Frequently Asked Questions

A: Marble is best used for bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds. Although both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx, and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages, and therefore is not suggested for use in kitchens or high use areas.

A: In a word, yes. In a recent study performed for the retail food industry, granite and stainless steel performed significantly better that four other countertop materials. Bacteria require several things in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, water, sunlight, nutrients and a substrate to form on. The minerals in granite are toxic to bacteria. As a result, there is no habitable environment for the bacteria to live and grow on a granite surface.

A: Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.

A: Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.

A: A heavy blow may chip your granite, but it is extremely hard and will withstand most accidents without incident. A chip can be filled with a granite and epoxy mixture. If a chip occurs on your countertop do not throw out the chipped piece, we can use them to fix the countertop. Island overhangs cannot support body weight. Never stand or sit on unsupported areas.

A: If your surface exceeds the length of a granite slab, it is necessary to seam the joints where two slabs are joined. Once we review the cabinet layout, our team of estimators can determine how many, if any, seams are necessary and show you the seam placement. Granite has natural veining and color sometimes dictating the seam placements. Cabinet support, overhang and design features can also contribute to why, where and how many seams are needed.

A: We believe that superior seam quality is part of the Artistic Tile & Granite difference. By combining superior cutting equipment with meticulous well trained installers we provide the cleanest seams available. We will be happy to show you the planned location of seams for your project and minimize the number of seams required. All our seams are hard epoxy bonded. In addition, our advanced fabrication process provides more flexibility for minimizing the need for additional seams.