Frequently asked questions About Granite Countertops
 Q. Do I have to pay for the granite that you cut out/or my sinks and cook tops?
A. Yes, you are charged/or that granite so it is yours if you want it just let the template guys or your sales rep. know. However if you want them polished there is a 75.00 charge to do so.
Q. Will my granite stain?
A. Some granites are more susceptible to stain (lighter colors), but we do put a sealer on them to help prevent staining.
Q. If my granite does stain how can I get it out?
A. Even if you don ‘t do a thing yourself to try to get the stain out it will eventually dissipate thru the stone, but there are stain removers out there that would be able to get it out.
Q. Will a hot pot hurt my tops?
A. No! You could set a hot pot off of your stove on to your tops without worry of the heat dulling the shine of your tops.
Q. Does granite hold bacteria?
A. No! the FDA would not let us sell granite if it harbor bacteria.
Q. Do I have to pay extra for angles?
A. No! the only cut that you would have to pay extra for is a radius.
Q. What do I need to clean my granite with?
A. You can clean your granite with Windex or our SCI cleaners that are made/or granite. Just do not use any type of abrasive.
Q. Does Granite stain?
 For the most part, granite does not stain. While it is true that stone is a porous material, of all the stones, Granite is the least porous. A sealer is also applied to the stone when it is installed to further protect it from this possibility. Water left on a Granite countertop for a long period of time will show evidence of moisture. It will however evaporate and the "dark spot" will disappear. Oil left on a Granite surface will slowly be absorbed into the stone. It is recommended that any spills be wiped up when they occur. If the spill is not caught in time and a stain does occur, a poultice may be applied to draw the oil back out of the stone. Over time the oil will naturally redistribute itself in the stone until it becomes virtually undetectable. Click here for cleaners and Sealers.
Q. How often should I seal my Granite countertops?
A. The manufacturer recommends using their sealer once every six to twelve months. It is a simple wipe on, wipe off procedure that takes about the same amount of time as a general cleaning. We carry a full line of SSI cleaning materials for your stone.
 Q. Why doesn't my Granite look exactly like the sample?
A. Our samples are generally indicative of the coloring and pattern (also known as veining) of each stone. As the Granite is quarried, differences in the stone's shading and pattern will appear. While we try to remain aware of the current tendencies of each stone, sometimes even we are caught by surprise. Since Granite is a natural material and subject to such changes, we recommend that a customer view the slab prior to fabrication to ensure complete satisfaction. You may personally select the slab of granite to be used for your countertops if you wish.
Q. Can you reconnect my electrical and plumbing connections?
A. Granite Countertops Unlimited is a highly trained and licensed contractor for granite countertops, but we are not licensed electricians or plumbers. Therefore, we can not assume any liability for making electrical or plumbing connections. We can, in most instances however, recommend reputable and licensed individuals or companies to complete these tasks for you.
Q. Will my granite have visible seams?
A. Most granite installations will require at least one or more joints called seams. During layout and design, Granite Countertops Unlimited will always try to minimize the number of seams required. Additionally, the factory-machined edges fit together very tightly to help lessen the appearance of visible seams.
Q. How scratch-resistant is Granite?
A. With normal daily use you will not mar the finish. Although we don't recommend it, you can even cut directly on granite without much worry of damaging the surface. Would you dare cut directly on Corian or laminated surfaces? Cutting on granite will be much more damaging to your knives than it is to the granite. Unlike any other surface, Granite will not lose its shine.
Q. Will my Granite countertop chip or crack?
A. Most flaws in stone are detected during transit of the slab. If it can withstand the fabrication process, it will never break under normal kitchen conditions. You would have to assault it with something like a hammer and even then, you'd have to work at it. However, granite is brittle and not flexible and will break under certain stresses. You should not drop heavy objects such a pot, large pan, vase or other heavy, hard objects onto the countertop. Although it may seem obvious, you shouldn't stand on granite countertops. Too much pressure in the wrong place can cause granite to break or crack.
Q. How do I care for my Granite countertop?
A. Soap and water works just fine, as well as mild commercial products. Do not use glass cleaners or vinegar based products. We also stock a full line of SSI Stone Care Products, which includes spray cleaners, sealers, and polishes that you may wish to use occasionally. Granite is very low maintenance. Click here for cleaners and Sealers.
Q. Are there other finishes for Granite besides the high polished surface?
A. There are several finishes that you can have with Granite. The highly polished surface is the most popular and the only finish that Granite Countertops Unlimited offers. There is a process called "honing" that gives the stone a smooth feel but a more matte finish. You can also oil a honed finish prior to sealing to bring out more intensity in the colors.
Q. What is the difference between an under mount sink and a drop-in sink?
A. A drop-in sink sits on top of the cutout and adds no additional cost to your project. Those that are more cost conscious may opt for this choice. An under mount sink sits beneath the polished rim of the cutout. The benefit to this option is that it provides an attractive, smooth surface from counter to sink and makes cleanup much easier. Because there is additional polishing involved, there is an additional charge for under mount sink cutouts. Click here for more information and photos of sinks.
Q. What is a "high-movement" stone?
A. Different Granites have different patterns or veining. Some stones rarely change in their tight quartz-like appearance, while others have veins that swirl and change irregularly. Since samples cannot give a good overall picture of a high-movement stone, it is wise to see the section prior to fabrication. For some, the unique pattern is intriguing and adds to the beauty of the stone. For others the effect can seem somewhat chaotic.
Granite Countertops Unlimited
1061 Old Middleton Road
Elberton, Georgia
Phone 706-283-8827
FAX 706-283-4943
Toll Free 1-800-459-8636
sales@granitecountertopsunlimited.net
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