Why is granite an excellent material for kitchen countertops?

Next to diamond, sapphire, and ruby, granite is the hardest natural product on earth. Once polished, natural granite will maintain its high gloss virtually forever. Normal use of kitchen knives, cutlery, and cookware leaves no scratches. Heat has almost no effect on natural granite, making it much safer than synthetic surfaces with polyesters and resins. Pots and pans heated to 900 degrees Fahrenheit will not dull natural granite's lustrous finish, but the use of trivets is recommended to keep your granite counter clean.

What makes granite the hardest building stone?

Granite is formed by solidification of liquid magma (molten rock) under the pressure of earth's crust. It is composed of Feldspar, Quartz, Mica, and other minerals, making it one of the hardest stones in the world. It has been used for building and decorative purposes for centuries. Granite resists wear-and-tear applications remarkably well, making it ideal for interior or exterior flooring. When used outdoors, granite's mineralogical structure is not influenced by freeze-thaw cycles.

Why choose marble and granite over synthetic material?

There are numerous advantages to using natural stone such as granite and marble in place of synthetic materials like corian, formica, porcelain, concrete, or ceramic tile. Natural stone is durable, long-lasting, and color selection is generally far more extensive. Most people consider natural stone more expensive than it actually is. Not only can natural stone be affordable, its resilience proves cost effective over time. On the other hand, synthetic material requires periodic replacement and costly repairs. At Medimer, we pride ourselves on the ability to offer quality granite and marble products at affordable prices that are often lower than those of synthetic products.

The Difference between Marble and Granite

Both marble and granite products add a polished sophistication and enhance any room. Both can be used for countertops, tile flooring, fireplace mantels, columns, vases, and much more. However, even though marble and granite have a similar aesthetic, they can also be better suited for specific purposes. Marble lasts as long as granite but is typically best used for items such as vases, crosses, and mantels. The subtle color choices and veining patterns that marble offers can create more unique and exquisite designs in bathrooms. Physically, marble is less dense and is often the preferred choice for fireplace mantels because more detailed designs can be carved. Largely composed of calcite, marble is sensitive to acidic foods which include ketchup, lemon, vinegar, and wine. In exposing marble to these acids, there is a risk of staining and dulling the polished finish.
Greater density and hardness help make granite resistant to scratches, acids, stains, and heat. That makes granite a popular choice for kitchen countertops and outdoor pieces, including headstones and monuments because it is the most durable natural stone and stands up well to weather changes. Granite is long-lasting and creates a beautiful, unique ambiance in any environment.

How do granite and marble compare to other solid surface countertops?

Granite is one of the most durable, maintenance-free countertop materials available. Granite is a natural material made of very hard igneous rock that is second only in hardness and compacted strength to diamonds. As a result of its geological composition, granite is stain, scratch, and burn resistant. Easy to care for and much desired for its natural beauty, granite is an investment that amortizes over time, retaining its original appearance long after initial installation. In most cases, granite countertops fall within the same price range as other high-end surfacing materials.

Where does the Granite come from?

The granite and marble in our yard comes from quarries all over the world. We own two quarries, one in Greece and one in Bulgaria.
Medimer is an entity of Venus Marble Group and owns quarries in Greece. We are the only American owned company that operates a factory in China - Olympia Stone.

Technical Aspects

Can granite be repaired?

While it is difficult to permanently repair granite, it is also very difficult to damage it. However, if some damage does occur, granite usually can be repaired by a mix of epoxy and ground-up chips of granite.

Is granite a completely smooth surface like other Solid Surface Materials?

No. Many types of granite contain pits and fissures that are natural characteristics of granite. Some granites exhibit these characteristics more than others, and the lighting of the room can make these marks more or less visible. These characteristics should be pointed out to the client prior to deciding on a particular material.

Can a customer choose the granite slab that will be used for their countertops?

We recommend that customers hand select their material. Customers will be shown different slabs per bundle and the customer can select which slab they prefer.

Is granite a do-it-yourself product?

No, not likely! Granite fabrication is a specialized trade that requires extensive training and practice in order to produce high-quality results - not to mention the expensive diamond tooling and equipment.

What affects pricing of granite and marble?

There are several variables that affect the pricing of granite and marble. The material is priced by the square foot, the product's standard availability, and the origin of material.

Preserving Granite & Marble

Do I have to seal my granite after it has been installed?

Granite is a highly dense material and relatively porous, so it can get stained if a spill is not cleaned quickly. Sealing the surface with a water-based or solvent-based sealant is recommended to protect the granite from water patches and stains. Sealing can be done once a year or once every two years depending on the usage of the surface.

How do I know if I need to seal my granite?

One method you can use to check if your granite needs to be resealed is to sprinkle some water on your countertops. If the water soaks into the stone and does not bead up, then we would recommend resealing your granite. Most kitchens need to be resealed about once a year.

Can granite or marble be used in food preparation areas?

Granite is an excellent product for use in kitchens and other food preparation areas. Under normal conditions it is stain, chip, scratch, and burn resistant. Like any other countertop material, if cleaned regularly and properly maintained, granite poses no health or sanitation problems. Marble is not recommended for use in the kitchen because of its tendency to stain and scratch.

Can you cut on granite or marble?

Granite is an extremely tough, durable material and in most cases can be used as a cutting surface without fear of scratching the stone, although repeated cutting on granite may dull knives. Using marble as a cutting surface will result in scratches as if cutting on a piece of wood.

Can you set hot pans on granite or marble?

Granite is ideal for kitchens because under normal conditions it will not burn and it will not be harmed by hot pans or open flames. Marble should not be used in kitchens as excessive heat can cause damage and potentially leave scars or burn marks. Neither material is flammable.

Does granite or marble chip or scratch?

Granite is a very dense material and under normal conditions it is chip and scratch resistant. However, we do not recommend a straight edge polish for countertops, especially around a sink because pots, pans, and other heavy objects may chip the sharp edge of a straight edge finish. Several other edge options are available that will look beautiful and reduce the chance of chipping. Marble can be chipped and scratched under normal use and therefore, should be used in low traffic areas and should always be treated like a piece of fine wood.

Will granite or marble stain?

Marble and granite are porous materials and therefore, are subject to staining if not maintained properly. In granite, the same porosity that allows for staining also allows for easy stain removal. In most cases, stains can be prevented by quickly wiping the spill. If a spill is left overnight, especially if the liquid is grease, oil, coffee, or wine the granite will usually darken. To remove the stain, a poultice should be applied, which may pull out the stain from the granite. Marble can be stained and etched by acidic or oil-based products.

How do I clean my granite countertops?

If you'd like, you may purchase a special stone cleaner that we carry. However, warm water and light colored dish soap will also work well. Be sure to avoid using any abrasive cleaners that will break down your seal quicker.