How do I clean my granite countertops?

Hot water and a sponge is adequate to wipe up spills and debris on a daily basis. On a weekly basis, and in a heavily used area, a stone cleaner is recommended. Do not use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange as cleaners. Also generic cleaning products such as bleach, glass cleaners or degreasers are not recommended. They tend to contain acids, alkalis and other chemicals that can etch marble and degrade the granite sealer leaving the stone more vulnerable to staining.

Can granite stain or be scratched?

Granite is scratch and stain resistant. However, treat your beautiful natural stone with respect. Blot up spills immediately. Acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce and sodas will not etch granite as they can etch marble, however they can potentially stain the surface. Cooking oils may also leave a stain if not wiped up. If necessary, there are topical compounds that can lift stains.

Can I remove things directly from the oven and place them on my countertop?

Yes, you can place a hot pot or pan directly on your granite. However, it is recommended to use trivets and hot pads under pots, pans and dinnerware . Grit can get trapped between the pot and the countertop and the unglazed ceramics on the bottom of many kitchen items contain high amounts of silica which can possibly scratch the granite countertop. Granite is very hard, few things are harder (quartz, silica and diamond), but precautions are recommended for keeping your granite tops beautiful.

Do I need to seal my granite?

Sealing is for stain resistance. Your countertops will be sealed upon istallation. However, some stone may require additional sealant over time. Each type of stone differs in porosity and how often it needs to be resealed. Length of time also varies depending on the cleaners you use on your countertops as some will break down the sealer. You can determine if an application of sealer is necessary by dribbling some water on the countertop, if it beads up, another application is not necessary, if it soaks into the granite, it's time to reseal.

What types of things should I avoid?

Again, acidic substances can be harmful such as wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce and soda. Cooking oils, vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange cleaners should be avoided. Wipe up spills immediately to maintain the beauty of your granite countertops.

What's the price difference between granite and quartz?

Quartz products are more expensive than granite. Of course it depends which particular quartz color and which particular granite color you are choosing, but on average quartz will cost approximately 25% to 50% more than the most often chosen granite colors.

Does granite offer any advantage over quartz?

Granite has a luminous, dimensional quality that cannot be duplicated by quartz. Granite offers almost unlimited choices in colors and patterns. If you prefer a natural stone look, and/or a countertop with some pattern, some directional movement, and uniqueness, then granite is the countertop material that can satisfy those qualities.

How do I get started?

Take the first step in updating, increasing your home value, and surrounding yourself with beautiful granite countertops by calling Barbara at 317-603-6301. She can come to your home and provide you with a free quote and answer all of your questions you may have.

Can I select my own slabs?

Absolutely! Granite Plan It buys it's slabs from several suppliers in town and you can view and select the slabs that suit your needs perfectly.