Frequently Asked Questions

Is granite radioactive?

Every natural material has some minute degree of radioactivity. This is the nature of
earth. The degree of  "radioactivity" is ridiculously low to an extent that it is not
worth discussing. Let's keep this level of competitive slander to the politicians. It is
obvious that the alternative man-made
countertop materials are desperate to dig up anything that will shed some light on the
few benefits of their product. Granite is the best?..period!
Want more? Refer to the Pentel Granite and Marble blog below by Peter Pental.

Is Granite Safe?

Does granite stain?

All porous materials are capable of absorbing stains. Stone has wide degree of density
and a correlating degree of absorbency. Is this an issue? Absolutely, positively.......NO!!! Penetrating silica
based sealers on the market create an incredible barrier to oil and water based stains.
Enough...., that our company offers a 5 year guarantee against stains/absorbency. In
reality, the sealers are rated for over 5 years on the outside of an office building. The
problem? Many fabrication shops do not seal the countertops correctly. Hmmmm. Once
again, you get what you pay for. Resealing granite involves the old....wipe on...wipe
off.. method. Easy, inexpensive, and fast.

Does granite scratch?

Does anything scratch? What we are talking about here is a degree of comparison.  Granite
is harder than most metals. This makes it impervious to scratching by pots,pans, most
everything in a kitchen. Nothing is invincible to destruction. The only reason why i dont
say granite is scratch proof is the fact that im a lawyer. Lawyers can never say never!
Granite is the most durable and scratch resistant material available.... period!  In 20
years of business, I have never had a customer return with complaints about scratching or
degrading. No other man made material can honestly say it can stand up to the durability
of granite as a countertop material. Slate, marble,
sandstone,soapstone,travertine,limestone; all these natural materials are a different
geological formations. They are softer, effected by acids, and everything that can create
issues in a kitchen.

Do acids affect granite?

Granite was formed as a volcanic (igneous)  formation  and a composition of minerals and
metals that are unaffected by acids that are even conceivably used in a household.
Marble, travertine, limestone, most soapstones, and any other calcium based natural
stones are a different issue.  Competitors compare themselves to these vulnerable natural
materials, not granite.  While competitive man-made materials boast of resistance,
granite stands above as the champ.

How does the price compare to the competitive man-made materials?

There are over 28 countries that quarry granite with a relative price variation of slabs
from $700-6000 per slab. Literally over  800 variations of slabs with major differences
of prices.  Do you have to pay more to get a quality material?  NO!  Price variation
depends on relative availability, fragility and rarity of material.  None of these
factors mean you have to spend more for a "better" material. Some of the most expensive
materials are fragile, so the price is higher. The most difficult decision about stone is
that there is too many choices and relative prices,  If you keep your budget and mind in
focus, then the prices are comparatively similar. I  don't have problems competing with
the man-made materials, i just  have problems getting people to make decisions on 100's
of choices. A note for ponderance:  Do you want a choice of 5 or 10 that are exactly like
your neighbors or a piece of art that reflects nature in it's ultimate uniqueness?  This
is the difference  of natural stone.