About Granite
A. Stone is product of nature and difference in color and vein characteristics are to be expected. Viewing and approving material prior to fabrication is may be recommended depending on the type and color. 2cm granites will not always match 3cm slabs or the same material. Back splashes generally will be cut from 3cm stock unless otherwise indicated by the designer or project manager.
A. There are few requirements when it comes to sinks. In order to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop, we require at least 3" of stone in front and back of the sink cutout. Rock With Us uses aluminum undermount sink brackets that are attached to the base cabinet for almost every sink installed. Additionally, we recommend that if 2cm stone is being used, and over mount sink should be provided. Rock With Us will need to know the sink type prior to scheduling your template the project.
A. An overhang of stone in excess of 12" past the edge of a cabinet should be braced from below.
A. Edges include Straight, Eased, Full and Half Bullnose, Bevel, and Ogee. All edges are priced separately. Please see our edges here:
A. The average length of a slab is about 113”, runs longer than this may require a seam. Other additional factors that may require a top to have a seam include: weight of material, cabinet structure, access to job, and type of material. Rock With Us. will work with the Builder, Dealer and the customer in every way possible to ensure that seams are kept to a minimum and are discretely place, while maintaining the structural integrity of the stone. Seam location and quantity of seams may affect pricing.
A. 3cm granite weighs approximately 21lbs – 24lbs per square foot and 2cm granite weighs approximately 20 - 30lbs. per square foot based on the density of the stone. 2cm marble weighs approximately 15 - 20lbs. per square foot. Both granite and marble are easily supported by standard floor and cabinet systems. For safety requirements, pieces weighing more than 550lbs. may require a seam.
General
A. 2 cm (about 3/4" of an inch) with a 4 cm (about 1 1/2") laminated edge.
A. 2 inches.
A. The greater the accuracy the better the ultimate fit and the easier the installation. Try and get within at least 1/4 inch. The manner in which the counters are constructed does allow for some play and error. The back and side splashes allow about 3/4 of an inch under which problems can be hidden. The manner in which we make the corner panels also allows for a wide margin of error.
Just fax a dimensioned sketch to 905 692-1828 and in 24 hours you will receive a hardcopy quote back from our estimating and pricing department. These are not the final measurements that will be used so you don't have to worry about being exact at this time. After you place your order you will get a set of dimensioned engineering drawings. You will have an opportunity to make any adjustments or corrections to the measurements when you get the drawing. We don't start fabrication until we have a set of endorsed drawings from you. If you are using an independent installer, contractor or cabinet maker it is usually a good idea to get them to check and approve the drawing so if there is any problem with the measurements they own the problem not you.
Granite
A. The best way to attach a dishwasher for the dishwasher to have mounting brackets on the side that attach the base cabinets. For older models we can epoxy the top mount bracket to the bottom of the granite or silicone a small strip of wood under the counter. Once dry, the dishwasher can be screwed into the wood. You may also use dishwasher straps and attach them to the back wall or to the cabinets. This option will make the dishwasher more difficult to service.
A. Undermount sinks are always recommended for granite countertops. You can pick any sink that can fit the cabinet opening. Granite undermount sink requires extra support.
A. For 2cm stone, we recommend supports with overhangs that are 12" or greater.
A. We recommend using 2cm thick stone to eliminate the seams.
A. It is typically safe to have pieces that are approximately 6' to 8' long, depending upon the stone type and bowl/cook top configurations.
A. The average slab size is typically 100" to 120" long by 60" to 70" tall
The Rock with Us team will work with each customer to place a few seams as possible in a kitchen. Seams are required based on slab size and may be needed to maintain the structural integrity of the countertop.
A. Rock with Us Marble and Granite will try to make the seam as invisible as possible. You will see a fine hairline of 1/16" to 1/8" width and we will fill it with a matching colour epoxy.
A. No. Many types of granite contain pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of granite. Some granites exhibit these characteristics more than others, and the lighting of the room can make these marks more or less visible. These characteristics should be pointed out to the client prior to deciding on a particular material and pre-approval of the actual slab is recommended.
A. While it is difficult to permanently repair granite, it is also very difficult to damage it. However, if some damage does occur, granite usually can be repaired by a mix of epoxy and ground up chips of granite.
A. Though not necessary, all granites are sealed. The sealer used is a penetrating sealer that does not change the color of the stone. It penetrates the stone and will help prevent any staining. However, it will not stop the penetration of moisture entirely. When a liquid that might cause staining spills on top, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
A. Wipe up spills on marble and granite as quickly as possible. Avoid using acidic or oil-based products on marble.
A. Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, pots, pans and other heavy objects may chip the square edge around a sink area. Several other edge profiles are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chances of chipping.
A. Yes, Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn. Granite will not be harmed by hot pots, pans or open flames.
A. Yes, Granite is an extremely tough, durable material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface without fear of scratching the stone (although knives may dull the surface by repeated cutting on the stone).
A. No! Marble is not recommended for use in the kitchen because of its tendency to stain and scratch. However because of its beauty and the classic look, marble is an excellent choice for vanities, wet bars and fireplace surrounds.
A. Seams are determined by Rock with Us depending on countertop layout, slab sizes, support needed, and material usage and your input is always welcome.
A. We try extremely hard to avoid seams if possible, but the reality is that the majority of countertops will have a seam no matter how hard we try.
A. Stone countertops can weigh up to 30 pounds per square foot. At the time of template, our "Templating" team will make sure your cabinets are structurally sound to handle the weight of your new countertops.
A. One method you can use to check if your granite needs to be resealed is to sprinkle some water on your countertops. If the water soaks into the stone and does not bead up, then we would recommend resealing your granite.
A. Granite is the hardest and densest of all the natural stones. Since it is highly durable and scratch resistant, it is the first choice for kitchen counter tops.
A. Natural stone is natural timeless art. It lends strength to its surrounding by evoking a classic and unique feeling. It invites luxury into your home and yet is extremely affordable.
A. Yes, we will ensure that your sink is safely fixed ready for your plumber.
A. Yes. This is the most important stage of the project. There often details that we need to ask or you may want to add to what you have now. This is the time to change anything you wish.
A. Yes, we can add inches to counters. We can make any shape you want.
A. Yes. When you come to our office we give you a packet that includes several local suppliers of granite and marble slabs. You can go and tag your own granite or marble slabs, or you can select your granite and marble from our extensive showroom samples.
A. Rock with Us Granite offers a wide variety of products. Some are on stock and others are created to your specifications. However, because of our commitment to customer service, as well as our cutting-edge technology, skilled craftsmen and modern manufacturing facilities, Rock with Us has one of the best turnaround times in the industry.
A. The Rock with us family has the experience you can depend on, with four generations of granite craftsmanship that dates back to 1996. Our company, Rock with us, has been in business since 2002 and has earned a reputation for top quality granite. Moreover, because we operate our own quarries and manufacturing plant we provide reliability, consistency and an extremely good turnaround time from ordering to shipping. All of our sales and support staff are dedicated to customer satisfaction, and help you with your order from start to finish.
A. Generally speaking, no. Because granites very dense, and not very porous, its ability to absorb liquids that cause stains is highly reduced. Granite is approximately 95 to 98 percent stain resistant, and is virtually maintenance-free. This is why it is the stone material of choice for outdoor projects such as patios, courtyards, driveways, footpaths and steps. If by chance there is a stain, it can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.
A. Absolutely. We won't pretend that you don't pay a little more for genuine granite that for other stone options, or man-made materials, however, when you think about granite's incredible ability to last forever as well as resist freeze-thaw cycles, it becomes a smart, sensible choice. Other materials will crumble in high-traffic areas, or deteriorate due to pollution, salt and other urban factors. Granite does not. It combines incredible resistance to wear and tear as well as a natural beauty and charm that other materials simply do no offer.
A. The samples seen on the Rock With Us Granite site have been scanned as digital images for the Web site. While these are high quality resolutions, they will never capture the exact nature of the real thing. Although one of our much strength is the consistency of our product, you should expect some variation as it is natural stone. These slight variations in color, pattern and granularity give granite its unique nature, coveted by discriminating consumers around the world.
A. Granite is one of the longest lasting and toughest natural stones on the market, making it the perfect choice for any outdoor or indoor project. In 1822, an Austrian mineralogist named Friedrich Moh created a measurement of relative hardness based in a stone's ability to withstand scratches. Because granite is composed of mainly feldspar and quartz, it has an exceptional resistance to scratches, which is why it is chosen for high traffic areas and has been considered one of the best building materials for thousands of years.
A. Granite is igneous rock, which provides a clue to its origins. "Igneous" come from the Latin igneus meaning "fire" (also the root word of ignite) and indicates that it was formed by liquid, fiery magma and melted just like volcanic lava. In fact, its chemical composition is similar to that of lava. However, unlike lava, the molten rock never reached the surface. It solidified deep inside the earth, where it slowly cooled and crystallized. The granite that comes from the Canadian Shield is estimated to be approximately 3.8 billion years old. Splits and rifts caused by the earth's plates shifting (due to seismic activity) forced the granite to the surface in the Precambrian age, more than 570 million years ago. Luckily for us, the Canadian Shield is known around the world for producing some of the most beautiful, durable granite in the world.
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