Why natural stone?

In a word, durability. It is highly resistant to scratching, craking and staining and is impervious to heat. These features make natural stone an ideal choice for a wide range of indoor and outdoor projects.

 

Does granite stain?

All natural stone is porous to some extent, but properly sealed granite and marble has very little porosity. Our professional installers apply a final seal treatment after every installation is completed. This penetrating sealer will help prevent stains from oil, wine or other liquids from soaking into the surface.

 

Can I cut on my granite countertop?

Yes, it is safe to cut directly on your granite countertops, although granite is harder than your knives and will dull the cutting edge over time.

 

Does granite harbor bacteria?

Granite is second only to stainless steel for safety against bacterial contamination. Granite is also less likely to harbor food-borne pathogens after cleaning than synthetic stone.

 

Does granite harbor harmful bacteria?

Both the Center for Disease Control and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have found no evidence of this. In fact, in one study sealed granite was shown to be second only to stainless steel for resistance to bacteria.

 

What about granite and radon concerns?

The Marble Institute of America has written a very informative FAQ addressing consumer concerns about granite and radon. Please feel free to visit them at  to learn the truth about granite and radon.

 

What is your standard thickness?

Our standard slab inventory is 2cm (3/4″) – 3cm (1 1/4″).

 

What are your lead times?

Italian Granite can turnkey your project in an industry best 14 – 21 days.

 

Value Proposition—How does natural stone compare to other materials?

Please refer to this PDF.

 

Do I have to buy the whole slab?

The Italian Granite quotation is based on maximizing the yield of each slab and you are only charged for the square footage used for your project. Our quotes include the cost for materials, fabrication and installation, there are no hidden costs.

 

Will my countertops have a seam?

Seams are where two pieces of stone are glued together to cover large areas that extend beyond the width and/or length of your slab. This is where Italian Granite’s craftsmen make a difference, with their experience, techniques and installation tools; our seams are among the best in the industry.

 

Is there a deposit required to get started?

We have the following payment options:

1. Our standard policy is 50% down and balance due when the job is completed.
a. We except cash, check and all major credit cards.
2. We have also partnered with GE Capital to offer our customers a 6 and 12 month “No Interest” financing plan.

 

Why do some materials cost more than others?

Price of the material has little to do with quality of the stone. Price is determined by availability, quarrying & processing cost, transportation cost and the exotic features of some stone.

 

How do I keep my natural stone surfaces clean and looking great?

We recommend DuPont Sanitizer® and Revitalizer® for periodic deep cleaning and re-sealing. These products are available at our showroom or call to order by phone.

 

Does my natural stone need to be professionally re-sealed every year?

All natural stone must be properly sealed. As part of the Italian Granite quality promise, you can trust that all your surfaces are professionally sealed and should not require a re-sealing treatment for 2 – 3 years under most residential conditions. High use and traffic areas may require annual professional sealing treatments.