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-QUESTIONS & ANSWERS-

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In recent years the price of granite has dropped to a level competitive or lower than man-made countertop products. As a result, man-made countertop producers are feeling competitive pressures and a few of their representatives are supplying the consumer with false information about the properties of granite. In addition to information provided here, we encourage you to perform your own research and come to your own conclusions.

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Q: Is granite scratch and heat resistant?

Yes, Granite is both scratch and heat resistant. It is recommended that you do not use knives on granite not out of concern for scratching the granite but because the hardness of the granite will dull your knives. In addition, granite is one of the most heat resistant materials you can use. You can set hot pots on your granite tops without any concern.

Q: Does granite stain?

It can in some instances. Generally, the darker the granite, the more stain resistant it is. Some granite can stain if the granite has not been sealed and the substance is left on the granite to soak in. If you seal the granite once a year as recommended (a 15 minute wipe on - wipe off application), you should never experience a staining problem.

Q: How often do I need to re-apply stone sealer?

Many so-called "experts" advise re-applying stone sealers on an annual (or more frequent) basis - they are in all likelihood just trying to get you to buy more of their expensive sealer. Wholesale Granite Warehouse doesn't advise any preset "calendar" for re-sealing, and over-application of sealer can build up over time and cause a haze on the surface of your countertops. The frequency for re-sealing depends on the type of stone installed and the amount of use that the countertops see. An easy "rule of thumb" is to closely monitor the area around the sink. If you begin notice water that does not bead up or soaks into the stone within 10-15 minutes, then it's probably time to re-seal. Applying a sealer is easy, you can apply a liberal amount of sealer in the evening before going to bed and just let it penetrate and cure overnight. We have sealers for sale or they can be picked up at any “big box” hardware store.

Both the Center for Disease Control and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have found no evidence of such. In fact, in one study; sealed granite was shown to be second only to stainless steel for resistance to bacteria.Q: Why is granite popular as a countertop material?

First and foremost, looks! Granite comes in some amazing colors, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful stones in the world.

*Durability: Granite lasts the lifetime of a person's home, is resistant to chipping and scratching, and is impervious to heat. The color and polished surface of granite does not fade over time.

* Economics: With the new technology available to the miners and fabricators of granite, the cost of granite has dropped dramatically in the last few decades. Stone prices are now competitive or lower than man-made options, and granite lasts longer than any other surface!

* Ecology: Although mining is rough on the environment, other products are far worse in several ways. Man-made products create potentially deadly by-products which go straight to our crowded landfills. Due to granite's durability and timeless beauty it does not need to be replaced or upgraded, whereas man-made counters are replaced several times over the life of a building, further adding waste (both environmentally and financially).