Granite: Expectations

Pitting of the countertop surface, particularly in granite, is a common characteristic of natural stones.  Pits are common in all granites and should be expected.

Chips can occur in stones either as a result of sawing operations or handling.  Chips may be repaired with epoxy or polyester resin.

Color and veining: Stone countertops are composed of natural materials and are subject to variations in background color, and veining.  The color, shade, veining, color concentrations (blotches), and any other variances in the appearance of natural stone will exist and will vary between a sample you may have used in the selection process and the actual stone(s) used on your project, between two stones, and even within the same stone.  Such naturally occurring variations are not considered defects.

Cracks occur in stones as a result of mechanically induced stresses during handling, fabrication, transport, or installation.  When working with such stones it is common practice to repair cracks by cementing them together with epoxy or polyester resin.

Finish: Your countertop will come with a polished finish (unless ordered in another finish).  Irregularities in the finish and gloss levels of natural materials like stone are common, reflecting the unique natural patterns and finish that give each stone countertop its distinctive appearance.  Finish and gloss will vary from piece to piece and on the same piece.

Fissures occur naturally in many stone types.  A fissure is defined by the American Geological Institute as “an extensive crack, break, or fracture in the rock, which may contain mineral-bearing material.”

Seaming:  Placement of seams (including the use of “rails”) is solely at the discretion of StoneTrends.  Seams will be visible to the eye and touch.  Every effort will be made to insure the seam is placed in the best location for the structural integrity of the countertop and to make it aesthetically pleasing.

Surface irregularities and thickness:  Natural stone is composed of minerals and is earth-formed over hundreds of millions of years.  Fissures, pitting, mineral pooling, and other naturally occurring features in stone should not be considered as defects.  The thickness of stone slabs vary, therefore thickness designations (ie. 3 centimeter) are nominal rather than exact.