FAQ/Care & Warranty Page
Installed countertops VS. My sample?
- Stone is a building material that will vary in color, tone, pattern, etc. These variations are expected from shipment-to-shipment and are the source of its natural beauty and distinction
Is polished stone completely smooth?
- No. All polished stone will have varying degrees of pits and fissures. The amount and appearance will depend on the type/amount of minerals that exist in each stone.
- Pitting occurs naturally due to the combination of different minerals..one mineral is softer/harder than the next…the softer mineral will naturally “flake” or pit.
- When slabs are polished in global quarries, the polishing can actually enhance the amount and texture of pits
- Fissures are small openings in the face of the stone. Again, this is due to the large amount of heat and pressure needed to form Granite beneath the Earth’s surface. Fissures are an acceptable and naturally occurring aspect of stone
Will I have seams?
- Yes, a job will typically have seams. This is due to several factors. Constrata Surface Innovations determine seams based upon slab sizes, cabinet layout, access/maneuverability onsite, support needed, and economic material management.
- Variations in color and pattern will naturally occur across seamed areas of countertops. This is due to the variation in color, pattern (minerals) seen within a single slab (and from slab-to-slab)
How do I care/maintain my countertops?
- Cleaning – we recommend using a mild cleaner specifically designed for natural stone. Harsh chemically based cleaners are simply not needed. If you do have a food spill, an antibacterial cleaner is safe to use, but not needed for daily use
- Sealing – Constrata suggests the use of a “penetrating” type sealant commonly found at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. Penetrating sealants form a breathable barrier beneath the stone’s surface and are more effective than topical, wax-based sealers/polishers
- Staining – all stones are porous to some degree and stains can occur from spills left on the surface. The use of a penetrating sealer and cleaning spills with warm water and a stone cleaner will provide great protection against staining. If a stain occurs, please contact Constrata Surface Innovations, 919-865-5150, to discuss available remedies
- Food Prep. – do not cut on natural stone. It will dull your knives and tools before it will affect your countertops. All cutting and polishing of natural stone requires true Diamond products as stone is very hard
- Hot Pots – Excessive heat will affect the sealant within the stone as well as the adhesive used to seam surfaces together.
When can I use my new countertops?
- Please allow the sink to set for 24 hours. This will allow the silicone applied to fully cure. If possible, please wait 1-2 hours before using the surface to allow the sealer to penetrate. It is also advised to clean the countertop surface using a natural stone cleaner before decorating the kitchen/returning to full use.
Warranty
- Our warranty covers defects in workmanship such as edge polishing, seam performance and sink under mounting failure in residential kitchens, bathrooms and wet bar installations for the time period of One year following the date of installation.