken to use a trivet when removing hot items from the stove or oven.

• Will you plumb-in my sink?

Sorry, not. You should be ready to plumb-in your sink with your plumber.

• Will you remove my old countertop?

No, day before of installation please make sure you remove the old countertop. We can remove for additional charge.

• How much does a counter top cost?

This is a very difficult question to answer because different types and colors of stone cost different amounts. Typically marble costs less than granite, quartz is about the price of mid-range granite and granite cover a huge range of costs from relatively low to very, very expensive. Please call at 416-884-0902 to arrange day and time for estimate.