Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Will my stone sample match my actual slab?
    Samples can help provide the color spectrum of a stone. However, because of the movement and veining in natural stone, it is sometimes difficult to accurately represent stone with a small sample. Also, keep in mind that stone varies from shipment to shipment, so if you have a sample from a previous shipment, it may not match the current supply. It is advisable to view the slabs and choose the one you want for your home or office. We are happy to hold your stone until you are ready.
  2. Is it okay to mix different colors of stone in the same room?
    Absolutely. It is not uncommon to mix colors or types of stones within the same room. If you scour through the latest home magazines, you will find this trend is here to stay!
  3. Will my counter tops have seams?
    Not necessarily. A typical slab size is somewhere between 7 and 10 feet. Therefore, your counter tops may not require a seam. If you are concerned about seams, we will walk you through the process. Our installers are the best in the business, true artisans, often crafting seams that are so tight they are difficult to notice.
  4. Will the sealer wipe off when I clean the counters, or scratch off with wear?
    No. The sealer is not a coating on top of the stone, it is an impregnator, which is absorbed into the stone.
  5. Can granite be used outside?
    Yes. Granite is often used for outdoor kitchens. There are many other applications in which granite can be used outdoors such as, pavers for driveways and walkways, stair treads, and as exterior cladding on commercial buildings.
  6. How often do you have to seal granite?
    Traditionally, homeowners have been told to seal their granite annually. However, with the advancements that have been made in sealing products, some sealers only need to be applied every 3-5 years. Here at Scenic City Tile and Granite, we seal your granite twice. First the granite is sealed here in our warehouse and then it is sealed once it is installed in your home.
  7. Will a professional have to seal my marble or granite?
    NO, sealing natural stone is very easy. The sealing product is a liquid that is applied to a clean, dry countertop with a cloth. After the sealer is applied to the surface, the excess is removed with a dry cloth, and the countertops should be allowed to dry.
  8. My natural stone is polished, does that mean it is sealed?
    No. The polish of the stone has no bearing on whether it has been sealed or not. Though the polish on any given natural stone definitely closes the structure of the stone, making it less porous. It is still advisable to seal all natural stone upon installation and then to re-apply sealer every 3-5 years, depending on the category of natural stone
  9. I’m building a house, when should I select my stone?
    You may select your stone at anytime. If you fall in love with a specific slab early in your building process, it is best to hold the slab with a deposit. This is because natural stone has variations. Colorations can vary, and the veining from one shipment to another can be quite different. Here at Scenic City Tile and Granite, we are always happy to help you plan your building budget. If you come in early in the building process, bring your home plans and we can give you a detailed estimate of your costs!
  10. Can you cut on granite or do you use a cutting board?
    Yes, you can cut directly on granite. However, routine cutting on a granite surface will dull your cutlery.
  11. What does "honed" granite mean?
    Honed granite is granite that has not been polished to a shine. Honed granite can soften the look of a room. Also, honing is a great alternative to a high polish, if you are choosing a marble for the kitchen.
  12. Can I place hot pans directly on my granite?
    Yes, with granite, you have the convenience of placing hot pans right out of the oven, directly on your granite.
  13. Are engineered quartz surfaces natural?
    Marketers contend that quartz surfaces contain 93% quartz. However, this number is calculated by weight, not by volume. Therefore the true ratio of quartz is approximately 67-73%. It is also important to note that "quartz" refers not only to natural quartz but glass and mirror particles as well.
  14. Will bacteria grow on granite?
    Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live. Bacteria cannot eat granite. Unclean, unkempt countertops can harbor bacteria regardless of what the countertop material is used.
  15. Why are some stones more expensive than others?
    Availability, locations of quarries in the world (due to transportation expenses), the rarity of the color, and the amount of labor required to extract the stones all affect the price of natural stone.
  16. It looks like there is a fossil in my stone. Is this possible?
    Yes, Many marbles and limestones do contain fossils. The fossils are formed from the skeletal materials of marine organisms.
  17. Why are manmade materials more expensive than some granites?
    The effective marketing of manmade quartz surfaces has led us to believe that "engineered stone" is superior to granite and therefore we should pay more for imitation stone than the real thing. The reality is, manmade materials are not superior in any way to natural stone. And to those of us in the natural stone industry who know the real cost of all of these products, it is like paying more for an imitation diamond than for a real diamond.
  18. Do I need a fabricator or can I do everything myself?
    The fabrication of natural stone slabs is not a do-it-yourself project. The cutting, polishing and installation of natural stone not only involves specific tools and machinery, it also requires extensive product knowledge.
  19. Are darker colored granites harder than light colored granites?
    Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to grey colored mineral.