Frequently Asked Questions

The sample used to make your color selection may not exactly match the slabs used to produce your countertops. Some natural stone colors, due to the different types of minerals in them, are more consistent than others. We try our best to provide representative samples, but variations will always occur in natural stone. We have a variety of slabs in-stock in our slab warehouse, but if you decide to order material based on a sample from our showroom you are always invited to view the slab before we begin fabricating.

Granite has a heat tolerance up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, so hot pans are no problem!

With quartz, on the other hand, we always recommend using hot pads or trivets as quartz only has a heat tolerance of up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

No. For natural stone counters, World Wide Granite uses a Dupont 3-5 year sealer once before installation. Depending on how heavily an area is used it may need to be resealed after 3 years, however, in a lighter use area such as a guest bath, it won’t need to be resealed for 5 years.

Quartz is a non-porous product and warrantied by the manufacturer. Quartz can get surface stains, despite being stain resistant. This can be remedied with products like Barkeeper's Friend or Mr. Clean Magic Erasers.

Fissures occur naturally in many stone types. The term fissure is used commercially in the stone industry to describe a visible separation along intercrystalline boundaries. This separation may start and stop within the field of the stone or extend through an edge. A fissure differs from a crack in that it is a naturally occurring feature of the stone. All-natural stones contain some degree of fissure. Some contain more than others. Fissures occur naturally in natural stone and are not a flaw. Pitting of the countertop surface, particularly in granite, is a commonly seen characteristic of natural stone. The pits do not make the granite less durable or otherwise inferior, and do not in themselves qualify the slab for replacement. Pits are common in all granite and should be expected when dealing with natural polished stone.

The term “lippage” as used in the stone industry, is the planar offset of the finished surfaces of two adjacent stone units. Due to the relatively tight seams used in countertop installations, even minor amounts of lippage are noticeable. WWG will do our best to minimize lippage, but it is difficult to eliminate. Seams vary from 1/32“ to 1/16” and are discernable to the eye and touch. Every effort is made to ensure that the seam is placed in the best location for structural integrity and to make the tops aesthetically pleasing. Natural characteristics of stone make it impossible to guarantee a match in color or veining when seaming two pieces together. Color-coordinated epoxy will be used to fill the seam and blend in with the countertop as best as possible.

Natural stone is extremely rigid and cannot bend to follow the irregularities of walls. No wall is perfectly straight, so there will be areas where small gaps are visible. The size of these gaps is determined by the severity of the bows in the wall. Countertops can be scribed in an attempt to follow the irregularity of any wall. A gap of 1/8” to 1/4” wide (covered by backsplashes), is normally used between the stone countertop and walls in order to allow the home framing to expand and contract during the change of seasons, giving the stone room to move slightly. For areas without splashes, counters will be cut to within industry standards.

World Wide Granite LLC offers both stone and tile backsplashes to remedy bowed walls. Granite splash can be included in your quote upon request and tile splash is priced separately.

The unsupported overhang cannot exceed a maximum of 4” on 2 cm material and 10” on 3 cm material. For larger overhangs, the homeowner or contractor should install supports such as corbels or brackets before the granite installation. World Wide Granite offers metal supports at an additional cost. These are not included in the price of the countertop and will appear as a separate line item on your quote upon request.

Generally speaking, No. World Wide Granite Only charges for the percentage of the slab that is needed to complete a job, so any remnants left of the slab are property of World Wide Granite. You may choose to purchase these remnants at additional cost.

Sink cutouts and cooktop cutouts are often broken during the fabrication process, however, the customer may make a special request to receive the cutouts. If the cutout is not broken during fabrication, a customer may request to have the piece polished for use as a cutting board or another decorative piece at a discounted additional cost. World Wide Granite retains the right to accept or refuse this request upon WWG discretion.

At an additional cost, yes. WWG has on-staff crews that will do minor tear-out. For more extensive work, there are a number of subcontractors that we work with on a regular basis. Ask a WWG Sales Staff Member for a quote for tear-out services.

The sink, faucets, and dishwasher will need to be disconnected prior to removing your old countertops. Most homes have shut-off valves under the sink. If your home does not have shut-off valves, a plumber should be contacted to have them installed.

Most cabinets can easily handle the weight of granite countertops. It is often not possible to assess cabinet problems prior to the removal of existing countertops. If significant problems are detected after the removal of the existing tops, either in structure or if the cabinets are not level, the installation of the new countertops may be delayed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to have the cabinets repaired to acceptable standards of levelness and structure. If the installation must be rescheduled due to cabinet issues and a new appointment day is needed, return trip fees will apply. Countertops can be shimmed and installed with cabinets out of level and flat plane up to 1/8”. Beyond 1/8” the cabinets must be repaired. Countertops sit directly on top of the cabinets and are held in place with an acrylic caulk or epoxy. No wood sub-tops are required for 3 cm thick countertops.