1. I am a Do-It-Yourselfer. Can I save by doing the installation work myself?
2. I do not see a list of your colors. Where can I find colors and prices?
3. Why is my zip code required before doing an estimate?
4. I compared prices. Your prices were better. How are you able to deliver such low prices without sacrificing quality?
5. What quality granites are used? Does Captain Granite use commercial grade granite?
6. What are the differences in the Grades of Granite or Silestone?
7. What is Silestone? Is it better than Granite?
8. I heard that Granite requires lots of maintenance. Is this true?
9. I heard that Granite gives off radiation. Is this true?
10. Do you have a store where I can see the stone or stone samples?

1.  I am a Do-It-Yourselfer with plenty of experience setting tile. Can I save by doing the installation work myself? Top

No. Installing solid surfaces is the work of a true professional for quality, personal safety, and financial reasons. If you are not familiar with seaming epoxies, you can easily create an eyesore on an otherwise beautiful countertop. What’s more, working with solid surfaces can be dangerous. In fact, every year a number of people lose their lives working with solid-surface material. Also, these materials can be damaged in transportation—one wrong drop and you will have lost a sizeable investment.

2.  I do not see a list of your colors. Where can I find colors and prices? Top

Color availability and prices vary heavily depending on your location. Believe it or or not there can be a difference in price and availability in less than a 150 mile distance.  For a listing of colors, see our Stones page. We have tried and failed to keep up with local pricing in the past.  For this reason, you will need to contact us, so that we can connect you to our local contact for pricing information .

3.  Why is my zip code required before doing an estimate? Top

See above.

4.  I compared prices. Your prices were better.  How are you able to deliver such low prices without sacrificing quality? Top

First, sacrificing quality is never considered an option. Earning future sales through referrals is part of our business plan.  If you purchase through Captain Granite, we want you to be so satisfied with the results that you would not hesitate to recommend us to your family and friends.

The answer is really simple.  You save us money by doing your homework and we pass that savings on to you.  When you buy from us, we have not spent a lot of resources selling to you.  In fact, almost all of our energies (expenses) go into product delivery.

5.  What quality granites are used?  Does Captain Granite use commercial grade granite? Top

Unless specifically requested, Captain Granite always uses first quality granite.  This means there should be no fissures visible to the naked eye or large vein discolorations.  Note: granite is a product of nature and as such there will always be some variations.  Certain granites are known for their color variations (Juperanas, for example) and are thus considered first quality even with large variations in color.

6.  What are the differences in the Grades of Granite or Silestone? Top

First, Grades are not determined by the "quality" of the granite or Silestone.  Grades are determined more by supply and demand.  Certain colors may be more difficult or scarce to supply for a variety of reasons.  Additionally, buyers may prefer certain colors over others.  The use of grades is just to simplify pricing.

7.  What is Silestone?  Is it better than Granite? Top

Silestone is a manufactured stone.  It is manufactured by using polymers and grounded quartz to create very durable, attractive solid surface material. For more information on Silestone, visit www.silestoneusa.com.

Is it better than granite?  We like to say they are different.  Some people prefer the natural beauty that can only come from a natural stone, such as, granite.  Others prefer the combination of natural quartz and polymers to create man-made engineered stone.

8.  I heard that Granite requires lots of maintenance.  Is this true? Top

Sellers of manufactured products tend to exaggerate the maintenance associated with granite counters.  Truth-be-told, there is some maintenance, just not a lot. 

First, some granites require sealing (not all).  The requirement for sealing is due to the porosity of the stone.  Some stones have pores that allow for acidic water or oil to penetrate (Note: they cannot pass through, as some might tell you).  To determine if your granite requires sealing, a simple oil and lemon juice test can be performed. Should your granite require sealing, choose a high quality sealer and you will only need to seal once every ten years.

Second, clean your counters with a neutral, mild, vegetable oil-based cleaner such as Murphy's Oil Soap®. Synthetic scrubbing pads can be used on these surfaces. If you are not certain about a cleaning product, test it on an inconspicuous area prior to cleaning more visible areas!

9.  I heard that Granite gives off radiation.  Is this true? Top

No.

10 . Do you have a store where I can see the stone or stone samples? Top

Generally, we can provide you with one or both of the following. First, in many locations, you may visit a slab warehouse. At the warehouse, you will be able select the slab(s) that will be used to make your countertops. Optionally, when we visit to make templates, we can show you material samples. Contact Us to find out what is available in your area. Rest assured, we only use first quality materials.