What you need to know:

Granite is an igneous rock formed by volcanic action and consists mainly of quartz, silica, mica, obsidian, and feldspar with a blend of other natural minerals.

The composition varies from quarry to quarry. Granite is the only natural stone suitable for kitchen countertops.

This relates to it hardness, resistance to scratches and its minimal absorption. It can also be used for fireplace surrounds and vanity tops. Below are some general physical characteristics, which also vary by stone type.

Hardness

Based on the MOH (Measure of Hardness) scale of one to ten with diamonds being ten, most granites fall within the range of seven or eight. It is extremely scratch resistant.

Natural Fissures

Granite contains natural fissures, which appear as cracks. These visible hairline cracks are formed during the solidification process. Earthquakes or land movement can also cause fissures. Fissures are random and will vary from one type of granite to the next. These fissures contribute to the brittleness of granite. When fissures are noticed during the fabrication process, slots are cut in the back side of the granite and steel rods are installed using a very strong epoxy resin. This is a common practice that is performed to strengthen the granite in these naturally weak areas.

Surface Pits

Granite is polished to remove all scratches from the surface. Due to the methods currently used for finishing – abrasives and pressure in a circular motion – some small crystals will be removed leaving small voids in the surface polish. The size and frequency of this varies from stone to stone.

Color Variation

Samples represent the general color and pattern of a color of granite only. Exact duplication cannot and will not be guaranteed. Granite, being a natural product, will have variation in color and shading. This is a unique characteristic of natural stone and is to be expected. This is the reason that we offer you the opportunity to select your slabs from our network of stone distributors.

Cutting and Fitting

In most cases granite is cut into rectangular shapes with the opposing edges parallel. Drywall will have to be floated to correct any deficiencies like bowing, cupping, and walls being out of square. In most cases backsplashes will cover any gaps behind the tops when they are installed. However, if granite backsplashes are installed, bowed or cupped walls will show at the tops of the splashes.

Seams

Unlike solid surface materials, granite will have seams. Seams may also be made in top-mounted sink and cook top cutouts. These seams will be established based on slab size, esthetic considerations, practicality of handling and installation. Slab sizes are random making it impossible to locate seams for any given plan.

The industry standard for seams is as follows: The horizontal stone-to-stone seams are filled with and epoxy or polyester resin, which will be color coordinated. A 3/16” gap between pieces is normal for seams. Vertical variation at the seam will be no more than 1/32”. The largest guaranteed size available for granite is 100” x 54” for all colors. Some random tops may be slightly longer or wider but cannot be guaranteed from house to house.

At Premier Countertops, we will meet and strive to exceed the industry standard for seams. On most stones, we use a special seaming process, and our seams are extremely tight and can barely be felt by rubbing your hand over them. However, some stones do not lend themselves to this process and the seams will be more noticeable. We cannot and will not guarantee that your seam will be perfect. We only guarantee that we will meet the industry standard specified above.

Your seam appearance can be affected greatly by the type of stone you select. Seams will be more visible in stones with a large grain structure, color variation or with a lot of movement. We in no way guarantee that you will not be able to see a seam.

Undermount Sinks

A minimum of 3” is required in front and behind the cutout. Premier Countertops will only work with sinks which are specifically designed as an under-counter sink.

Our standard edge at this cut out location is a simple eased or square polished edge. Our standard is to provide a negative reveal of approximately ¼”. This simply means that the countertop will hang over the walls of the bowl approximately ¼”. We will install the sink itself, but will not do any plumbing or cabinet work.

Sealing

Each countertop that Premier Countertops installs is sealed with an impregnating sealer, which leaves nothing on the surface to contaminate food. This sealer should be reapplied as needed or at least annually.

Blemishes and Repairs

The Marble Institute of America deems it appropriate to repair any surface blemishes during the fabrication and installation process.

It is also a standard practice to imbed rods on the backside of the granite to strengthen any weak areas such as natural fissures or cutout areas. The Marble Institute of America approves these procedures as well.

If a crack or fissure occurs or opens after installation, it is, sometimes, possible to repair it. Premier Countertops will assess the repair possibility with the home owner or builder.

If a piece needs to be replaced due to homeowner damage, the replacement piece will not color match the other pieces in the original installation.

Sub Decking and Overhands

Granite has very little flexural or bending ability. 2cm granite must be solid decked on all countertops and overhangs. 3cm granite does not require sub decking and will rest directly on the cabinets or support walls.

All overhangs or cantilever areas should be properly braced from below. This bracing should allow loading of 250 pounds per square foot without any flexing of the countertop.

High bar overhangs from 4” to 12” will require bracing. This bracing can be provided by a flat steel plate attached to the structure with 3” screws or by evenly spacing corbels to support the countertop. Any overhangs over 12” will need legs or columns, extending to the floor to support the granite. These supports are the responsibility of the builder or homeowner, and must be installed prior to installation. Countertops will not be installed using temporary support structures.

Warranty

The warranty covers defects caused by improper fabrication and/or installation, which may occur during the first year after the original installation of the granite. Inherent characteristics are not defects.