Frequently Asked Questions
Do you guys Do Installations? Are u licensed?
We Re Sell Granite and Cabinets to other States thats how We started our Business However We have an Installation Department Managed by Mr Jesus Ayala His license Number is 898142. He is a license contractor since 2007 with tons of Experience in the Construction Business also We have an Insurance. and Bond. We provide all this Information upon Request.
What is Granite?
Granite is a naturally found stone composed of several large mineral grains tightly packed together. The main components include Feldspar and Quartz with a mix of other minerals including Biotite and Muscovite.The minerals Feldspar and Quartz, which are the major components of granite, are harder than steel. This is why throughout human civilization, granite has been used as a building material.The mica minerals called Biotite and Muscovite are more minor components of granite and give it a glittery appearance.
Why is it so popular?
Granite has emerged as the most popular kitchen countertop material because of its natural beauty and durability.The elegance of granite countertops adds value to homesHeat, scratch, and stain resistantGranite outlasts even the life of the home it is installed inVery little maintenance is requiredIt is more affordable than many people think because of the abundant supplyWhere does granite originate?Granite is naturally formed in most parts of the world, but it is quarried in significant quantities in Brazil, India, Italy, Africa, Norway, Finland, and China. A majority of the most desirable granite slabs used for kitchen countertops in the USA come from Brazil, India, and Italy.
Is granite high maintenance?
In fact, granite countertops require very little maintenance. You only have to clean them with a mild soap and warm water.
Does heat damage granite?
No, granite can withstand very high temperatures. Placing hot pans or a hot kettle will not cause any damage to the granite’s color or stability. However, it is recommended that you use trivets because of other reasons.
Can knives scratch granite?
Knives cannot scratch true granite. The only thing harder than granite is diamond. For example, diamond is scored 10 on the MOH’s hardness scale and granite is scored 7. Diamond blades are the only thing that can cleanly cut through granite. Other natural stones like Gneiss and Schist are commonly called granite, but they do not have a MOH score of 7, and they can be probably scratched by knives.
Is granite expensive?
Actually, the entry level granite countertop prices have become very affordable because of the abundant supply of natural granite and modern technology.
Can granite be repaired?
At Surplus Granite, we have been asked if granite can be repaired, if chips or cracks that occur from accidental impacts can be fixed. The answer is yes, they can be repaired by a granite fabricator.
Does granite harbor bacteria?
No, the center for disease control did not find any evidence to suggest that bacteria could grow in granite.
Does granite emit harmful radiation?
At surplus, we are frequently asked this question by home owners. The answer is granite was tested for Radon emissions and found to emit very insignificant levels of Radon. Granite is found to be safe for usage in homes with out any harmful effects. You can read the report on this research at the website of the Marble Institute of America.
What are the pits in the granite?
It’s not uncommon to see some small pits on the surface of the granite slabs. These pits are formed during the polishing process, when some of the weaker components of granite, like Biotite, flake off from the surface. This happens at the granite processing plants in different countries where the granite is quarried and polished.The pits themselves do not make the granite less durable or inferior for use in countertops, but the look and feel of the granite with the pits may bother some clients. It is a better if you discuss these issues with the fabricators before you make the final decision on your stone selection.We do not recommend that you have the pits filled because no compound can adequately or permanently fill these spaces without visually affecting the surface of the stone. The best practice is to discuss imperfections with your fabricator before selecting the stone, and if you really hate the pits you should consider a granite that has no visual imperfections.
What about the filled lines in the granite slabs?
A good number of granite colors that are very beautiful with a variety of colors and veins that flow in different directions, are not truly “granites” in strict geological terms. Though they are commonly called granites, they are actually Gneiss or Schists stones. True granite stones scale between 6 and 7 on MOH’s scale of hardness (diamond hardness is 10). Whereas, the MOH’s scale for Gneiss and Schist is less than 6.In order to strengthen these stones to be used as countertops, they undergo a process called resinization, where epoxy resin is used to fill the weak spots of these stones. These slabs, with the visually filled lines, do not break or crack once they are installed, with proper care. If any problem does happen, it will happen during fabrication or transportation.Mascarello, Copenhagen, Louise Blue, Barricato, Betularie, and many more popular stones belong to this category. A lot of customers do not mind the fill lines and visual imperfections because of the beauty of these natural stones.If you are a perfectionist, and do not want any imperfections, then you should choose another type of stone.
Does granite need to be resealed regularly?
If you use high quality impregnating sealers like DuPont Bulletproof sealer, you should have to reseal your granite every three years. If you use a cleaning liquid called Revitalizer also made by DuPont, you will not have to reseal your countertops ever. A gallon container of Revitalizer only costs $39, which will lasts 2 to 3 years depending on the size of your countertops.
What is the ideal overhang for my bar top or breakfast area?
12” is the ideal overhang for comfortable seating without hitting your knees on the cabinet, however, the overhang does need to be adequately supported.
Can I keep my existing tile back splash?
Yes. While replacing the existing laminate countertops, many of our clients choose to keep their current tile backsplash. However, you must consider the following points for better results:The thickness of laminate countertops is 1 ½” and granite, marble, or engineered surfaces, like Ceasarstone, are 1 ¼” thick. The replacement causes a visible gap of about ¼” between the new granite countertop and the existing tile. This scenario applies in cases where the tile goes all the way down to the countertops. You can solve this problem by using one of the following methods:Applying caulk in the gap with a matching color to the existing grout. The new caulk line will be about a ¼” thickness instead of the tile grout line of about 1/8”. It is barely noticeable and an acceptable compromise.If you have kept the grout from the original tile installation, you can use that grout to fill the gap. This is the best case scenario.You can purchase and install a trim line from any tile supplier that fits between the tile and the granite countertop. This should be done by your tile installer.Installation of a 4” back splash of granite over the existing tile. This is another commonly used option.In case the existing tile goes up to the 4” back splash of laminate countertop:4” granite back splashes have to be placed between the granite countertops and the existing tile. You can choose to have 4 ½” height granite back splashes to cover the rough area created by the removal of the existing laminate back splash.
Do I need to buy full slabs of granite?
No, you do not need to buy full slabs. We consider the cost of actual material used in your project. That is the advantage of choosing fabricators like Surplus Granite that not only fabricate and install your countertops but carry a great assortment of granite slabs to choose from.
Do seams in Granite show?
The answer is Yes and No.Yes, seems are visible if you look carefully at the countertops. However, the goal of a good granite installation company is to make them as inconspicuous as possible.
How much does granite weigh?
Granite weighs about 16 to 17 pounds per square foot.
How do you attach the granite countertops to my cabinet?
The stone countertops are places on the cabinets and, after ensuring that everything is leveled, a bead of silicon is applied at the intersection of the cabinets and the underside of the stone. This is sufficient to hold the countertops in place in a normal situation.If the cabinets are not leveled, which is not uncommon, we have to place shims underneath the countertops to level them. In this situation our installers place small blocks of wood pieces rinsed in epoxy to stabilize the shims.
Can your company help me in granite color selection?
Yes, when you come visit us you will get help making these tough decisions from our in-house designers at no additional cost. Having installed thousands of kitchen countertops in Orange County and LA area, our project managers can also share with you their experiences to enhance your project.
Do I need an appointment?
YES. We mostly do In home estimates. Give us a call to schedule a free IN HOME estimate.