FAQ
When considering granite countertops, you are likely to have many questions. Here are the answers to many of the questions that are commonly asked. If you have other questions, or if you are ready to talk to a member of our sales staff about a free quote, please contact us.
A: Yes, you can cut food on your granite countertops. However there are a few things to take into consideration:
- Try not to cut citrus foods, as the high acidity in these foods may dull the appearance of your countertops.
- Your knives will dull very quickly when cutting on your granite countertops.
We recommend using a cutting board whenever possible to preserve the appearance of your granite as well as your knife blades!
A: According to a study conducted by O. Peter Snyder, Jr., Ph.D. of The Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management of St. Paul, MN in March, 2004, granite is second only to stainless steel for safety against bacterial contamination. Granite is also less likely to harbor food-borne pathogens after cleaning than composite stone.
A: Granite is very easy to care for. For daily care, you will want to "dust" your countertops with an ammonia-free window cleaner and a soft cloth. When your countertops need a more thorough cleaning, you can use a gentle soap or cleanser mixed with water to wash your countertops, and then dry them completely with a soft cloth.
A: You can be assured that, under normal conditions, your granite will not scratch or chip. Granite is one of Earth's hardest stones, second only to diamonds. Few materials are able to scratch your granite, and, unless you are heavily abusing your granite countertops, they are unlikely to chip. Occasionally, a heavy object hitting the countertop squarely may chip out a small bit of granite, but small chips can be easily repaired. Please keep any chips, as we can use them to repair your countertop, and contact us right away.
A: Staining of your granite top is normally not an issue. Most granites have naturally low moisture-absorption rates, and most fabricators apply a sealant to the countertop for added stain-protection. It’s still a good idea to use coasters under glasses, especially those containing citrus drinks or alcohol.
When cleaning up spills on your granite, use an absorbent cloth or paper towel to "lift away" the spill. Try to avoid wiping the liquid around the countertop. If you feel that there is a stain in your granite, note what may have caused it, clear the area around it, and allow it to dry for 24 hours. If the spot remains, please contact us for further care instructions.
A: All of the granite countertops that we install are sealed upon fabrication. While it is not necessary to seal your granite, some people choose to have their granite sealed simply for peace of mind.
A: There is a simple test to determine if you need to reseal your granite. This test should be done every couple of years. Simply place a quarter size drop of water on a heavily used area of your countertop. Leave the water drop there for about 20 minutes. If the drop stays "pooled" then your countertops are fine! If the drop disperses, then you may want to consider sealing your granite soon.
A: If you choose to seal your granite, it is not a difficult process. You can buy a "Granite Sealer" from your local hardware store. Apply an even coat of sealer to the countertops by using a soft cloth, sponge, or a sponge paint "brush". Let the sealer "soak-in" for 20 minutes and then use a cloth to wipe any excess.
A: There is usually very little granite left over from a cut-out. Any pieces that remain are typically irregularly shaped and would need to be re-cut and polished to be suitable for use, even as a small cutting board. There would be an additional charge to re-fabricate these pieces to be usable, and some could be quite heavy and may scratch your countertops.
A: There will likely be at least one seam in any given kitchen. If you have a drawing of your kitchen layout, we should be able to let you know how many seams to expect and where they are likely to be located. We will never do a "mitered" seam, or a seam that runs across a corner. Seams are filled with a colored silicone or epoxy to match your granite color as close as possible, to reduce the seam's appearance. Our goals are to minimize seams, maximize use of material, and create a well balanced, attractive room.
A: Yes, we can sell you a piece of granite at any size. However, because granite is priced per square foot and we always use our remnant stock, it is not usually less expensive to buy remnant pieces. We will only charge you for the actual square footage of your job, and, with a few exceptions, you are not charged for the whole slab of granite. As a result, we do not sell reduced-priced remnants.
A: There are very few circumstances when this may happen. One instance would be if you chose a rare or unusual slab of granite, and the area for which we are fabricating is significantly smaller than the size of the slab. We will always notify you in advance if the granite you've chosen would require us to charge you for the whole slab.
A: Our countertops partner, Granite Tops of Cold Spring, MN, has written a very informative FAQ addressing consumer concerns about granite and radon. Please feel free to visit them at www.granite-tops.com/pages/truthaboutgraniteradon to learn the truth about granite and radon.
Experience
Our sales staff and production team are all skilled, caring professionals who understand your feelings and concerns and want to help you create the comfortable, elegant home atmosphere that you desire.
Expertise
Our sales staff and production team have the know-how to select top quality granite, and to design and craft beautiful, enduring countertops and granite home accents. With Granite Tops by Johnson Monument, you can feel confident that your countertop will exceed your expectations.
Dedication
We are dedicated to the tradition of excellence Johnson Monument Company established in 1917. Our professional, personalized service and quality products are what set us apart, and our goal is to make every one of our customers feel as important and valued as we see them. To meet these goals, we promise speedy turnaround times, fair prices, and a smile with every order!
