QUALITY
GRANITE &
CABINETS
Showroom & Design Center:
1044 Saw Mill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15226 412-426-9842
Showroom & Fabrication:
1024 Saw Mill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 412-432-7071
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE TYPE OF STONE BEST FOR MY PROJECT?
Each natural stone has unique characteristics and maintenance requirement. It depends on your lifestyle and the application of the materials, as some types of stone may be more suitable than others. We are here to help you to find the one you love.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GRANITE OVER MANMADE STONE?
While manmade stones are repetitive and artificial looking, natural stones are produced as a result of millions of years of geological changes. The results are a vast variation in shades, colors and characteristics. When using natural stones, there are no two installations that will ever look exactly the same. Manmade stones easily wear over time and are quick to lose their appeal, while nature stones retain their beauty for thousands of years.
ISN’T NATURAL STONE EXPENSIVE?
As quarry and manufacturing technologies improve, the cost of natural stone has become more affordable and is comparable to other solid surface materials. Marble and granite, in particular, have reduced in price in recent years. Natural stone is more durable; therefore, it is a better value in the long term. At Quality Granite Outlet, our granite countertops start from $30/sf installed. Please check out our Special Offers.
WHY IS ONE PARTICULAR COLOR OF GRANITE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN ANOTHER?
The price of granite is based on its availability – the less the supply the higher the cost. The color, availability and movement of the stone also determine the price.
ARE MORE EXPENSIVE STONES BETTER?
The price of stone depends on the capacity of the quarry and its production volume. The higher the production, the less expensive the price.
ARE STONES FROM CERTAIN COUNTRIES CONSIDERED BETTER THAN OTHERS?
Natural stone is produced by nature the same way regardless of geographic origin. The finishing and manufacturing process reveals the remarkable beauty of natural stone.
WHERE IN MY HOUSE CAN I USE NATURAL STONE?
Natural stone can be used almost anywhere including flooring, kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathrooms, vanity tops, shower enclosures, tub surrounds, wall coping, pools, patios, fireplaces and even driveways. Natural stone can be cut to size for almost any space inside or outside your home.
CAN I USE MARBLE FOR MY KITCHEN COUNTERTOP?
Although it can be sealed, marble is much more porous than granite making it susceptible to staining in heavy use areas such as kitchens. Marble is also much softer than granite increasing the likelihood of scratching and chipping with frequent use. Furthermore, the mineral composition of marble can react with certain acidic products like citrus juice and vinegar causing the polished finish to etch.
IS GRANITE A HYGIENIC SURFACE?
Bacteria requires several things in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, sunlight, water, nutrients and a substrate to form on. The minerals found in granite are toxic to most bacteria. As a result, granite is not a habitable environment for bacteria to live and grow on. The Marble Institute of America has conducted independent research on bacteria growth on all countertop materials. Granite ranked first in cleanability and was second only to stainless steel in inhibiting bacteria growth.
FABRICATION
WHAT IS THE THICKNESS OF YOUR STONE COUNTERTOPS?
The thickness of the stones that we carry is 3cm (=1 1/4”).
HOW MUCH DOES GRANITE WEIGH?
The weight of granite depends on its density. The average piece of granite is 1 1/4" thick and can weigh around 18 to 20 pounds per square foot.
WHAT IS THE STANDARD OVERHANG FOR KITCHEN AND BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS?HOW DO I SUPPORT OVERHANG?
For kitchen countertops the average overhang is between 1 1/4" and 1 1/2”. Bathrooms will usually have overhangs is between 1” and 1 1/2”. Anything with an overhang of more than 10” needs to have a support. You can cantilever granite up to 14” with sufficient support on the fixed end and with a large enough piece. Please consult one of our professionals to determine what support is required. Quality Granite carries metal brackets. Supports can also be found at Home Depot or Lowe's.
WILL MY CABINETS SUPPORT GRANITE COUNTERTOPS?
Most cabinets are sturdy enough for most granite countertop installations. However, we do suggest additional corner bracings if you have large, self-standing or furniture style islands.
DO MY CABINETS HAVE TO BE SET FOR MEASUREMENT?
Yes, the cabinets need to be set and leveled.
WILL MY GRANITE COUNTERTOP HAVE SEAMS? WILL I SEE THE SEAMS IN MY COUNTERTOP?
It depends on several factors such as; size of the granite slab, dimensions of the countertop, weight of the countertop, grain direction of the granite, sink/cooktop cutouts, access into the house, dishwasher location, etc. Our team will work with you for the best way to put the seam if they are needed. The natural stone industry standard is a seam width of 1/16 of an inch. There is a maximum lippage (amount one piece will protrude above another) for the industry of 3/32 of an inch at the center point of the countertop with no lippage at the ends. A colored epoxy resin is used during installation that is mixed with colored crystals to match the granite as closely as possible. However, after the installation you will still be able to see and feel the seams in your countertop.
CAN I HAVE SMALL SAMPLE?
Quality Granite provides samples of certain granite. We cut the samples from our instock slabs. Please call our office at 412-432-7071 to check sample availability.
WILL MY GRANITE LOOK LIKE THE STORE SAMPLE?
Granite is a natural stone with natural variations in color, tone, pattern, etc. These variations are part of natural stone's inherent beauty. We recommended that customer view an actual slab at our store or visit our suppliers warehouse.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAD TIME?
Our average lead time for installation is approximately 2 weeks from the measurement date. The lead time for pickup jobs is 5-7 business days. This is subject to change.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I CAN USE MY COUNTERTOP AFTER IT IS INSTALLED?
The countertop can be used immediately after installation. However, we suggest not reconnecting the plumbing until 24 hours after installation is completed. This will allow the epoxy that holds the sink in place to cure.
DO YOU DO THE REMOVAL FOR THE EXISTING COUNTERTOP?
Yes, we will remove your existing countertop and haul it away for an additional charge.
MAINTENANCE
CAN I CUT ON MY GRANITE COUNTERTOP?
Yes, however, you will quickly dull your knives. On the measure of hardness (MOH) scale, a diamond receives the highest ranking of a 10, granite scores between a 6-9. A stainless steel kitchen knife ranks at 5.5 so a cutting board is recommended.
CAN I SET HOT POTS ON MY GRANITE COUNTERTOP?
Granite is easily resistant to heat up to temperature of 480°F, and can even likely withstand temperature up to 1,200°F. To prevent possible damage, avoid extreme changes in temperature, such as placing something cold on an area of a granite counter right after placing something hot on that area.
WILL GRANITE CHIP OR CRACK?
You should never have a problem with chipping or cracking under normal kitchen conditions. You should never drop heavy, hard objects onto your countertops, nor should you stand on your granite countertops.
CAN GRANITE BE SCRATCHED?
Granite is an extremely hard surface and will not scratch under normal use. However, it is always possible to scratch any surface, even a diamond, if it is subjected to sufficient force.
CAN GRANITE STAIN?
About 90% of all our granite stones are resin treated at the quarry. As added protection from staining, you should seal the granite surface after installation. Most stains that do occur in granite can be removed.
HOW CAN I CLEAN MY GRANITE COUNTERTOP?
It is recommended that you use specialized granite cleaner every few months or for daily use, use a mild liquid dishsoap and water. Keep in mind that a dishsoap may lead to soap build up which will dull the granite countertops. After using the dishsoap and water use a cotton towel or microfiber towel to rinse and dry the countertop.
ARE THERE ANY CHEMICALS OR CLEANERS TO AVOID USING?
Avoid using anything that may contain ammonia or bleach, any bathroom cleaners and grout cleaners that may contain acids. These chemicals could have a bleaching or etching affect. Strong acids such as lemon juice and vinegar also can be harmful if allowed to stand on the surface. Should your surface accidentally be exposed to any potentially damaging products, rinse immediately with water to neutralize the effect.
HOW FREQUENTLY DO I NEED TO RESEAL MY GRANITE?
It depends upon your usage. Some household cleaners may cause your sealer's bond to weaken. We recommend granite counter tops be sealed every 6 months.
HOW DO I KNOW MY GRANITE IS PROPERLY SEALED?
To check whether your granite is sealed, leave a few drops of water on the surface of your counter. If it beads up, you have a secure seal. If after a few minutes the water is soaked into the granite, then it's time to reseal the stone.
PAYMENT
WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT POLICY?
For installation jobs, 50% of the total is needed as a deposit before scheduling an installation date. Balance is due upon completion of the installation. Any order cancelled before fabrication has been started will be subject to a 15% restocking fee on the total order. Any order cancelled after fabrication has been started is subject to a 50% manufacturing fee. No refund will be given if your granite has been delivered to us from a supplier. For pick up orders, a 100% full payment is required upon placing the order.
DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?
Yes, we accept VISA and Master.
DO YOU PROVIDE FINANCING FOR YOUR COUNTERTOPS OR CABINETS?
No, we do not.
WARRANTY
IS THERE A WARRANTY ON YOUR WORK?
Yes, we have 1 year limited warranty on all out granite installations. Please contact one of our representatives for details.