FAQ

Can granite or marble be used in food preparation areas?

Can you cut on granite or marble?

Can you set hot pans on granite or marble?

Does granite or marble chip or scratch?

Will granite or marble stain?

How can you limit the staining of granite or marble?

Should granite be sealed?

Can granite be repaired?

What is the difference between 2 cm and 3 cm? And what is the most appropriate thickness for the tops?

What kind of edges are available for granite countertops?

Are your countertops backed by a warranty?

Why do I have to have seams in my countertop and what do they look like?

What affects pricing of granite and marble?

How do granite and marble compare to other solid surface countertops?

What should you be paying for when buying granite?

Can a customer choose the granite slab that will be used for their countertops?

Can granite or marble be used in food preparation areas? <<Back

Granite is an excellent product for use in kitchens and other food preparation areas. Under normal conditions it is stain, chip, scratch, and burn resistant. Like any other countertop material, if cleaned regularly and sealed properly granite poses no health or sanitation problems. Marble is not recommended for use in the kitchen because of its tendency to stain and scratch. However, because of its unparalleled beauty and classic look, marble is an excellent choice for vanities, wet bars, and especially fireplace surrounds.

Can you cut on granite or marble? <<Back

Granite is an extremely tough, durable material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface . However we recommend the use of a cutting board. Using marble as a cutting surface will result in scratches as if cutting on a piece of wood.

Can you set hot pans on granite or marble? <<Back

Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn and it will not be harmed by hot pans or open flames. Marble should not be used in kitchens as excessive heat can cause damage and potentially leave scars or burn marks. Neither material is flammable.

Does granite or marble chip or scratch? <<Back

Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, we do not recommend a straight edge polish for countertops, especially around a sink because pots, pans, and other heavy objects may chip the sharp edge of a straight edge finish. Several other edge options are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chance of chipping. Marble can be chipped and scratched under normal use and therefore, should be used in low traffic areas and should always be treated like a piece of fine wood.

Will granite or marble stain? <<Back

Marble and granite are porous materials and therefore, are subject to staining if not maintained properly. In granite, the same porosity that allows for staining also allows for easy stain removal. In most cases, stains can be prevented by quickly wiping the spill. If a spill is left overnight, especially if the liquid is grease, oil, coffee, or wine the granite will usually darken. To remove the stain, a poultice should be applied, which may pull out the stain from the granite. Marble can be stained and etched by acidic or oil-based products.

How can you limit the staining of granite or marble? <<Back

Masterpieces seals granite and marble to help reduce the chance of staining. To further prevent staining you should wipe up spills on marble and granite as quickly as possible, and avoid using acidic or oil-based products on marble.

Should granite be sealed? <<Back

Yes, because it is an effective method of protecting your granite. It will prevent water and oil-based liquids from staining the stone. 

Can granite be repaired? <<Back

While it is difficult to permanently repair granite, it is also very difficult to damage it. However, if some damage does occur, granite usually can be repaired by a mix of epoxy and ground-up chips of granite.

What is the difference between 2 cm and 3 cm? And what is the most appropriate thickness for the tops? <<Back

The 2 cm thick stone is approximately 3/4" thick, ranging from 5/8" to 7/8" in thickness. The 3 cm is approximately 1 3/16", and can range from 1 1/16" to 1 5/16" thick. We recommend using the 3 cm granite for kitchen countertops for both aesthetic reasons and structural reasons.

What kind of edges are available for granite countertops? <<Back

Masterpieces offers the straight edge, pencil round, half and full bullnose, bevel and ogee edges. If you are interested in other edge profiles, please discuss your options with a Masterpieces sales associate. To view these edges, please visit the Edge Finishes page in our Stone Library.

Are your countertops backed by a warranty? <<Back

Yes, all standard granite countertops are supported by a 1 year warranty.

Why do I have to have seams in my countertop and what do they look like? <<Back

Slab size may not be large enough for the entire run of the countertop. The weight of the material may dictate that seams are inserted so that the structural integrity of the material is not jeopardized. The cabinet structure, placement of cooktops, or other cutouts may require seams. Access to the job or layout of the countertops may be limited and/or difficult to work with. The type of material may require seams to maintain the structural integrity of the material. Tightness of seam will not to exceed 1/16"-1/8" width. Seam is sealed with a moisture-proof silicone/plastic caulk that is color-matched to the material to minimize visibility. Masterpieces project managers will work with the Dealer and the client in every way possible to ensure that seams are kept to a minimum and are discreetly placed, while still maintaining the structural integrity of the stone.

What affects pricing of granite and marble? <<Back

There are several variables that affect the pricing of granite and marble. The material is priced by the square foot and these costs are dependent on the product's standard availability and the origin of material. The edge profile is priced by the linear foot. Additional costs, such as cooktop or sink cutouts, fabrication costs, and special requests are priced separately.

How do granite and marble compare to other solid surface countertops? <<Back

Granite is one of the most durable, maintenance-free countertop materials available. Granite is a natural material made of very hard igneous rock that is second only in hardness and compacted strength to diamonds. As a result of its geological composition, granite is stain, scratch, and burn resistant. Easy to care for and much desired for its natural beauty, granite is an investment that amortizes over time, retaining its original appearance long after initial installation. In most cases, granite countertops fall within the same price range as other high-end surfacing materials.

What should you be paying for when buying granite? <<Back

Not all granites are the same and consumers must be careful when they are comparing the same granites with different vendors. Quality stone includes clear crystals, a smooth surface with even polish, and a good polish without swirl marks from the polisher. The quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the material. An excellent installation consists of a job that fits well as a result of accurate templating and good installation, highly polished, straight edges, and a timely installation, with no hassles and a quick response to all situations.

Can a customer choose the granite slab that will be used for their countertops? <<Back

Masterpieces recommends that customers visit either our Showroom or one of our Distributors to hand select their material. Customers will be shown different "lots" of the same granite and the customer can select which lot they prefer.