FAQS about Granite Countertops

Q:Can granite crack?

A:Not with ordinary use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable material. Normal use does not include standing on the countertops.

Q:Can quartz crack?

A:Yes, quartz can crack. You cannot set hot items on quartz and must use a trivet or hot pad under crock pots, Insta Pots, fry pans, hot pans and pots, etc. Heat will cause your quartz to crack. This is NOT covered by warranty.

Q:Can you scratch granite?

A:Granite is one of the hardest stones in the world. It is highly resistant to scratching in ordinary use. A knife blade will not scratch granite. It can be scratched by another piece of granite or with specially sharpened tools designed to work with granite like tungsten and diamond blades.

Q:Can you scratch quartz?

A:Yes, quartz can scratch. Quartz counter tops are just a make up of poly resin and natural quartz. Quartz is scratch resistant, but not scratch proof.

Q:How do you clean Granite?

A:Warm soapy water will do the trick. You can always use cleaners specifically formulated to help clean and protect stone surfaces as well.

Q:Will my granite or quartz look like the sample?

A:Granite is a natural stone created by the forces of nature. It is composed of various minerals and is susceptible to wide variations in color, texture, spotting, veining and cracking. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. Therefore, not 4” x 4” sample can completely represent the changes found throughout a whole slab of granite. If you select a color that has a lot of movement and varies in color you will select your actual slab to be used in your kitchen by either selecting at Xiamen Excellent Stone. Quartz is composed of pure, natural quartz; as a result, variance in color, shade and pattern is an inherent trait expected of this product. The sample is only a general indication of a particular color's design pattern, aesthetics and hue.

Q:Why is some granite more expensive than others and are the higher priced granites stronger?

A:No! It is simply supply and demand and rarity of color. More attractive stones are in higher demand and if they come from a distant land in small quantities the price will be higher. Some of the toughest stones are also quite cheap and some of the most expensive can be very fragile. Also note that all natural stone contains small 'pits'; to varying degrees. These are simply small voids between grain boundaries and some of the most expensive stones can be full of them.

Q:Can I use Travertine, Marble or Soapstone for my kitchen counter tops?

A:These materials can be used in kitchen application. However, they are susceptible to staining, scratching and etching. The use of these materials in a kitchen requires careful consideration.

Q:Will my new countertop have visible seams?

A:Most granite installations will require at least one or more joints called seams. During layout and design, we will try to minimize the number of seams required. Additionally, our care in manufacturing ensures that edges fit together very tightly to help lessen the appearance of visible seams. You will however be able to see and feel all granite seams.

Q:Will my granite be sealed by you?

A:Your granite was sealed at the quarry before shipment. It is recommended that you seal your tops again the day after install and then once a year from there on out. You can purchase the water-based sealer at any large box store.

Q:Will the underside of my granite be smooth like the top?

A:No. We do not touch the top of the surface of the granite. It comes to us from overseas like you see it in our yard and showroom. We do not touch the underside of the granite either. We radius the bottom edge when we polish the edge to your edge selection, but we do not polish the under side of the slab.

Q:What is your warranty and repair policy?

Xiemen Excellent Stone backs up its work with a 3 year workmanship warranty. This warranty covers seam separation for one year from the date of installation. Although, in the over 1000 kitchen's that have been installed over the years this has never been an issue.

The warranty will not cover fissures and pits in granite. Because it is a natural stone, granite may have fissures which look like cracks; these pose no actual structural problems. When selecting your granite, please look for these carefully in your slabs if you wish to avoid them.

Although Granite is one of the hardest substances on earth, it is heat resistant to a hot frying pan, and you can cut on it. It is still 'Natural Stone'; so hitting with a hammer or a meat clever is not recommended.Excellent Stone will not warranty against breakage after installation.

Quartz is a man made product using some natural material and polyester resin. Always use a trivet or hot pad between your new tops and any heat generating device including, but not limited to, crock pots, Insta Pots, deep fryers, hot pots and pans or electric skillets. Sudden or rapid change of temps or sustained heating, especially near edges and cut outs, may create enough thermal expansion energy to cause your counter top to crack. Damage caused by thermal expansion is NOT covered under warranty.

Quartz tops
Caution: Do not use crock pots, skillets or other hot items directly on your quartz counter top. Always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your quartz counter top from thermal shock.