• Is it necessary to seal granite?
  Yes. Unsealed granite can absorb stains --especially from oil. It can also become dull or etched from acids such as citrus. The Stone Studio thoroughly seals every project before installation with a quality impregnating sealant. Applications are recommended every year or two as needed, and can be easily done by the homeowner in about 15 minutes.
  
  
• Where can I get a stone sealer?
  Many types and brands of stone sealers are available at your local home center. Recommendations will be provided by the Stone Studio at the time of installation. You can also contact us to provide this service or to purchase high quality products from us for do-it-yourself sealant application.
  
  
• Can granite be damaged? (chips, stains, burns, cracks)
  As stated above, stains can be avoided with proper sealing and care. However, if a stain should occur, removal suggestions and recipes are available at the Marble Institute of America's web site.
  Chips and cracks, on the other hand, are very unlikely, and burns are virtually impossible. Natural stone is one of the hardest materials known to man and holds up remarkably well to all sorts of wear.
  It is very difficult to damage granite, but if damage does occur, it can almost always be repaired. Please contact us for additional assistance.
  
  
• What is the best way to clean granite, marble and other stones?
  The natural beauty of stone is very easy to maintain. Routinely clean with a mild soap, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth. Possible soap options include non-abrasive, PH neutral products such as dish soap, stone soap, or antibacterial hand soap. For additional information, check our pages about Granite Care .
  
  
• Do granite seams show?
  If you look closely, granite seams do show. But the skill of a good fabricator can minimize their appearance.
  When a seam is necessary, a quality stone craftsman will take care to match the color and pattern of the joining pieces. He will also closely align the edges to ensure minimal lippage and seam width, creating the appearance of a single piece.
  
  
• Why is there such a large price range between fabricators?
  As has been quoted again and again, "You get what you pay for."
  Stone professionals have many different ways of pricing their products and services. Often, a customer is lured in by a bottom line quote only to find the estimate they were so excited about didn't include a backsplash or a sealer. Or, maybe they were limited to only a few, very low-priced stone choices. Their "fraction-of-the-cost" quote was likely without special edges, custom shapes, steel reinforcements, or even cutouts for sinks and stoves. And to top it off, they discover that the fabrication company doesn't provide services such as removal of old countertops, leveling of cabinets, or plumbing and electrical disconnection and reconnects. So in addition to a fabricator, the customer now finds himself hiring a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician, and a demolition crew. The math is simple.
  

     Soapstone Questions:

• What is soapstone?
  Soapstone is a natural stone that is made up primarily of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc. It is very smooth and soft to the touch and has a "soapy" texture to it, hence its name. Soapstone is quite old (300 to 400 million years!) and is extremely durable and beautiful. It is also very dense which makes it highly resistant to alkalis and acids. Consequently, it is non-porous and nearly impossible to stain!
  
  
• How is soapstone different from granite and marble?
  Soapstone is different from granite and marble in several ways:
  1) Because it is much more dense than granite, it is heavier, more stain-resistant, and (unlike granite and marble) never needs to be sealed.
  2) Soapstone is softer than granite, which means it is easier to scratch. Fans of soapstone are not bothered by the scratches and surface wear, but rather see it as an attractive patina giving soapstone its uniqueness and character. (Scratches can be minimized by applying mineral oil, or for deeper cuts, light sanding)
  3) The surface of soapstone is not as shiny as granite. It is naturally "honed."  In contrast, granite and marble usually have a polished surface resulting in a high-gloss finish.
  4)  Soapstone usually has a smaller slab size than most granite. This may be something to consider when choosing a natural stone to top a large island or bar where a seamless surface is preferred.
  4) Soapstone is mined from the surface.  Some point to this as an environmental advantage because of the reduction in energy needed to quarry. 
  
  
• How does the cost of soapstone compare to the cost of granite or marble?
  The answer to this depends on your choice of granite or marble (as well as the details of your project).  There is a basic selection of granite available for a lower price per square foot than that of soapstone.  There are also many granite or marble choices that cost considerably more for material than the soapstone price range.  On the other hand, soapstone is less time consuming to fabricate than the harder stones.; therefore,a project with numerous cuttouts and upgraded edges will have a higher labor cost when using granite. 
  
  
• What is required for the care and maintenance of soapstone?
  Newly installed soapstone is gray, but once it is treated with mineral oil, it becomes a dark color--usually dark gray to black, with hints of green in some varieties.  The mineral oil should be applied periodically, as needed. (About once a week for the first several months)  Over time, the oiling is necessary less and less frequently, until it rarely requires oiling at all.  Soapstone is soft and will scratch.  Fine scratches are easily removed with another coat of mineral oil and deeper cuts can be sanded away. Soapstone is extremely durable and heat-resistant. It is also quite stain-resistant. Since soapstone is non-porous, it is an excellent hygienic material for the kitchen and very easy to clean with soap and water. Use a mild soap such as dish-washing liquid.  Soapstone is a perfect choice for a busy kitchen. For more information, go to our Soapstone Care page.