Granite FAQs

When choosing a countertop, many people are drawn to granite. The reasons it’s so popular are obvious; granite is strong, durable, and versatile. It’s important to know as much as you can before you buy, though, so we’ve compiled this list of questions people frequently ask about granite.

• What, exactly, is granite? Granite is an igneous rock primarily made up of quartz, graphite, mica, and other minerals. It’s beautiful, durable, and versatile, and comes in a wide array of colors. It’s ideal for floors, walls, countertops, and exterior applications like wall cladding and pavers. Granite is quarried worldwide, with new quarries being discovered every year.
• What makes granite better than synthetic materials? Unlike synthetic countertops, granite countertops are practically impervious to scratches, stains, and extreme heat. What’s more, its colors, patterns, and shades are so diverse that they are a good fit for every décor.
• Will granite scratch, chip, or stain? Granite won’t chip, crack, or ding during normal use, and it’s so scratch-resistant that you can cut directly on it without marring the finish of your countertop. It’s wise to seal granite upon installation and every six months after that. This will prevent staining, and protect against oils or water that may sit on the surface for any amount of time.
• Should I be worried about radon emissions? For a while, radon emissions from granite countertops were a concern, but numerous tests have confirmed that granite counters are safe and do not significantly add to a home’s radon levels.
• Do I need to know where my granite comes from? Granite comes from all over the world, and it doesn’t really matter where the quarry of origin is located. The price of the granite depends more on the look than the location.
• Is it hard to care for granite? No. Just use a non-abrasive cleaner to keep the finish shining.
• Is there anything I should know about the look of granite? Granite is an organic substance and each sample is unique. Some granite is known as “high movement” stone because it has veins that swirl and change, and trace amounts of other minerals in the stone, causing a flow of blending colors. The granite you choose depends on your sensibilities, and there are many colors, textures, and finishes from which to choose.

If you’re shopping for granite, you’ll find no better selection than the one at United Granite. A well-established natural and engineered stone fabricator and installer, Landmark Surfaces has been serving Virginia, Maryland, DC, and New Jersey for 22 years. Our 4 fabrication shops, 4 slab yards, and 1 showroom, as well as our extensive stone inventory, allow Landmark Surfaces to produce the highest quality countertops, with the most natural stone color selections combined with the shortest lead time in the industry. If you’re looking for professional service, quality workmanship, and the highest level of customer satisfaction possible, visit our website or email us for more information.