Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is granite?

Granite is an igneous rock formed from cooling magma and is quarried throughout the world, with colours and patterns that indicate the region and the geological conditions that created it. Each granite slab is unique, with random and inconsistent patterns providing such a beautiful and classic appearance.

Granite has been used for thousands of years by architects and engineers in prestigious buildings such as palaces, churches and stately homes. It is the building material chosen to last a long time, look beautiful, and keep its appearance without deterioration or maintenance.

Why is granite suitable for kitchen and bathroom worktops?

Granite is very attractive, practical and hygienic, making it an ideal choice for worktops. Granite is tough and has a glassy finish when polished, which is very durable and will last for many years. It is also waterproof, highly scratch and heat-resistant, keeps its colour and wipes clean easily.

Why has granite only recently been used for domestic kitchen and bathroom worktops?

Granite has been used for worktops only recently, thanks to modern techniques that have reduced costs and made it practical and affordable to use in our homes.

What else might I use granite for?

Today, granite has many applications in the commercial and domestic world, including tiles, wall cladding, flooring, counter tops, kitchen worktops, bathroom surfaces, bar tops, restaurant tables and counters, outdoor benches and tables, fireplaces, planters and garden lights, headstones and gravestones.

What area do you cover?

We operate nationwide, but delivery charges may apply, depending upon location.

Can I contact you?

Yes, you can contact us at any time, and we will gladly answer any of your questions or help in any way we can.

Email: djbevan@bluepearl-granite.com

Telephone: 07795 844 740

Questions about measuring and fitting granite worktops

What should I do to prepare for the measuring templating visit?

Granite can weigh more than 90 kilograms per square meter. Ensure that cabinets are secured firmly to the wall, are level and have sufficient braces and that the floor can support the weight of granite worktops. Make sure you know the final locations of sinks, hobs, taps or any other fittings.

Then, after templating, ensure cabinets and supports are not moved after we have been to template. Measurements taken at that time are crucial to ensure a good fitting environment. Changes to the environment after we have taken our measurements and templates are likely to cause significant difficulties and will be very costly to deal with.

Will there be visible joints in my granite kitchen or bathroom worktops?

Granite is a very dense and heavy material so it is not practical to provide pieces of granite worktops larger than 3 x 2 meters. Also, we might need to add other joints if access is restricted and it is not practical to fit the granite worktop in one piece. This will be made clear when templating, we will do our best to get any joints in positions that are acceptable for you. In general, our joints are less than 1mm wide, and will be filled with either silicone or a masonry resin compound.

How long will it take to provide my granite worktops?

We guarantee a short turnaround time, providing we have the granite you require in stock.

Will I need to make specific allowances for sinks?

You will need to ensure that suitable space and support is provided for sinks. In most cases, a sink will come with fitting instructions that will explain how to adapt the base unit to provide adequate room and support for the sink.

Our templater will explain what needs to be done by you before the work is carried out. If our fitters need to do extra work when they arrive to accommodate sinks, they may need to make an additional charge.

Heavy undercounted sinks

In most cases with heavy undercounted sinks, such as enamel, we recommend that a wooden frame is constructed all around the sink and the gap between the granite worktop and sink sealed with silicone. In our experience, building a wooden support frame should be done after the granite worktop has been fitted. If this is the case, our granite worktop fitters can help by gluing the sink to the bottom of the granite worktop so that the wooden frame can be constructed afterwards by your builder or kitchen fitter.

Stainless steel sinks

Our fitters will screw and glue stainless steel sinks to the granite worktop using sink clips. They will also seal, with clear silicone, the joint between the worktop and sink.

Will you connect water and gas fittings?

We fix sinks and hobs to the granite worktops, but you should ask a suitably qualified plumber and gas fitter to connect the water and gas. We are not able to provide this service.

Is there likely to be any damage to walls during the fitting of granite kitchen or bathroom worktops?

Walls are rarely straight or square, to minimise the gaps between the wall and the granite worktops our fitters may need to chase out plaster. All walls will be made good after the fitting.

Will I need to fit splash backs?

Walls are rarely straight or square, so small gaps between the granite worktop and the wall should be expected. Our fitting team may also need to slightly modify walls next to the granite worktop to minimise gaps. We therefore advise fitting a splash back or tiling after your granite worktop is fitted.

Are there likely to be defects or imperfections in my granite worktop?

Granite is a natural material and on rare occasions can have defects or imperfections due to the natural working characteristics of materials supplied. There may be small chips which arise in the course of manufacture, delivery and/or installation. We can repair these defects on site and reserve the right to do so if needed.

Can I arrange for my own fitting?

If you prefer – we can just supply the granite product, and you can arrange your own installation team or DIY. (Be aware that granite is very, very heavy and needs to be handled with due care and consideration - it is not a one-man job!). Blue Pearl will take no responsibility for any damage caused either to property or to the granite surface if fitting is undertaken by a third party.

Granite kitchen and bathroom worktop care and maintenance

How should I clean my granite worktop?

Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a chamois leather or special granite cloths, which we can supply if required.

Can I use abrasive cleaners on my granite kitchen or bathroom worktop?

Granite must not be rubbed with abrasive materials (such as metal pads, scouring detergents and wire wool or alkaline and chlorine based cleaners or bleach). Instead, wash with clean warm water to which a non-abrasive light neutral detergent. Drainer grooves can, however, be cleaned using wire wool.

What liquids may cause damage to my granite kitchen or bathroom worktop?

Granite is waterproof and highly durable but the surface does need sealing on a regular basis. All spilt liquids should be mopped up immediately.

The greatest risk is from highly alkaline or acidic liquids (such as lemon juice or vinegar), oil based substances (such as butter and cooking oils – hot oil splattering from cooking pans around the cooker), wine, detergents and alcohol.

Do not allow any build up of salt or detergent on your granite worktop. Avoid strong acids or chemicals, including paint stripper, brush cleaner, oven cleaner, nail varnish remover, degreasing or similar products.

Should I treat my granite worktop to ensure it lasts longer?

For a longer lasting finish, the surface can be sealed to reduce its natural porosity. Surface treatments should be reapplied every four months after cleaning with a neutral detergent.

Can I damage my granite worktop?

Granite is very tough, but do not hit your granite worktop with something blunt and heavy. It can crack, chip or even break. The edges are the most vulnerable areas. Any damage, within reason, can be repaired.

Should I use a chopping board?

Granite is highly scratch-resistant and is likely to dull your kitchen knives. However we would advise the use of a chopping board as a preparation centre to reduce the risk of damage to your granite worktop. We also supply chopping boards to minimise damage to your new work surface.

Can I put hot pots and pans on my granite kitchen worktop?

Granite is heat resistant and is not likely to be damaged however you should not expose your granite worktop to excessive heat and we advise the use of a tripod or similar to place your pans on when taken directly from the hob.

How do I remove stains from my granite worktop?
Use water based stain remover for the removal of stains of an organic nature, such as wine, coffee, nicotine, fruit juices etc. We can advise on the correct cleaners and sealants to use.

Use alkaline degreaser for removal of dirt of an organic and greasy nature – spots, grease, pollution, smoke stains, lamp black, wax coating etc.

For more information on our products and services, call us on 07795 844740.