 | Jason Huang began his career in the home remodeling industry fabricating and installing natural stone countertops after
being inspired by the beauty and elegance of granite and marble. His main goal at Wichita Granite and Cabinetry is the
satisfaction of the customer, excellent service, and sharing knowledge associated with natural stone. A member of the
Better Business Bureau,The Wichita Area Builders Association , and the National Association of Home Builders. Wichita granite
and cabinetry is family own and operated.
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Home Remodeling and Improvement
2012-11-01 15:09:59
What is granite and it's uses?
A- The term "granite" is used to cover a group of related stones, all of which have their origin deep in the earth’s molten mantle. As this extremely hot liquid material rises and cools, it forms a crystalline, granular structure, hence the term granite. Granite and other granite-like stones are formed of very hard minerals such as quarts, feldspar and mica, which are fused together into a very hard stone ideal for kitchen countertops because its polish is resistant to acids such as citrus and vinegar and is hard for resisting scratching from knives, pots and pans.
Granite is commonly used for countertops as well as for floor tiles, wall tiles, and other surfaces such as fireplaces, columns, balustrades, water tables, steps, thresholds & windowsills. It’s much harder than marble and can be used practically for anything in your home or business.
Today’s designers choose granite as the ultimate custom countertop material. Every home magazine features natural stone over other plastic or artificial products. And thanks to our improved fabrication processes, natural stone is also priced competitively with other solid surface alternatives.
Q: Why is it a good choice to have a granite countertop for the kitchen?
A: Because granite is a very hard stone that’s formed at very high temperatures deep in the earth, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives, pots and pans. It’s unaffected by typical kitchen heat, such as hot pans, or spilled liquid.
Q: Can granite countertops be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite countertops. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite countertops 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 countertops under normal circumstances.
Q: What is flamed granite?
Granite is flamed by applying blowtorch-strength heat to the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface which is ideal for exterior paving or wet areas for non-slipperiness.
Q: What is honed granite?
A: Strictly speaking, granite is called "honed" when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface is achieved. This gives a softer, matte appearance to the stone.
Q: My little sample of granite has pits on the surface - will I have these on my granite countertops?
A: Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits - spaces between the various mineral crystals. You don’t see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite countertops sometimes have natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite millions of years ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material.
Q: Can I cut on my granite countertop?
A: Yes. However, granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface, also, if you do not seal your countertop as required (at least once a year; every 90 days for heavy usage), you could potentially stain them. NEVER CHOP on your countertop. While it is unlikely you will damage your granite countertops, it is possible. It’s a reliable routine to always chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board
