Q: How is quartz produced?
A: Quartz is a manufactured surface that is made by mixing 95% ground natural quartz with 5% polymer resins. The result is a material that still looks natural, but the engineering provides for more consumer customization based on the individual's design plans.
Q: Do quartz counter tops need to be sealed like granite ?
A: No, quartz counter tops do not require the resealing needed for surfaces like granite. Extra maintenance is practically nonexistent if the counter tops are cleaned on a daily basis or after use.
Q: What special precautions should be taken when cooking near quartz?
A: Quartz can be affected by extreme heat, so manufacturers recommend using cutting boards, trivets, and hot pads while preparing meals. Quartz is very durable, but remember that any material can be damaged if not properly cared for.
Q: Does granite stain ?
A: As a general rule, no, but yes it can stain especially on your lighter colors. Granite is very dense. On some colors, moisture may penetrate if left for a long time on the counter, but any dark spots will dry and disappear.
Q: How long will it take for thin set to cure?
A: You should wait at least 24 hours before walking on your new floor. Some installations will take longer, and you should check this with the installer.
Q: If I drop something, is it going to crack the ceramic tile?
A: It depends, with proper installation ceramic tile is very durable. If you drop a glass or a dish the glass or dish will most likely break, while the tile may chip or crack.
Q: What should I know about kitchen and bathroom floor installations ?
A: When you are thinking of tiling your kitchen or bathroom floor take into consideration the disruption in your daily life. Some preparation can be done well in advance of the tiling project. You will have to remove cabinets and doors if a new sub flooring will be applied. For the kitchen floor project, set aside a long weekend so the kitchen can be back in operation as quickly as possible. This whole process can typically take 3-4 days.
Q: What type of tile can be used around my fireplace ?
A: Any tile can be used on the face of a fireplace. Putting directly in the firebox is not recommended, but high-fired ceramic tile is often used directly on top of and surrounding the firebox.
Q: Is it necessary to seal stone?
A: Marble and stone are minerals and, as such, are porous. In other words, they may absorb, liquids, which can result in staining. After installation, marble and granite surfaces are sealed in order to clog the pores and prevent everyday spills from staining them. However, time may remove the seal making it necessary to reapply. Granite is far more stain-resistant than marble.
Q: What is the best way to clean marble and other stones ?
A: Do not use anything you would not consider safe to clean your hands with. For instance, you would not clean your hands with an abrasive powder and or cleanser. Never use any product which is acidic, such as glass-cleaner type products. Use cleaning products specifically designed for marble and granite.
Q: Can my granite top be damaged?
A: It cannot be damaged through normal living. Neither knives nor hot items, such as pots and pans, will affect it. However, like any solid surface, high impact blows have the potential to harm granite, because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to hard objects. In the event of severe abuse, a chip can be filled with granite dust and epoxy mixture. Additionally, if left unsealed, granite can absorb stains, which can ultimately cause discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
Q: Can tile be installed in the bedroom?
A: Tile is becoming a more popular choice for bedrooms. Tile offers natural comfort and easy maintenance. In addition, tile provides a tasteful and stylish feel to any bedroom.
Q: Is tile or grout waterproof?
A: No. Even with grout sealer, most sealers used these days are breathable, meaning the moisture can transmit through it, both in and out, so even sealer won't make it waterproof.
A: Quartz is a manufactured surface that is made by mixing 95% ground natural quartz with 5% polymer resins. The result is a material that still looks natural, but the engineering provides for more consumer customization based on the individual's design plans.
Q: Do quartz counter tops need to be sealed like granite ?
A: No, quartz counter tops do not require the resealing needed for surfaces like granite. Extra maintenance is practically nonexistent if the counter tops are cleaned on a daily basis or after use.
Q: What special precautions should be taken when cooking near quartz?
A: Quartz can be affected by extreme heat, so manufacturers recommend using cutting boards, trivets, and hot pads while preparing meals. Quartz is very durable, but remember that any material can be damaged if not properly cared for.
Q: Does granite stain ?
A: As a general rule, no, but yes it can stain especially on your lighter colors. Granite is very dense. On some colors, moisture may penetrate if left for a long time on the counter, but any dark spots will dry and disappear.
Q: How long will it take for thin set to cure?
A: You should wait at least 24 hours before walking on your new floor. Some installations will take longer, and you should check this with the installer.
Q: If I drop something, is it going to crack the ceramic tile?
A: It depends, with proper installation ceramic tile is very durable. If you drop a glass or a dish the glass or dish will most likely break, while the tile may chip or crack.
Q: What should I know about kitchen and bathroom floor installations ?
A: When you are thinking of tiling your kitchen or bathroom floor take into consideration the disruption in your daily life. Some preparation can be done well in advance of the tiling project. You will have to remove cabinets and doors if a new sub flooring will be applied. For the kitchen floor project, set aside a long weekend so the kitchen can be back in operation as quickly as possible. This whole process can typically take 3-4 days.
Q: What type of tile can be used around my fireplace ?
A: Any tile can be used on the face of a fireplace. Putting directly in the firebox is not recommended, but high-fired ceramic tile is often used directly on top of and surrounding the firebox.
Q: Is it necessary to seal stone?
A: Marble and stone are minerals and, as such, are porous. In other words, they may absorb, liquids, which can result in staining. After installation, marble and granite surfaces are sealed in order to clog the pores and prevent everyday spills from staining them. However, time may remove the seal making it necessary to reapply. Granite is far more stain-resistant than marble.
Q: What is the best way to clean marble and other stones ?
A: Do not use anything you would not consider safe to clean your hands with. For instance, you would not clean your hands with an abrasive powder and or cleanser. Never use any product which is acidic, such as glass-cleaner type products. Use cleaning products specifically designed for marble and granite.
Q: Can my granite top be damaged?
A: It cannot be damaged through normal living. Neither knives nor hot items, such as pots and pans, will affect it. However, like any solid surface, high impact blows have the potential to harm granite, because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to hard objects. In the event of severe abuse, a chip can be filled with granite dust and epoxy mixture. Additionally, if left unsealed, granite can absorb stains, which can ultimately cause discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
Q: Can tile be installed in the bedroom?
A: Tile is becoming a more popular choice for bedrooms. Tile offers natural comfort and easy maintenance. In addition, tile provides a tasteful and stylish feel to any bedroom.
Q: Is tile or grout waterproof?
A: No. Even with grout sealer, most sealers used these days are breathable, meaning the moisture can transmit through it, both in and out, so even sealer won't make it waterproof.
