Click below for answers to your frequently asked questions:
| How much does it cost? | What colors are there to choose from? |
| How do I pay for it? | What are finishes? |
| How long does installation take? | How do I care for my natural stone? |
| How much does it cost? |
The average kitchen with the basic 4 colors is $4995 installed, including tax. Depending on how rare your color selections are and the size of your kitchen the cost could be higher.
With pre-constructed granite the cost can be less than $2000 plus installation which is $12 a square foot plus tax for materials. If you use Granite or Marble tiles available in house then the cost can be further reduced, ask your personal consultant for more information.
| How do I pay for it? |
One half down at the time of sale and the balance when finished, cash only unless other arrangements have been made prior to signing sales contract in writing.
| How long does installation take? |
Once the contract and deposit is taken then the installer does a template in about 2 hours of your counter top or sink space. An average of 5 days to 14 days is needed to finish your granite and deliver for installation depending upon workload and priority. To set your granite or marble countertops will take one afternoon and when he is finished and the final approval has been signed. Payment is due upon final approval, the installer will receive the payment.
| What colors are there to choose from? |
We have 4 basic colors. They are green (uba tuba), white (leopard), earth tone (marbled), light green (speckled). Since we have quarries in Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United States and China there is almost unlimited selections available and your consultant will find out for you when your choices will arrive.
| What are finishes? |
Stones can be given different finishes, or surface textures, to make them even more distinctive. The number of finishes available depends on the type of stone being used. Fabricators are usually asked to give one of these types of finishes to the stone: POLISHED- A glossy surface that brings out the brilliancy in the stone's colors. The texture is very smooth and is not very porous, so it is excellent for countertops where staining might occur. HONED- A flat or low-sheen finish that is smooth in texture. It is still fairly porous and natural looking. Often used for floors in high-traffic areas like commercial buildings. FLAMED- A rough finish that is achieved by exposing the stone to intense heat. When heated, the crystals in the stone actually pop. The surface is very porous. most often used in commercial applications. TUMBLED- An archaic or worn appearance that is arrived at when pieces of marble, limestone or granite are tumbled during fabrication. BRUSHED- (Antique or Ancient)- An uneven but smooth surface. SAND BLASTED- A matte gloss surface that is textured by a pressurized flow of sand and water. BUSH HAMMERED- A textured finish that is developed by pounding the stone. The client can specify the degree of roughness in the surface texture.
| How do I care for my natural stone? |
FLOOR CARE- Keep a natural stone floor well swept using a dry, non-treated dust mop. Dust and dirt carried inside on people's shoes acts as an abrasive on stone floors. Putting mats or area rugs inside and outside doorways will help catch dirt from outside.
To clean, use a sponge mop that is slightly dampened and change the rinse water frequently. Do not use a string mop that can flood the stone with dirty water.
When mopping, use a recommended pH neutral cleanser. Never use an acidic cleanser (like vinegar or lemon) or harsh chemical/abrasive cleanser.
Wipe up wet spills immediately, especially acidic liquids like citrus juice, alcohol or soda.
Put protective felt pads under the feet of furniture, especially metal furniture. Keep plants up off the floor, as condensation under a plant saucer can create damaging rings.
TABLE & COUNTERTOP CARE- Wipe up spills immediately, especially acidic liquids like citrus juice, alcohol or soda. Use coasters under drinking glasses.
Use recommended cleaning products that are pH neutral. never wipe your table or countertop with an acidic cleanser (like vinegar or lemon) or harsh chemical/abrasive cleanser. Also, use soft cloths to wipe the surface instead of an abrasive pad (such as steel wool) that might scratch it.
Dust tabletops with a dry clean cloth. Never use an oily or waxy polish on your dust cloth. Waxes can make some natural stone turn yellow over time.
Many types of natural stone can be damaged if a hot or metal dish is placed directly on top of it. Use trivets and placemats under dishes.
SHOWER & BATHTUB CARE- use a squeegee after showering or bathing to help minimize soap scum buildup.
Use only a recommended pH neutral cleansing product. Never use a harsh chemical/abrasive cleanser or abrasive cleaning pad (like steel wool) on natural stone- it will eventually scratch and dull the surface.
Your Global Granite Group consultant can provide further details on caring for the specific type of stone you select.