Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

When you give me the arrival window for my measure and/or install does that mean you will arrive at the beginning of the time frame and be completed by the end of the time frame?

No! We give those windows as an "arrive between" window. We will NOT be there at the beginning of that window always. We try stay on time as much as possible but sometimes things arise at the job site that is beyond our control and may cause us to be at a job site longer than expected. We will do our best to call and let you know if that happens and that we may be arriving later than our expected window. We feel this is the best way to go about the scheduling so we don’t give people windows of 8am-8pm like so many other repair, cable and delivery companies do.

Who disconnects my plumbing and electrical connections before you come to install my new tops?

We are not licensed plumbers or electricians. Therefore, we cannot disconnect your plumbing or electrical connections. All plumbing and electrical connections need to be disconnected BEFORE we arrive on the job site. If you have paid for us to remove and dispose of your old tops but wish to keep your old sink or faucet YOU will have to have them unattached from the old tops before we arrive. If you are fine with us disposing the sink and faucet along with the tops they may still be attached to the countertops.

Can you re-connect my electrical and plumbing connections?

We are not licensed electricians or plumbers. Therefore, we can not make electrical or plumbing re-connections. When we leave your home the sink is fully installed on (or under) the countertop, but a plumber or the homeowner will have to re-connect faucets and drain lines the next day after all the adhesives and caulks have fully cured.

Can I cut on my granite countertop?

Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board. Hardness is measured on a MOH scale of 1 to 10, with ten being the hardest, and granite is a seven a stainless steel knife blade is around a six, so you cannot scratch granite with it.

Can granite crack?

Not with ordinary use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable material. Normal use does not include standing on the countertops.

Can you scratch granite?

Granite is one of the hardest stones in the world. It is highly resistant to scratching in ordinary use. A knife blade will not scratch granite. It can be scratched by another piece of granite or with specially sharpened tools designed to work with granite like tungsten and diamond blades.

How do you clean Granite?

Warm soapy water will do the trick. You can always use cleaners specifically formulated to help clean and protect stone surfaces as well. The use of abrasive cleaners must be avoided and bleach or ammonia based products should never be used.

Will my granite look like the sample?

Granite is a natural stone created by the forces of nature. It is composed of various minerals and is susceptible to wide variations in color, texture, spotting, veining and cracking. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. Therefore, no 4" x 4" sample can completely represent the changes found throughout a whole slab of granite. If you select a color that has a lot of movement and varies in color you will select your actual slab to be used in your kitchen by either selecting at Deco Granite or one of our many suppliers.

Why is some granite more expensive than others and are the higher priced granites stronger?

No! It is simply supply and demand and rarity of color. More attractive stones are in higher demand and if they come from a distant land in small quantities the price will be higher. Some of the toughest stones are also quite cheap and some of the most expensive can be very fragile. Also note that all-natural stone contains small; to varying degrees. These are simply small voids between grain boundaries and some of the most expensive stones can be full of them.

Will my granite countertop have visible seams?

Most granite installations will require at least one or more joints called seams. During layout and design, we will try to minimize the number of seams required. Additionally, our care in manufacturing ensures that edges fit together very tightly to help lessen the appearance of visible seams. You will however be able to see and feel all granite seams.

How should I prepare for installation and how long will it take?

The Average 2 slab kitchen installation usually takes about 4 hours from start to finish. Recommendations to Prepare for Installations:

  • Installation Preparedness Access: Granite countertops are extremely heavy, and installers need clear access to entry ways. Please have your walkways and driveways as clear as possible.
  • Cabinets: We recommend that you empty the cabinets under the sink base because they will be drilling the faucet holes on site. Even though we have one guy drilling and another holding the vacuum it is impossible to catch all dust. We will vacuum up our mess, but do not wipe down the cabinetry.
  • Safety: Please remove any breakable items and cover items to protect them from dust. Granite installation can create a lot of dust. Our installers do try to control the mess the best they can, but please remember that this is construction and it is by definition a messy business.
  • Faucets: Please have ready any faucets, soap dispensers, hot water taps, disposal switches, reverse osmosis spigots and any other items that need to be drilled into the countertops. Your plumber will NOT be able to drill extra holes.
  • Sinks: Top mount sinks will be cut on site inside the home after the tops have been set in place. Under-mount sinks are cut and polished at our shop and attached at the job site.
  • Cook Tops: These will be cut out inside the home once the top has been set on the cabinets. Even though we do our best to lessen the dust it is the responsibility of the homeowner to remove any soft glide hardware or anything they fell the fine granite dust will damage.
  • Dishwashers: These need to be in their final position. We install a metal bracket across the top of the cabinet that you can screw your dishwasher tabs into the following day.
  • Refrigerators: These need to be in their final position. We install a metal bracket across the top of the cabinet that you can screw your dishwasher tabs into the following day.

Is there a chance that my walls will be dinged during the installation of my counter tops?

Yes. This is a construction site and granite does not flex, so in order to install the tops you may have damage to your walls and they may need to be touched up by the homeowner. We do everything we can to minimize the dings but occasionally damage does occur to the sheetrock and paint.

Will the underside of my granite be smooth like the top?

No. We do not touch the top of the surface of the granite. It comes to us from overseas like you see it in our yard and showroom. We do not touch the underside of the granite either. We radius the bottom edge when we polish the edge to your edge selection, but we do not polish the underside of the slab.

What is your warranty and repair policy?

Deco Granite backs up its work with a 1 year workmanship warranty. This warranty covers seam separation for one year from the date of installation. Although, in the over 1000 kitchen's that have been installed over the years this has never been an issue. The warranty will not cover fissures and pits in granite. Because it is a natural stone, granite may have fissures which look like cracks; these pose no actual structural problems. When selecting your granite, please look for these carefully in your slabs if you wish to avoid them. Although Granite is one of the hardest substances on earth, it is heat resistant to a hot frying pan, and you can cut on it. It is still "Natural Stone" so hitting with a hammer or a meat clever is not recommended. Deco Granite will not warranty against breakage after installation.

More Information

  • Scheduling: We don’t offer a specific time for templates or installations. We operate within a certain timeframe.
  • Material: Please be advice that natural stone is nature’s artwork and often has fissures, lines, pits and variations in color. Inconsistencies, fissures and imperfections are natural and expected. We don’t guarantee material, only workmanship.
  • Template: All necessary appliances and fixtures including sink, faucets, support walls, and hot water tap must be on site at the time of the template and cabinets in their permanent position. Farm sinks are the responsibility of the customer and must be installed before we template. Customer must be present to answer any questions regarding personal preference for the project. We will use the stone the most effective way, if there is a part of the stone you want to use on a specific area, you can discuss it before fabrication. If your specifications require buying more material we will adjut the price.
  • Change Orders: Changes made after templates should be agreed by all parts. We will adjust prices and scheduling. Any changes must be made in writing and signed by the customer.
  • Removal of old tops: Customer is responsible to remove all the items in, on and under the tops before our team’s arrival.
  • Mirrors: Mirrors installed near or around granite countertops, backsplashes and like must be removed and reinstalled by the customer. Any damage that may occur due to the mirror not being removed will be customer responsibility.
  • Seaming: The placement of seams is at the discretion of the fabricator. We will take your input and do everything within reason to accommodate your requests provide the stone size, color configuration, and finished product size will allow. The customer will incur additional expense If seam placement requests additional material. Seams will vary from 1/32" to 1/16" and be visible. We will use color matched epoxy and our advanced seaming technology to form the seam as tight and discrete as possible and blend with the countertop.
  • Size Matters: An awkward or oversized shape will incur additional charges for additional labor or equipment. Customer will be responsible of rental of cranes, booms and handling equipment if needed. We must have safe access to your project. Deco will not install if the site is deemed unsafe.
  • Plumbing, Construction & Wiring: It is against our insurance policy to do Plumbing, Carpentry or Electrical work. You need to hire a plumber or electrician to disconnect and reconnect. You will need to hire a carpenter to prepare your cabinets to be suitable to hold your countertop.
  • Incidental Damages: Final wall preparation should not be completed until after the countertop installation. During the installation or removal it is possible for scrapes, digs & punctures to occur. These are not considered negligence. In the event of the above mentioned damages, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to repair.
  • Installation: The customer must be present at the time of installation. Faucet installation and sink drains connection should wait 24 hours. If cabinets are not ready for installation, you will need to pay a trip charge.
  • Clean Up: You should expect dirt, dust and minor debris. We will wipe down and sweep our work area before we leave the job site.
  • Installation Approval: The customer must review the final product and approve satisfaction by signing final approval documents.

Your natural stone product is sealed when it is installed. Sealing should occur annually. You can purchase sealants from your local hardware store. It is an easy process to apply and can be done by following the directions on the product. Stone is made of natural minerals that may react adversely to cleaning chemicals and acids not intended for stone care use.

Use a clean rag for best results.

Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.

Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on the granite. The high acid content may etch the surface.

Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.

Change the rinse water frequently.

Do not use scoring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

DOS:

  • Dust surface frequently
  • Clean surface with specially formulated granite cleaner
  • Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
  • Blot up spills immediately

DON’TS:

  • Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids
  • Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleaners or soft cleaners
  • Do not mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

At least once a year: Countertop should be re-sealed to guard against staining, create easier wipe-up, strengthen countertops and preserve their natural beauty.

Please do not hesitate to call us with any particular questions or concerns. 407-574-2100

Removing stains requires the use of a poultice. A poultice consists of two materials: 1) an absorbent material such as Bounty or Viva paper towels, talcum powder or diatomaceous earth and 2) a chemical to remove the stain. There are five different categories of stains and each has its own designated chemical for the poultice.

Categories of Stain:

  • Stains: Organic (coffee, soda, mustard, gravy, tea, etc.)
    Chemical: Hydrogen Peroxide (30%-40% by volume)
  • Stains: Inorganic (ink, dyes, dirt, etc.)
    Chemical: Rubbing Alcohol for ink; Hydrogen Peroxide (30%-40% by volume) for all others
  • Stains: Oil (any type of cooking oil, some mineral oils, butter, margarine, etc.)
    Chemical: Pure Acetone (avoid using nail polish remover as different brands have different ingredients)
  • Stains: Biological (mold, mildew, etc.)
    Chemical: Bleach or MB-9
  • Stains: Metal (rust, copper, etc.)
    Chemical: Iron-out (a white powder available at hardware stores)

The Removal Process:

Due to the nature of this removal process, you may want to test a small, inconspicuous area of the stone to ensure there are no adverse effects.

  • Begin by mixing the poultice (ex: talc powder and hydrogen peroxide). You will want to create a thick paste. It should have the consistency of putty.
  • Apply the mix to the stained area, keeping it only on the stain. The layer of paste should be about one fourth of an inch thick and overlap the stain about a half an inch.
  • Cover the area with plastic wrap and tape the edges down. Allow it to set for 24 hours.
  • Remove the tape and plastic wrap only, leaving the poultice in place.
  • Allow this to remain on the stain until it is completely dry. This can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days.
  • When the paste is completely dry, use a plastic scraper to scrape away the paste.
  • Wipe remaining paste away with a clean cloth.
  • Clean the area as normal and dry with another clean cloth.
  • If the stain remains, you may need to repeat steps 2-6 several times, especially for oily stains, each time removing more of the stain.

Water Stains

Most water stains are only a temporary problem. The granite may darken or lighten in color when the water is absorbed into the stone. However, once the water evaporates, the color of the stone should return to normal. If hardwater stains occur, they can be removed by applying vinegar to the area using the same methods as above.

As is the case with any natural stone material, there will be variations in color and makings in each individual natural stone. These variations should not be regarded as defects. They are characteristics of natural stones that give the material the uniqueness and dramatic beauty. We encourage you to take the opportunity to personally approve your natural stone lot at one of our Material Suppliers. Please check in our website: www.decograniteorlando.com for the name and addresses of many granite and marble suppliers in Central Florida.

If you want Quartz, we have samples of the best and most recognizable quartz manufacturers in the market at our showroom. These samples are small select cuts from a slab; they do not exhibit all the characteristics of a design and therefore are not fully representative of what will be installed in your home. We encourage you to look on the manufacturer’s website the whole slab picture or visit in person a distribution center. Variations in the natural stone (quartz) color, pattern, size, shape and shade are inherent and unique characteristics to be expected. Quartz as Granite and Marble is not a seamless product; seams are visible. Where there are seams the product pattern and shade can change. These variations do not affect performance and do not qualify for product replacement. Please note that these samples offer a general representation of the overall color and marking of each product and are not meant as an exact replication of the actual product.

With polish granite and marble, any or all of the following natural characteristics may be present:

  • Areas, especially in marble, that have been filled with matching color epoxy that may compromise the integrity and strength of the materials.
  • Variations in veining, color, and movement that may be present in any natural materials. Materials that are referred to as "swirl" granites exhibit more of these types of natural occurrences.
  • Fissures: small visible lines on the surface of the polished or honed slab which rarely indicate or affect the structural integrity of the product.
  • Beauty marks: natural mineral deposit concentration that can be seen as intensified spots or lines of color, lack of color, or areas with compromised polishing ability.
  • Pitting: "pock marks" of varying size on the surface of a slab which are a result of the tightness of the material grain and the material’s ability to accept a polished finish.

The presence of any of these characteristics adds to the uniqueness of your material, and in the majority of cases does not compromise the durability of your product. Due to the large volume of natural stone we purchase from our suppliers, DECO GRANITE, LLC reserves the right to refuse any natural stone lot that does not meet the highest quality standards, including shipments containing heavy pitting or markings, faded coloration, or excessive cracking. We are committed to using only the best-valued products for your countertops.

  • Sinks must be at job site for template. If it was ordered from Deco, we will bring it with us at installation.
  • Farmers sinks must be installed before template.
  • Cooktop must be available at template.
  • Faucets must be at installation.
  • All appliances must be in place for accurate templating.
  • Cabinets should be leveled and installed in order to do template/installation.
  • Final wall preparation, painting, wallpaper, tiles, etc should not be completed prior to Installation.
  • Seams are necessary due to size of slabs, access to jobsite, countertop shapes and ceiling heights. Deco Granite reserves the right to place seams where it is considered necessary.
  • Customer is responsible for all plumbing and electrical work related to installation.
  • Deco Granite takes great care when removing/installing countertops, however scrapes, punctures or digs are considered incidental damages; customers are responsible for repairs.
  • Bar tops and Islands may require brackets to secure the overhang. Deco offers bracketl install. In other circunstances for aesthetic reason, bartops and islands need to be decorated with molding and decorative corbels, this task is upto the customer.

Installing stone countertops in your kitchen or bathroom is one of the best investments you can make for your home. This is a summary of what you can expect:

  • Visiting the showroom
    At the showroom you will be able to see samples of available stones as well as learning about pricing. Of course, the price differs depending on which stone you choose. The pricing covers material and labor costs. Sometimes edges and radius changes add to the cost, while cutouts for the sink and cook top will always raise the price.
  • Choose your sink
    The most common sink is a stainless steel under mount sink. Sinks typically come in 16-gauge and 18-gauge. Under mount sinks come in a variety of shapes and sizes; think about your kitchen habits before choosing one.
  • Choose the edge profile
    The edge profile is the design install on the outer edge of the countertop. Our standard edges are free of charge. Please see in our showroom the samples for standard and upgraded edges and decide according to your kitchen design.
  • Decide on backsplash
    Decide if you would like to have a granite backsplash. The most common height is a 4-inch backsplash. Most kitchens today have a tile backsplash that starts at the countertop and continues to the upper cabinets.
  • Think about your faucet layout
    We will need to know how many holes to drill in the granite, and may need to see a specification sheet on the faucet you choose.
  • Visit stone supplier
    Go to a stone supplier to choose your slab. You can find many stone suppliers in our website: www.decograniteorlando.com They will send us your selection information and we will estimate your price according to the color selected. These suppliers are not directly affiliated with us and they will not tell you the price of the stone you are viewing. We can refer you to the closest stone supplier to your house for your convenience. ***Tip: If you are looking for a vanity or a small table top, start in our yard. Search our remnants. We have granite, marble, and quartz in different sizes. We can sell these for a discount. Please be advice that remnants are not trash and they are not free.
  • Template time
    We will visit your home and make a plastic replica of your new countertop. Sometimes, we only draw your kitchen on paper if the countertop is straight. It is important that your contractor or you are there while we make the template. We will discuss where they will be putting seams, where the faucet will be located, how much of an overhang you will like and what type of radius you want on corners. There are always questions that come up that no one has thought to ask yet. After template is complete, we will take it back to the fabrication shop.
  • Template layout
    We will use the stone the most effected way during fabrication, always trying to do the most beautiful product, but if there is a part of the stone you want to use on a specific are, you can always come to the shop and discuss it before fabrication. If your specification requires buying more material, the price will be adjusted and we will require your approval.
  • Installation day
    We will bring the fabricated pieces to your home and set them in place. Large pieces will require a direct line into the house, minimizing the distance the installers will need to carry it. Please try to clear a path for them since the pieces are very heavy. A standard kitchen will take a few hours to install. You will have to wait about 24 hours before you can install the faucet and connect the sink drains.
  • Enjoy your new countertops
    Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come. It is our honor to serve you.
Eased Edge
demi bullnose
half bullnose
small bevel
small ogee
waterfall
chisled
fantasy
full bullnose

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