FAQ about granite

1.  “If offered granite countertops are hard to be used as kitchen countertops?”

 All The Marble Zone granite countertops are hard granites and excellent as kitchen or bathroom countertops.

2. “I’m not a countertop guy, but have seen many installed. The thickness I usually see for granite is 3cm, however I notice that this stuff is only 2cm. I thought, that for 2cm you need an underlayment like plywood. This product appears to be geared towards diyers.”

2cm granite countertops are intended for DIY kitchen countertop or bathroom counters renovations. They weight less and therefore easier to handle.

There is no need for any kind of underlayment to install either 2 cm or 3cm granite countertop in top of cabinets.

2cm countertops look sleeker. They are cost saving - there is less granite in countertop. Less equipment needed to cut delivered countertop to your dimensions – all you need is circular saw or an angle grinder with diamond blade.

The Marble Zone GranitEEZ granite countertops come with installation instructions on DVD to guide you through cutting and installation process. And our professional installation team is at your service to answer your installation questions.

3. “Is reinforcement needed to install granite countertop on top of cabinets? “

Normally if cabinets are in good conditions reinforcement is not required. But every situation should be looked at on an individual basis. And some additional support may be required for extensive opening under the countertop for either 2cm or 3cm granite countertop.

4. “do I use Glue to secure the granite or how do I secure the countertop?”

Industry recommendation would be to use 100% clear silicone caulk.

5. “granite from Taiwan or Brazil (or elsewhere) - is there a difference in quality?”

There is no difference where granite comes from. Grade A (Premium) Granite from India or Brazil will be same quality granite.

6. “fine and medium and coarse granite (what the heck is that all about)?”

They talk about the size of the grains of granite. Depending on how fast or slow magma cools transforming into granite. The slower cooling the larger grains of granite.

7. "My old faucet is a 3 hole on laminate, but I'm getting granite and notice all these "designer" 1 hole kitchen faucets.
Does the 1 hole hold as well as the 3 hold? Are the advantages only aesthetic?"

From the granite point there is no difference if there is 1 hole in the granite or 3. It’s a personal choice and more/less cleaning concerns.

8. "I have researched a great deal of information on granite countertops in home kitchens. My main concern is HOW TO GET A WARRANTY AGAINST CRACKING."

If you are buying granite countertop from fabricator who also offers installation check if warranty that is included into installation cost covers fabrication and installation defects. If crack has happened within 2 weeks from the day of installation then it is considered an installation defect. There might be several reasons for that. Most common is unleveled cabinets, not considered movements of the stone. The smaller the grains of granite the more condensed granite is, and less likely to crack. Qualified installer should be able to indentify possible issues before installation and give recommendation on dealing with them. There is usually a fee for the labor and material involved. Customer is free to choose not to follow recommendations and sign a weaver or for additional amount be covered by warranty.

Another option is to buy a lifetime warranty if fabricator/installer offers it.

Check with your installer to see what recommendation would be for your particular case.

9. "Do I need to reseal my polished granite countertop and how often?"

Normally granite is not sealed before installation and should be sealed afterwards. Ask you installers what kind of sealer they use. If it’s 1 year, 2 years, few years or bullet proof lifetime sealer. Then you would know if you need to reapply sealer and how often.

If you buy your granite countertop online then you would need to seal it.