NATURAL STONE CARE AND USE

Congratulations on selecting natural stone for your project. By following a few simple guidelines you will enjoy a lifetime of beauty and functionality from your stone.

Granite

Material Use

Granite is by far the most resilient and durable of the stones commonly used. Because of these characteristics, granite is an excellent choice for inside as well as outside of your home. Hot pans and light cutting have little effect except to cool your pans and dull your knives.

Sealing

Sealing is best done with an impregnating sealer (this also should have been left by your installer). Sealers will let you know when they need to be reapplied. When they are working, water will bead on the surface like a wax job on a car. If the stone darkens from the water, it is time to seal again. Read and follow manufactures recommendations.

Precautions

  1. Do not use harsh abrasive cleansers.
  2. Do not set large hot objects close to sink or stove openings.
  3. Wipe up spills as they occur.

Marble & Limestone

Surface Use

Marble and limestone are calcium based materials and are susceptible to etching and staining. These materials are relatively softer than granite and scratch easier. Marble and limestone’s creamy texture and rich colors make them a desirable medium. With proper care and a few precautions marble and limestone are very easy to live with.

Cleaning

Cleaning is best done with stone soap (which should have been left by your installer), or as a second choice, a mild non-colored detergent may be used. A dilute solution of ammonia and water (20 parts water to 1 part ammonia) may be used occasionally to remove any soap residue.

Sealing

Sealing is best done with an impregnating sealer (this should have been left by your installer). Sealers will let you know when they need to be reapplied. When they are working, water will bead on the surface like a wax job on a car. If the stone darkens from the water, it is time to seal again. Read and follow manufactures recommendations.

Precautions

  1. Never use harsh or abrasive cleansers.
  2. Wipe up spills as they occur.
  3. Do not use colored cleansers or Windex.
  4. Use coasters under glasses.
  5. Use glass or ceramic coasters under plants.
  6. Wipe up spills immediately.
  7. Squeegee walls in tub surrounds and showers when through.

 

POSITIVE FORCES OF GRANITE

Natural Beauty

Granite brings the beauty of nature right into the home. The highly reflective surface acts like a mirror. With adjacent window to the granite countertops, reflections of the sky and trees are brought into the kitchen.

Durability

One of the most compelling reasons for choosing granite is its durability. Granite has a toughness that surpasses any other countertop material. Bacon grease, fish marinade, cranberries, Dijon mustard, tomato or grape juice, and wine won’t stain granite. A simple wipe with soap and warm water will leave no stain.

Strength

Strength is very critical in surfaces used so frequently. Dulling, scratching, scorching, or blistering is virtually unheard of. Hot pots, frying pans, and casserole dishes set directly on the countertop won’t mar the surface. Even a hot cigarette or cigar won’t harm the surface. In fact marble stains easily, while laminates, Corian, and Fountainhead are prone to blistering, cracking and scratching. Granite countertops can withstand child’s play. Children have written on them with crayons, pens, and have whacked on them with their toys. Still the countertops remain unharmed. Being so strong and durable, granite countertops could literally outlast the rest of the house.

Color

Each Granite slab comes from a different quarry, while no two quarries in the world yield the same color. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, ranging from subtle to dazzling in intensity.

Cleanup

Generally a simple wipe with warm water, soap and a towel will cleanup any mess, virtually leaving the surface unscathed.

Satisfaction

Satisfaction is virtually assured. Besides its strength and durability, Granite provides an almost carefree surface, exasperating elegance and beauty. No longer do you have to be a millionaire to enjoy Granite countertops, since the price of Granite has been reduced dramatically. Unlike synthetic customers, Granite customers will be devotees for a lifetime.