-What’s the difference between marble and granite?
Because of Marble’s more porous properties, it is not recommended for kitchens or bar tops. Marble applications include bathroom vanities, shower and fireplace surrounds. Granite applications include kitchen countertops, bath room 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. 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 – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages.
-How is quartz different from marble and granite?
Quartz countertops which are sold under brand names such as Zodiaq™, Hanstone™, Silestone™ and Cambria™ are man-made stone surfaces. Quartz products offer consistency in patterns and colors that natural stone can not. Quartz surfaces do not offer the uniqueness and varied random patterns of natural granite and marble. Hatton Granite Company is an authorized distributor for Hanstone™.
-Is granite safe to use in a kitchen?
In a word, yes. There has been some misinformation circulated by competing industries attempting to raise concerns about issues such as bacteria and radon. Granite actually ranks second to stainless steel in a study measuring the bacteria resistance capacity of six common countertop materials.
-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.
-Can my granite top be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
-How do I choose a stone fabricator?
The process of purchasing custom stone is more detailed than, for example, buying carpeting. As with any purchase, you need to determine what criteria are most important to you. Are you searching for the absolute lowest price or looking more for overall superior value? Is timely completion important? How heavily do you weigh the quality of materials and workmanship of both the fabrication and installation? Do you value responsive service, integrity and the caliber of people that you deal with and will have working in your home? Be prepared to ask tough questions to determine the proper fit with a reputable source.
-What questions should I ask a fabricator to make a more informed decision?
Our best customers are the most informed. To become an educated consumer, here is a list of suggested questions for both yourself and your prospective sources.
-Why should I choose Hatton Granite Company?
Thanks for asking! While are pricing is competitive, our best customers are looking for something more. They value how we handle all of the details that go into producing a superior quality product and our responsive service. They don’t want to be pressured to make a purchase. They want to work with professionals in every step of the process especially with those who perform work in their home. They want their project completed on-time with minimum disruption to their home and their lives.
-What do you charge per square foot?
For the same reason that new cars are not priced by dollars per pound, the most fair answer is: It depends. While the amount of stone required for your project is a significant part of the price, there are other variables. For this reason, we prefer to first understand the variables of your project and then issue a prompt preliminary estimate.
-What are the pricing variables?
They include the complexity of your project, the type of stone required, the edging design selected, the number and type of sinks, faucets and cook tops used. We also offer services that can make your project unique: fancy cuts, special features, scalloped corners, clips and corbelled corners, radius arcs, additional installation and removal services.
-Doesn’t granite require seams?
If your surface exceeds the length of a granite slab, it is necessary to seam the joints where two slabs are joined.
-How long will my project take?
Once you have made your decision to proceed and have submitted your initial (50%) deposit, we will schedule a field measurement. From there, your fabrication and installation typically takes about one week.
-Field Measurement Requirements
- Material Selection and location of material (if not in our inventory)
- Edge detail selected.
-What do I do if my countertop chips?
Most chips are repairable in a granite countertop. If you happen to get a chip, save the pieces and call us for a service call. Our service technician will come out and repair the chipped area using the granite pieces you saved. Usually after the repair is complete, you can’t tell a chip ever happened.
-Does granite scratch easily? Can I cut directly on my granite top?
In order to scratch granite you would need to use something as hard as it or harder. While cutting on your granite top won’t scratch the surface, it will dull your knife. Because of this we recommend always using a cutting board.
-How do I care for my granite countertop?
For everyday use, wipe your countertops up with a wet washcloth just like you would your laminate countertops.
-Can I have the stone that remains from a sink or cooktop cutout?
There is usually no stone left over from a cutout. The stone from the cutouts is generally destroyed in the process of creating the cutout.
-Will my stone countertops look like the color sample?
Granite: Since granite is a natural product, with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. these variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. The samples you see will not always be the same when compared to the slabs, which is why it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to choose your granite from our large inventory or from one of our distributors.
-Do I need extra support added to my cabinets to support the weight of the granite?
Most cabinets should be strong enough to support the weight of the granite countertops. Additional support will be needed for any overhangs larger than 12″, or if you are having granite installed on a half wall with overhang to create a sitting area. If at the final measure appointment you do not have adequate support, your measurer will let you know what kind of support is needed and where you can get it, however we will not install it for you.
-Does someone have to be at the jobsite during both the final measure and installation appointments?
Yes, we require either one of the homeowners or your representative over the age of 18, to be at the job site for the final measure. Keep in mind that many decisions need to be made at this appointment and we will discuss with you the final pricing. We would like someone to be present for the installation as well to answer any questions that may arise during the install.
-I want to install a new tile backsplash in my kitchen, when should this be done?
This should be done after the granite countertops are installed. This will allow you or your tile installer to know where to start the tile backsplash and what size cuts are needed.
