As natural stone experts, we get to educate our customers about their countertops every single day. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions.
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Can I cut on granite countertops or put hot pots on the surface?
Granite is one of the hardest stones in the world and will not be affected by knives or typical kitchen heat. That being said, if you do decide to cut directly on granite, then you can expect to have dull knives after only a few uses.
Hot pots can be set directly on granite, but be aware that the granite will absorb the heat and the surface will be hot to the touch after the pot is removed.
Can granite be repaired if it’s damaged?
It is extremely difficult to damage granite, but it’s often possible to fix it if it does happen.
Chips often occur around the sink or near the edge of the countertop. Usually, the chip is small and not visible, but you can feel it. If you do get a larger chip, save the broken piece so we can use it to repair your countertop. Using ground up granite and epoxy, we can seal many cracks or chips.
Does granite stain?
Granite does not stain if it is sealed properly. However, like all stone, granite is porous to a minimal degree so it is susceptible to stains if it is unsealed.
Water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark spot, but this will evaporate in minutes and is not a true stain. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils, will stain if left to soak into the stone.
We can use a poultice or paste to draw oil out of the stone. However, we seal our granite before installation, so stains should not be an issue.
Does granite harbor bacteria?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are no current records noting that granite harbors bacteria.
Granite is continuously chosen for use in the food industry as well as the medical field due to its sanitary qualities. With regular cleaning and care, there is very little chance that granite countertops will harbor bacteria or cause an illness. In fact, granite is far more sanitary than butcher block countertops and laminated materials.
Does granite need to be resealed regularly?
Most granite needs to be sealed once a year. A good rule of thumb is that lighter stones need to be sealed more often than darker. If you’re concerned about countertop maintenance, consult with your fabricator before selecting your stone.
What is the best way to clean granite countertops?
Our granite is sealed prior to installation, which guarantees that its beauty will last for a long time. However, even sealed granite still needs to be cleaned. Our recommendation is to use dish soap and warm water for daily cleaning.
Yearly resealing and cleansing with mild soap will keep your countertops in good condition for decades.
Will granite countertops raise the value of a home?
In most cases, granite countertops will raise the value of a home. They are durable and long-lasting, plus they compliment any style of decor. Granite countertops are an investment that will pay off for years to come.
Can I keep my existing tile backsplash when I replace my countertops?
Yes. While replacing the existing laminate countertops, many of our clients choose to keep their current backsplash.
Laminate countertops are usually 1 ½” thick, but granite, marble, or engineered surfaces like Ceasarstone are 1 ¼” thick. If the existing tile extends all the way down to the old countertop, then replacing it creates a visible gap of about ¼”. You can solve this problem by using one of the following methods:
If you still have grout from the original tile installation, you can use it to fill the gap. This is the best case scenario.
Fill the gap with caulk that matches the color of the existing grout. The new caulk line will be about a ¼” thick instead of the tile grout line of about 1/8”. It is barely noticeable and an acceptable compromise for many homeowners.
Purchase and install a trim line from any tile supplier that fits between the tile and the granite countertop. This should be done by your tile installer.
Install a 4” backsplash of granite over the existing tile. This is another commonly used option.
If the old countertop already had a 4” backsplash, we can create a custom-height backsplash that is tall enough to cover the roughness left from removing the old countertop and backsplash.
Do seams show in the countertop?
The answer is yes, and no.
Yes, seams are visible if you look carefully at the countertops or if the installation is poor. However, Alpha make seams as inconspicuous as possible.
How long does the installation take?
Installation time depends upon the size, complexity, and number of cutouts. For small, simple kitchens, installation takes an average of 2 to 3 hours. In an average kitchen with about 60 square feet of counter space, it takes about 4 hours. For large or complex kitchens, it may take 6 to 7 hours.
Are quartz countertops seamless?
Whether or not your countertops will be seamless depends on the size of your kitchen and the layout of your lower cabinets. Like all stone countertops, quartz is sold in slabs, and all slabs max out at a certain length.
If your lower cabinets are longer than 125”, then you’ll likely need more than one slab and your countertops will have seams. If your counter surface is less than that, then you can achieve seamless countertops.
How do I care for my quartz countertop?
Quartz countertops are easy to care for and hard to stain because the surface is non-porous. We recommend using a mild dish soap and warm water for everyday cleaning. Avoid harsh, abrasive cleansers and those that contain bleach. You can use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape away any hardened material.
How is quartz different from marble or granite?
Quartz countertops, such as those from Caesar, Silestone, Cambria or MetroQuartz, are man-made surfaces. Quartz offers consistency in patterns and colors that natural stone cannot. However, quartz surfaces do not offer the uniqueness and varied patterns of natural granite and marble.
Is quartz less expensive than granite or marble?
Not necessarily. Depending on the quality of granite or marble and the particular company or pattern of quartz, granite can be a significantly more cost-effective material. However, if you are considering a level 3-4 granite/marble, or an exotic stone, then quartz is likely going to be a more affordable option.
Some factors that affect the cost of granite are the extraction of the stone and the shipping of the material. Factors that affect the price of quartz are the company, pattern, or color of material, as well as demand, labor rates, thickness, and edge treatment.
Can quartz chip?
Under normal use, it is very unlikely that your quartz countertop will chip. Edges are usually more susceptible to chipping than the middle of the surface, and if hit with enough force, they could chip. These occurrences may not be covered under warranty, but they are often repairable depending on the size and scope of the damage.
Will quartz products vary in color?
Quartz countertops are composed of 93% natural quartz. Variation in color, pattern, size, shape, and shade are inherent and unique characteristics to be expected with quartz products.
Do I need to take precautions when I cook?
Quartz can be affected by extreme heat, so we recommend using cutting boards, trivets, and hot pads while preparing meals. Quartz is very durable, but remember that any material can be damaged if it is not properly cared for.
Will quartz countertops stain?
Quartz is non-porous and very resistant to staining, even more so than granite. Unlike granite, quartz resists oil, coffee, wine, juice and most other common kitchen spills. It is not 100% stain-resistant though and is susceptible to stains from solvents, sodium hydroxide, and permanent markers.
