FAQ

Marble and granite are natural stones and therefore, may lack predictability. Here at Keystone Granite, we try to provide as many samples of stones as we can in order to assist you with your decision. However, samples of marble and granite can differ slightly in color and veining depending on where in the quarry the stone has been removed. These inherent irregularities are also what makes the stone naturally beautiful & unique.

Because engineered quartz is a man-made product, the stone characteristics and appearance are more predictable and consistent from slab to slab.

Because Dekton and Laminam are man-made products, the stone characteristics and appearance are more predictable and consistent from slab to slab. These slabs also come in a thinner material, which makes it ideal for backsplashes or cladding surfaces.

In the stone industry, natural stone is graded into three different categories Commercial, Standard and Premium. Commercial grade stone is used for exterior cladding and in commercial buildings. Standard grade stone can be found in most shops which can have natural imperfections which make it not an ideal product to work with. At Keystone Granite Inc, we only work with Premium grade stone, a high quality product no matter what your budget.

Marble and granite are both quarried from the earth, however, they are quite different. Granite is a stone formed from volcanic material such as magma. Over time, the intense heat and pressure form the stone. Marble as well as limestone, onyx and travertine start out as sediment at the bottom of bodies of water and may have fossils embedded within them. The accumulation of sediment over a million of years along with heat and pressure, hardens into stone.

Engineered quartz is a man-made product. It is formed from 92-95% quartz chips, one of the hardest minerals on the earth. These quartz chips are then combined with resin and pigment to produce a slab of stone consistent in appearance.

Dekton and Laminam are a sophisticated mixture of the raw materials used in the production of glass, porcelain and quartz surfaces. They are non-porous materials that are resistant to heat, staining and scratching. These products are also resistant to UV light meaning the colours will not fade, making it ideal for outdoor surfaces.

Granite and marble have a potential to stain, however, if the stone is sealed properly neither will stain. Upon installation, we will seal the granite and marble thoroughly.  The natural stone should be sealed every 1-10 years depending on how porous the stone is.  Keystone Granite also offers an added sealant and warranty for an added cost. This sealant and warranty will cover the stone for 15 year in a residential home and 10 year for a commercial setting against staining & is transferable between owners.

Engineered Quartz will not stain because of the process of making the stone. The stone is made up of 92-95% quartz chips and a resin that bonds these chips together. This creates a non-porous, stain-resistant surface which never has to be sealed.

Dekton and Laminam, like engineered quartz, are non-porous materials making them stain resistant.

Granite is created by intense heat and pressure beneath the earth’s crust and cannot be burned by placing a frying pan or cookies sheets on the stone.  In fact, granite counter tops have been the only material that has been salvaged from complete house fires.

We recommend using trivets when placing hot object on engineered quartz counter tops. The counter top can withstand some heat but over time you may end up with discoloration.  Natural expansion creates tension within engineered quartz when it is heated and may result in cracking also.

No, both Dekton and Laminam are heat resistant surfaces. Due to the nature of the raw materials, they cannot be burned by placing a frying pan or cookie sheets on the stone.

No stone is indestructible. This means there is a chance that your granite counter top could chip. However, this shouldn’t be an area of concern. With our special color matching and experience in the business, we can repair the area in order to make a chip look barely visible.

The industry standard for a seam is approximately 1/8′′.  At Keystone Granite, we endeavor to make our seams as invisible as possible. With the combination of our experience, training and allotted time for installations, we are able to get our seams to 1/16′′ or less depending on the stone.

Granite will only crack if subjected to very intense heat or a high impact force.  For everyday usage, there should be no problem.

Granite is a very hard surface and is not recommended to be used as a cutting board. Cutting on the stone will dull your knives.

Yes, granite does have natural pits and fissures depending on the stone. The amount of pits and fissures also depend on the quality of stone. There are three grades of stone, commercial, standard and premium. Commercial is usually used as exterior cladding & in commercial buildings. A standard quality stone can usually be found in most stone shops, however, it can be very time consuming to fill all the pits and fissures. At Keystone Granite, we work with premium stone where there are less pits and fissures.  There are stones in which some degree pitting and/or fissures are unavoidable and therefore, acceptable.

One should never sit or stand on a stone counter top. While we make every reasonable effort to ensure a lasting, solid installation, natural shifting of the building may create voids between the counter top and the cabinetry. This can make the stone vulnerable to cracking should considerable weight and/or force be exerted on the surface.

For any stone, natural or man-made, cleaning is simple. Simply use warm water, mild soap and a microfiber cloth. Do not use anything abrasive or acidic which could remove the protective sealant and leave the stone vulnerable to staining and/or etching.  Household and glass spray cleaners are not recommended as they can leave behind a residue build-up and make the stone appear hazy.