Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Granite vs Marble vs Quartz
Granite vs Marble vs Quartz
Granite is often imported from Europe, Africa, Brazil and other regions of the world rich in natural stone. If you are looking to remodel your kitchen countertop, island, bathroom vanity top, or a bar you would find that Granite is one of the most popular choices to go with. Granite is an igneous rock originated from deep in the Earth’s crust – and once cut, polished and sealed – Granite is impervious to scratches, heat, etching, staining, or weathering.
Granite kitchen countertops are unique because no two pieces of granite are exactly the same; therefore granite provides an interesting design element and adds certain richness and texture to your kitchen not found in other surfaces.
The durability of Granite and its top class look is unmatchable when it comes to remodeling. Granite’s look will not depreciate over time and it will add value and an elegant finish to any surface.
The hardness of granite is rivaled only by the hardness of diamonds. In fact diamonds are used to cut and polish granite.
Its unique variations of extravagant natural colors come with fissures, veinings and cracks not found in any other type of material. And although the material may seem unstable or defective from these features, one must know that the fissures only add value and luxury to the Granite. Fissures, veining, and cracks occur naturally and complement the beauty of the stone.
The ease of maintenance is an added plus. And with our 15 Year Industry Warranty Sealer services now offered, you can rest assured that a Granite countertop is an investment that will last a lifetime if treated properly.
Here is a portfolio of our work!
Like Granite, Marble gives you the opportunity to choose from a variety of color, sizes and exotic looks; it is a great adornment addition.
Marble contains no radiation or color luster, its overall look is rich and lustrous in color.
Marble has a bright look, and also brings with it an inherent elegance and timelessness.It truly adds an element of high end definition to a kitchen.
Like many stone tiles, marble has high maintenance requirements. It must be sealed and cleaned regularly. For cleaning purposes, use only a mild detergent solution or a product specially designed for marble or the toxins could severely damage the stone.
It is unlikely recommended to set your drink down on a marble surface as it will leave a ‘ring’ and also wipe up any spills immediately, as they can stain or etch marble’s porous surface.
Marble is waterproof and heatproof and although it is known to be expensive, it provides a luxurious look to place on an island or a kitchen counter top that is appealing to the eye.
If you’re looking to add an elegant and exotic touch to your kitchen or bathroom, marble is the way to go.
Here is a portfolio of our work!
One of the newest materials out in the remodeling business, quartz is a manufactured man made material that when combined with pigmentation and a binding agent, the result is a beautiful and durable manufactured countertop.
If you are looking for a beautiful and consistent countertop pattern, quartz is your best option. Unlike granite, marble, or any other surface, quartz is a non-natural stone that comes in very unique consistent colors and patterns that add beauty to any surface.
Quartz is believed to be more resilient than Granite, even in its crude form. Quartz is made up mostly of quartz as the name implies, but also varies with other minerals. This composition uniquely makes quartz a very hard substance and extremely durable to use.
To top it off, quartz is a non-porous material, meaning that quartz does not trap bacteria, nor does it easily stain. It does not require any sealer or surface conditioner to prevent staining or deterioration.
Granite Gallery Inc. is a quartz-certified member partner with Caesarstone, Silestone, Chroma, Hanstone, and Cambria.Here is a portfolio of our work!
Installation FAQ
Silestone: When you purchase a Silestone Countertop from Granite Gallery you get a 1-year installation warranty and a 15-year manufacturer warranty on the product itself.
Laminate: When you purchase a Laminate Countertop from Granite Gallery, you get a 1-year installation warranty from and a 10-year manufacturer warranty on the product itself.
Corian: When you purchase a Corian Countertop from Granite Gallery, you get a 1-year installation warranty from and a 10-year manufacturer warranty on the product itself.
Granite: When you purchase a Granite Countertop from Granite Gallery, you get a 15-year warranty against staining.
Silestone: No, all of our Silestone slabs are 3cm (1 ¼”) thick and will lie directly on your cabinets.
Granite: No, all of our Granite slabs are 3cm (1 ¼”) thick and will lie directly on your cabinets.
Corian: No. As an authorized fabricator for Corian we are under commitment with DuPont. The maker of Corian (DuPont) requires all countertops made out of Corian to be installed by an authorized installer in order to have the 10 year warranty apply.
Silestone:No. As the authorized fabricator for Silestone in Oregon and Washington we are under contract to use trained subcontractors to install Silestone Countertops in order to have the 15 year warranty apply.
Granite: No, you can not install your own countertops but we will fabricate a tabletop and you can install a tabletop piece yourself as long as there are no cutouts.
Basic Countertop Maintenance
Granite: If you’d like, you may purchase a special stone cleaner. However, warm water and a light colored dish soap will also work well. Be sure to avoid using any abrasive cleaners that will break down your seal quicker.
Silestone: You can use anything from an all purpose cleaner to soap and water.
Corian: Everyday cleaning of Corian can be done by an all purpose cleaner or warm water. For stains or heavy dirt you may also use a scotch bright light abrasive pad and a little elbow grease!
Prior to Purchase/How Do I Choose a Countertop
Granite: Natural Beauty unmatched by any other product
Silestone: Durability and little to no maintenance
Corian: Seamless
Product Information FAQ