Cleaning Granite

Natural stone is an investment. Not only just of money, but of care over time. If you take good care of it, granite lasts a lifetime. Develop a regular maintenance plan and your granite counter tops will remain strong and lustrous for decades.

Granite is one of the most varied natural stones available for your counter tops. It comes in almost endless colors and no two slabs are the same. It is an igneous rock made of thousands of crystalline structures of mica, feldspar, quartz, and other minerals. As it is forming, the crystals grow into one another creating granite’s unique granular look and extreme toughness.

Granite is a naturally occurring stone. Mainly igneous rock, it is formed by the crystallization of molten rock and undergoes huge amounts of heat and pressure over time. Several different types are sold commercially including other volcanic-origin stone sold as “granite”:

Favored above many other stone counter tops, granite is valued for its resistance to acids and its hardness. It is a porous stone and can be stained or damaged if not sealed before use.

Granite is a favorite counter top material for many reasons. It stands up to daily use without showing wear and continues to look as great as the day you installed it (use cleaner with polish). It is also gives you a huge amount of flexibility design-wise.

DAILY CARE

It’s the little things that count. Your daily habits could mean the difference between a dulled counter top and a bright shiny one years from now.

When it comes to cleaning here’s what you need to know:

DO’s

  • Do wipe counters off frequently to remove debris.
  • Do use cleaner with polish.
  • Do wash with stone soap or a pH neutralizer.
  • Do dry counters thoroughly after cleaning or spills.

DON’Ts

  • Don’t use harsh cleaners (bathroom cleaners or grout cleaners)
  • Don’t use abrasive substances to clean counters.
  • Don’t use vinegar or lemon juice to clean.

What to do first when starting your project

Every project follows a custom procedure to accomplish the most effective, well planned, and highest standards of crafts and service needed for each project.

1. Contact with Client
-Consult about job needed in detail
-Measure project, locate seams if needed, sinks, plan movement of large pieces thru home if needed, present samples, determine how many slabs needed
*Each stone color of slabs will change in size

2. Set up– samples, locations to view slabs at importer, meet with client at locations
•Bring cabinet door, fabrics, paint options to ensure a perfect match
•Recommend keeping all samples for several days before deciding color. View in natural light and home lighting(leave on counter where you make coffee and move around in different locations)
•Remnants at the shop are often used to accommodate small areas.

3. Layout slabs – view slabs in detail to match preferred area of slab into project for maximum effect of movement of vein, book matching seams. Usually done at shop but can be done at importers for convenience.

4. Other templates if needed
•confirm layout, sink, faucet
•schedule install
•set up plumber for client when needed.

5. Fabrication at shop- All clients are welcome to come and experience how this works. (A recommended and great learning experience)
•All cutting and fabrication performed at shop. (Trimming and stove cut outs are rarely done on site)
•All stone is sealed two times with the best food safe sealer available, and lasts for many years with recommended cleaning(usually never needs re-sealing)

6. Installing- All installs are scheduled at Customers convenience
•Old tops are removed and hauled away
•All floors, cabinets, and surrounding areas are protected. All tops are set leveled and shimmed, every 12 inches
•Installs of most kitchen sized projects can be installed in one day
•The project, in most cases, will be left connected and untouched until day of install. Re-connecting plumbing and other work can be done the day after install is performed
•Area is cleaned and all items moved are returned
•All follow-up work is done within 24 hours of install
•Follow-up call to insure satisfactions
•Recommended at 16 to 18 gauge, brush finish for stainless steel •All seams are polished flat at shop for perfect fit. All polishing is done natural with 8 step process using no artificial polishing agents
•All under mount sinks are frame build cabinet supported or mechanically anchored into back of stone. Sinks are all sealed around inside of sink with a maximum of 1/8” overhang of stone over sink. Edge around sink is rounded.
•Grade A Granite is always recommended in residential environment. Other grades can have an irreversible effect if used.

I am so happy with the job that they have done! It was easy and fast! I wanted a unique top made for a dresser I turned into a vanity and he made it happen!

GINGER BISHOP

The absolute best people to work with and to make everything just like you
envisioned it!. Did my kitchen and master bath. If you are in the market to upgrade this is the team to call!

SYLVIA J. EVANS

If you want a true granite craftsman call Mike Jenkins. He does the most incredible job. He did our Master Bath and it was beautiful. Check out his artwork too-it’s fabulous.

RUBY RAMIREZ EIKHOFF