Questions & Answers

You will come down to Granite Imports and one of our experienced sales staff will show you around and answer any questions you might have! Please allow some time to browse thru some 4000 slabs we have in stock. The following are helpful when selecting your slabs.

• Countertop Layout, a sketch with dimensions
• Floor Samples (tile/hardwood)
• Wall Samples (color swatch/wall paper)
• Cabinet door to match or compliment cabinet color with possible slab colors

Granite Imports also has a large selection of cabinet display doors to help you with your selection if you do not have a cabinet door of your own.

We are the distributor and we supply the material to the fabricators! Your fabricator will give you a complete price including material/fabrication and installation.

If possible, get budget pricing from your fabricator. If you dont have a fabricator its not a problem. We have a grouping list ranked from 1 to 6 and a Premium Group that will indicate if the material is Low, Medium, Upper End or Premium

Depends on what phase of your project you are in. If you are still in the decide or design phase we encourage you to come down to Granite Imports at your convenience to get design and color ideas.

The perfect time to come in to reserve or hold your granite is 2 to 4 weeks before your cabinets will be installed. If you are using existing cabinets then come in after all other areas are done because you want the granite to go in as near the end of your project as possible! Granite Imports hold policy is 30 days.

ABSOLUTELY! , there are many differences in slab suppliers, among the many differences are: *Quality of material&Most of Granite Imports material is hand selected to ensure the highest quality available. Even though you may see the same names at different suppliers the material can be different depending on the quality of finishing! For example many of GI materials are processed in Italy because the quality of finishing is better! Yes we can buy some materials cheaper that are processed in other (cheaper) countries but GI does not settle for lesser quality products and finishing, we only import the best slabs for YOU! *Quality of selection&Unlike other national companies our material is not diluted by dozens of different locations, ALL of our high quality/hand selected material comes in to just one location DENVER! So you get to select from ALL of our best material not just what we happen to have at this location! Remember Granite is a lifetime material, so get the material you want so you can enjoy it for years to come! * Collectively Granite Imports staff has over a 100 years of stone expertise! Our knowledgeable and experienced sales staff is available to answer all your questions! ASK A STONE PRO(insert here)???

Numerous scientific studies conclude that there are two ways in which countertops, tiles and other finishes made of granite might emit any level of radiation. The first is by the release of tiny amounts of radioactive gas, radon. The second is by direct radiation from the surface itself to the homeowner. In both cases, the radiation emitted is from the same process-natural radioactive decay of one element into another. Compared to other radiation sources in the home and outside, the risk to the homeowner from radioactivity or radon gas emitted from granite countertops or tiles is practically non existent. The U.S. EPA reports: based on existing studies, most types of granite used in countertops and other aspects of home construction are not typically known to be major contributors of radiation and radon in the average home

Pitting in Granite

Granites are made up of several different minerals, each having a different hardness. They can contain feldspars, biotites, amphiboles, ferrous titanium oxides, and other mineral combinations. All polished igneous/ metamorphic rock will have varying degrees of pits, depending on the amount of biotites, muscovite, and phlogopite.

Pitting does not make the granite less durable or of inferior quality. Pits exist in all granites and should be expected when dealing with natural, polished stone containing several types of minerals with different hardnesses.
Marble Institute of America Dimensions Stone Design Manual version 6 2003

Bacteria

Bacteria requires several things in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, water, sunlight, nutrients, and a substrate to form on. The minerals in granite are toxic to bacteria. As a result, there is no habitable environment for the bacteria to live and grow on a granite surface.
Marble Institute of America Dimensions Stone Design Manual version 6 2003

Yes! Granite is one of the most durable surfaces you will find. Unlike other man made surfaces, Granite is extremely resistant to heat, so hot pans will not be a problem for granite! Granite will naturally resist most staining but if you want to be 100% sure, 15 YEAR sealer Stain Proof from Dry Treat can be applied.

Granite Imports offers four different styles of under mount stainless steel sinks as well as porcelain under mount vanity sink.

There are many different options available for backsplash.

1. A solid granite backsplash is very nice whether its 4, 6 or full height!
2. A tumbled marble splash is very nice, which adds a slight rustic element!
3. Natural stone tile could be used
4. Decorative Verde Fuoco natural stone 6 planking also makes a beautiful backsplash!

Yes they can be used for kitchens. Traditionally only granite and select dense marbles have been recommended for kitchen use, but with the advancement of sealers such as Stain Proof 15 year warranted sealers from Dry Treat, softer stones can be used for kitchen tops with the proper expectations! Sealer will help resist staining but WILL NOT prevent etching of the polished surface! So if you do not want to see dull spots on your polished counter tops it would be helpful to have the stone honed before installing. A honed surface is a mat type finish and will not likely show etching. This procedure will give your counter tops the best chance of maintaining a consistent look for many, many years!

The following are general maintenance and care tips. Proper care may vary depending on the condition and type of stone you may have.

CLEANING

Use a gentle low pH gentle cleaner for natural stone and engineered stone countertops such as Rejuvenata by Dry-Treat.

SEALING

A high quality sealer is recommended for all natural stone tops such as Stain Proof 15 year sealer by Dry Treat

THINGS TO AVOID

• Acids : High on the Ph scale: many liquids such as common bathroom cleaners, alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, fruit juice, fruit and vinegar.
• Alkali: Low on the Ph scale: These liquids are opposite acids. Many of your household cleaners are alkaline and may be too harsh for your stone.