​Elegant Stone Products - Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the question and the answer will reveal itself to you.

​How do I PROTECT MY STONE FROM DAILY USE?

• Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol and citrus juices.  
• While many stones can withstand heat, the use of trivets or mats is recommended.  WARNING: extended periods of heat on counter tops can cause stress to the stone.  Avoid using slow cookers, roasters, lefse griddles, anything that is not insulated and raised off counter directly on counter tops.  Put these types of appliances onto a large, thick cutting board. 
• Blot spills with a paper towel immediately.  Don't wipe the area, it will spread the spill.  Clean countertops after spill or for daily care with water and mild soap and rinse.  Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth.  This step is very important if you have hard water or are prone to hard water residue build up.  Also, like any item in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.  For a simple degreaser or disinfectant you can simply use 50% rubbing alcohol. Higher concentration alcohol could be split with distilled water. Be aware that products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids will dull or etch the stone.  Scouring powders or creams contain abrasives that can scratch your stone.  DO NOT use ammonia or bleach to clean stone.  Many commercially made rust removers such as laundry rust stain removers and toilet bowl cleaners contain trace levels of hydrofluoric acid (HF).  All stones, including granite and quartzite, will be damaged if exposed to HF. 

​How do I care for my SOAPTSTONE?

• Because soapstone is softer, avoid cutting directly on it.  If scratches occur, you can lightly sand them out yourself with a 120 grit sanding block but do make sure to take wider sweeping motions when sanding to avoid creating a divot in the stone.  
• Be careful to not drop heavy objects on soapstone, could cause divots.  The softer nature of soapstone makes it nice to touch but also makes it one of its main weaknesses.  
• The primary care for soapstone is mild soap and cloth clean up.
• Periodic oiling or waxing of soapstone can be done as well.  This will help produce a natural patina over time.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANMADE QUARTZ AND NATURAL STONE?

• Man-made or cast stone is made up of finely ground stone such as quartz mixed with resins or cement-based products, then poured into a mold to create either a slab or items such as sinks, mantels, etc.
  
• Natural stone is harvested from the earth in block form, cut into slabs, cut into shape, polished and installed in your home.
  
• Simply put, quartz is a manufactured product where natural stones like granite are formed by nature over the course of thousands of years.​

i really love the look of marble. should i use it in my kitchen?

• Marble is a soft stone so is very prone to scratching, etching, chips and stains
• A honed marble shows less etching and scratches than a polished stone but can be more susceptible to stains
• Marble requires frequent sealing so if water does not bead up, the marble is not being protected. 
  
• Marble is susceptible to staining from things like cooking oils, red wine and many other common house hold items.
• Marbles, like the Calacattas, tend to have a higher price point than other natural stones.  
• A homeowner may want to consider looking at natural quartzite which can mimic the look of a marble but be hard like a granite.
  
• Quartzites typically are the highest price point of all natural stone surfaces.

​IS GRANITE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN MAN-MADE MATERIALS?

It depends on the granite. Availability, color, and country of origin are major factors that affect the price of granite. If the supply of a particular stone is short and demand for it is high, the price will typically be higher. Given that stone is a natural product imported from all over the world, the price spectrum is wide. However, with petroleum prices fluctuating the way they do, products like solid surface (Corian), with a petro-chemical base can often times be more expensive than the most common granites and quartz.​

​WILL MY STONE COUNTERTOPS LOOK LIKE THE COLOR SAMPLE?

​Since granite, marble, quartzite, onyx, slate, travertine and soapstone are natural products, naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. The samples you see will vary either slightly or to a large degree from the actual slabs used in your project. We STRONGLY encourage all of our customers to preview their actual slab before we begin the fabrication process. We offer the option of a Stone Waiver in the event that you do not want to preview and approve the slabs designated for your project.

​Are engineered quartz surfaces natural?

Marketers contend that quartz surfaces contain 93% quartz. However, this number is calculated by mass, not volume. Therefore the true ratio of quartz is approximately 67 - 73%. It is also important to note that "quartz" refers not only to natural quartz but glass and mirror particles as well.

​I heard the Quartz Surfacing products won't stain and that Natural Stone will. Can you clarify?

No surface is bomb-proof. Be very careful with anything acidic, oily, red wines, fruit juices or food coloring. These items will also stain laminate, quartz, porcelain, ceramic, and all natural materials. Natural stone can be sealed that will repel the stain like wax on a car so you can wipe it up. If a stain does set on natural stone it typically can be removed.

​Is granite more expensive than man-made materials?

​It depends on the granite. Availability, color, and country of origin are major factors that affect the price of granite. If the supply of a particular stone is short and demand for it is high, the price will typically be higher. Given that stone is a natural product imported from all over the world, the price spectrum is wide. However, with petroleum prices fluctuating the way they do, products like Corian, with a petro-chemical base can often times be more expensive than the most common granites.

​What is a "pit"? Will I have them in my countertops?

​Most natural stone has some degree of pitting, whether microscopic or visible to the naked eye. With todays advanced processing, the natural pitting or tiny craters in granite are greatly reduced. These natural pits pose no maintenance or wear issues. The depth of these pits is virtually immeasurable. This constitutes the “Texture” of the stone.

Are veins weak spots in the stone?

Not necessarily. Some veins are strictly color variations in the stone. However in some materials natural flaws can exist within the vein, which enhances the color and is characteristic of that stone. Structurally, with today's processing, these materials do meet the strength requirements for countertop use. During fabrication and transportation some veins may open and can be repaired.

​How often does my granite countertops need to be re-sealed?

​All granite tops are sealed at our facility before being loaded into trucks for delivery. We use a high quality 15 year guaranteed sealer to ensure maximum protection against stains. To check if you need to re-seal your granite, put a small amount of water on the countertop. Let it sit for 15 minutes. If the water is absorbed and leaves a dark area, you need to re-seal your granite countertops.
​Call Elegant Stone Products, for a quote on a re-seal using regular sealer or the new 15 year sealer.

Is it difficult to re-seal my granite countertops?

​Competitive products may make the sealing process of natural stone seem more difficult than it really is. If you did not receive a “Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone Surfaces” brochure when your countertops were installed, please contact us and we will send one to you. You can also contact us and we'll quote you with the new 15 year sealer. 

Can I hire Elegant Stone Products, Inc. to re-seal my countertops?

​Absolutely! Contact us today for a free estimate.
​Be prepared to provide:

1. Square Footage of Countertops
2. Job Location
3. Stone Color & Type
4. Original Date of Install (if known)

​Help! I have a stain in my granite!

Many stains can be removed from your granite countertops. You can call or contact us today and we will give you a free estimate to remove the stain(s) for you.

​Will the polish on my countertops wear off over time?

The polish on natural stone is not a topical coating but the surface of the stone itself. Granite, with normal wear and tear will not lose its polish. That doesn't mean that if you attack your granite with a belt sander that it won’t dull the finish. Things that could scratch granite are typically not found in the kitchen. Marble, on the other hand, is a calcite which will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish. Proper sealing and maintenance is more crucial with marble countertops.
If you're tops look dull in work area's such as around sink or stove, its possible that a build-up of oils is on the counter and can be cleaned or buffed off. Give us a call to discuss.

​What is Antiqued Granite?

​Instead of the normal process of polishing granite, abrasive brushes are used to surface the stone which leaves a satin textured finish.

​Can granite crack or chip?

Yes, granite can crack or chip. However this is usually caused by severe settling, excessive impact or abuse. Most minor cracks or chipping in natural stone can be repaired by a specialist in the stone renovation business or by a qualified fabricator.

​What do I do if my countertop chips?

​Most chips are repairable in granite and quartz surfacing countertops. If you happen to get a chip, save the pieces and call or contact us for a service call. Our service technician will come out and repair the chipped area. Many times, after the repair is complete, you can't tell a chip ever happened.

​Does granite scratch easily? Can I cut directly on my granite top?

In order to scratch granite you would need to use something as hard as granite or harder. While cutting on your granite top won't scratch the surface, it will dull your knife. Because of this we recommend always using a cutting board. Should a scratch occur, it can be repaired without resurfacing the entire area. In the event of a scratch, contact us and we'll send out a technician.

​Can I have the stone that remains from a sink or cooktop cutout?

​Sure! The pieces removed from sink or cooktop cutouts however do not have finished edges. If you would like the piece(s) re-cut to size and finished we will be happy to give you an estimate. Some customers will use these pieces as cutting boards, table tops, plant stands, garden pavers, etc. Please let us know before we fabricate, we do not store the cutouts. Also the cutout is not a perfect shape of your sink, we have to drill a pilot hole inside the cutout to begin the cutting process.

How thick is the Natural and quartz materials

Most of our materials are 3cm approximately 1-3/16" thick. Some materials can be ordered is thinner sizes such as 2cm or 3/4". 

​Is it okay to mix different colors of stone?

Absolutely. Whatever makes the design work. We or your designer can help you with that.

​Will you remove my existing countertops?

We will gladly remove your existing laminate or solid surface tops. Call or contact us today for a free estimate on removal.
​Be prepared to provide:

1. Drawing w/ measurements
2. Type of Countertop
3. Location of Removal
   
4. In most cases we can measure with your tops on and remove them the day of install. ESP is not licensed to work on plumbing, gas, or electrical.

​If I perform my own removal, how much do I have to remove?

All countertops, build-up, screws, nails, and backsplashes must be completely removed. If wall patching or skim coating is needed after everything is removed, it will be easier to complete before the granite countertops are installed. If your install date is already set, but you need more time to complete the removal work we can reschedule the installation appointment with you as long as you call or contact us 48 hours in advance.

​Can I install my own countertops?

Only you know your skill set and limits! Working with stone and quartz surfacing requires special tools, skills and a strong back. We highly recommend that you let us measure, fabricate, and install. Keep in mind that is what we do everyday!

​How much does granite & quartz weigh?

3cm granite weighs between 15 and 20 pounds per square foot. An average kitchen of 60 square feet will weigh about 1,020 pounds.

​Do I need extra support to handle the weight of granite or quartz?

​When talking about support, you need to consider two different aspects: Weight and Balance. Most cabinets are strong enough to handle the weight of granite & quartz countertops. When considering weight, you may want to consider how it can affect the integrity of the granite too. On a typical 24" deep, finished cabinet, maybe you are planning on a 20" overhang off of the back side. According to the Stone Institute of America, you'll need to provide substantial support for 10 of the 20" of overhang in the way of bars, legs, brackets or corbels. With quartz tops, in certain circumstances, you can get away with 14" unsupported material because of its increased tensile strength. Let us help guide you in this design decision. Balance is the other thing to consider when discussing support. If your overhang is equal to or greater than the base on which it is installed, you'll need to add support to keep your top from tipping. Bar tops are an area where you will typically need some sort of support against tipping. If you have a 5" deep half wall and a 16" bar top, you will need corbels or brackets even though your overhang is less than 10".

​How far can granite extend beyond the cabinetry without additional support?

​According to the Stone Institute of America, corbels or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10" for 3cm material or 6" for 2cm material. Balance is also key.

​WILL BACTERIA GROW ON GRANITE?

​Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live. Bacteria cannot eat granite. Unclean, unkempt countertops can harbor bacteria regardless of what countertop material is used. Granite has performed extremely well in testing; performing second only to stainless steel in its ability to resist bacterial growth.

​Do my cabinets need to be emptied for my installation?

​Yes please.

​Does someone have to be at the jobsite during both the final measure and installation appointments?

​Yes, we require either one of the homeowners or your representative over the age of 18, to be at the job site for the final measure. Keep in mind that many decisions need to be made at this appointment. We would like someone to be present for the installation as well to answer any questions that may arise during the install.

​I want to install a new backsplash in my kitchen, when should this be done?

​This should be done after the countertops are installed. This will allow you or your tile installer to know where to start the tile backsplash and what size cuts are needed. It will also cover any small gaps that are required for fit or due to wall contours.

What kind of prep do I need to do before I get my new countertops?

We require all cabinets to be completely emptied and all drawers removed. This is to allow for easy access for the installers to set the countertops and sinks. This also ensures that if any glue, caulk or sawdust falls down into the cabinets, anything that is generally stored in the base cabinets will not be damaged or dirtied. Appliances should be on site, not necessarily installed (new) to measure for fit, whenever possible.

​WHAT IS RADON?

​Radon is an inert gas discovered by German physicist Fredrich Ernst Dorn in 1898 (the same year as Curie's discover of Radium). Its symbol on the periodic table is an Rn and is the heaviest of Noble Gasses. It is the decay by-product of uranium.

​​DO MY GRANITE COUNTERTOPS HAVE RADON IN THEM?

​​Let's put this in perspective first. You are surrounded by Radon! Some parts of the country have higher concentrations than others. The primary source of Radon exposure is from the soil, although exposure can come from ground water and outdoor air. Only 2.5% of all radon exposure comes through building materials in general. If you have an elevated amount of Radon gas in your home, it will almost always originate from your basement or crawl space. Proper mitigation can make high Radon readings practically disappear.

​ARE MY STONE COUNTERTOPS DANGEROUS?

​The Natural Stone Institute of America recently published the findings of a scientific study that concluded that statistically, you have a greater chance of a fatal fall from bed than getting cancer from your countertops. We can honestly say that while some may seek to profit from instilling fear of Radon in your mind, we are absolutely confident that the products we install in your home will not jeopardize your health due to any Radon.