Q: Can you use marble in a kitchen?

A: The short answer is yes, you can use marble in a kitchen. However, because marble is susceptible to staining, scratching and etching, the use of marble in a kitchen requires careful consideration.

Q: Will my countertops have seams?

A: Not necessarily. A typical slab size is somewhere between 7 to 10 feet. Therefore, your countertops may not require a seam. Many people do not have a problem with seams, but if you are concerned about them you should discuss this with your fabricator prior to fabrication. How and where it is seamed should also be discussed with the fabricator. Often the seams are so tight they are difficult to notice, however communication with the fabricator is essential in order to avoid confusion or disappointment regarding seams.

Seams will always be visible in granite. Their visibility is affected by the granularity, color and pattern of the stone. Seams on a small, uniform grain or dark color will not be as noticeable as they will on a larger variegated grain or lighter color. A dramatic pattern with swaths of color will similarly highlight seams more than a uniform pattern.

Q: Which type of sink is best for granite? Under mount or drop-in?

A: This is a matter of personal preference. If installed properly, both types of sinks are sanitary and safe. The ability to wipe off the counters directly in to the sink and the aesthetic appeal make under mounted sinks the most popular. Typically an under mount sink installation would be an additional expense (though minimal) due to the finishing process of the edges around the sink. When choosing a sink, it is vitally important to make certain that the sink will fit in the cabinet in which it is to be mounted. Keep in mind that the cabinet must always be wider than the sink, i.e. a 30” sink will not fit in a 30” cabinet. There must also be ample room available for the faucet of your choice and any other accessories you may select. We carry a complete line of sinks for any application, stainless, copper, granite, glass and composite.

Q: Is granite more expensive than man made materials?

A: It depends on the granite. Availability, color, and country or origins are major factors that affect the price of granite. If the supply of a particular stone is short and the demand is high, the price will reflect that. Given that stone is a natural product imported from all over the world, the price spectrum is wide. However, many granite colors are offered at the same price or sometimes less than man made products.

Q: Will granite weigh too much for my cabinetry? Do I need additional cabinet supports?

A: 3cm (1 1/4”) granite weighs approx. 19 lbs per square foot. An average kitchen of 80sf will weigh approx. 1450 lbs.  Typical cabinet construction is more than adequate for most installations. However, large, self-standing or furniture style islands may require additional corner bracing. It is advisable to let your cabinet installer know that you are using granite to ensure proper support.

Q: Will my sample match my actual slab?

A: Because of the movement and veining in natural stone it is difficult to accurately represent stone with a small sample. Also, stone varies from shipment to shipment, so if you have a sample from a previous shipment, it may not match the current supply. It is advisable to view the actual slabs in our warehouse/showroom prior to fabrication.

Q: Is it okay to mix different colors of stone?

A: Absolutely. It is not uncommon to mix colors or types of stone within a room. When mixing stones, it is a good idea to consider which material would be the most practical for the space. For example, when mixing granite with marble, the granite would be best suited for the area around the range because it is the most durable. The marble could be used on the island or as a dining table.

Q: Should I approve my slabs before they are fabricated?

A: It is always a good idea to approve the slabs prior to fabrication. We strongly encourage this. This will help to prevent any surprises or disappointments once the material is installed. Slabs could be viewed at a stone company or at the fabrication warehouse prior to being cut.

Q: Can granite be used outside?

A: Yes. There are a handful of granites that can change color when exposed to UV rays, but it is very durable and can be used outside. Granite is often used for outdoor kitchens, as pavers for driveways and walkways, as stair tread, and as exterior cladding on commercial buildings.

Q: Can I put a hot pot directly onto granite?

A: Yes. Placing a hot pot on granite will not affect it.

Q: How far can granite extend beyond the cabinetry without additional support?

A: According to the Marble Institute of America, corbels or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10” for 3cm material or 6” for 2cm material.

Q: What is involved in pricing a countertop?

A: There are many factors involved in pricing countertops: material cost, quantity of slabs, design and edge profile are primary considerations. Once you have chosen a particular stone, Trinity Granite & Marble will need either an accurate drawing and/or a field visit in order to clarify all the details. We will then provide you with a finished installed price.

Q: How can we have as few seams as possible?

A: On average, granite slabs are approx. 110” x 66”. Though in some colors, 120” slabs are not unusual. While planning your kitchen, keep these sizes in mind. Extremely large islands may require a seam or the color selection in unusually large slabs will be very limited.

Q: Is marble more expensive than granite?

A: Origin, availability, and yield of a given quarry are all factors that determine the price of the natural stones. With both marble and granite there is a broad spectrum of pricing.

Q: What are remnants?

A: Remnants are the smaller remaining pieces of stone from a previous job. They can be used in any stone application, size allowing.

Q: Can I install my own countertops?

A: The cutting, polishing and installation of natural stone not only require specific tools and machinery, it also requires extensive product knowledge. Fabricating and or installing natural stone countertops really are not “do it yourself” projects.

Q: Can I use back splash with granite countertops?

A: The back splash is usually made from the same granite used for the counters, but it can be ceramic tile, or some other product. It may be attached to the counter or to the wall, but in either case the seam between the counter and the back splash will be sealed with caulk. The standard height for a back splash is 4” although they’re frequently made higher if the customer desires. A tall back splash is sometimes used behind the kitchen range, or sinks to protect the wall from grease splattering or other stains. This may be modified to suit personal taste, but it must be stipulated before the template is made.

Q: Can I attach my dishwasher to the granite?

A: Dishwashers should not be attached directly to the granite countertop, but by side mounted to adjoining cabinets. Special brackets are available from the dishwasher manufacturer for this purpose. Drilling into the bottom of the stone can cause stress cracks and discoloration in the surface of the stone.

Q: Do my cabinets have to be set before a template can be done?

A: On new construction, the base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before a template can be made. On a remodel project, existing tops may be removed prior to measurement. Any sinks, faucets, cook tops, or any other item that requires a cutout or a hole in the top must be on site and readily available at the time the template is made. The fabricator may need to take some items with him to complete the fabrication.

Please note that any delay in acquiring the accessories may also delay the installation, the countertop installer will not be responsible for connecting of dishwashers, cook tops, or plumbing, and no changes can be made once the installer takes his measurements and makes the template. All cuts are final; it is impossible to reattach a piece of granite that has been cut from the slab. Additionally, once the granite is glued in place on the cabinets, moving it is very difficult and risks damaging the cabinets.

Q: What if I want a cook top instead of a free standing stove?

A: If a cook top is to be mounted in the granite, be sure that there is room inside the cabinet to hold the top and any pop-up vents that will be installed with it. If the top is replacing an existing top, be aware of the differences in thickness of the two materials. Any upper cabinetry that currently rests on the existing top will probably not reach the granite, so adjustments will have to be made. Allowances must be made for the thickness of the back splash when measuring for the placement of these fixtures. If thicker granite is used, a wider space will be needed.

Q: How should I prepare for the installation of my new countertops?

A: The sink and kitchen appliances built into the countertops like a cook top or drop in range must be on the job site before a template can be made.

All ordinary cabinets with frames that are securely fastened to the wall will easily support granite countertops. The weight of an average person standing on the cabinet puts more strain on the cabinets than a granite countertop.

Counter tops are measured in much the same way as other solid surfaces. First, a template must be made to use as a pattern. For this reason, base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before measurements can begin. They are to be installed only by the fabricator who will assume responsibility for a proper fit. Improper installation of kitchen countertops may void the manufacturer’s warranties and result in damage to your fine surface or other areas of your kitchen, such as cabinets, drawers, sinks, and fixtures.

It will take 3 to 4 weeks to complete the installation after measurements are

Taken, so be sure to allow sufficient lead-time for the project to be completed. If anything goes wrong during the fabrication process, or if the top is damaged and has to be replaced, that time will be extended.

Because granite is usually sold in slabs no more that 10’ long, most countertops will require at least one seam. And since granite is sold in rectangular pieces, using seams may also reduce the costs, as in an “L” shaped corner. Sometimes a seam can be place at the sink bowl to make it less conspicuous.

Q: Is there any extra cost to fabricate my granite?

A: Fabrication costs can significantly affect the final price. Generally, the more complex the shape of the project and particularly the shape of the finished edges, the higher the price will be. Fortunately, a single thickness plain polished edge makes an excellent appearance and most customers choose this standard. Occasionally, a customer will want a custom edge pattern, possibly to match the edge to detailing on the cabinetry, and this can also be done. But keep in mind that if the fabricator has to buy custom cutting bits, he will add that cost to the price.

Granite is usually polished to a high gloss finish. We sell finished pieces, but slabs are always sold intact. The price includes the cost of transportation, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, delivery, and final installation. The total material required is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. We will try to lay out each job so as to minimize waste yet maximize the natural beauty of the veining and pattern.

Q: Will bacteria grow on granite?

A: Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live. Bacteria cannot eat granite. Unclean, unkempt countertops can harbor bacteria regardless of what countertop is used. Granite has performed extremely well in testing, performing second only to stainless steel in its ability to resist bacterial growth.

Q: Is granite a natural product or is it man made?

A: Granite is a natural product. Granite is quarried in its natural form directly from the earth and is cut and processed by machine. Because of its extreme hardness and mineral content, granite can be polished to a mirror-like finish using proper machinery.

Q: What does “honed” granite mean?

A: Honed granite is granite that has not been polished to a shine. It is a smooth, matter finish. Honed granite is lighter in color that its polished counterpart, however the color can be deepened with a color-enhancing sealer.

Q: What is tumbled marble?

A: Tumbled marble is quite literally, marble that has been loaded into a tumbler and knocked against each other in order to achieve rough, worn edges and surface. Some materials that are referred to as “tumbled marble” are actually tumbled limestone or travertine, the process is the same and aesthetically they are difficult to tell apart.

Q: What is patina?

A: A patina refers to the smooth sheen that is produced by the aging and use of natural stone over time.

Q: Are veins weak spots in the stone?

A: Not necessarily. Some veins are strictly color variations in the stone. However in some materials natural flaws can exist within the vein, which enhances the color and is characteristic of that stone. Structurally, with today’s processing, these materials do meet the strength requirements for countertop use.

Q: Why do some stones have a mesh backing?

A: Mesh backing improves the stability of the stone for shipping and fabrication. Many exotic materials would otherwise not remain intact during processing. Once these materials are installed however, they do meet the strength requirements for countertop use.

Q: What is the difference between “cast stone” and natural stone?

A: Cast stone is made up of finely ground stone mixed with resins or cement-based products, then poured into a mold to create either a slab of cast stone or to create sinks, mantels, etc. Natural stone is strictly cut from the earth then cut and polished in its original, natural form.

Q: What is antiqued granite?

A: Instead of the normal process of polishing granite, the polishing bricks are replaced with abrasive brushes, which leave a satin textured finish.

Q: Can you cut on granite or do you have to use a cutting board?

A: Yes, you can cut directly on granite. However, routinely cutting on a granite surface will dull you cutlery.

Q: What is a “pit”? Will I have them in my countertops?

A: Most granite has some degree of pitting, whether microscopic or visible to the naked eye. With today’s advanced processing, the natural pitting or tiny craters in a granite finish are greatly reduced. These natural pits pose no maintenance or wear issues. The depth of these pits is virtually immeasurable.

Q: Can granite crack or chip?

A: Yes, granite can crack or chip. However severe settling, excessive impact or abuse usually causes this. Most minor cracks or chipping in natural stone can be repaired by a specialist in the stone renovation business or by a qualified fabricator.

Q: Are there granite formations or quarries in the United States?

A: Yes, granite can be found across the US including Georgia, North Carolina, Maine, the Dakotas, California and New York just to name a few.

Q: What is Soapstone and what kind of maintenance does it require?

A: Soapstone is quarried like granite and marble. Its primary components are magnesite, dolomite, chlorite, and talc. Talc in soapstone is soft to the touch, which gives the smooth feeling of rubbing a piece of dry soap. Thus the name was derived – “Soap” stone. For maintenance, Mineral oil should be applied to the stone, which darkens the color and works as a protective sealing layer. The mineral oil will need to be re-applied to the stone periodically, especially when the countertops are first installed. Over time, a patina will develop and the mineral oil can be applied less often. Soapstone will scratch. Scratches can be sanded out and re-sealed with mineral oil.

Q: Are textured granites more porous?

A: No. Textured granites are created when the slabs are flamed and then brushed, machining the abrasive surface to a low sheen with an evenly textured finish. Though the granite has been enhanced through this process, the stone retains its superior durability over alternative countertop surfaces.

Q: How long will my natural stone last?

A: Take care of your natural stone and it will last for generations. Some natural stones are as old as the earth.