Frequently Asked Questions

Will my granite counters have seams?

Yes, more than likely your countertops will have a seam. In order for your granite counters to have the very best presentation of the stone, it is important not to turn the grains crosswise to one another. For this reason, your counters will have seam/s and, especially with more exotic stones, veins and/or colors across seams will change.

Contrary to what you may have been told, seams will not disappear. They can be seen and felt! As per the industry standard, seams should be no larger than 1/16″ in width. Seams are considered level when a razor blade, on edge, can pass across the seam without being stopped.

We try to avoid placing seams over dishwashers or on islands or peninsulas. And, we will not place seams in sink holes as this will weaken the stone at a, particularly vulnerable spot. However, seam locations are ultimately up to the sawyer, as it is his job to determine the best placement for efficiency and presentation purposes. If you would like to have input in the layout of your countertops, let us know and we’ll arrange an appointment for you to meet with our sawyer to do so. We will attempt to accommodate your wishes concerning layout when possible.

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY GRANITE COUNTERTOPS?

To clean and maintain your granite countertops every day, use mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft clean cloth. You can also use any water-based spray cleaner designed for stone.

DOES GRANITE REQUIRE SEALING/RE-SEALING?
Yes! Your countertops will be sealed with a 15 year sealer after installation. However, the natural porosity of these stones and their use in your home requires them to have more than an initial sealing. Some stones will only need sealing every few years depending on the stone’s porosity and your daily use of the countertops. To determine if your countertop needs resealing, perform a “water test”. Place some water onto your stone. If within 15-20 minutes the water begins to change the color of the stone, it is time to reseal. Wait for the water spot to evaporate before resealing.
HOW DO YOU SEAL GRANITE?
It’s not as difficult as some would have you believe. In fact, it’s easier than waxing your car!

General Sealing Instructions

(always follow the directions provided with your product.)

Be certain your countertops are clean and free of spills. Stains should be removed prior to sealing. You will need 3 clean, dry, soft cloths and stone sealer.

Pour a small amount of sealer, about the size of the bottom of a pop can, onto the countertop and distribute evenly with a dry cloth. Pour more sealer onto the stone as you move onto other areas of the surface.

Take another dry cloth and wipe the excess sealer off while it is still wet. If the sealer is already dry, apply a bit more sealer and wipe it off. This will remove any residue.

Once all excess sealer is removed, use a clean dry cloth for a final wipe down.

WILL GRANITE STAIN?
Rarely, but it is possible. Granite is the most durable countertop material that exists. However, it is a product of nature, not manufacturing. It’s natural porosity means that it can stain.

Sealing works as a stain inhibitor and prevents most stains and soil from being absorbed into the surface, but it is NOT a guarantee against staining after Tenax HYDREX Polished Stone Sealer.

The biggest danger to granite is oil stain, which gives the appearance of darkening the stone.

The good news is stain(s) can be removed with the use of a poultice! Sometimes it takes a number of applications of the poultice to remove all of the stain. In over 10,000 jobs, we have encountered exactly two stain issues and were successful in removing both stains.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW TO CARE FoR STONE COUNTERTOPS?

Heat: Granite can take heat to approximately 2500 degrees. Hot pots and pans can be set directly onto granite but heat may discolor the sealer/resin coating, so hot pads or trivets are still advised. This is not true for quartz products. They will scorch and discolor above about 400 degrees. Quartz is also susceptible to heat shock from hot pots and pans.

Stability: Once your granite is in place, it is very stable. However, you should avoid sitting or standing on your countertops. While this will not usually cause a problem for the countertop, it is not advisable, especially around cooktop holes, sink holes and overhangs.

Cutting on granite… is another practice that is not advised, not because it will damage the stone, but because it will dull your knife. Cutting on quartz can damage its surface as well. Avoid cutting on granite to maintain your countertop in the best condition. 

What is the process for purchasing new countertops from Green Acres Granite?
The Purchasing Process

  1. Client brings in a layout of their kitchen or makes an appointment for a free in-home estimate
  2. Client comes into the showroom to make their stone selection, sink and faucet selections, edge and backsplash selections
  3. Contract is signed and 50% deposit is placed
  4. Client’s project is placed on the schedule for:
  5. Laser templating
  6. Final meeting with project manager
  7. Installation, plumbing, removal of existing counters and/or cabinets and granite back splash – same day
  8. Tile backsplash – requires 2 days of installation after countertops are installed (install day & grouting day)
  9. Appointment with our Template Professional happens at the client’s house with a laser template to confirm measurements and project details.
  10. Final Meeting at the showroom to approve slab layout, details of the project and final 50% payment.
  11. Fabrication process starts
  12. Installation occurs – this usually includes plumbing
  13. Any remaining scheduled appointments occur. There is a two day scheduled appointment for installation of a tile backsplash (one day for tile and one day for grouting).  This occurs after the installation date of the countertop.
  14. Happy Client enjoys their brand new stone countertop!