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Silestone vs Granite Countertops
- THE REAL STORY
[back
to top]
So you want to upgrade
your kitchen or bathroom with a new countertop, but you’re not
sure what your options are. Chances are you’ve
heard of granite and marble. After all, they have been used for myriad
construction purposes for centuries and you always see marble and granite
countertops in luxury homes.
But what about Silestone...isn’t
it better than granite?
Well, it depends on
what you think is better. However, Silestone and
other makers of engineered quartz stone countertops, such as Zodiaq
and Cambria
would have you believe their product is a significant upgrade from
granite.
Engineered stone countertops
are a man-made product that mixes quartz found in granite with a resin
to make a surface with properties
almost
identical
to granite. Silestone and all the other companies make essentially
the same product, which is widely regarded as an excellent countertop
surface.
However, these companies
try to make mountains out of molehills in an effort to sell their product
and compete against granite which
is and
has bee
the most popular and proven surface type.
Myth #1: Sealing granite
is a horrible, dirty chore.
This issue has been
blown way out of proportion with marketing. It’s
always listed as a benefit and one would get the impression that
granite is defective and must be sealed with over and over to protect
it.
True, you don't have to apply a granite sealer to an engineered
stone counter top. And hey, that’s great, but applying a granite sealer is really
a very simple and infrequent "wipe on, wipe off" procedure. It
is not a major chore and for all practical purposes it isn’t a determining
factor when comparing Silestone vs. granite.
Also, it doesn't take a closet full of special chemicals to
protect your granite and keep its luster as Cambria and other
engineered
stone counter
top manufacturers suggest on their websites. Hey, to their
credit they are just trying to effectively market their product.
A
little secret about most granite . . .
You could do nothing
but wipe it with a sponge for years and it would still look gorgeous.
Minor, easy maintenance
performed
periodically
will, however,
give you peace of mind and bring out the best in your granite
and natural stone. And the same can be said about quartz.
Care and
cleaning
is
equally easy for either surface.
Myth #2: Again with
the sealing.
You may also read that
you must seal granite to maintain it's shiny polish. Not true. Sealing
is for stain resistance.
Both
natural
and synthetic
stone counter tops are polished by grinding and buffing
the surface into a smooth
shine.
Myth #3: Granite harbors
bacteria.
Silestone also tries
to claim their product resists bacteria while granite "harbors" bacteria.
This is totally false. Studies prove that both
granite and quartz are among the safest and cleanest surfaces
on the market today, but one isn't superior
to the other.
So Which Countertop
Is Best?
Well, once you remove
the hype and you understand that man-made quartz countertops and granite
perform equally
well and that
the care and
cleaning of each surface is essentially the
same,
the decision between granite
and Silestone, Cambria, Zodiaq or other quartz
counter tops usually comes down
to color, pattern and perceived value for most
buyers.
Color and Value
Granite
enjoys a greater “prestige” due to it’s natural
uniqueness and is therefore, of greater
value in the minds of most homeowners and buyers. New granites come
on the
market all the time from different
countries providing hundreds and possibly
thousands of different colors and patterns to choose from.
Silestone
and other engineered stone manufacturers offer 20-50 color choices
all of which
have basically the same
repetitive
pebbled appearance.
The
benefit here is that you never have a
problem matching a pattern or color at a seam,
which sometimes is
a problem with granite.
Of course,
you
may end up with the exact same countertop
as your neighbor, which won’t
happen with granite as each slab is unique.
So,
whether you choose engineered stone
or granite you will get an excellent
countertop surface.
Just don’t listen to all the marketing
hype and pick your product based on what
color and pattern you like best.
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Granite for Your
Home...Just the Facts! [back to top]
Lately, there has been a lot of rumor and misinformation
passed around regarding granite – most of which is simply not
true. Granite is an outstanding countertop material for your home
and here
are the facts:
-
Granite has been around since the formation of the earth.
It is 100% natural
and is one of the hardest stones next to diamonds.
-
It is very difficult to scratch
polished granite. Essentially it takes another piece of granite or diamond
to scratch the surface.
-
Stain
Resistance: polished granite is extremely durable and stain resistant
(visit any cemetery and take a
look). DO NOT let some other product salesperson
create a mental monster in your head regarding staining. Generally,
it is true that some granites need to be sealed (less than 20%) to
prevent them from staining.
Sealing with a silicone impregnator is typically done before
installation
and can be easily done by the homeowner about once a year
for added peace
of mind.
Questions regarding this issue? See your granite professional – not
someone trying to sell you something else!
-
Granite is heat resistant for
everyday kitchen needs. Setting hot pots or bake ware on your granite
countertops will not burn or damage them.
-
Mild soap
and hot water is basically all you need for cleaning granite countertops.
Granite DOES
NOT harbor bacteria by itself. When you are
done with food preparation – just
wash your tops off!
-
Composition: granite is the hardest natural material
available for countertops. It is composed of a variety of minerals
including quartz,
feldspar and
mica. Different colors reflect various combinations of the minerals.
-
There
is no product as beautiful and durable as 100% real granite.
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It's Hard to Top Granite
for Beauty & Durability [back
to top]
Granite is the hardest building stone in existence (only
diamonds and some other gemstones are harder). And it is this little fact
that makes granite
a prime choice for many interior design applications.
Besides being tough
stuff, granite also is beautiful, adding a hint of luxury to a home even
as it adds utilitarian touches.
As a kitchen tabletop, for instance, granite
will wear well. Other practical applications include vanity topes,
kitchen counters, consoles, cocktail
tables, floors and back splashes, just to name a few.
The word granite
comes from the Latin “granum,” meaning grain,
in reference to the coarse-grained structure found in the crystalline
rock.
Be definition, granite is a composite of several minerals,
including quartz and feldspar, which form into crystalline patterns. It
is the
patterns
and colors that give granite its beauty and cause no two slabs of
granite to
look exactly the same.
The composite is formed within the earth’s
mantle, where intense heat makes rocks plastic. When this molten
rock intrudes upward into the earth’s
crust, it cools and solidifies into a hard igneous rock, and granite
is the result.
Granite has been used for millennia as a building
material.
Today, technology allows us to cut the granite into much more
complex shapes than was possible in the past.
One of the main
reasons people select granite is because of its natural beauty.
The coloration will never change; it will always
be as bright
and vibrant
as when it is first installed.
And it takes another piece of
granite or diamonds to cut granite, helping assure a homeowner it won’t
scratch with normal use.
In addition, it’s heat-resistant so items from the oven can be
placed right on the counter without a problem.
Since there are so many
choices of color in granite, a word
about selection might be appropriate here. When choosing
something as significant as
flooring or countertops, consider the entire space, not
just the slab of granite.
Think of the space, not in terms of what it currently is,
but of what the space could be. You will be investing a
lot when
buying
granite.
It is
a small thing to repaint the walls or change the handles
on the
cabinet doors.
Reinventing your space, instead of retrofitting
it, may be intimidating at first, but with a little patience and
a lot
of planning, you
will end up
with a much ore professional look.
With the durability
and beauty of granite, it is certainly a worthwhile investment. And maybe,
just as diamonds
are a girl’s best friend, granite may prove
to be a home’s best friend.
Copyright 2006, Rocky
Mountain News.
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Like Jewelry for Your
Home [back
to top]
Of all the accolades that have been said about the inherent
beauty of natural stone, nothing says more about this wonder of nature
more eloquently than
the comment by a lady from the Midwest when she stood surveying her new
black granite countertop, the centerpiece of a remodeled kitchen. “It’s
like jewelry for your home,” she said.
It’s true! Selecting granite,
marble, travertine or other natural stone products is a lot like going
to a jewelry stone and choosing a fine gem.
Only in the case of jewelry, the beauty and quality of the stone is ultimately
discerned under a powerful microscope. With natural stone it’s right
there for the naked eye to see.
Real stone is the natural choice for individuals
who desire something unique in countertops, vanity tops, shower stalls,
floors and other elements in
the home. When a homeowner chooses natural stone, he or she is assured
that no other home in the world will have stone that is an exact duplicate.
In
addition to beauty and uniqueness, real stone is durable, versatile,
cleanable and a real value for homeowners seeking to install a modern
kitchen or bath
in an existing home or those who are building a new structure. Real
stone adds value to a home when it’s time to sell. In fact, studies
show that homeowners who remodel and use natural stone recover between
80
and 86 percent of their remodeling cost at the time of resale.
It’s
important to know that natural stone will never go out of style.
It is, by far, the first choice in materials for kitchens and baths around
the world and growing by double-digit increments annually.
Making
an intelligent choice
The more you know about the jewel-like qualities
of real stone, the better you can make an intelligent decision about
materials for
that new or
remodeled kitchen and bath projects.
Consumers have a wide choice of materials to choose from other
than natural stone: plastic laminates, stainless steel, concrete
and quartz
surfaces.
Quartz materials are available in over 30 different brands and
are generally made from quartz granules mixed with resin, various
colored
pigments
and other materials such as mother of pearl, pieces of mirrors
and semi-precious stones, which are processed in a factory.
For
some kitchen and bath applications, these other materials might
be perfectly acceptable, depending on the budget, the scope
and
intent of
the job and
the “look” the client is trying to achieve.
But
none of them are truly natural or offer you the opportunity
to proudly proclaim, “You won’t find a countertop
exactly like this one anywhere else in the world!”
That’s
why those who sell multiple types of materials say that
once the facts about natural stone versus other competing products
are presented to their customers, the majority select the
real thing.
Challenging the myth that natural stone is expensive
The fact
is natural stone, with all of its inherent qualities, represents
one of the great values in the home building
and remodeling arenas.
In most cases, real stone is less expensive
than other premium materials available for countertops, vanities,
shower stalls,
floors, etc.
The reasons: supply, demand and
technological improvements. The industry is booming as part of the
recent globalization
of the
natural stone
business. New technologies and new quarries
have significantly increased the output
of natural stone in the United States as
well as in India, Brazil, Spain, China, Africa, Russia and other
parts
of the world. With
supplies from
the United States, Italy and other traditional
sources of marble, granite and
other natural stone, there is a significant
amount of stone now available for the world to savor. It’s
virtually unlimited.
In the past, the stone industry
was aware that some potential sources of beautiful
stone existed, but the
cost of extracting
the stone
from the
earth was prohibitive. As in other industries, natural
stone producers and their
suppliers have developed advanced technologies for
extracting stone from the earth, cutting the blocks
of stone into
slabs and processing/polishing
them for eventual fabrication and installation in
the home. These advancements, combined with favorable labor
rates
in some quarrying
and fabricating
countries around the world, have helped to make natural
stone very competitive.
That’s why kitchen and
bath professionals can’t go wrong
recommending real stone.
What makes natural
stone different?
In a word, time. It
has taken millions, if not billions of years, for Mother
Nature to create
natural stone.
There are
many factors
that
affect the
ultimate graining and coloration of natural stone.
These factors include underground
springs, mineral deposits, earth shifts, temperature,
natural solutions in the earth and the pressure
exerted on these
elements over time.
Obviously, there is no way to duplicate these
factors in a laboratory or manufacturing
environment.
Because of the vast differences in
the conditions that created the stone, every block extracted
from the earth
is different.
The hand
of man has
played no role in the process. Even after the
stone has been removed from the quarry,
there is little human intervention, except
for cutting and polishing, to bring out all of the
uniqueness
and natural beauty. Nothing
is done to
alter the natural state of the stone.
That’s
way the number of different colors and patterns
of natural stone is virtually limitless.
True, some common types of stone have a similar “look,” but
no two pieces are ever exactly alike.
Different
real stone for different kitchen and bath applications
With the use of
natural stone comes the knowledge that there is a wide pallet of colors
and
materials from
which the kitchen
and
bath
professional
or designer
can choose to give the customer the look
and personality desired.
Kitchen countertops:
Granite, one of the world’s hardest materials,
is the most popular choice for kitchen
countertops and other heavily used surfaces. It’s durable, easy
to maintain and available in a virtually limitless array of colors and
patterns.
Marble and slate can also be nice
choices for countertops.
Kitchen and
Foyer Floors: Because of its durability, granite tile makes
for a lovely
kitchen floor.
The beauty and elegance
of marble
make
it a popular
choice, too. Marble features veining
patterns and colors that add a sophisticated
element
to any
design. Marble
is also highly
resistant
to moisture when
sealed, and therefore, is an ideal
choice for floors. Travertine, with
its beautiful
graining, also can add a classy look
to floors and complements granite.
Baths:
Marble is perhaps the most popular natural stone choice for
bathroom walls,
showers and
floors. Not
only is it beautiful,
it
is highly resistant
to moisture and it is easy to maintain.
Other household applications: In
addition to the stone listed above,
natural
stone materials
like
slate, sandstone,
limestone
and travertine
can add
a unique design element to kitchens
and great rooms, staircases and
fireplace facings.
Nature made real
stone easy to clean
That’s one of the major advantages.
Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth
are all that is needed to maintain most natural stone
surfaces
and to preserve their beauty
for years to come. In the case of an unfortunate
stain, it can usually be removed with a poultice mixture obtained
from stone
suppliers.
A new study shows
marble, granite and engineered stone have the
same level
of clean-ability.
In 2006,
The Hospitality Institute of Technology in
Minneapolis,
Minnesota conducted a study
comparing four widely used
countertop materials – two
granites, one marble and
one quartz surface – which
showed that all are easily
cleaned to meet FDA sanitizer
criteria of 5-log reduction
pathogens
on the surface.
“Overall, there was no statistical difference in reduction
after wash and rinse for any of the four
surfaces,” said Dr. O. Peter Snyder, Jr.,
president of the Hospitality
Institute. “This indicates that the differences
in surfaces used in the
tests did not make a significant difference in food safety clean-ability. The
study, funded by the Marble Institute of America,
showed that typical stone
countertop materials are easily cleaned to meet FDA guidance for reducing food
contact surfaces to a safe level.”
The 2006 study is a follow-up
to one that Dr. Snyder
conducted in
1999.
Granite was
also
named tops
in clean-ability in
that test which
involved
several
other surfacing materials
including stainless
steel, concrete,
tile, wood, and plastic
laminate. More
information on both
studies is available
at
www.marble-institute.com.
Comparing
granite countertops to those manufactured
from other materials
including
quartz granules
When
it comes to resistance to bacteria,
heat,
scratching, staining
and overall
performance, granite
is in a class by
itself. Unlike
other countertop
surfaces,
granite is highly
heat resistant,
which is a very
important consideration in
kitchen applications.
Quartz surfaces
will reportedly
burn at just over 330
degrees. With too
much heat,
other
surface materials
may warp, crack
and/or discolor,
ruining an otherwise
successful
job. It
is virtually
impossible to damage
a granite
surface
by
accidentally placing
a hot pot on it.
You cannot say
that about
other countertop
materials.
There
are other reasons
why granite
is in
a class by
itself
Granite
is one of the hardest
materials
on
earth and
is extremely
scratch resistant,
which
is another
important consideration
for any kitchen.
Contrary
to a major misconception,
most granite
countertops
do not have
to
be
sealed although
many are
for customer peace
of
mind and
for an
additional
level of
protection. Most granite
will not
fade in sunlight,
which
tends
to be a problem
with some
artificial surfaces.
In
the unlikely
event a
countertop
is
stained or
otherwise
damaged, it
usually can
be
restored
to near original
beauty and
utility.
That’s
not always
the case with
other surfaces.
And, finally – indoors
or out – granite
is an all-purpose
material, which
makes it the
perfect choice
for the newly
popular outdoor
kitchens.
So, now that
you know the
facts, the
choice is easy.
Genuine natural
stone: created
by nature over
billions of
years.
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Common Descriptions & Uses
of Natural Stone [back
to top]
GRANITE (an excellent choice for kitchen countertops, floors,
and other heavily used surfaces)
Granite, quarried from the mountains of
Italy, the U.S., India, and dozens
of other countries around the world, is one of the most popular natural
stones on the market.
Available in a striking array of colors, granite’s
durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other
heavily used surfaces, including
table tops and floors.
While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and
melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat. Granite is also one of
the most bacteria-resistant
kitchen surfaces, and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea,
alcohol, or wine. It is also nearly impossible to scratch, and with
proper cleaning,
will not stain under normal use (ask your professional contractor about
sealants available to further improve resistance to staining).
A leading
consumer magazine recently compared granite with engineered stone, ceramic
tile, laminate, butcher block, and other manufactured
surfaces.
Granite received the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen
countertop material.
Because of its exceptional strength, granite
is well suited for exterior applications such as cladding, paving, and
curbing.
MARBLE (ideal for foyers, bathrooms, floors & hearths)
Marble
is found in the mountainous regions of Canada, Italy, Germany, Spain,
the U.S., and other countries worldwide. Because of its
beauty and elegance,
marble is a popular choice for countertops, floors, foyers,
fireplace facings and hearths, walls and windowsills.
Marble adds a sophisticated
element to your home, and its wonderful appearance, superior engineering
characteristics, and ease
of maintenance makes it
a natural choice for floors, wall coverings, table tops,
and bathroom walls, floors, vanity tops, tub decks, and showers.
Another
option for marble-loving homeowners is using another natural stone – serpentine – for
kitchen counters. Sometimes called the “green” marble,
serpentine is not a true marble but offers a marble-like
look. And, because it is magnesium-silicate
based, it is not sensitive to citric acid and other kitchen
spills.
TRAVERTINE, LIMESTONE, SANDSTONE & SLATE
(beautiful enhancements for your home, inside and out)
Travertine, limestone,
sandstone, and slate are other examples of natural stone frequently
used in residential applications.
Travertine is a type of limestone
and one of the most popular natural stones for interior and exterior
wall cladding,
interior and exterior
paving,
statuary, and curbing.
Limestone is widely used as
a building stone because it is readily available and easy to handle.
Popular applications include countertops,
flooring,
interior and exterior wall cladding, and exterior
paving.
Slate is a popular flooring material and
sandstone and slate are often used for exterior paving stones,
or pavers.
Other
sandstone applications
include
fireplace facings, chimneys, garden walls, patio
benches, and poolside.
Additional slate applications include kitchen
countertops, fireplace facings, table
tops, and roofing.
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Counter Intelligence [back
to top]
If you’re shopping for kitchen counters these days, chances are you’re
seeing a lot of granite. In the room where plastic laminates once ruled
the roost, natural stone, especially granite, has become the hands-down
leader,
leading kitchen designers say.
“Granite has been the most popular countertop for some time,” says
Joan Kohn, HGTV home-design guru and author of It’s Your Kitchen (Bulfinch
Press, 2003), who notes that the material has maintained its luxury image
despite its growing affordability.
“It’s a recognized status symbol,” she
says.
In fact, others say granite has surpassed solid surfacing
materials, such as DuPont’s Corian material, which once was seen as a
less-expensive alternative for achieving a durable, natural-stone
look.
“That market share has been taken away by granite,” says
Dan Lenner, a designer with Allentown, Penn.-based Morris Black Design
Studio. “If
you go back 10-15 years ago, granite used to be significantly more
expensive (than solid surfacing). Now they’re pretty much on
par.”
Not all granite options feature the sleek and highly polished
designs today’s
homebuilders commonly promote. Matte, or “honed”, finishes
can soften a granite counter’s appearance, and are becoming
more popular among homeowners, says Jessica Snyder, residential
designer at Norwell, Mass.-based
Kitchen Concepts.
She adds, though, that a honed finish can be more
susceptible to stains, so homeowners need to ensure it stays
properly sealed.
Growing familiarity with granite also is boosting the fortunes
of other quarried stones. Soapstone is so durable it once was
commonly used
for laboratory
counters. Like honed granite, soapstone needs to be regularly
sealed, in this case, with mineral oil, to help protect against
stains.
It’s softer
than granite, and can be scratched, but scratches can be sanded
out with ordinary sandpaper.
Mixing It Up
You don’t have to limit your choice to
a single, uniform design, however. Many designers suggest homeowners
consider incorporating more than one counter
option into their kitchen plans. Such a plan might include
durable granite on a cook top island, solid-surface material for a sink
counter and integrated
sink, and a butcher-block preparation area, for chopping
and other tasks.
In addition to providing function-specific work areas,
this varied approach also works well with the move in traditional
designs
toward cabinetry
that looks more like repurposed furniture, Snyder says.
“Most people don’t want an expanse of things
that look the same,” she
says, noting that she looks for materials that complement
the multiple cabinet styles. “It helps enhance the furniture pieces.”
Lenner
says he looks for a natural break in the counter surface when determining
how to place varied material
selections. So an eating
counter raised above
an adjacent prep area provides an obvious opportunity
for a switch in counter covering. Just make sure
to maintain a visual
balance
by pairing
strongly
patterned surfaces with more neutral partners.
“You have to look at the two products next to each
other and make sure they don’t fight each other,” Lenner says.
Don’t
Break the Bank
As an added benefit, Kohn notes that incorporating
different countertop materials can provide
some valuable financial
aid for an otherwise
costly kitchen plan.
With a mix-and-match design, you can have room
to splurge on a beautiful and expensive highlight, while
using
less expensive
options
such
as laminate in other areas.
"It balances the
design and the budget at the same time,” she says. “You
really can have something special. If you fall
in love with some elaborately veined piece of granite, you can have it,” Kohn
says. “Then the
rest of the kitchen can be a more affordable
material. Everything doesn’t
have to be as beautiful as everything else.”
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Countertop Sanitation [back
to top]
Today’s consumer is offered a wide range of surfacing
materials for use in countertop applications. Once in service, these
countertop surfaces
will be exposed to a variety of contaminative substances. The key safety
issue to the consumer is the degree of cleanability of the surface material,
that is, how easily any contaminants can be removed using normal and reasonable
cleaning practices.
The following study by Dr. O. Peter Snyder of the Hospitality
Institute of Technology and Management used E. coli bacteria as its contaminating
agent.
The findings of the report show significant cleanability advantages of
natural granite countertops over almost all other commonly found countertop
surface
materials.
The study included 6 countertop surfaces which were washed
and rinsed after exposure to the bacteria. They were later cleaned with
a 10%
solution of
white household vinegar (1 part 5% vinegar, 9 parts water). Bacteria
counts were taken after both cleaning methods.
Granite Ranked 1st in Cleanability
After washing and rinsing,
the granite tops provided the greatest reduction in bacteria counts of
all the countertop materials tested:
Granite: 36,000 to 1
Stainless Steel: 4,000 to 1
Concrete: 2,400 to 1
Tile: 900 to 1
Wood: 500 to 1
Plastic Laminate: 285 to 1
When Dilute Vinegar Solution Used: Granite
2nd Only to Stainless Steel
Counts taken after the application of the
dilute vinegar solution showed the granite having a bacteria count reduction
second only to
stainless steel, but
160 times better than the next closest material:
Stainless Steel:
230,000,000 to 1
Granite: 80,000,000 to 1
Plastic Laminate: 500,000 to 1
Tile: 233,000 to 1
Concrete: 30,600 to 1
Wood: 2,000 to 1
Caution: the reader is cautioned
that although vinegar was used as a disinfectant for the purpose of this
test, there are
some granite
species
that contain
trace mineral groups which could be attached by exposure to
acidic solutions. Some
sealers, impregnators, or other agents applied to the stone
may also be subject to attack or discoloration from mild acids. Do
not use
vinegar as a cleaning
agent without consulting your stone supplier as to the mineralogy
of your
particular granite as well as the compatibility of any sealer
or impregnator that may
have been applied to the stone. Vinegar should never be used
on calcareous stones
such as marble, limestone, or travertine.
This technical bulletin
contains general guidelines. The Marble Institute of America and its
Member companies are not responsible
for any use
or misuse that causes damage of any kind, including loss
of rights, materials,
and
personal
injury alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the
information contained in this document.
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Study Shows Marble, Granite, Engineered
Stone have same Level of Cleanability [back
to top]
Minneapolis, March 1, 2006 – A new study comparing
the cleanability of four widely used countertop materials showed that granite,
marble and
engineered quartz surfaces are all easily cleaned to meet FDA surface sanitizer
criteria of 5-log reduction pathogens on the surface.
he Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in
Minneapolis, MN conducted the study, comparing Dakota Mahogany granite
from South Dakota,
Uba Tuba granite from Brazil, Carrara White marble from Italy and Snowdon
White engineered “stone” by Cambria.
The unsealed marble and
granite samples were traditional natural stone, created by nature over
millions of years. The engineered stone is man-made from various
sizes of quartz aggregate mixed together with a polymer adhesive binder
and pigments.
The test organism used for the study, according to Dr. O.
Peter Snyder, Jr. of the Hospitality Institute was E.coli ATTC #25922,
a non-pathogenic
E.coli.
It was spread on each countertop surface and allowed to dry for 15
minutes. The surfaces were then cleaned by a variety of typical, everyday,
household
methods.
“Overall, there was no statistical difference in reduction
after wash and rinse for any of the four surfaces,” Dr. Snyder said. “This
indicates that the differences in surfaces used in the tests did not make
a significant
food safety difference in cleanability. The study, funded by the
Marble Institute of America, showed that typical stone countertop materials
are very easily
cleaned to meet FDA guidance for reducing food contact surfaces to
a safe level,” he explained.
The new study involving granite, marble
and engineered stone was a follow-up to one done in 1999 by Dr. Snyder
in which granite was
named
tops in
cleanability in tests involving several other surfacing materials
including stainless
steel, concrete, file, wood plastic and laminate.
“The prevention of cross-contamination of pathogens
on kitchen counters is very important to protecting the health of the family,” said
Gary Distelhorse, executive vice president of MIA, headquartered near Cleveland,
Ohio. “The
study shows conclusively that natural stone and engineered stone
essentially have the same level of cleanability, which is important for consumers
to
know.”
About the Hospitality Institute of Technology
The Hospitality
Institute of Technology & Management is a research,
consulting and education company that promotes correct and
operationally effective food
science and quality knowledge and application. For further
information of HITM please visit www.hi-tm.com or call 651-646-7077.
About
the Marble Institute of America
For over 60 years the Marble Institute
of America (MIA) has been the world’s
leading information resource and advocate for the natural
dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone,
sandstone, and
other natural stone producers and quarries, fabricators,
installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.
Further information
on both studies is available at www.marble-institute.com
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Seams in Granite
Countertops [back
to top]
Granite countertops in larger kitchens quite
often will require seaming of the granite slabs. Great care is taken at
the time of installation to minimize the appearance of the seam. However,
natural stone cannot be made seamless.
We want our customers to understand that
seams, when done properly, are as natural as the stone itself.
Please ask any questions you may have regarding
seams and countertop installation. We want our customers to fully understand
the limitations of natural stone.
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To Seal or Not to
Seal [back
to top]
After several months of discussions, a special task force
formed by the Marble Institute of America (MIA), the world’s leading
trade association for the natural stone industry, has issued a policy statement
covering the
need to seal natural stone countertops. The following is the official MIA
position:
Most granite countertops do not need to be sealed! Before
1995, there were very few quality penetrating sealers on the market and
there
were very few
cases of staining. Both prior to and after the availability of penetrating
sealers, no cases of food poisoning, radon or food preparation issues associated
with treated or untreated granites have been reported. If homeowners clean
their countertops after each meal, they will rarely, if ever, have staining
or clean-ability issues with granite. All this being said, many granite
countertops receive additional benefits from being sealed. That benefit
is the further
reduction of moisture migration into an already moisture resistant surface.
Should
natural stone counters be sealed? In many cases it makes sense to seal
marble and granite countertops with a quality sealer. The product
should have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years and be of an oliophobic
(resistant
to water and oil-based stains) nature. Once properly sealed, the stone
will be more resistant to everyday dirt and spills.
In today’s natural
stone industry, many species of granite receive a resin treatment at
the factory where the blocks of granite are cut into
slabs and then polished. The treatment is used to fill microfissures,
indentations and other minor characteristics that are found in many
natural stones. The
reason for the resin treatment is to address what most consumers consider
as imperfections, but in reality are “birth marks.”
The
consuming public gravitates to perfection, defined as no “birth
marks,” and so the marble and granite industry tries to fulfill
the desire. Both resined as well as unresined slabs will outlast most
of our
lifetimes. Granite should, and in most cases will, be the last countertop
surface a person will buy, providing a strong return on investment.
The bottom line: sealing resin treated countertops may increase the
resistance of the
already resistant nature of stone.
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A Guide to Use and
Care of Stainless Steel and Granite Composite Sinks [back
to top]
A Guide to Use and Care of Stainless Steel Sinks
"The Do's"
-
The best form of maintenance is frequent,
regular cleanings. A little bit of cleaning on a regular basis is preferable
to a major cleaning on a sporadic
basis.
-
The best method of preventative maintenance is to ensure
that the sink is clean, dry and exposed to room atmosphere when not in
use. Rinse and towel
dry the sink
after each use in order to minimize major cleanups, keeping it shiny and relatively
free of water spots. This is particularly appropriate where water may have
a high mineral content.
-
Should a mineral deposit build up over time, it
may be removed with vinegar, Line-Away or CLR, followed by flushing the
surface with water.
-
To clean your sink, use the mildest procedure that
will do the job effectively.
-
On the mirror finish deck we recommend using
either a liquid detergent or metal polish, such as Peek with a soft cloth.
DO NOT USE ANY ABRASIVE
MATERIALS
ON
THE MIRROR FINISH.
-
Inside the sink bowl we recommend using a mild abrasive
cleanser such as Old Dutch, Comet or Cameo.
-
Always rinse the sink after
using a cleaning agent, and wipe the sink dry to discourage any water
spotting.
-
Any cleaning or scrubbing to remove stubborn stains from
the inside of the sink bowls, should follow the direction of the grain
line.
Any scrubbing
across
the grain will show as a scratch. Scrubbing in the same direction
as the grain will blend in any surface scratches.
"The Don'ts"
-
Steel wools pads should never be used
to clean your sink as they will leave a residue of small iron particles.
They may not even be readily
visible, but they most certainly will lead to rusting and corrosion of
the sink.
ScotchBrite scouring pads are available for this purpose.
-
For similar
reasons do not leave any mild steel or cast iron cookware or implements
anywhere on the sink for extended periods of
time. The combined presence of iron
and moisture with stainless steel can only lead to staining
of the sink.
-
Do not leave rubber dish mats, wet sponges, or cleaning
pads in the sink overnight as they will trap water which could lead
to staining
and discoloration
of the
sink. The unique properties of stainless steel are dependent
upon exposure of the surface to the atmosphere.
-
Never use abrasive
pads or cleaners on the mirror finish deck of the sink. They will scratch
the finish. THIS INCLUDES SCOTCHBRITE
PADS! THESE
PADS
SHOULD BE USED ONLY ON THE SIDES AND BOTTOM OF THE SINK
BOWLS.
-
Chlorine bleach will attack the stainless steel and may
cause pitting. The risk of damage is proportional to
the concentration
of the chlorine
and the
duration of exposure between the sink and the chlorine
agent. Note that some bacterial
soaps may contain chlorine compounds: Always dilute
any antibacterial product used and wipe up any spills. Note:
some bacterial
soaps may contain chlorine
compounds.
-
Any accidental contact of the sink with photographic
chemicals or soldering fluxes should be addressed
by an immediate rinsing
and cleaning
of the
sink.
-
Certain foods such as pickles, mayonnaise, mustard,
and salt laden foodstuffs can cause pitting of
the sink surface
if left
unattended
for prolonged
periods.
-
Any drain cleaning products containing
sulphuric or hydrochloric acid will attack the sink. Silver
dip cleaners
may contain
strong acids which
will
attack the sink.
-
Do not use your sink as a cutting
surface. FHP•KINDRED offers hardwood
cutting boards for this purpose.
-
Stainless steel
bottom grids are available for many FHP•KINDRED
stainless steel sinks. These bottom grids protect
the bottom of the bowl(s) from cutlery scratches,
or marking from heavy kitchen utensils.
A
Guide to Use and Care of Granite Sinks
These sinks are made of an
innovative material that bonds fine granite particles in a
polymer matrix.
This technologically
advanced material
is designed and
manufactured to withstand the rigors
of everyday household use. The following care and cleaning
instructions will keep your FHP-KINDRED
Granite sink a beautiful focal point in your kitchen
for many
years.
"The Do's"
-
The best form of maintenance is frequent, regular
cleanings. A little bit of cleaning on a regular basis is preferable
to a major cleaning on a sporadic basis.
-
The best method of preventative
maintenance is to ensure that the sink is clean and dry when not in use.
Rinse
and towel dry the sink after each use
in order
to minimize major cleanups. (This
is particularly appropriate where water may have a high mineral
content.)
-
Keep the sink fixture free of any standing water which
may build up mineral deposits. The quality of your
water can affect your sinks appearance
(particularly
a designer color such as Jade)
and this water quality will vary from household to household.
-
Should a mineral deposit build up over time, use vinegar
to remove the deposit and follow this by
flushing the surface with
water.
-
To clean your sink, use the mildest
procedure that will do the job effectively.
-
Use a damp cloth, or sponge with
a solution of dishwashing liquid
to remove
everyday stains from
your sink.
-
More stubborn
stains can be removed by scrubbing
with an
abrasive pad
such as
ScotchBrite, or
any mild abrasive
cleanser
such as
Ajax. (Granite
sinks
only)
-
If a stain becomes
engrained in the
bowl, mix a solution
of 40 parts
water
with 1
part bleach
(or
biological
washing powder),
and soak the
bowl surface
overnight. Then drain
and rinse thoroughly
with water.
This
is not to be used
as a routine cleaning.
-
Your
Granite sink is made from an extremely
hard and
tough material.
Any metal pots
or pans dragged
across
the bottom
of the sink will
leave a metal
residue.
This marking is
actually on the surface of
the sink and
can be
removed by
scrubbing
in a circular
manner
with
a soft
nylon brush
and a liquid
soap.
-
Try to avoid
dropping sharp
objects into
the sink as
they may damage
the surface.
We recommend
using
wire
bottom grid
accessories
to avoid
this type
of damage.
"The
Don'ts"
-
Always avoid the use of metal scouring pads, or wire wool,
as they will leave a metal residue
on the surface of the sink. Over time these minute particles will rust
and then
give
the appearance that the surface
of the sink has
stained.
-
Do not
leave any mild steel
or cast
iron cookware
or implements
anywhere
on the
sink for extended
periods of
time. The combined
presence of
iron and moisture
can only
lead to staining
of
the sink.
-
Do
not leave rubber dish
mats, wet
sponges, or cleaning
pads in the
sink
overnight
as they
will trap
water which could
lead to staining
and discoloration
of the
sink
surface.
-
Do
not let concentrated
bleaches or
products containing
chlorinated solvents
(paint strippers)
or products
containing formic
acid (drain
cleaner or
kettle descaler)
come into
contact with
the surface of
the sink.
They may
cause discoloration.
-
Any
accidental
contact
with
these
materials
should
be
addressed
by
an
immediate
cleaning
and
rinsing
of
the
sink.
-
Granite
has a
high heat
resistance of
536¼F (280¼C)
and will
be virtually
unaffected by
brief exposure
to objects
at this
temperature. However,
we do
not recommend
that the
sink be
used as
a cooling
place for
hot objects
...please use
a separate
insulated board
or tray
for that
purpose.
-
Do not
use your
sink as
a cutting
surface. FHP•KINDRED
offers hardwood cutting boards for this purpose.
A
Guide to
Use and
Care of
Accessories
Hardwood
Cutting Boards
We
have chosen
fine hardwoods
such as
maple and
beech for
FHP•KINDRED cutting
boards. In order to keep your board looking
good you must wipe it clean after
each use and keep it free of standing water.
Once a week, rub a small amount
of vegetable oil into
the board. This will condition the board
and prevent it
from drying out.
Stainless
Steel Colanders,
Drainer Baskets,
and Bottom
Grids
Immediate
rinsing after
use and
occasional washing
with warm
soapy water
will keep
your FHP•KINDRED
stainless steel accessories looking
good for a long
time. Do not leave any acidic foodstuffs
on your
accessories for any length of time,
as they may stain
them.
FHP•KINDRED USA LIMITED
BUYER WARRANTY - RESIDENTIAL SINKS
FHP•KINDRED USA sinks are guaranteed
against defects in material or workmanship for any normal domestic
purpose for which it is intended - in the case of Stainless
Steel and Granite for as long as you own your sink. Should your sink
prove defective for normal domestic purposes, FHP•KINDRED USA
will provide to you a replacement sink of an equivalent model free
of charge,
provided the sink you own had been
installed and maintained in accordance with instructions provided
by
FHP•KINDRED
USA Industries.
All
costs of
such replacement
will be
the responsibility
of the
buyer.
FHP•KINDRED USA will
not be liable if the sink has been:
- -Improperly
installed
- -Used for
abnormal
purposes
- -Damaged
resulting
from abuse, such as
heavy impact
or dropped objects
FHP•KINDRED USA shall
not be liable for any inconvenience or expense for
material
or labor related to removal or replacement of the defective
sink; nor
for any loss or damage to any person or property
resulting from the defective sink.
The
exclusion
or
limitation
of
incidental
or
consequential
damages
may vary
from jurisdiction
to jurisdiction
as do
specific
legal
rights. The
provisions
of
this warranty
are non-transferable
and not
in modification
of or
subtraction
from
and applicable
statutory
warranties,
rights or
remissions.
Your
defective
sink
must
be
returned
to
the place
of purchase
or contact
FHP•KINDRED
USA customer service for further instructions.
FHP•KINDRED USA
LIMITED BUYER WARRANTY - ACCESSORIES
FHP•KINDRED USA accessories
including hardwood cutting boards, colanders and trays,
and stainless steel colanders, baskets, and grids are
guaranteed to be suitable for any normal
domestic purpose for which they are intended and without
defects
in material or workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase.
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Soapstone Facts [back
to top]
What is Soapstone?
Soapstone is a natural stone quarried from
the earth in blocks like granite and marble. It is made from different
minerals but is primarily composed
to Talc, which gives soapstone its silky smooth feel. Unlike granite
or marble, soapstone is naturally non-porous and stain resistant. Being
softer
than both marble and granite it has a tendency, under stress, to dent
rather then chip. It is also typically easier to repair than marble or
granite.
Where Do We Get It?
The Soapstone we distribute comes from
quarries in Brazil. Though Soapstone can be found in various locals around
the world, the quality and visual
appeal, as well as the uncommonly large sized slabs, are all advantages
we enjoy
with the Brazilian quarries from where we receive our slabs and planks.
Oxidizes
With Use
Soapstone oxidizes (turns dark) when exposed to water, grease
and oils. Given this, it is recommended that soapstone countertops be
treated with mineral
oil to keep the oxidation uniform across the entire surface.
First
Oiling Prep
Once your soapstone is installed and ample time has passed
for the glued seams to set up properly (overnight), it is time to
bring out
the natural
beauty of the stone with mineral oil. Newly installed stone
will often have some dust residue. Residue is easily removed by wiping
the soapstone
with
clean water and a sponge. When all the dust has been removed,
your soapstone is ready for its first coat of mineral oil.
Applying
Mineral Oil
The first oiling of the now clean and dry soapstone will
take “a
bit more” elbow grease than the follow-up oiling. With a few
dry clean rags ready, simply pour the mineral oil directly from the
bottle
onto the
surface of the soapstone; rubbing it into all the corners
with a rag (sometimes a small paint brush might be handy but not necessary).
Once the stone is
covered, let the oil set for a half hour or so before wiping
it with a clean dry cloth to remove the excess oil. Remember, the oil
is just a thin moisture
layer that is used to expedite the oxidation of the stone.
Since the stone does not absorb the mineral oil, with time the oil
will evaporate and need
replenishment. Now that you have brought out the natural
character of your soapstone, it is ready for immediate use!
Follow Up
Oiling
This treatment and its frequency of application will depend
on use by the homeowner. Most people find an average
of once a month
for
a year.
Some
are finished with oiling within a couple of months
and some homeowners will treat
the surface for a couple of years. As a general rule,
you should reapply mineral oil when water is leaving a noticeable
dark
spot.
Use Your Kitchen
Without a doubt, soapstone loves to be used.
In fact, the more the stone is used in the kitchen the longer
between
follow-up
oiling. If you see “scratches” early
on, they are often just a displacement of the mineral
oil. Gently rubbing the area with your thumb, or
just reapplying a small amount of oil, will
eliminate the mark. Soapstone is an inert material
and impervious to chemicals, acids and heat so
there are no household products that will harm
it. A homeowner
may clean with any household cleanser, such as
Ajax or Comet, after the mineral
oil treatment is completed. Usually, wiping with
soap and water is all that is necessary.
Your Stone’s
Personality
Soapstone has a personality. No two
pieces are exactly the same and each can possess unique
variations in
veining and
color.
With a small
amount
of upfront maintenance and care, your countertops
should reward you with decades
of trouble free service and beauty.
Soapstone
FAQ’s:
Does soapstone need to be sealed?
Stone sealers are meant
to seal porous stones. Since soapstone is a very non-porous stone,
it does not
need to be sealed.
Why is oiling the soapstone
recommended?
Oiling the soapstone is recommended to
help the stone darken evenly, instead
of darkening
in
spots. The
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