Things to Know Before You Buy

Because they are natural stones, both granite and marble have been blessed with a remarkable natural beauty that has captivated humans throughout the ages. Although sample stones are intended to be representative of the color and texture, the material quarried at one time may differ slightly in color variation from one end to the other, and slabs ordered may not be identical to the sample or picture you’ve previously seen. Interior designers and architects have come to view this tendency of natural stone as an advantage. Slight irregularities can be pleasing, introducing a natural element into human-designed spaces.

To ensure an accurate fit and quality installation, we do require the existing counter tops to be removed prior to templating. You may do this yourself or contract us for the removal. We will schedule both templating and installation ahead of time, so you know exactly when to expect us, and you won’t be without a functional kitchen for an extended period of time.

Marbles and granites are typically shipped from quarries with a polished, or shiny, face. Limestone is usually available in a “honed” finish, which is smooth to the touch, but not shiny.

We can do any kind of edge detail that you can imagine, from the simplest straight polished edge to an elaborately detailed edge! Our most popular edges are straight, half-bullnose, full-bullnose, beveled and ogee.

Yes, but not without potential complications. As natural stones are quarried, changes in shade and pattern occur. Therefore, finding an exact match at a later time might not be possible.

Although granite is heavy (typically between 15-20 pounds per square foot) any level-base cabinet will support the top. Granite needs to be consistently supported rather than having reinforced supports. Cabinets need standard cross supports and brackets for any overhang greater than 12″. The weight of the counter tops is distributed equally over the kitchen, so your existing floor supports will suffice.

Initially, marble and granite cost about the same as solid surfaces, but the price must be weighed against performance. Marble and granite are far more valuable than synthetics in much the same way that diamonds are more valuable than rhinestones. The depth and character of natural stone cannot be matched by any man-made surface. Natural stone does not depreciate with time and adds value to your home.

Any polished surface is slippery when wet. As with any other hard surface used in a bathroom, caution should be used when exiting the shower and tub areas, as well as any other area that is wet.

Because natural stone has variations, it is not a good idea to select a stone too early. Colorations can vary, and the veining from one shipment to another can be quite different. Once the cabinets are 3-4 weeks away from being installed, it is a good idea to finalize your selection based on current inventory.

Not necessarily. A typical slab size is somewhere between 7 and 10 feet. Therefore, your counter tops may not require a seam. Many people do not have a problem with seams, but if you are concerned about them you should discuss this with your fabricator prior to fabrication. How and where it is seamed should also be discussed with the fabricator. Often the seams are so tight they are difficult to notice, however communication with the fabricator is essential in order to avoid confusion or disappointment regarding seams.

This is a matter of personal preference. If installed properly, both types of sinks are sanitary and safe. The ability to wipe off the counters directly in to the sink and the aesthetic appeal make under-mounted sinks the most popular. Typically an under mount sink installation would be an additional expense (though minimal) due to the finishing process of the edges around the sink.

Because of the movement and veining in natural stone, it is difficult to accurately represent stone with a small sample. Also, stone varies from shipment to shipment, so if you have a sample from a previous shipment, it may not match the current supply. It is advisable to view the actual slabs at the G&L Marble Showroom nearest you or at the shop prior to fabrication.

It is always a good idea to approve the slabs prior to fabrication. This will help to prevent and surprises or disappointments once the material is installed.

Yes. There are a handful of granites that can change color when exposed to UV rays, but it is very durable and can be used outside. Granite is often used for outdoor kitchens, as pavers for driveways and walkways, as stair treads, and as exterior cladding on commercial buildings.

On average, granite slabs are approximately 110″ x 66″. Though in some colors, 120″ slabs are not unusual. While planning your kitchen, keep these sizes in mind. Extremely large islands may require a seam or the color selection in unusually large slabs will be very limited.

Yes, granite can crack and chip. However this is usually caused by severe settling, excessive impact, or abuse. Most minor cracks or chipping in natural stone can be repaired by a specialist in the stone renovation business or by a qualified fabricator.

Take care of your natural stone and it will last for generations! Some natural stones are as old as the earth.

Only if you want to ruin your good knives! Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly as a result. Although you won’t damage your counter tops, we recommend using cutting boards for chopping.

Because granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earth’s crust, it cannot be affected by heat from a cook top, pot, or pan. Granite is heat resistant up to almost 2,000 degrees!

All stone, except soapstone, is porous to some extent, though granite has very little porosity. With yearly sealing, you should never have an issue with your granite staining. The sealer fully protects the stone from absorbing a stain. In general, most colors will never show moisture, but a few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time and not kept sealed. For best results, keep all stone sealed on an annual basis.

The honing process slightly changes the porosity of the stone. However, use of the proper sealer will prevent any additional staining that may occur due to the honed finish.

Granite that has been and is kept properly sealed does not harbor bacteria. The FDA would not allow it to be installed as counter tops if it did.

Granite, which is crystalline in its structure, always has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. Most aren’t as noticeable on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Some colors are more prone to pits than others. We always recommend viewing your slabs prior to fabrication. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which may look like a crack, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring results of the immense heat and pressure that originally formed the granite. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function, durability, or integrity of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look man-made. Pits and fissures can be minimized and strengthened respectively with any epoxy fill.

Sanded grout is recommended for a joint with greater than 1/8″ inch. Use unsanded grout for joints 1/8″ inch or less in width.

The main difference between the two is that granite is a highly dense material formed deep inside the Earth’s core, while marble is formed from sediments under the sea bed. Both solidify into stone after millions of years but the mineral composition of the two stones makes marble and granite much different in hardness and react differently to various chemicals and household cleaners.

No, marble is not a good choice for a kitchen countertop. Although it can be sealed, it is not as dense as granite and therefore it is more porous and susceptible to being stained in a highly used area like a kitchen. Acidic food or cleaners can easily cause permanent damage the stone. It is also much softer, therefore will chip and crack under frequent use and tends to dull over time.

That depends on whether you have granite or marble. Granite, with normal wear and tear, no. That doesn’t mean that if you attack your granite with a belt sander it won’t dull the finish. The only things that could scratch granite are typically not found in the kitchen. Marble, on the other hand, is a calcite which will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish. Proper ceiling and maintenance is more crucial with marble countertops.

It is best to use a cleaning product made specifically for natural stone. Consult your local stone professional for specific product recommendations.

Many people in the industry recommend an annual resealing of your stone. However, many types of granite are harder than others and may never need to be resealed. If you noticed water absorption into the countertop or darker areas around the sink that is an indicator it is time to reseal.

A color enhancer is used to enrich the existing color in the stone. The color that a stone becomes when wet is a good indication of the color it will be once enhanced. The enhancer may need to be reapplied periodically and should be tested in a small area or on a sample piece of the stone prior to application. Most color-enhancing sealers do retain the same properties of other sealers with the added benefit of enhancing the color.

No, sealing natural stone is something a homeowner can easily do. The product is a liquid that is applied to a clean, dry countertop with a soft cloth. After the sealer is generously applied to the surface, the excess is removed with a dry cloth, and the countertop should be allowed to dry. Check the back of the sealer to determine when the counter tops will be ready for normal use. Drying times can vary between 24 to 72 hours.

No. The sealer is not a coating on top of the stone, it is an impregnator, which is absorbed by the stone and fills the pores in order to repel food and liquid. Over time, cleaners do reduce the effectiveness of the sealer, requiring re-sealing of the stone. Re-sealing could be necessary every 6 months to 1 year, depending on the material and sealer used. In order to increase the life of your sealer, use cleaners that are intended for natural stone.

Yes, sealers or impregnators designed for natural stone add the same protective qualities to the grout as they would the surface of the stone. When applying a color enhancing sealer, the grout color will also be affected.

Yes. Marble can be refinished through a process of grinding and repolishing. The process will vary depending on the damage or wear. This is not a do-it-yourself project and requires a professional re-finisher.