The Stone Studio, granite countertops batesville indiana

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to seal stone?
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 products 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 or Soapstone 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.

More questions?
We welcome visitors. View actual slabs and projects in progress.
See the equipment used. Make an appointment today and experience the stone fabrication process for yourself.

Pete & Marlene Wukusick, owners