Q: What type of stone is the hardest?
A: Granite is the densest and hardest by far. It is more difficult to break, scratch, or chip. Granite is porous! Typically, from the factory, it is sealed or impregnated to prevent staining. Granite usually, if you clean up in a timely manner, will not stain.
Q: Can I clean Granite?
A: Yes, you can clean Granite or any natural stone that has been sealed. (WARNING) You need to avoid ammonia based cleaning products as they will release the sealant from the stone.
Q: Can I seal my stone later?
A: Yes. There are many excellent products available. Ask us for our recommendations.
Q: Does natural stone need to be resealed?
A: Yes.
Q: How often should natural stone be resealed?
A: It depends on the use. In a regular household environment, every 6 to 12 months.
Q: What other types of natural stone are available?
A: Marble is also available. While it varies in color and variety, it is calcium based which makes it more prone to breaking, scratching and chipping. Therefore it requires more maintenance. Slate is available as well as Soapstone. Both have few color variations while Soapstone is exceptionally soft.
Q: What is Silestone?
A: “Engineered” stone or Quartz surfacing. It is very dense, equal to or exceeding Granite in many respects. This surface is difficult to scratch, thermal shock resistant and very stain resistant because it’s virtually non-porous.
Q: What is the difference in price between natural stone and engineered stone?
A: Most entry level natural stone cost is less per square foot than engineered stone (Silestone).
Q: Is there a flat per square foot cost?
A: No. Everyone’s project is different and the cost is impacted by:
- Color choice
- Amount of square feet
- Sink type
- Cook type
- Edge choice
- Special cut outs
- Number of templates
- Final install destination
Q: How heavy is stone?
A: Granite and engineered stone weigh up to 180 lbs. per cubic foot, or up to 22.5lbs per square foot for countertops.
Q: What is the thickness of a countertop?
A: 1.25” is the preferred thickness for natural stone although .75” is available. Under .5” is available for tiles (natural stone only with limited color selection). Engineered Stone is only available in 1.25” thickness for countertops (Silestone).
Q: Does stone come with a warranty?
A: Granite and natural stone has no warranty, Engineered stone (Silestone) carry up to a 10 year warranty.
Q: What information do I need to get an estimate?
A:Please go to the get a quote section of this web site and follow the intructions. We will then contact you shortly (usually within 24 hours) with an estimated price.
For more information and a free quotation, please contact us
Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–4:00 pm at 800.408.1965 or 603.636.1671.
You can email us at [email protected]
Appointments weekends and nights are available.