Why Choose Natural Stone?

Granite is the most durable of the natural stones and is the variety selected most often for kitchen work surfaces. The properties of granite ensure that it is very hard, and will not stain, etch, scratch, or scorch with regular use.

The natural character of granite ensures that your investment will not be subject to the dictates of fashion, as is the case with man-made materials. These stones have been in use for thousands of years, and will provide you with practical, enduring beauty.

There are many other types of natural stone, but they are not often used in the United States for kitchen countertops. Marbles, limestones and travertines are all sensitive to acid etching, and they are not as hard or as resistant to heat as granite. These stones are usually used for a variety of other applications, such as flooring, bathrooms, fireplaces, furniture, and many more.

 

Care & Maintenance

Regular sealing is a simple step which ensures that no stains will penetrate your stone. We recommend sealing every three months with Bellinzoni SuperSeal for the first year, and once per year after that. You may want to seal the area around your sink more often, since this area tends to see heavier use. Because the sealer is available in a spray bottle, it’s fast and easy to apply. Expect to spend about 20 minutes sealing your stone, not including drying time.

We recommend using a cleaner that is formulated for use on natural stone, such as Bellinzoni MultiClean. While it’s unlikely that normal household cleaners would harm your granite, keep in mind that any product containing acid will be harmful to the surface of marbles or similar stones. In general, using a stone cleaner is the safest choice.

 

Hiring a Fabricator

Granite can often weigh upwards of 1000 pounds per slab. Because it is so dense and so hard, specialized equipment and training is required for the cutting, polishing and installation of granite slab countertops. For this reason, Casa bella sells slabs only to licensed and bonded stone contractors, called fabricators. We are, however, open to the public for selection purposes. We welcome homeowners, designers, architects and builders in our showroom and 45,000 square foot warehouse, and will gladly work closely with you and your fabricator to ensure the process of selecting and installing your granite goes smoothly.

If you don’t have a fabricator you plan on working with, we can guide you through the process of hiring one. While Casa bella doesn’t endorse any particular fabricator, we can give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

 

The Selection Process

The final cost of your project will vary depending on the variety of the granite you choose and your edge detail, among other considerations. Only your fabricator can quote you an accurate price on your project. However, we can give you an idea of how various granite selections compare in price. We recommend choosing one or two granites and asking your fabricator to give you an estimate based on those particular materials. At Casa bella, you can put a hold on the slabs you’ve chosen for up to three business days, which should give your fabricator time to contact us and confirm your selection.

 

Granite Countertops, Step-by-Step

 

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