| We at BFR are undoubtedly biased towards granite. For what ever the application, interior or exterior, granite is a superior product. And we believe there is no greater marketing tool than educating the consumer. With all of the marvelous and amazing technology science provides there is one irrefutable fact that will always hold true - you just can't top mother nature!!! |
 |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
1. What is granite?
Granite is an igneous rock, which means it was once molten and formed as it cooled deep within the
earth. Minerals within granite typically appear as small flecks throughout the stone, once creating
a "salt and pepper" look. Other types have veining similar to marble. Granite is a dense-grained,
hard stone. It can be highly polished or finished in a variety of other ways. A broad spectrum of
color is available
earth. Minerals within granite typically appear as small flecks throughout the stone, once creating
a "salt and pepper" look. Other types have veining similar to marble. Granite is a dense-grained,
hard stone. It can be highly polished or finished in a variety of other ways. A broad spectrum of
color is available
2. What is marble?
Marble has both a scientific and commercial definition. Scientific marble was once limestone that
achieved metamorphosis from intense pressures and high temperatures within the earth. This
altered its crystalline structure and introduced other minerals that produced the valuable colors and
veining. Commercially, any stone capable of taking a polish (with the exception of granite) is known
as marble. This includes travertine, onyx, serpentine and limestone
achieved metamorphosis from intense pressures and high temperatures within the earth. This
altered its crystalline structure and introduced other minerals that produced the valuable colors and
veining. Commercially, any stone capable of taking a polish (with the exception of granite) is known
as marble. This includes travertine, onyx, serpentine and limestone
3. Is granite sanitary?
. Polished granite is extremely sanitary. Granite has a very low coefficient of absorption and so,
especially when properly sealed, prohibits the growth of bacteria and mold. Any rumors to the
contrary are circulated by the Solid Surface Industry and are absolutely unfounded. There have
been numerous studies that will prove to the contrary of this rumor. Please go to:
http://www.marble-institute.com/countertopsanitation.asp to view results of a study conducted by the
Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management.
especially when properly sealed, prohibits the growth of bacteria and mold. Any rumors to the
contrary are circulated by the Solid Surface Industry and are absolutely unfounded. There have
been numerous studies that will prove to the contrary of this rumor. Please go to:
http://www.marble-institute.com/countertopsanitation.asp to view results of a study conducted by the
Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management.
4. Can granite scratch?
. Granite is one of the hardest natural materials known to man. The Mohs Scale of Hardness rates
materials on a 1-10 scale with 1 being the softest. Granite rates at a 6-9, depending on the type of
stone. Only Topaz(8), Corundum(9), and Diamond(10) rate higher.
materials on a 1-10 scale with 1 being the softest. Granite rates at a 6-9, depending on the type of
stone. Only Topaz(8), Corundum(9), and Diamond(10) rate higher.
5. Can granite crack?
Under normal use, no. Although granite is not impervious to breakage, most instances occur in
fabrication or installation.
fabrication or installation.
6. Will granite burn or scorch?
Granite comes from the middle of earth formed by molten lava and extreme pressure. Therefore,
putting a hot pot or pan directly on the stone does not effect it.
putting a hot pot or pan directly on the stone does not effect it.
7. Will granite stain?
To seal or no to seal - that is the question!! While it is true that stone is a porous material, granite is the
least porous. Wile most granites do require an application of an "impregnating sealer once or even twice every
two years, some granite are so dense that a sealer will not absorb into the stone. If you apply it anyway, there's
the distinct possibility that some of it will remain in some kind of “limbo” on the surface of the stone and, if it so
happens to be one of those impregnators that are sensitive to pH active liquids, it will get damaged by spills,
giving the impression that the stone is damaged! Such damages will appear in the form of “ghost water stains”
or “water rings
Water left on a Granite counter top for a long period of time will show evidence of moisture. However, it will
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.
Here are two links that you may found extremely educational, written by Maurizio Bertoli, arguably one the
foremost stone experts recognized at international level.
1. http://www.mbstone.com/HH_promo/a_good_sealing_job.htm
2. http://www.mbstone.com/HH_promo/sealers_impregnators.htm
least porous. Wile most granites do require an application of an "impregnating sealer once or even twice every
two years, some granite are so dense that a sealer will not absorb into the stone. If you apply it anyway, there's
the distinct possibility that some of it will remain in some kind of “limbo” on the surface of the stone and, if it so
happens to be one of those impregnators that are sensitive to pH active liquids, it will get damaged by spills,
giving the impression that the stone is damaged! Such damages will appear in the form of “ghost water stains”
or “water rings
Water left on a Granite counter top for a long period of time will show evidence of moisture. However, it will
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.
Here are two links that you may found extremely educational, written by Maurizio Bertoli, arguably one the
foremost stone experts recognized at international level.
1. http://www.mbstone.com/HH_promo/a_good_sealing_job.htm
2. http://www.mbstone.com/HH_promo/sealers_impregnators.htm
8. What is the best way of cleaning my counter-tops?
Granite is very low maintenance. Soap and water will work just fine although build up a film
over time. Specialty products made for stone counters is always your best bet. . Do not use
glass cleaners or vinegar based products as they will eat away at your sealer over time.
Always try to blot up any spills as soon as possible.
over time. Specialty products made for stone counters is always your best bet. . Do not use
glass cleaners or vinegar based products as they will eat away at your sealer over time.
Always try to blot up any spills as soon as possible.
9. Will my granite look like the sample?
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. Granite is composed of various minerals and created by forces of nature, these
variations are all part of granites natural beauty.
each stone. As the Granite is quarried, differences in the stone's shading and pattern will
appear. Granite is composed of various minerals and created by forces of nature, these
variations are all part of granites natural beauty.
10. How thick will my counter tops be?
Due to the every day stress that your kitchen endures we recommend using 3cm (1 1/8" to 1 1/4" )
for counters. While 2cm (3/4")is better served for bathroom applications, fireplaces, or credenzas.
for counters. While 2cm (3/4")is better served for bathroom applications, fireplaces, or credenzas.
11. Will granite over hang my cabinets?
Yes, standard over hang of cabinets is 1 1/2"
12. Can I cantilever(extended over hang) granite?
Yes, with a large enough piece you can cantilever granite up to 18". As a general rule, overhang
extended more than ten inches will require proper support.
extended more than ten inches will require proper support.
13. Will my counters have visible seams?
Most granite installations will require at least one or more joints called seams. During layout and
design, our templaters 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
design, our templaters 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
14. Is there a difference between granite and marble?
While both granite and the marble family (marble, limestone, onyx, and travertine) are stones that
are quarried from the earth they are, in fact, quite different. Granite is an igneous rock that is
formed deep with in the earths crust forged over millions of years by both extreme heat and
pressure. Granite is compose of crystallised minerals primarily quartz, feldspar, and potassium. It
is a very hard and resilient rock.
The marble family is a metamorphic rock that starts out as sediment composed of organic
materials (skeletons, shells, plant matter, and silt) at the bottom of a body of water. Over a period
of millions of year this organic material solidifies into stone. Marble is essentially composed of
calcium and dolomite which leaves it vulnerable to acids.
are quarried from the earth they are, in fact, quite different. Granite is an igneous rock that is
formed deep with in the earths crust forged over millions of years by both extreme heat and
pressure. Granite is compose of crystallised minerals primarily quartz, feldspar, and potassium. It
is a very hard and resilient rock.
The marble family is a metamorphic rock that starts out as sediment composed of organic
materials (skeletons, shells, plant matter, and silt) at the bottom of a body of water. Over a period
of millions of year this organic material solidifies into stone. Marble is essentially composed of
calcium and dolomite which leaves it vulnerable to acids.
15. what is an edge detail and how should I chose one?
An edge detail is the shape of the outer edge of your counter top. The architectual "feel" of your
home are two factors that may inpact your choice of edging. We offer three groups - basic,
premium, and custom edging.
home are two factors that may inpact your choice of edging. We offer three groups - basic,
premium, and custom edging.
