Click on a question to see the answer.
What is granite?
Are pitting and/or fissures in granite
normal?
What do I need to do prior to measure/template?
What happens at time of measure/template?
Who will hook up my appliances?
How long does the installation of
granite take?
What do joints/seams look like?
Will I need joints/seams in my project?
Do I need support brackets
for my raised bar or overhang?
How heavy is granite and will my cabinets
support it?
How do I clean granite countertops?
Do I need to seal my countertops?
What is granite?
Granite is an igneous rock that forms by the slow cooling of magma deep in the
Earth's crust and is composed of quartz and feldspar. Granite is available in
a variety of colors, shades and patterns. Because of its stain and heat resistance,
granite is an ideal material for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
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Are pitting and/or fissures in granite normal?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has miniscule pits.
These are voids between the various mineral crystals. Granite will often have
natural fissures as well. These are not cracks and are an inherent quality of
granite. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will
not impair the structural integrity of the material.
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What do I need to do prior to measure/template?
Purchase stove/cook-top, sink(s), and faucet(s). It is important to make
sure the fixtures that are being purchased will fit the cabinet box in which
they will be placed. It is a good idea to have inside cabinet dimensions handy
when shopping for these items. If you purchase an undermount sink, please make
sure that the sink remains in its box along with the corresponding manufacturer’s
template. If new cabinets are being installed, it is crucial that all cabinets
be set in place (screwed to walls) and completely level. If applicable, appliance
garages should be removed prior to template. Finally, have your countertops
cleared off to ensure good, accurate measurements.
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What happens at time of measure/template?
A templater/field measurer will come to your home and either make a two
dimensional pattern of your countertops or take detailed measurements. It is
very important that the purchaser or a representative be present during this
process as this will be their last opportunity to make adjustments and or changes
to the project. It is also important that any and all appliances be available
at this time. This includes sinks, stove/cook-top, and faucets. If you have
purchased an undermount sink, please make sure that the sink remains in its
box along with the corresponding manufacturer’s template.
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Who will hook up my appliances?
The French Quarry, Inc. is not licensed to do any plumbing and/or electrical
work. The French Quarry, Inc. cannot disconnect gas appliances, reverse osmosis
systems and/or hard-wired cook-tops. All appliances will be fitted at the end
of install to ensure proper cut-outs. In the case of undermount sinks, the sink
will be mounted and holes will be drilled for faucets/fixtures present at time
of install. The French Quarry, Inc. cannot reconnect any plumbing, gas, or electric
appliances.
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How long does the installation
of granite take?
A typical kitchen with a tear out will take one day. Factors which may
increase installation time include full height backsplash, tile tear out and/or
intricate details. Some fine tuning will be done on job site. Topmount sink
and drop-in cook-top cutouts are done with pieces set in place to avoid breakage
in transport. This procedure will create a minimal amount of dust. It is very
important that the purchaser or a representative be present at time of installation
so that decisions can be made on faucet placement and the job can be reviewed
at time of completion.
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What do joints/seams look like? Will I need joints/seams
in my project?
The location of countertop and/or backsplash joints is dependant on various
factors including slab size, material type, access into job site, and job lay-out.
During the layout process in the shop, consideration is given to grain direction
and pattern flow. Seams are very discreet, but are noticeable by touch and sight,
yet are a natural characteristic of granite countertops.
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Do I need support brackets for my raised bar or overhang?
We strongly recommend using support brackets for any granite overhang
that exceeds 10". The length of the brackets should be roughly 3"
less than the total overhang width and should be placed approximately every
3 or 4 feet. The French Quarry, Inc. will provide and install inconspicuous
steel supports for an additional cost if so desired.
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How heavy is granite and will my cabinets support it?
Granite and marble are roughly 12 pounds per square foot. Well constructed
and properly set cabinets will support granite countertops.
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How do I clean granite countertops?
For day to day cleaning, a mild dish soap diluted in warm water is recommended.
Dry with a clean dishtowel.
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Do I need to seal my countertops?
The French Quarry uses the highest quality impregnating sealers. All
granite countertops are sealed directly after installation. Under normal use,
countertops should never need to be resealed.
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