February 7, 2012
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does granite come from? Can I cut directly on my granite countertop?
How do I clean my natural stone product? Is granite/quartz heat and stain resistant?
How often does granite need to be sealed? How do I seal my granite?
What is the warranty on my countertop? Do I need a sub top underneath my countertops?
Will my countertop have a seam?
Where does granite come from?
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Granite is a naturally occurring stone that is composed mainly of quartz, feldspars, micas and other minerals that melted into a liquid mass. Granite comes from quarries all over the world including Italy, Brazil, India, Africa, and North America.

Can I cut directly on my granite countertop?
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We don’t recommend cutting directly on your granite countertops as granite does have the potential to scratch and chip, however it can be repaired. Cutting on stone also dulls knife wear.

How do I clean my natural stone product?
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For everyday use, mild soap and warm water are all that is needed to clean your countertops. We also recommend using a natural stone cleaner on a routine basis to maintain the polish of your counters. Our favourite product is GranQuartz 3-in-1 spray which cleans, polishes and seals (available at our showroom).

Is granite/quartz heat and stain resistant?
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While granite and quartz are popular due to their strength and durability they are not indestructible! There is still potential for your stone to stain (please refer to Care & Maintenance for more information) and we recommend using a trivet for hot pots.

How often does granite need to be sealed?
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We recommend resealing your granite every 6 – 24 months depending on usage and testing it every 6 months. A simple way to test your granite to see if it needs to be resealed is by placing a wet cloth on your stone for 20 minutes. Remove the cloth and wipe the surface. If there is a spot visible where the cloth was sitting it is time to reseal your stone.

How do I seal my granite?
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All stone is sealed with a commercial grade sealer in our shop before being installed in your home. We recommend resealing your stone every 6 – 24 months, depending on usage, with a household sealer which is readily available at our showroom and most home improvement stores.

What is the warranty on my countertop?
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The Granite Shop warranty covers defects in material, fabrication and installation for a period of 5 years from its original purchase. Click here for complete warranty.

Do I need a sub top underneath my countertops?
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No. Most granite and quartz available today are 1 ¼” thick and will lay directly on top of your cabinets,  in some applications if a customer has chosen a ¾” stone a sub top will be required which would be provided by The Granite Shop.

Will my countertop have a seam?
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Natural stone and engineered products like quartz will usually require a seam. Location and number of seams is a function of manufacturing and installation.  We do our best to avoid having a seam but in some cases it is an inherent part of our process.  Slab size will have no relationship to seam placement.