FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Granite is – quite literally- as old as the earth. It is formed from liquid magma, the molten rock still formed at the core of the planet, cooled down slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of diamond. Granite is a igneous rock, the name reflecting its fiery beginnings. The chemical composition of granite is similar to that of lava. However, granite owes its hardness and density to the fact that is has been solidified deep within the earth, under extreme pressure. Over the eons, seismic activity has changed the crust of the planet, forcing veins of granite to the surface. Glaciers scraped off layers of dirt, sand and rock to expose granite formations. Typically revealed by outcrops, the deposits have been discovered on all continents and is the second most common surface on earth.
"Granites are formed of an aggregate of crystals which are molded together without any inter spaces between them or which enclose one another. The magnificent crystallinity of granite is a striking characteristic." Geology of Granite, E. Raguin, London, 1965 p.3
It is accurate to speak of "granites," because many varieties of the stone exist. While they differ in color, texture and crystalline structure, the granites have three essential minerals in common:
- Feldspar (50% or greater)
- Quartz (25-40%)
- Mica (3-10%)
These minerals occur in different proportions, giving each granite its own color, texture and structural characteristics. In addition, hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum and other minerals may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique coloration and texture of each granite deposit. In supplying granite for all large building or complex of buildings, it is essential that the stone be consistent in color and texture. To assure this, each granite color must be quarried from the same deposit. With natural material like granite, a certain amount of "movement" or grain in the stone must be expected. Many people find this flow and blending of colors to be the most compelling reason for using granite.
We are very competitive, but we will never guarantee the lowest price. We offer quality craftsmanship enhanced by the best machinery you can buy, which gives you great value. When one only competes on price you often have to give something up ... and that something is usually quality or service. We refuse to give on either account.
Yes. We import the most time tested popular colors such as Verde Labrador (Uba Tuba), Santa Cecilia, Cherokee Red, Baltic Brown and Absolute Black.
While we do import the most popular colors, it's impractical for us to import thousands of colors from around the world. That's why we have partnered with the best stone yards in the Metro-Plex.
No, we offer all natural stones, including marble, travertine & onyx.
Yes. If that is what you are looking for, we have access to three lines of quartz surfaces.
Yes. We recommend you seal your granite at least once per year. We also offer an exciting new product called "Granite Shield", which is a lifetime sealer.
You can but I can't name a single fabricator who would recommend it. Granite is an igneous rock, one of the hardest surfaces on earth, trumped only by precious stones; but marble is a much softer stone, a sedimentary stone formed out calcium. Because of its softer makeup, it is easily scratched and will "etch" if anything is spilled on it that has a high acidic content such as orange juice.
Yes we do. Hiring a separate electrician and plumber to disconnect your disposal and cook top can get very expensive. It gets even more expensive when they have to make a separate trip to reconnect everything. This is yet another reasonably-priced in-house service offered by Hard Rock Imports.
Yes. We never charge for estimates!
If you are the handyman type and like getting your hands dirty, feel free! However, this is a service that we certainly offer.
Yes, we carry up to two million dollars worth of coverage for your protection. We also carry workers' comp for commercial projects.
Our crew has an average of six years of experience each and are second to none. We have invested heavily in equipment that makes a difference and gives us the best seams in the Metro-Plex.
Yes, we have several models to choose from. All sinks are double insulated 18 gauge stainless steel and are priced $60.00-$70.00 below the national big box stores.
COOKTOPS - A lot of people choose to replace their cook top when they are replacing their countertops, which is a good idea. When it comes to fabricators, there are different points of view. There really isn’t a right or wrong way just different. We prefer to make the cutout for the cook top on location, thus eliminating the risk of breakage during transportation. Also, some people tend to change their minds and this allows for that to occur up to the last minute.
KITCHEN SINKS - There are a lot of sinks on the market. Probably the most popular with a lot of staying power is the stainless steel sink, if you choose this sink you will want to make sure your sink is at least an 18 gauge. (The thicker the metal the lower the gauge) But the granite composite sink has become more popular last couple of years. In my opinion the jury is still out on the longevity of this sink. There is also the cast iron sink. Be prepared to be set back a pretty penny and we will do our part to use special reinforcements to hold it up. Regardless of the type of sink that you use, I totally recommend an under mount sink and not only for aesthetic reasons. Using an under mount sink gives us more granite in the front and back of the sink giving the top more stability. An over-mount requires a much larger hole, thus weakening the integrity of the countertop, thus increasing your risk of breakage.
DISHWASHERS - Again, a lot of people choose to replace their old dishwasher when they replace the counter-tops. It’s not as critical as a cook top or sink but if your existing dishwasher is showing its age then why not. The most important note with dishwashers isn’t whether you purchase a new one or keep the existing one. Its how do you attach the dishwasher to your new granite? Most dishwasher companies will offer a side mount attachment so you can attach the dishwasher on each side of the base cabinet. In some cases you can run a piece of wood at the top to the dishwasher using liquid nails so it attaches on both sides and screw in the dishwasher to the top of the new wood. Of course you will need to match the color of new attachment to your cabinets. Just remember we are a counter top company, not a cabinet maker.
FAUCETS - The most important note about faucets is to know what kind of faucet will work with the sink that you have chosen. If you have chosen the most popular style sink which is the 60-40 offset stainless steel sink. It is important for you to know that style sink will only work with the lever style faucet with the hot and cold being adjusted with the single lever, usually on the faucet or just to the right of the faucet.
GAPS BETWEEN NEW COUNTER TOPS AND EXISTING COUNTER TOPS - If your house and cabinets are exactly level, congratulations! It is rare in north Texas to find a home that is exactly level. Thus when your new countertops are installed, they have to be exactly level. If your counter tops aren’t level, they will not seam properly. We will shim the new counters until they are perfectly level. Well, chances are either your home, or your cabinets, or both are not. This will create a small gap between your new investment and you existing cabinets. Most of the time it isn’t that noticeable unless you drop something on the floor an happen to look up. If it does bother you, you can go to any local big box hardware store an pick up some trim pieces and tack it up over the gap. You will notice on almost all raised bar tops there will be a large trim piece that almost looks like crown molding. It’s the same concept, the builder is covering up the gap between the existing top and the pony wall. |