Granite is an igneous (solidified from lava or magma) rock containing quartz, graphite, mica and other minerals. Its composition and solidification process make it the most durable natural stone available. It has over the years become the stone of choice for floors, walls, and counters in both residential and commercial settings. Granite is a gorgeous stone, and this coupled with its durability, versatility, and consistency makes it increasingly popular. Quarries in Brazil, India, Finland, North America, China and Southern Africa, to name a few, offer exotic granite colors, one of which is sure to be a perfect match for any environment.
Unlike synthetic countertops, granite counters will not scratch or stain. Granite is also heatproof and will not burn. Granite countertops will last a lifetime and stay beautiful. Granite’s unique hues and patterns offer something for everyone and every decor. This is the reason that a lot of the trade professionals recommend granite over other natural and engineered options.
Yes. Every stone surface we install is sealed to help ensure that oil and water spills will not stain your countertop. We recommend that you apply an appropriate sealer every six months on any stone counter.
Yes. Every stone surface we install is sealed to help ensure that oil and water spills will not stain your countertop. We recommend that you apply an appropriate sealer every six months on any stone counter.
Being a natural, organic stone, no two slabs are exactly alike. Many factors, including the mix of minerals and the deposit it was quarried from, influence the look of the stone; granite, marble, soapstone, limestone, onyx, travertine. When purchasing granite from Fairfax Marble & Granite, you first select a sample then we will ask you to choose the exact block of granite we will make your counter top out of. That way, you know exactly what your counters will look like before they are installed.
Yes, it is! You can use your granite counters as a cutting board without leaving a mark. Marble countertops, however, are not as tough and are more prone to scratching. Fairfax Marble & Granite has the very best granite and marble slab selections in our Northern VA, Chantilly VA, Fairfax VA and Sterling VA showrooms.
Granite countertops will not chip, crack or ding from normal use for kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, Jacuzzi surrounds. You could probably inflict damage if you really tried with, say, a sledgehammer, but regular knives and even hot pots and pans will not harm your counters. The most stress imparted on granite is during the fabrication process, and even that will not break it. Your daily use of your counters is nothing compared to that. Read this blog to get more information.
Frankly, it is a breeze. All you have to do is use a non-abrasive solution (a glass cleaner, for example) to wipe down your counters and leave them shining.
Yes, there are a variety of finishes available. Most people think the polished, shining finish is all there is because it is so popular, but the process of the stone offers various degrees of matte finishes without losing the smoothness of the counter.
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.
Sometimes called “grain in the stone,” “movement” is the 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. Man-made stone options such as Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone and Zodiaq will not have the uniqueness that the granite has. Visit Silestone FAQ, Caesarstone FAQ, Cambria FAQ, and Zodiaq FAQ section to read more about these stones.
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.
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. Most of the cheap granite tops are consistent color patterns
We assume that the cabinets are leveled before we come to take final measurements. We do not level the cabinets; however, we do let you know during installation if there is a major problem with the kitchen cabinets leveling. We take pride of all the installation we do in the Northern VA.