Granite
Can hot pots be put directly on the granite surface?
Yes, granite is extremely heat resistant and cookware can be put directly on the surface without damage. You can’t burn granite with ordinary use. Granite conducts heat and is widely used for open flame baking and barbecuing.
Can I cut on granite?
Granite is one of the hardest stones available. It cannot be scratched in ordinary use. A knife blade will not scratch it. It can only be scratched with specially sharpened tools designed to work with this rock like tungsten and diamond tools.
How should granite be cleaned and cared for?
Stone soap, which is specially formulated for marble and granite is recommended for cleaning on a regular basis. Household cleaners such as Windex, Fantastic and 409 do not rinse and will leave a build up or film so the surface appears streaked. Granite countertops have a sealer applied at the time of fabrication which offers deep penetrating protection against stains (oils, wine, etc). We recommend that you re-seal it one to two times a year. Granite Sealer and user friendly Natural Stone Soap are available at our show room.
Can granite chip or crack?
Only in cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool will granite chip. If this does happen, the chip can be filled with granite dust and epoxy mixture. Normal use will not cause stress to this durable material.
Where are granite countertops seamed?
Seams are avoided as much as possible but because granite is mined from a quarry in blocks usually no more than 10′ long, they are often necessary. The visibility of seams depends on the granularity, color and pattern in the granite. Where possible, Custom Granite prefers to place seams at the center of cooktops or sinks. This creates a 3” seam rather than a full depth seam.
How are sinks installed?
Sinks are either drop-in or under mount. A cutout needs to be made in the granite to accommodate the sink. The sink hole must be precisely templated and cut out to ensure a perfect fit. Drop in sinks are installed in the rough cut, whereas, under mount must be cut and polished as the depth of the granite is exposed. A minimum of 3” of granite is required between the sink and edge of countertop for structural integrity.
Do granite countertops overhang the cabinets?
Most countertops overhang by 1 3/4” but may be changed due to cabinet configuration or personal taste.
How are granite countertops priced?
Countertop prices are based on granite type, choice of face profile, sink & cook top variables and quantity of linear footage to be profiled.
Quartz
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Quartz is non-porous, so it never needs sealing. Clean it with mild soap and water.
Can I put hot pans on quartz?
No. Quartz is not heat resistant like granite, and should not be used to house hot pans and other cookware. Use a trivet.
What is quartz made of?
Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral that, in ground-up form, is combined with resins to form a hard surface much like engineered granite. Most quartz countertops are well over 90% quartz.
Quartzite & marble
What is the difference between quartzite and marble?
Both are natural metamorphic stones and can look very similar. Quartzite is harder (Mohs 7) and does not etch from kitchen acids; marble is softer and etches from acids like lemon juice or vinegar. Testing is the only assured way to tell them apart.
Does marble need sealing?
Yes, marble needs periodic sealing. If the sealant becomes worn over time, the countertop can be stripped and new sealant applied.
Is quartzite the same as quartz?
No. Quartzite is a natural quarried stone; quartz countertops are engineered from ground quartz and resins.
Buying from Custom Granite
How do I choose my slab?
Start with our
live slab inventory: every listing is a photo of a real slab in our Stoney Creek yard. Save your favourites to My Picks, then visit the showroom to see them in person with a designer.
Can I hold a slab?
Yes. Open any slab and tap “Hold this slab for 48 hours”. We set it aside and confirm by phone or email.
How do I get a countertop quote?
Use the
quote form or call 905-643-6300. Countertop prices are based on the stone type, choice of face profile, sink and cooktop variables and the quantity of linear footage to be profiled.
Do you install countertops?
Yes. From design consultation to professional installation, our team works with you along the way: we template, cut and shape the stone and install it.
Do you work with contractors and builders?
Yes. Every month our team works with home owners and contractors to complete jobs on time and on budget.
What can you make besides kitchen countertops?
Bathroom countertops and vanities, bars, shower and bathtub surrounds, fireplace surrounds and other custom stone pieces.
Where are you and when are you open?
Our showroom and slab yard are at 755 South Service Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 5Z2. Hours: Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 3, closed Sunday.
What areas do you serve?
We are in Stoney Creek (Hamilton) and serve Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Niagara, Muskoka and all of Ontario.
Do you sell sealer and stone soap?
Yes. Granite sealer and user friendly natural stone soap are available at our showroom.
