Warranty & Care
Caring for Your Stone
What is the best way to clean stones?
The old rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn't use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Avoid the use any product which is acidic, including ammonia or many common household liquid cleaners such as Windex. For everyday cleaning, simply use mild soap and water. You may also use our excellent user-friendly products available at Classic Tile & Marble Ltd.
Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives! Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly. Always cut or chop on a cutting board. Marble and limestone are softer and can scratch.
Can I use marble on my kitchen counter?
Yes, in fact marbles that have a honed finish will not etch because their surface starts out with a matte finish. Because marbles are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids like vinegar, mustard, ketchup and other food products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction which will remove the polish.
Why is granite good for kitchen counters?
Granite is a very hard stone that is formed at very high temperatures deep in the earth; its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives or pots and pans. It's unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans or spilled liquid.
Does green marble require special treatment?
Some green stones, like the jades from Taiwan, are actually a different material called Serpentinite rather than true marble, Serpentines are somewhat harder and do not etch or react to acids the same way limestone and marble do. Green tiles of this family must always be installed with epoxy adhesive to prevent curling that can occur if a water-based settling material is used.
Can granite be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration.
Do not kneel or stand on stone counters under any circumstances. Some areas (i.e. sink area) can break under the stress of added weight.
Is it necessary to seal natural stone?
All stone will absorb stains over time and even granite is porous to some degree. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine, or other liquids from soaking into the surface. For long-term care and beauty, you will need to reseal the surface with granite sealer once a year and more often around heavy traffic areas like sink and stove areas. Granite is the hardest building stone and this is what lends it excellent wear.
Exposing your stone to harsh chemicals such as paint removers, oven cleaners, window cleaners, and oils could remove the sealer and render your stone susceptible to staining. If contact occurs, flush well with water.
Thank you for choosing Classic Tile & Marble Ltd. Please feel free to drop us a line with any further questions or comments: info@classictileandmarble.com We appreciate your feedback.
