Ottawa Granite Blog & News

FAQ’s About Ottawa Granite and Ottawa Quartz Countertops

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops.

What is the difference between Ottawa granite countertops and Ottawa quartz countertops?

Ottawa granite is a natural stone.  It is quarried, cut into slabs and polished.  Ottawa quartz is a manufactured stone.  It is formed by mixing ground quartz, resin, polymers and pigments.

Is Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz heat resistant?

Yes, both Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops are heat resistant.  However, Ottawa quartz countertops have are only heat resistant up to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit so it recommended to use hot pads.

Will Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops scratch?

No.  Both Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops are scratch resistant.

Will Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops stain?

Both Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops are stain resistant.  We seal our Ottawa granite countertops at our shop with a 7 year sealer.  Ottawa quartz is manufactured with sealers in it.

What should I choose first, cabinets, countertop or flooring?

We recommend you choose your cabinet colour and style first.  After that, choose your countertop.  Finally, choose your flooring.

How is Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz sold?

If we have it in stock, it is sold by the square foot.  If we have to order the slab of Ottawa granite or Ottawa quartz, and you are using 75% of the slab, we still charge by the square foot.  If you are not using 75%, we charge the cost of the slab plus the labour and installation.  The labour and installation is charged also by square footage.

How are Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz manufactured?

Both Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops are manufactured the same way.  We lay the slab on our saw.  We use a diamond blade to cut out the countertop shape.  Then, we use a computerized machine that cuts out the shape of the sink.  Lastly, we grind and polish the edge profile along the counter and inside the sink cut out.

What is the lead time from start to finish?

Once the cabinets have been installed, we guarantee a lead time of 10 business days from template until installation.

How long does installation take?

A kitchen countertop installation can take up to 3 hours.  A vanity countertop can take 30 minutes to 2 hours.

What edge profiles are available?

We have 3 edge profiles that are included in our pricing: flat polish (square), quarter bullnose and quarter bevel.  We also have upgraded edge profiles that are priced per linear foot.  These include crescent, half bullnose, full bullnose, half bevel, 3/4 bevel, ogee and waterfall edge.

What kind of sinks are available?

You can put any type of sink into an Ottawa granite or Ottawa quartz countertop.  We carry under mount sinks, top mount sinks and vessel sinks and apron sinks.  These are available in stainless steel, granite and porcelain.

How is an under mount sink mounted?

We use silicone along the rim of the sink.  Then we prop it up with wooden stilts to hold the sink in place while the silicone adheres to the countertop.

How and when can I hook up the sink and faucet?

Do not hook up your sink and faucet until 24 hours after the countertop installation.  This allows the silicone to set.  If it is hooked up earlier, the silicone may not have set and your sink may fall when filled with water.

How does the dishwasher attach to the countertop?

The dishwasher attaches to the countertop by using silicone to glue a piece of wood to the underside of the countertop.  Then, attach the dishwasher to the piece of wood.  Another option is to purchase a dishwasher bracket from a hardware store, which you would silicone to the underside of the counter and connect to the dishwasher.  Either the homeowner or contractor can do this.

Will you remove my old countertop?

Yes, we can remove and dispose of your old countertop.  We charge a fee to do this.

What should I do before you come and install my new countertops?

First, make sure you have shut off valves on your sink.  We need to shut off your water.  If you do not have shut off valves, we would have to shut off the water in your house.  Make sure your existing countertop is clean and your cabinets have been emptied.  Have your faucet on site.  Also, make sure that your driveway is clear and easily accessible.

How thick are the countertops?

Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops are 3 cm ( 1 1/4″) thick.  Some colours are available in 2 cm (3/4″) thick.  We can make your countertop look thicker by mitring the edges to any desired length.

Will my countertops have seams?

It depends on the size of your countertop and the size of the slabs.  When we go on site to template, we will let you know if and where a seam would be needed.

Will the seam in my countertop be visible?

It won’t be invisible.  Ottawa quartz colours and uniform Ottawa granite colours show seams less than a veiny colour.

How do I clean my Ottawa granite and Ottawa quartz countertops?

Do: Blot up spills immediately. Acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce and sodas will not etch granite like they do marble, but they could potentially stain the surface. Cooking oils may also leave a stain if not wiped up.

Do: Clean surfaces using a sponge or soft cloth. Using a specially formulated stone cleaner like, HG Natural Stone Counter and Table Top Spray Cleaner is recommended to keep your tops in the best condition and protect the sealer, but hot water will do for quick clean-ups. Dish soap won’t hurt your granite, but repeated or excessive use of soap will cause build-up and dull your countertop’s shine. For cost effective thinking we suggest buying a natural stone cleaner and using it once a week to restore your shine and use dish soap and hot water for daily cleaning.

Can you disconnect and reconnect my electrical, plumbing or gas?

We can disconnect your plumbing but we cannot hook it back up.  We will not touch electrical or gas.  If you have a gas range, please have it disconnected before we arrive to install your countertop.

Do I need to be on site for the template and installation?

Yes.  During the template, we often have questions regarding seam options, overhang sizes and shaping.  We also double check the sink size, faucet and edge profile.  During installation, our installers may have questions about faucet placement.  After installation, please go over the finished product with our installers and they can make tweaks while they’re on site.

Can I install my own countertops?

Yes, if you feel comfortable doing so.  We don’t recommend installing large pieces if you do not have experience doing it.  A small vanity can be installed fairly easily.

Do I need to support the countertops?

 

no plywood base, but we do check cabinets etc

Do I need a backsplash?

How far away do you do installations?

1 hr and then a trip charge after that

Do I seal my granite?  How long does it last?  How will I know when to reseal?

How to remove a stain?

What are those tiny, hairline cracks on the surface of my granite?

Can I add matching pieces in the future?