Frequently Asked Questions   Q:        Why has Granite become so popular for countertops? A:        Granite is a beautiful natural igneous stone formed from magma slowly cooled below the earth’s surface and crystallized over millions of years. Granite is the hardest of all building stones and when slabed and polished or honed on it’s surface exudes a wonderful natural finish applicable to any interior use. Its hardness and resistance to staining make it ideal for countertops, fireplaces, and flooring. Because of advances in technology, granite applications have become affordable and it has become the surface of choice for countertops.   Q:        What choices do I have and are there other natural stones available? A:        RAS GRANITE AND MARBLE stocks nine different premium granites based on their popularity and consistency, economy, and variety of color. Because of the popularity of granite, there are hundreds of special order stones readily available through our wholesale suppliers. In addition to granite, we also specialize in other natural stones such as Marble, Travertine, Slate, Soapstone, and Natural Quartzite; although some of these additional choices may not necessarily be recommended for Kitchen countertops and are available on special order.   Q:        How often do I have to “seal” my granite countertops? A:        There seems to be a myth circulating from fabricators of alternative surfaces and inexperienced stone fabricators that granite must be sealed once a year. This is untrue if the proper applications are adhered to. We recommend the application of a penetrating sealer also known as an impregnator be applied at the time of the installation by a professional (which is our standard practice). Having installed thousands of projects over the years, most of our clients have yet to have their countertops resealed. As a rule of thumb, if water does not bead up but soaks into the stone within 10 -15 minutes, then it may be time to reseal.   Q:        Will my granite have visible seams? A:        Yes, most installations will require joints called seams. The length of the slabs, the layout and design of the countertops will dictate the placement of the seams. RAS GRANITE AND MARBLE will try to minimize the number of seams and where possible, locate them in less obtrusive areas of the counters. Also, our experienced installers will color-match the epoxy adhesive at the joints to minimize the appearance of the visible joints.   Q:        How do I maintain my granite countertops day to day? A:        Clean stone surfaces with a mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. Also, a stone soap (available from a stone dealer or hardware store) is an excellent choice. Since “granite” is a generic term in the stone industry which may include many “granite like” stones beyond geologic granite, check with your stone professional for specific instructions regarding your particular installation.