Marble, Granite, and Stone by Vesta Marble & Granite in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

FAQ

What affects the pricing of marble and granite?

There are several variables that affect the pricing of granite and marble. The material is priced by the square foot and these costs are dependent on the product’s standard availability and the origin of material. The edge profile is priced by the linear foot. Additional costs, such as cook top or sink cutouts, fabrication costs, and special requests are priced separately. Although included at Vesta, some manufacturers alsol charge additional amounts for sealing the stone.

How do marble and granite compare to other solid surface counter tops?

Granite is one of the most durable, maintenance-free countertop materials available. Granite is a natural material made of very hard igneous rock that is second only in hardness and compacted strength to diamonds. As a result of its geological composition, granite is stain, scratch, and burn resistant. Easy to care for and much desired for its natural beauty, granite is an investment that amortizes over time, retaining its original appearance long after initial installation. In most cases, granite countertops fall within the same price range as other high-end surfacing materials. Marble, which is less dense and hard than granite, is widely requested in bathroom and furniture applications because of its beauty, but less popular in kitchen applications than granite

What should you be paying for when buying a stone product?

Can granite and marble be used in areas for food preparation?

Granite is an excellent product for use in kitchens and other food preparation areas. Under normal conditions it is stain, chip, scratch, and burn resistant. Like any other countertop material, if cleaned regularly and properly, granite poses no health or sanitation problems. Marble is not recommended for general use in the kitchen because of its tendency to stain and scratch.

Can you cut on granite and marble?

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 repeated cutting on granite may dull knives. Using marble as a cutting surface will result in scratches and a dulled finish; for this reason marble in a kitchen countertop application is usually used in a honed (matte) finish.

Can you set hot pans on granite and marble?

Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn and it will not be harmed by hot pans or open flames. Marble is less resistant to heat, therefore excessive heat can cause damage and potentially leave scars or burn marks. Neither material is flammable.

Does granite and marble chip or scratch?

Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, we do not recommend a straight edge polish for countertops, especially around a sink because pots, pans, and other heavy objects may chip the sharp edge of a straight edge finish. Several other edge options are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chance of chipping. Marble can be chipped and scratched under normal use and therefore, is usually recommended in lower traffic areas and should be treated like a piece of fine wood.

Will granite or marble stain?

Marble and granite are porous materials and therefore, are subject to staining if not maintained properly. A sealer is applied to a finished product to minimize the potential for staining. In most cases, stains can be prevented by quickly wiping the spill. If a spill is left overnight, especially if the liquid is grease, oil, coffee, or wine the granite will usually darken. To remove the stain, a poultice should be applied, which may pull out the stain from the granite. Marble can be stained and etched by acidic or oil-based products.

How can you limit the staining of marble and granite?

A sealer is applied to a finished product to minimize the potential for staining (usually re-applied every 3 to 6 years depending on the stone and use). To prevent staining you should wipe up spills as quickly as possible. Acidic or oil-based products can be particularly damaging to marble.

Can granite be repaired?

Is granite a completely smooth surface like other solid surface materials?

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.

What kind of edge profiles are available for granite countertops?

Vesta Marble and Granite offers the straight edge, half and full bullnose, bevel and ogee edges. If you are interested in other edge profiles, please take a look at our edge profiles in the Installation section or you can discuss your options with a Vesta sales associate or design consultant.

Why might I have seams in my counter top, and what do they look like?

Slab size may not be large enough for the entire run of the countertop. The weight of the material may dictate that seams are inserted so that the structural integrity of the material is not jeopardized. The cabinet structure, placement of cook tops, or other cutouts may require seams. Access to the job site or layout of the countertops may be limited and/or difficult to work with. Tightness of seam will not exceed 1/16″-1/8″ width. A seam is sealed with a moisture-proof silicone/plastic caulk that is color-matched to the material to minimize visibility.