FAQs

If you have questions about Natural Stone, Quartz Surfacing or Solid Surface, you're very likely to find the answers right here. We've gathered the questions that are asked most often in one place, to help you find the information you need quickly and easily. If you have a question that is not addressed here or elsewhere on the Web site, please contact us by phone, email or stop in to our showroom .

Natural Stone FAQ's

What do I need to consider when buying Natural Stone?
Natural stones have been blessed with remarkable characteristics. Natural products lack predictability that architects and designers celebrate. Consumers should expect variations from a picture or sample they were shown. Sample stones are intended to be used for representation; however, stone quarried at one time may differ slightly in color and veining from the sample. If fact, some natural stone slabs will possess a certain amount of color variation from one end to the other. We look at these qualities as some of the beautiful characteristics of natural stone. Slight irregularities can be pleasing, introducing an element of the natural into human-designed spaces, whether residential or commercial
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What's the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones and quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble's relatives - limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth's mantle at extremely high temperatures. It is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family - limestone, travertine, marble, onyx - start out as sediment - animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt - at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus.


Should I use marble or granite for my kitchen countertop?
Although typical application of marble is for the bathroom vanity tops, Jacuzzi tops and fireplaces, it is possible to use it in the kitchen. However, due to the fact that it is easy to scratch and is affected by acidic substances, such as vinegars, ketchups etc, we don't usually recommend it. Moreover the high-gloss of the marble countertop can be partially lost as many chemicals etch its surface. Granite in turn is considered the second hardest stone, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives and pots and pans under normal use. It is also not affected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans.

Is it necessary to seal stone?
No, it is not necessary to seal stone; however, we do it to all countertops because the sealer provides great benefit at little cost.  Sealers should not take the place of performing regular cleaning and can save trouble and cost. All marble and granite tops are sealed before they are installed. The impregnating substance penetrates the stone deep below the surface, making it quite impervious to alcohol, juices, soft drinks, cosmetics, cleaners, coffee, food and even oil. We recommend that natural stone tops are sealed once a year for normal use. It will take about one hour to do this on an average kitchen countertop.

What is the best way to clean marble and other stones?
The old rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn't use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your marble vanity tops or floors. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed for natural stone. Clean your stone with lukewarm water and dry with a cotton rag.

Do I have to buy the whole sheet/slab?
Slabs are always sold intact. Buying random slabs is similar to buying fabric. Like a seamstress or tailor, buy the raw material and sell you a completed installation. In the price is included the cost of transporting the material, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, bringing the pieces to your job site and fitting them into place. How much material the job needs is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. We will lay out your job in a way that will minimize the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty of veining and pattern.


Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.


Can my granite top be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to hard blows with sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances. If you have a stain in your top contact us and we can help you remove the stain by supplying you with a poultice that you can apply to the top to remove the stain.


My little sample of granite has pits on the surface - will I have these on my kitchen counters?
Yes, granite being crystalline in structure always has tiny pits - spaces between the various mineral crystals. Some granites pit more than others when being polished, we suggest that you take a closer look at the slab you choose for your job. Chances are, if you look at it across the light you will notice the natural pitting of that stone. Remember, this is natural and it should not be considered an imperfection of the stone. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite eons ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade.


Will my granite look like the sample?
Granite is an organic substance and just as no two people are exactly alike, no two samples of granite will be either. The composition of minerals and the deposit it was quarried from all play a part in the appearance of granite. These variations are to be expected and are the source of its natural beauty. That is why we encourage any of our customers to visit our wholesale locations to actually be able to select the slabs to be used in your job. This is the best and only way to ensure that color, veining and characteristics are to your satisfaction.


Can I set hot pot on my granite countertop?
Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earths crust. It cannot be affected by heat from a cook top or frying pan. In fact, it will withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.

Can granite chip?
In only cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool. A chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture.


Do granite seams show?
Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 9' to10' in length, you will end up with seams. Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in an 'L' shaped corner. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern. A small, uniform grain will not be as apparent as a larger varied grain. A dark color will be less apparent than a light color. A dramatic pattern with swaths of color definitely will show more seams than a uniform pattern. Most customers have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs the concern of seams.


How are seams made?
Seams are created by joining two pieces of granite together with a knife grade epoxy that is color matched to the background tone of the granite countertops. Suction cups and seamers are then used to tightly join the pieces together. Any excess bonding material is then cleaned off the surface with razors to leave a smooth and sleek bead of epoxy between both pieces. Occasionally, in areas where expansion and contraction are predominant, the use of silicone replaces the epoxy.


Does granite stain or burn?
No. You can't burn it with ordinary use. Granite does not stain. The only caveat is that a few colors may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact. Usually, no evidence remains when the liquid is removed and the granite dries, but could be a problem with dark pigmented liquids.


Can granite crack?
Not with ordinary use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable material.


Can granite cantilever?
You can cantilever granite up to 12" with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Never cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress like someone sitting on a counter or stepping on a counter to change a light bulb. You must have support underneath for these situations.


Is marble really appropriate to use in high-traffic areas?
Yes. Marble has been used as a flooring material for more than 6,000 years, and continues to be a popular choice for bringing beauty to entry foyers furnishings, and other areas of the home. Marble has proven as durable as materials traditionally considered to be sturdier with the added benefit of creating a warm welcoming atmosphere. You need only take some simple precautions to protect your investment. Use a non-slip mat outside the entrance to your foyer and a carpet or area rug inside to capture the abrasive grit and dirt tracked in from outdoors. Dust mop your marble floor frequently to remove dirt and dust particles, which also can scratch the surface. Use warm water and a small amount of mild detergent to wash. Then rinse and dry thoroughly.


What's the difference between a drop-in sink and an undermount sink?
A drop-in sink sits on top of the cutout in your granite counter while an undermount sink sits beneath the cutout. There is generally an extra polishing charge required in preparing a granite countertop for an undermount sink.

Why choose granite counter tops over synthetic materials?
Granite has become today's countertop of choice for architects, cabinetmakers, kitchen designers and contractors. A granite countertop is virtually impervious to abrasions, stains and extreme heat. Additionally, the inherent qualities of granite - its color, patterns and shades - compliment any décor.

Is it hard to care for a granite countertop?
Not at all. In fact, you'll wish everything were this easy. Just use a common non-abrasive commercial product, such as a glass cleaner, to wipe it down to keep its finish shining.


Are all granite kitchen counters a high gloss finish?
No, there are several different finishes you can order; the highly polished finish is just the most popular. There is a process called "honing" that gives the stone a more matte finish yet retains its smooth feel.


I've heard of "high movement" stone. What is it?
Sometimes called "grain in the stone," "movement" is veins that swirl and change irregularly in granite due to the massive forces at work on it beneath the surface of the earth during the eons it took to form. "Movement" is also affected by trace amounts of other minerals such as hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet and corundum. Many people find this flow of blending colors to be the most attractive and compelling quality about granite.


Will I know where my granite is from?
Probably not since granite is quarried all over the world, including Africa, Brazil , Egypt , India , Italy , Norway and Spain , to name a few. There are also some very lovely veins of granite mined in the United States and Canada as well.

Does where my granite originate from affect the price?
Very little. Prices are more affected by the supply and demand placed upon the quarry. You'll find that red and blue tones are a bit higher priced than other colors due to their lack of abundance.


How much does granite cost?
We charge by the square foot and that price includes the material, the fabrication work (including cutting and polishing), the templating process, and the installation. Free quotes are available to all customers.  You may fax, email or drop your layout off at one of our showrooms for a free no obligation quote.


I don't think I can afford an entire kitchen full of granite. What are my options?
Many people create a dramatic look by using granite on an island piece. Consider that your island is a gathering place, and that granite will make a bold statement no matter what's on top of the other cabinets. Other options include using less-expensive granite or omitting granite backsplashes or other details, which add to the total cost. Granite has become more affordable over the years, and can be less expensive than manufactured solid surfaces.

I'm interested in granite countertops. What's my first step?
Bring in or fax a drawing, even a hand-drawn sketch, of your new or existing kitchen with countertop measurements. We will ask many questions and let you view full slabs of stone appropriate for your job. We can then give you an accurate quote.

What if you don't have the color I want?
There are hundreds of colors of granite, but no supplier carries all the colors. We have several suppliers in three locations from Detroit , Grand Rapids and Chicago . You are always welcome to visit those suppliers and tag the slabs of your choice. It is recommended that you call ahead to schedule a visit. We can provide you with visitor cards, which include hours of operation and maps to their facilities.

What is a remnant?
In the process of fabricating hundreds of countertops over the course of a year we find ourselves with left over material. We call this material "remnants;" pieces of granite that are too small to use in the fabrication of counter tops. These pieces maybe small, but still are of the highest quality material with a unique individual beauty.  

We cannot use remnants on other projects because of the characteristics of granite, where due to grain configuration and color variance, a match cannot be made.  So we collect many remnants that are ideal for the use of finishing around a fireplace, creating that island in the kitchen, replacing the bath vanity, or creating a beautiful and unique cocktail or coffee table at a real bargain.


Do I need to be concerned about bacteria on granite?
Yes, as you should be about any surface. Regardless what your countertop is made of, bacteria will be present. We suggest that your granite countertops be cleaned with anti-bacterial cleaner from time to time to kill any lingering bacteria. However, we would like to point out that studies show only stainless steel surfaces are less conducive to germs and bacteria; granite is more sanitary than Corian, butcher blocks and plastic laminates. We would suggest that you use common sense concerning what is safe and what is not.

How many different colors of granite are there?
There could be as many as 1,000 different colors available at any given time. No supplier will carry all the colors. We have several suppliers in three locations from Detroit , Grand Rapids and Chicago . You are always welcome to visit those suppliers and tag the slabs of your choice. It is recommended that you call ahead to schedule a visit. We can provide you with visitor cards, which include hours of operation and maps to their facilities.

Can my cabinets handle the weight of granite?
Most solid wood cabinets can easily support granite. Granite, when spread out over the surface, distributes its weight so that it doesn't require any special support. If your kitchen floors can support a refrigerator, they can handle granite counters.

How does granite compare to the "man-made quartz" countertop material?
Granite is not for everyone. "Engineered Quartz Surfacing" is now readily available and its strong suit is its ability to be consistent. For those customers who want a guarantee of consistent color and pattern, this product is made for them.

Does Surface Expressions bring in new slabs for all jobs?
No, we only bring in new material for jobs that will use at least ½ of a slab. This generally comes to about 25 square feet of material. We have a huge inventory of remnants that will usually meet the needs of our customer's smaller jobs.

Can I take samples home?
Absolutely! We always have current slab samples available for you to take home and we don't require them to be returned.

We're remodeling our kitchen and installing new countertops. Synthetic countertops cost slightly less than granite, but how do they compare in the long run?
As the saying goes, imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Countertops made from acrylic and other manufactured materials may have the "look" of granite, but the similarities end there. For resistance to bacteria, heat, scratches, stains, and overall performance, granite is unsurpassed. Some marbles with honed or matte finishes also make high-quality kitchen countertops.

Quartz Surfacing FAQ's

What are quartz surfaces?
Quartz is one of the hardest naturally occurring materials, with a rating of 7 out of 10 on the Mohs' scale of hardness; as a comparison, diamonds rate a 10 on this scale.

What colors, thicknesses and sheet sizes are available?
We display more than 100 different colors across 4 product lines.
Slabs sizes vary slightly, generally there are available in 52" (1.3m) x 118" (3m).
Thicknesses: Available in 3/4" (2cm) and 1-1/4" (3cm).


In what types of applications can quartz surfaces be used?
Are they suitable for commercial and residential use? Quartz surfaces are suitable for most interior horizontal and vertical surfaces in both commercial and residential applications. Potential residential uses include kitchen and bathroom countertops, wet bars, tub decks, tub and shower surrounds, furniture, and desktops, and floor tile. .

Potential commercial uses include health care, lodging/hospitality, food service, education, retail, entertainment and corporate spaces, and as wall cladding, work surfaces, reception desktops, sills, bar tops, vanity tops, wet bars, tabletops, transaction counters, bars and other surfaces.

What care and maintenance does quartz surfacing require?
 Quartz surfaces are very easy to maintain because they are durable, nonporous and chemical-resistant. They require no sealants or waxes to retain their lustrous gloss and ultra-smooth surface. Routine cleaning may be done with a damp cloth or paper towel and, if necessary, a small amount of non-bleach, nonabrasive cleanser.


How well does Quartz Surfacing withstand heat, scratches and stains?
Most quartz surfacing is resistant to heat, scratching and staining, but is not heat-, scratch- or stain-proof. Therefore, the use of trivets or hot pads is recommended under hot pots, skillets or roasting pans. A cutting board should be used when slicing or chopping, especially with a serrated knife. Spills should be wiped up quickly; a nonabrasive cleaning pad and a non-bleach cleaning product may be used to remove stubborn or dried spills.


Can quartz surfacing and solid surface be used together?
Yes, of course. A solid surface sink can be installed in a quartz countertop, for example. Each material can be inlaid into the other, either along the edges or on the surfaces, for a dramatic design statement.


Is there a warranty for quartz surfaces?
Yes. For residential applications, there is a transferable 10-year, limited installed product warranty against defects during manufacture.

What can Solid Surface be used for?
While many people think of Solid Surface as countertops, there is a wide range of possibilities from lighting designs to specialty applications and furniture. Below are a few examples of the many different ways that Solid Surface can be used.

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•  Kitchen Sinks
•  Shelves
•  Vanities and Sinks
•  Showers and Tubs
•  Walls and Facings
•  Accessories (soap dish, towel bar, etc.)
•  Lighting Designs
•  Windows
•  Specialty Applications

How can I add custom touches?
There are many options to achieve unique designs. Solid Surface can be inlaid with materials such as wood, steel, glass, granite or other solid surface. And a wide variety of edge treatments can be accomplished.

What makes Solid Surface products different from laminates, granite and the other solid surfacing materials?
Solid surface products offer many benefits over laminate, tile and granite. Solid surface seams are inconspicuous, hygienic, and non-porous. This means it will not support the growth of bacteria.

Is Solid Surface easy to repair?
Because the pattern runs through the entire thickness of the product, nicks and scratches can be easily sanded out of a top in a matte finish. Accidental major damage, or damage to a polished finish top, can be repaired by a qualified solid surface fabricator.

What's the difference between the Satin, Matte, and Gloss finishes?
A matte finish is a typical sanded finish with no sheen. A well-done satin finish is achieved by additional sanding with finer grits of sandpaper and Scotch Brite© pads. The satin finish has a low to medium luster appearance. The gloss finish has a high luster appearance and is typically applies in limited use and wear areas.

Will Solid Surfaces products stain?
Solid Surfaces products are a non-porous material designed to resist stains. Spills that have dried overnight or did not completely clean with a common household cleanser can be easily removed following the steps for your particular product and finish.

Can I set a hot pan directly on the surface?
Although Solid Surfaces are resistant to heat, the nature of ALL solid surfaces is to expand and contract under extreme temperature changes. By putting a hot pan in the center of the surface, the material wants to expand. With the surrounding counter being at room temperature, the area of increased temperature has no area to expand. This may cause cracking of the surface. Scorching may also occur in extreme temperatures. To prevent damage it is recommended that you use a trivet or hot pad. Routed grooves where stainless steel rods can be placed to hold hot pans is one attractive design option. Another option is an inlayed area of ceramic tile.

Can I cut directly on the surface?
Always use a cutting board for your kitchen cutting chores.

Do Solid Surfaces products scratch easily?
Anything harder than a solid surface may scratch the surface; items, such as ceramics, stoneware, stainless steel, glassware, etc.

How easy is it to keep clean?
Most of the care is already built into our products. With minimal effort, our countertops will continue to be a source of pride for years to come.

Can Solid Surface be buffed back to the original shine?
Yes, if you have a high gloss countertop, our products can be buffed to its original shine. Please contact a certified fabricator to return your countertop to its original shine.