1. WHAT MATERIAL TO CHOOSE FOR A KITCHEN AND BATHROOM COUNTERTOP?
Our customers most often look for a durable and elegant countertop with a stylish finish. Natural stone, especially granite, provides a perfect solution. In addition to resistance to mechanical damage and scratching, it is also resistant to water absorption when impregnated. Marble is a much more delicate material that is not resistant to acids due to its composition. Marble also requires frequent and accurate impregnation, especially when installed in areas with significant moisture levels.
2. WHAT FEATURES DOES THE PRICE OF KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS OR STAIRS DEPEND ON?
Prices of countertops and stairs vary according to the surface area to be covered by natural stone and the thickness of the slab to be used. Different types of granite are provided in various prices per square meter. For kitchen or bathroom countertops, granite slabs with a thickness of 3 cm are most often used. The price also includes processing (cutting, polishing), transport and installation services. All cost estimates for stairs, countertops or other elements to be made from stone are provided on a case-by-case basis, following accurate measurements and according to materials chosen by customers.
3. EXTERIOR STAIRS – CAN THEY BE SLIPPERY?
Exterior stairs made from granite are quite slippery during autumn and winter. This is due to water accumulation on the stone surface. This is why our company offers the option of flamed granite. This method helps to achieve a coarse surface.
This problem is not faced with interior stairs because stone remains dry. The stair steps can also be provided with special rough adhesive tapes.
4. IS IMPREGNATION OF STONE COUNTERTOPS NECESSARY?
Impregnation, that is used for e.g. granite, is an important step of the preparation of countertops or stairs. Adequate impregnation using professional agents helps to prevent the absorption of moisture, fats or colors by the material. Stone impregnation helps to bring out previously hidden colors and patterns. Impregnation is a process that needs to be repeated after some time.
5. HOW TO MAINTAIN NATURAL STONE AND HOW TO CLEAN IT?
Granite countertops require delicate maintenance to preserve their beautiful and appealing appearance. Once or twice daily, clean your countertop with a damp cloth moistened in a specialist cleaning agent for stone surface or a dishwashing detergent.
Professional cleaning agents are perfect for removing stains and dirt without damaging the stone surface and preserving its exquisite coloring achieved during processing by grinding. It is also very important not to leave wet or fatty stains on the countertop surface, which could penetrate the stone surface.
6. HOW THICK IS THE STONE USED FOR WINDOW SILLS AND STAIRS?
Window sills made from stone are at least 2 cm and mostly 3 cm thick, but some customers opt for window sills of greater thickness. Interior window sills can be made from sandstone, granite or marble, or any of the available man-made stone materials. For exterior and interior stairs, slabs with a thickness of 2 cm and 3 cm are used, however, 3 cm thick slabs are considered to be an optimal option.
7. CUTTING PRODUCTS ON GRANITE WORKTOPS, DOES IT CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE SURFACE?
It is not advised to cut products on granite worktops, not so much to protect the worktop but to avoid damaging a knife. Granite surfaces are robust and resistant to scratching. Scratches are especially hardly visible on dark color granite surfaces.
8. CAN HOT COOKING POTS DAMAGE THE SURFACE OF A STONE WORKTOP?
You can place your recently used cooking pots and pans on natural stone countertops without the need to worry about causing damage or discoloration to the surface.
9. MECHANICAL DAMAGES TO GRANITE, HOW EASILY ARE THEY CAUSED AND HOW TO FIX THEM?
Granite is a highly resistant material, however, a granite countertop can become chipped or scratched due to a strong impact. This is something that rarely happens in home interiors. The damaged element can be processed by re-grinding and attached using a specialist epoxy-based adhesive. This is the first step on the way to repairing a granite element. The next step is to re-grind the material so as to make the point of attachment as undistinctive as possible.
10. CAN THE MATERIAL THAT BECOMES DULL OVER THE YEARS BE POLISHED USING HOME METHODS, OR SHOULD I SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP?
Countertops made from stone should be protected on an ongoing basis using professional agents for stone surfaces. A properly performed impregnation should help to reduce the matt appearance of the surface, however, if its color becomes less distinctive, the surface should be re-polished. A much better effect is achieved by using professional services than by doing it yourself. If you use inadequate abrasive materials or protective agents, the surface can lose its previous charming appearance. The restoration of stone surfaces requires specific skills and therefore it is advisable to use professional services.
11. WHAT IS THE PROJECT DELIVERY TIME AND WHAT FACTORS DOES IT DEPEND ON?
The time needed to deliver a project varies according to a number of factors that determine the required time interval from the measurements until the installation. One of the most important is the element to be made. Stairs have undeniably a larger surface area than kitchen countertops, and therefore the cutting of appropriate elements takes more time. Another important factor is material processing which involves making pre-defined openings, grinding, polishing or flaming. The usual project delivery time is 10-14 working days.
12. IN WHICH CITIES IS ASSEMBLY SERVICE AVAILABLE?
We mostly serve locations in southern and central Poland. But countertops and stairs made by our company can be found all over Poland and abroad. Feel free to contact use to arrange your initial design consultation!