Welcome to Granite Tops Ireland
Here you will find frequently asked questions about our wide range of granite...
How is granite formed?
Granite is a hard natural igneous rock. The principal constituents of granite are feldspar, quartz, biotite and other minerals. Various unique colours, textures, shades and patterns were a result of the minerals melting into the liquid mass in the formation process. (This is why patterns may vary)
Why should I choose granite?
Granite is an aesthetically decorative natural stone surface.
Timeless beauty.Durability.Involves low maintenance and is easy to clean.
Very low porosity –difficult for bacteria to hide.
Waterproof.
Stain resistant.
Difficult to scratch or burn.
Maintains its polish look for many years.
Withstands the rigours of daily kitchen activities much longer than its rivals.
Adds elegance and value to your home.
Unique – colours, shades and patterns may vary giving you an individual design.
One of the oldest but most durable natural stones available. It is the ultimate in kitchen design and no man made material can match its elegance and durability.
What do I need to consider when buying a granite countertop?
Colour / Type of stone.
Design.
Cut outs for hobs and sinks
Drainer grooves.
Recessed drainers.
Splashbacks.
Return Ends.
Upstands.
Where can I use granite?
Granite is suitable for kitchen countertops, vanity units and other custom designs.
How should I clean granite?
Use a neutral cleaning agent or warm soapy water and finish with a dry cloth. Do not use acidic, abrasive, wax or bleach based household cleaners and sprays on granite or marble. (See Aftercare and Maintenance section)
Marble is a softer stone than granite and is therefore easier to carve and shape. Each piece has it's own unique and beautiful striations which have made marble a popular choice for kitchen worktops, vanity tops fireplaces and flooring. Available in a wide range of colours such as white, cream, red, green, brown and black, marble is an excellent choice for your new kitchen, bathroom or extension.
How is marble formed?
Marble is a metamorphosed limestone composed mainly of calcite or dolomite or a combination of these carbonate minerals.
Marble is formed from limestone by heat and pressure in the earth's crust.
Recrystallisation of limestone occurs causing the texture and makeup to change. Impurities present during this process resulted in a wide variety of veining and colours. For example The purest calcite marble is white. Marble containing hematite has a reddish color. Marble that has limonite is yellow, and marble with serpentine is green.
This recrystallisation process makes the structure of the rock more solid and enables the stone to take a high polish. Softer and more porous than granite, marble is more suitable to bathrooms more than kitchens.
Why should I choose marble?
Marble is resilient, sophisticated and beautiful.
Suitable for a wide variety of applications.
Strength and longevity.
Slight surface translucency which gives a rich visual texture.
Extensive and unique colour selection.
Low maintenance.
Hardwearing.
Smooth and polished.
Is marble suitable for a kitchen countertop?
Marble is not ideal for a kitchen countertop. It is more suitable for vanity units in bathrooms etc. Even when sealed, marble is not as dense as granite. This makes it more porous and more prone to staining especially in a highly used area such as a kitchen.
Where can I use marble?
Marble is suitable for vanity units in bathrooms etc.
Is it necessary to seal marble?
Yes, marble can be sealed however even when it is sealed it is not suitable for kitchen countertops.
Quartz is one of the most durable stones in the world and is extremely low maintenance. It's heat and stain resisting qualities make it a popular choice for modern kitchens and floors and it can give any room a modern sleek and smooth finish. Here at Granite Tops we can provide you with a very varied palate of plain, mirror flecked and mottled quartz, just click here to have look...
How is Quartz formed?
Quartz is made up of 93% natural quartz and 7% resin, pigments and fillers. It is one of the hardest naturally occurring materials.
Why should I choose Quartz?
93% natural quartz stone.
Has same high polished appearance as granite.
Consistency in colours, shades and patterns.
Wide range of colours.
Durable surface; scratch resistant, doesn’t crack or chip.
Heat resistant under normal cooking conditions.
Long lasting gloss shine.
Non-porous surface that is stain resistant and doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria.
Almost maintenance free, no need to seal.
Where can I use Quartz?
Countertops in kitchens and utilities.
Vanity units in bathrooms etc.
Do I need to apply sealer to Quartz surface?
No, Quartz surfaces are non-porous so there is no need to apply sealer.
How should I clean my quartz worktop?
Clean with damp cloth or paper towel and if necessary a small amount of non-bleach, non-abrasive cleaner. Although quartz is generally stain resistant, clean up all food and liquid spills immediately. Do not use cleansers that contain bleach.
How well does Quartz withstand heat, scratches and stains?
Quartz is resistant to heat, scratches and stains, however use of trivets or hot pads is recommended for placing roasting pans or hot saucepans on. Also use a cutting board for chopping, cutting and slicing. Wipe all spills immediately. Like most products, extreme or excessive exposure may change the surface.