FAQs
What's the difference between marble and granite?
Is granite safe to use in a kitchen?
Can my granite top be damaged?
Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Are stone surfaces hard to maintain?
How do I choose a stone fabricator?
What do you charge per square foot?
What are the pricing variables?
How do I get an estimate?
How does Quality Counter handle seams?
How long will my project take?
Can I install my own countertops?
How often do I need to seal my granite countertops?
What's the difference between marble and granite?
Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx, etc. – all start out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt, etc. – at the bottom of shallow bodies of water.
After millions of years this material solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus liquids. Because of marble's porous properties, it is not recommended for kitchens or bar counters, even as popular as it is. Marble applications most commonly include bathroom vanities, showers and fireplace surrounds. Granite applications more commonly include kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, bar tops and fireplaces. Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other.
Is granite safe to use in a kitchen?
Yes, absolutely. There has been some misinformation circulated by competing industries attempting to raise concerns about issues such as bacteria and radon, but because Quality Counters installs natural stone, manufactured stone and acrylic, we are in a unique position to share unbiased information. Granite only ranks second to stainless steel in a study measuring the bacteria resistance capacity of six common countertop materials. Stainless steel is typically only recommended for industrial settings, because it is amongst the easiest to mar, and the quickest to lose its luster from initial installation.
Can my granite top be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite, and certainly will. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp, hard objects. If left unsealed - which we do not recommend - granite can absorb stains from sources such as cooking oils, which can ultimately cause dark spots, discoloration or highly visible stains. Kool-Aid is a notorious cause of marble stains, as the concentration of dyes is very high, and the smallest amounts of these dyes can easily leech into the pores of 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. You have countertops to top your counters, so leave your cutting to your cutting boards.
Are stone surfaces hard to maintain?
Granite, marble and other natural stone products are porous materials and therefore require sealing. If you have questions about your installation, please ask and we'll be happy to tell you everything you need to know in order to assure your counter enjoys the longest, most hassle-free lifespan as possible. For residential use, it is recommended that the surface be sealed annually using sealant designed for use with natural stone. The sealing process is similar to waxing your car.
How do I choose a stone fabricator?
The process of purchasing custom stone can be confusing and convoluted. Like any purchase, you need to determine what is most important to you. Are you searching for the absolute lowest price, or looking more for overall superior value, or the very best finished installation possible? Is timely completion important? How heavily do you weigh the quality of materials and workmanship of the fabrication and installation? Do you value responsive service, integrity, track record, and the caliber of people who you deal with and will entrust to work in your home? You can count on Quality Counters to deliver on the promises we make. Our price is our price, no hidden charges. Our service is second-to-none. Our workmanship is superb, as our past clients will attest, and our commitment to making sure our clients are completely satisfied is integral to what we do and how we do it.
What do you charge per square foot?
For the same reason that new cars aren't sold by the pound, counters aren’t sold by square foot. While the amount of stone required for your project is a significant part of the price, there are other variables. We prefer to first understand the variables of your project and then issue a preliminary estimate, which is almost always within a few percent of the final price either way. We won't give you any unfair or unbelievable ideas about what to expect, but there is no hard-and-fast rule for pricing. How many sinks will your counter include? What kind of edges do you require? Will the edges be straight or rounded? All of these factors and too many more to list may affect your final pricing, but we'll be happy to give you a no-obligation written estimate once we see your space and understand your needs. We don't go out for the biggest dollars, but for the best outcomes, and our past clients are our biggest source of future business. That's a philosophy that has served us well, and once your counter is installed, we trust that you will be an advocate for us as well, based on price, quality, honesty and the overall experience of working together.
What are the pricing variables?
They may include the stone-broken rate, the complexity of your project, the type of stone required, the edging design selected, the number and type of sinks (and plumbing holes for the sinks), the backsplash cuts (for outlets, etc.), faucets and cook tops used, the removal of existing countertops or any number of other factors. We also offer services that can make your project unique, such as fancy cuts, special features, scalloped corners, clips and corbelled corners, radius arcs, additional installation and removal services. Although we can't tell you all the factors that may affect the final price in this page, we can assure you that we will give you all the best information when we meet and give you all of our costs upfront in writing.
How do I get an estimate?
We make it easy for you to participate in the process of selecting your stone and your options. Just give us a call and we'll come out, evaluate your space, discuss your surface options, and provide you with a detailed quote specific to your job and your needs.
How does Quality Counter handle seams?
By combining superior cutting and forming equipment with meticulous, well trained installation, Quality Counter provides the cleanest seams available from a stone or acrylic fabricator anywhere. Unlike some of our cut-rate competitors, your Quality Counter project manager will be happy to show you the planned location of the seams for your project. Also, our layout designers work to minimize the number of seams required for your project. Our advance fabrication processes provide more flexibility for minimizing the need for seams wherever possible.
How long will my project take?
Once you have made your decision to proceed and have submitted your initial request, we will immediately start the fabrication process within one week. From there, your fabrication and installation will meet the previously agreed upon timeline, as laid out in our initial meeting.
Can I install my own countertops?
Technically speaking, yes you can, if you have experience securing substrate and making measurement templates. The truth, in more practical terms, is that you can not and should not install your own countertops. Very few manufacturers will honor the warranty unless the countertop is installed by a licensed, authorized installer. Even though you may feel that you have the skill to place your countertop, there is more to the job than simply placing a slab atop your cabinets. The price of installation is minimal compared to the material cost of the counter, and in our case, it is almost entirely offset by that cost.
How often do I need to seal my granite countertops?
You will need to seal your Granite countertops at least once a year. We recommend sealer that can be purchased from Home Depot. Some areas may need to be sealed more often.
