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GRANITE & NATURAL STONE

NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS

Granite and Natural Stone countertops are one of the most popular choices in countertop materials due to their versatility and superior performance characteristics. In fact, granite was recently rated the top performing kitchen countertop material by a leading consumer magazine when compared with engineered stone (an excellent countertop material), butcher block, ceramic tile, stainless steel and other manufactured surfaces. It is also more hygienic than all other surfaces. 

One of the hardest and strongest materials in nature, granite originated from the earth's core as liquid magma. Extreme heat and pressure forged the quartz, mica, feldspar and other minerals into a very dense structure millions of years ago.  Over time, additional heat and pressure resulted in the myriad of fascinating combinations of color and patterns, as well as the many outstanding qualities we know and love about granite.  Granite's innate ability to withstand constant abuse will impress you.

A granite countertop is nearly impossible to scratch (you can cut your veggies, etc. on it if you don't mind dulling your knives), hot pots won't hurt it, bacteria and stains are not a problem under normal use and proper cleaning. Most granite is naturally porous to a certain degree and thus susceptible to staining, however granite countertop care is hardly a concern and certainly not the problem or hassle that some in the industry would have you believe. Furthermore, there are several varieties of granite (especially blacks) that are so dense they simply will not stain and thus do not need sealing.

To help you visualize the slab choices we have on hand, click the black button below- You can also view what we are able to access for you through our individual suppliers by clicking on their logos below. Keep in mind that these options are typically custom-order and pricing varies.

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What are these “grades” of granite I keep hearing about?
Granite comes in A, B, C, D and Exotic.  “A” grade granite is the least expensive and exotic would obviously be the most expensive.

What is the price difference of each stone?
The price difference between the grades can be as simple as how easy it is to remove from the earth, how easy the stone is to transport from the mine, how difficult it is to fabricate or how plentiful the stone actually is.  Each of these factors actually helps to determine the price of each slab.

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER - Natural Stone

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When purchasing a natural product of any kind you assume the risk of your product having natural imperfections and/or inconsistencies. Natural stone is made perfectly imperfect by mother nature under miracle-like conditions. These extraordinary conditions cause beautiful variations in color and texture that makes each and every slab unique. Natural stone has inherent natural features like pitting, fissures and veining. Natural stone also has areas with different reflective properties along intercrystalline boundaries, or at seemingly random. These features may become more or less noticeable when the position (vertical or horizontal) of the slab is changed or when lighting conditions change. If you’re concerned with these facts, that's what we're here to aid in demystifying for you. We cannot help you as easily on concerns regarding these pre-disclosed attributes of natural stone once the tops have been fabricated. If you have concerns with the potential of receiving countertops made from stone with one or more of the conditions stated above, it’s imperative that you discuss these concerns with us prior to fabrication. It’s our job to make you feel comfortable about your purchase and we can only do this if you help us understand your needs. Trust that Stonewood Granite will never push you into the wrong product if you make your concerns and needs known. This page is designed to create questions that can divert us away from emergencies or disasters. Let's do it right - let's do it beautifully! 

 

SEALING

All Stonewood Granite natural stone is sealed. Sealer will be applied to all-natural stones during fabrication, at completion of installation, or both. It is the customer’s responsibility to use appropriate products and methods when cleaning or resealing material. Use a well reviewed natural stone cleaning/sealing product or contact Stonewood Granite for guidance before using a cleaning product you’re not familiar with. See our care tips page by clicking below.

 

MARBLE AND LIMESTONE are more susceptible to scratching and etching. For this reason, there is no warranty or guarantee on these products beyond our workmanship warranty. With that said, the character these stones take on over time is one that only time and use can give which is part of it's timeless beauty. They built statues and cathedrals out of these materials for a reason. It’s still tough, and it will always be uniquely beautiful - but it does get a natural patina over time. 

 

Natural stone products can chip or crack while being transported, handled or installed. It is not uncommon for Stonewood Granite to repair chips or non structural cracks or fissures using an epoxy or polyester resin during fabrication or at the time of installation. In fact, your natural stone product in more instances than not, likely had a repair prior to our receiving of the slab. This is not unique to Stonewood Granite - the ability to repair natural stone is an industry necessity outlined under the “Right to Repair” clause in the Natural Stone Institute Standards by which the best fabricators in the United States adhere. See NSI Standards Here. We implore you to trust us and our integrity when it comes to your countertops. The need to make a repair in our shop or on site does not constitute replacement of countertops. Stonewood Granite reserves the right to repair before replacement is considered as long as the end result meets or exceeds Natural Stone Institute of America standards. 

 

MATCHING EXISTING NATURAL STONE MATERIAL

Existing stone countertops cannot be matched in tone or pattern to your new countertop since stone is a natural material - it can be close, but keep this in mind when purchasing if you have other areas you'd like to "match" in the future.

 

 

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