Skyline Tile specializes in granite floors and granite countertops in the Seattle Area. A lot of information is available about Granite. We offer you articles to read, FAQ and some myths about granite.

GRANITE ARTICLES

GRANITE FAQ

What is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock, which means that at one time during its development, it was melted like volcanic lava.  Unlike lava, however, this melted rock never reached the surface.  It remained trapped inside the earth, where it slowly cooled and crystallized.  The end result is a very uniform, speckled stone that ranges in color from black and gray tones to pinks, browns, reds, greens and whites.

Granites are quarried throughout the world in the form of huge blocks and then reduced into slabs.  These slabs are then carefully crafted by fabricators who process them into the final product.

When to use Granite?
Granite is striking, functional and extremely durable. These traits make granite ideal for kitchen countertops, accent islands, bar tops, everyday dining tables, and many other uses. Even the finest synthetics can't match granite's natural range of colors, nor are they nearly as versatile, durable, or long lasting.

How do you care for Granite Countertops?
Granite is very easy to maintain. Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth clean up most spills.

Granite is a worry free surface, requiring few special precautions. It is extremely durable, stain resistant and easy to care for. Hot pots and pans won't damage it. It won't chip, crack or scratch under normal use. Cutting boards are recommended when slicing bread, meats or vegetables to protect your knife from becoming dull.

GRANITE MYTHS

  1. Granite is absorbent. Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products. Granite is commonly used as building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.
  2. Granite stains easily. Granite is resistant to stains. Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain. However, even water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark colored spot but this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone.
  3. Stains in granite are permanent. Most stains can be removed. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.
  4. Granite will lose its polish over the years. While this may be true of marble, granite will shine years from now just as if it was brand new. Granite is highly scratch resistant and will not show wear from daily use.
  5. Granite requires a lot of maintenance. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a re-application of a penetrating sealer should be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes-less time than scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches.
  6. Heat will cause granite to chip and crack. Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage. Impact from a heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.
  7. Dark colored granites are harder than light colored granites. Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to grey colored mineral.
  8. Granite's tiny pores and fissures harbor bacteria. Bacteria are found everywhere. If it is on a granite top, then it can also be found on a laminate or solid surface top. Use an anti-bacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are concerned.
  9. Granite and marble are essentially the same. Besides the fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished, they are otherwise very different. Marble is generally a calcious stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled and then hardened below the earth's surface.
  10. Granite is expensive. Granite is usually competitively priced compared to other high-end surfacing materials. You will be amazed when you compare the price of granite to other popularly famed "luxury surfaces". Granite offers you an unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance and longevity.


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