Granite counter tops what has been your experience?

Question

I'm considering getting granite counter tops for my kitchen. What potential pit falls should I ask the installer about? Have you ever heard of or done business with a company called Rocktops? Were they good quality and reliable? I'm not sure if Rocktops is local or national. I live in the Metro Detroit area.

Answer 1

I have granite in my own home and have used it in many projects.  The only thing to ask the installer about is joinery.  What are they using to join the slabs or the back splash to the slab.  (I've seen silicon and resin, some resins have to be re-applied after a couple of years as they become brittle and chunk out of the seams.  In addition, you want to control the color match at the seams before they do it so make certain you have final approval.)  Also, are they using a straight cut or angle cuts where the slabs meet (sometimes they can miter but sometimes the slab size is irregular and they cannot, but mitered corners optically look nicer).  I'm not familiar with the company you intend to use, but ask whether they are just the fabricators or do they have a slab yard where you can go to physically pick out your slabs rather than just looking at samples and choosing from them.  Often by seeing the entire slab, you can see the wave, the imperfections and visualize how you want them laid out in your specific kitchen application.  Also, ask what grade you are getting.  Every slab yard calls their selections by different names (verdis gris maybe called by 3 other names at 3 other slab yards), but the grade remains the same.  Know what you are buying.  Finally, does the price they are quoting include the first sealing?

Answer 2

i too have granite counter tops Sue is right on the money with what she says we have had ours  for 3+years and think there great

Answer 3

I agree with the other posts - Granite is wonderful and easy to maintain.

Suggestion:  Try and go with a round edge instead of straight.

Also research the type of sink mount you want first.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I have granite counter tops. I live in central New York so I am not familiar with Rocktops. I love our granite counter tops. I place pans right off the stove onto the granite. I don't worry about staining. It does require annual sealing, and you shouldn't use abrasive cleansers as they will remove the shine, but otherwise they are absolutely great. They don't wear out, they don't chip, crack or burn. They're wonderful.