Frequently Asked Questions

Natural stone can be classified into two general categories according to its composition: siliceous stone or calcareous stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products. The first type of stone is Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles. It tends to be very durable and relatively easy to clean with mild acidic cleaning solutions. Types of siliceous stone include: granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone, and bluestone.

Next is Calcareous stone which is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone. Types of calcareous stone include: marble, travertine, limestone, and onyx. What may work on siliceous stone may not be suitable on calcareous surfaces.

AA Granite Fabricator Direct located in Norcross and serving granite countertops in Atlantawould like to provide you with the Do’s & Dont’s of caring for your new countertops:

• Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap.
• Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface with clean, clear water after washing.
• Do blot up spills immediately.
• Do protect countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets, or placemats.
• Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces.
• Don’t use cleaners that contain acid or alkaline such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
• Don’t mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
• Don’t ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.

All granites are porous; what typically harms the finish on granite are the harsh chemicals contained in soap, shampoo, perfume, and cosmetics, the minerals in hard water, household cleaning agents which are highly acidic or alkaline in nature; all foods and beverages are not neutral when measured on the PH scale, many of which contain citric acid as a preservative.

The easiest way your stone looking amazing is avoid any bad habits that may damage it. Granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, quartz and solid surface are similar in many ways, but their differences require varying degrees of maintenance.

If you utilize the granite counter top care and cleaning procedures that follow for all your countertops no matter what type of stone or surface you’ll eliminate most potential problems without ever having to think too hard about it or worry that you may be causing damage.

Do you want a quartz countertop or granite countertop for your kitchen remodel? These two stones have a lot of similarities at first glance, they both have their pros and cons. Both are premium stones you can use in your home. One stone is less heat resistant, while the other requires more maintenance.

While most kitchen designs revolve around neutral color schemes, choosing a bold countertop color is an easy way to add some focus and fun into your space. We offer many colors at AA Granite Fabricator Direct, take a look here to get inspiration for your kitchen and bathroom remodel.

Quartz is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials in the United States. In a recent study using residential households kitchen countertops, 40% of homeowners used engineered quartz. The market share is second only to granite countertops (41%).

You used to have a beautiful quartz countertop in your kitchen that lit up your morning every time you entered the room. However, lately, something has been dull. The challenge is while quartz is naturally glossy and does not require polishing, the stone is not entirely maintenance free.

The selection of a material for your kitchen countertops or bathroom vanities should be done with extreme care since these surface areas can drastically define the look and feel of a room and they can be rather expensive. Like other types of countertop materials, granite has pros and cons that must be taken into consideration before making a big purchase. There are several features that are unique to granite that help contribute to its recent rise in popularity.

GRANITE PROS:

Granite contains a mixture of beauty and durability.
Placing hot pans on it cannot damage it and it is resilient against scratches.
It does not have to be expensive, you can find more affordable versions if you shop around.
Uniqueness: No two pieces of granite are identical.
Consistent Coloration: your granite counter to will always remain just as bright and as vibrant as the day it was installed.
GRANITE CONS:

Depending on the type of granite you choose, it can be pricey with the cost of the stone and installation.
It’s porous: even with proper sealing and regular resealing, it can still stain.
Requires resealing more often than most other surfaces.
If any part of the granite cracks, that entire section will need to be replaced.

The industry standard for granite countertop thickness is typically around 3 centimeters for a granite kitchen island and 2 centimeters for bathroom granite and marble vanity tops. Thicker, 2-inch granite slabs have grown in popularity for interior design projects but do not add any significant structural advantages. Thicker slabs are more expensive.

It is not necessary to use a cutting board on your granite kitchen countertops. Granite is extremely hard and can withstand even the sharpest of knives. However, it’s not a good practice for your knives as it can cause them to dull fairly quickly. At AA Granite Fabricator Direct, we recommend using a wooden or even a plastic cutting board in order to protect your knives and assist in quick clean up.

Yes, it can fracture if excessive weight is applied. Granite can also chip, fracture and break if subjected to sharp tipped hard objects with high impact because of its crystalline structure. In terms of discoloration, unsealed granite can absorb stains such as oil, which cause dark spots. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect the structure or color of granite under normal circumstances.