Granite is a natural stone and nothing can duplicate its beauty or match its durability.  It is the most practical surface available because it is heat and scratch resistant. Not only is granite practical, but it is very versatile in the design field. It comes in various colors and structural compositions. You are sure to find a color to match your taste. We stock a number of the most popular colors, and we buy from many different suppliers/slab yards. All stones are not exactly the same; each bundle produces unique slabs. This is the best part about choosing your countertops, individuality!
 

Granite is an igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture.  It is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts off as liquid magma deep within the earth’s core where it is cooled and compressed over millions of years under tons of pressure.  It is then quarried, cut and polished.  Polished granite can be applied in various ways... like kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds as well as Jacuzzi surrounds and other custom designs. From the middle of the earth to the middle of your kitchen, the entire process is truly amazing.
 

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.
 

Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earth's crust. It can not be affected by heat from a cook top or frying pan. A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.
 

Usually not! We have seen some rare cases, but most are from abnormal abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture and will be virtually unnoticeable.
 

Yes, of course it is. But, it is not a problem like they lead you to believe. All stone is porous, but those pores can be sealed. When they are sealed properly they will not accept other substances. Keep in mind, that if something can go in, then it also can come out. Stains can happen, but most of the time they are a result of a granite not being sealed or an individual using the countertop abnormally.  For example: a grape juice spill left overnight on a light stone will most likely stain, but how many of us leave spills on our countertops overnight? As long as the granite is sealed properly and you remove liquids and foods in a timely manner, you should be fine.
 

If you can Windex a window then you can seal a counter top.  We carry a line of stone sealer you can buy or you can obtain some at a local home improvement store.  Read the instructions for details, but basically you wipe the sealer on and then wipe it off after a short amount of time. You should do this as often as every six months and at least once every year.
 

Granite is broken into groups. Each group represents a price category only. The groups are determined by how available a stone is in the market, so a Group 1 granite is more available than a Group 2 granite. Group 1 is the starting point for granite and they go all the way to a Group 5. Don't let the #1 scare you, it has nothing to do with the quality of the stone. Most Group 1 granite is more durable than other groups. It does not matter to us what group you choose your stone from, we will fabricate it the same way. However, the Group of stone you select will have a direct reflection on your cost.
 

If you are looking at Natural Stone vs. other solid surfaces then you will most likely be surprised. Depending on what other man made surface you are looking at, it could be more expensive than granite. If you are looking at a lower end solid surface, do yourself a favor and just get a bid for Granite, it might not be too far off.