FAQs

Granite, marble, and quartz are all appealing options for kitchen or bathroom countertops. Each material comes in a wide range of colors and patterns and offers a natural-looking alternative to laminate or wood surfaces. Granite is the most common choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops because of its natural appeal and resistance to stains, cracks, and scratches. Both marble and granite are natural stones, but marble has a more distinctive look while being somewhat more vulnerable to staining and scratching due to its higher porosity. Unlike marble and granite, quartz countertops are engineered stone made of approximately 92% quartz and 8% resin. This manufacturing process allows for a wider range of colors and designs while also making quartz the least porous of the three materials, which means it typically requires the least maintenance.

For regular cleaning, use mild soap and warm water, then rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. A stone cleaner such as 409 Stone Cleaner can also be used if you prefer a specialized product. Using too much soap or cleaner can sometimes leave streaks or a film on the surface. Avoid cleaners that contain acid, such as bathroom or tub-and-tile cleaners, as they can damage natural stone. To help protect your countertops from stains, we recommend applying a sealer once a year for granite and every six months for marble. Our stones are sealed during installation. If your countertops receive heavy use, sealing twice a year may provide additional protection regardless of the stone type.

Most granite comes from Brazil, though it is also imported from countries such as Italy, Spain, China, and India. These regions produce a wide variety of granite colors and patterns used in the fabrication of countertops Granite forms from volcanic magma beneath the earth’s surface and takes millions of years to cool and harden. During the cooling process, the magma combines with different minerals, creating the unique patterns and color variations found in granite slabs. As surrounding earth materials gradually erode over time, the hardened granite becomes exposed, forming what is known as a granite quarry.

Granite generally resists staining, but like all natural stone, it does have some level of porosity. Proper sealing helps protect the surface from absorbing liquids and developing stains. Keeping your stone sealed regularly is the best way to reduce the risk of staining. Some granite colors may be more susceptible to stains than others, depending on their mineral composition. Spilling acidic liquids, using harsh cleaners, or leaving liquids sitting on the surface of countertops for long periods can increase the likelihood of stains or dark spots.

Yes, backsplash installation services are available. A backsplash is typically installed three to four days after the countertop installation is completed. Our team can help guide you through the design process to ensure the backsplash complements your new countertops and completes the overall look of your space.

Depending on the layout of your space, seams may be necessary during installation. Larger countertops or certain designs often require multiple pieces of stone to achieve the proper fit. Our experienced installation team carefully color-matches the seam with the granite so that it blends naturally with the surface. When installed properly, seams are typically very difficult to notice.

Once you select your material, we typically request a lead time of three to seven business days. During this time, we create the template, fabricate the countertops, polish the surfaces, and prepare everything for installation. For an average-sized kitchen, the installation itself is usually completed in one day. This includes removing the existing countertops and installing the new ones.

3CM granite is approximately 1¼ inches thick, while 2CM granite is about ¾ inch thick. The thicker 3CM option is the standard choice for most kitchen countertops. 2CM granite is commonly used for vanities, tabletops, and bar surfaces where a slightly thinner profile may be preferred. The exact thickness can vary slightly depending on the quarry where the stone was sourced.

Technically, it is possible to reuse your existing sink, but we generally do not recommend it. The countertop installation process is often the best opportunity to update or replace plumbing fixtures if needed. Once the new countertops are installed, replacing the sink later can be difficult and may require additional work or modification to the countertop. We encourage you to explore our selection of popular sinks at California Granite & Flooring.

Prefabricated granite consists of pre-cut pieces designed for standard-sized countertops, which can make installation quicker and more cost-effective. Full slab granite is cut and finished from an entire stone slab to fit the exact dimensions of your space. This option allows for more customization in countertops, but may come at a higher cost.