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| Granite What To Expect |
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Granite and Marble are products of nature. The color, texture and veining of each slab will vary,
which is what makes the product so unique. The sample that you have viewed in the design center has
been taken from a different slab than will be used for your countertops.
Pits, Fissures and Finish:
Pits and fissures are present in all stone products and are not considered a defect.
They do not make the product less durable or inferior. It is not possible to polish or remove these
imperfections because they are randomly dispersed throughout the stone. Dark stones, such as
Absolute Black, have a very high gloss finish that is attained at the processing plant. It is not
advisable to field polish these stones because the finish may not match.
Seams:
Stone is shipped from the quarry in slabs ranging from 7'-9' long and 4'-6' wide. The
actual size depends upon the type of stone and processing equipment. Consequently, it is typical
to have several seams in a large countertop. While we try to minimize seams, the number and locations
of the seams are at the discretion of Sterling Mfg. Your seams may vary from the model, based upon the
slabs, colors and options of your job.
The seam will typically be 1/16" of an inch wide and will be visible to the eye and touch. It is
filled with a two-part epoxy that is color-coordinated with the stone. Seams will be more apparent
in stones that have greater color variation and/or veins. Due to the unique characteristics of stone,
it is not possible to guarantee a match in color or veining when seaming the pieces together.
Natural stone is not perfectly flat, which may cause a slight unevenness in the level of the seam.
We attempt to minimize this condition by "bending" the stone. It is not practical to eliminate this
condition by sanding the seam due to the labor required and the difficulty in matching the quarry finish.
Underside of Granite:
Stone is shipped from the producer with only the top polished. The edges are polished by our
fabricators. The bottom side is unfinished and may be covered with fiberglass mesh, depending upon the
type of stone.
Backsplash:
Typically, backsplash is 4" high. Because stone backsplash cannot be bent, there will be
gaps between the wall and the backsplash. This gap is filled with paintable latex caulk. Over time, this
caulk will shrink and the cabinets will settle. Periodically, it will be necessary for the homeowner to
"touch-up" this caulk.
Cutouts:
The material from the sink and other cutouts are not part of the finished product and will not
be made available to the customer.
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