Frequently Asked Questions

The samples you see in the showroom are representative, but do not match the unique slab for your project exactly.  In many cases we have slabs on site to view, or can source actual slab photos to make selection from. Some natural stone colors, due to the different types of mineral makeups, are more consistent than others. Every slab is unique and we encourage customers to view visit to view and approve thier selected materials before we begin fabricating.

We always reccomend suface protection for all materials, however some materials are more heat resistant that others.  For instance 

Granite has a heat tolerance up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, so hot pans are no problem!  Quartz, on the other hand, has a heat tolerance of up to 221 degrees Fahrenheit.

It depends, for natural stone counters, World Wide Granite uses a standard industry sealer prior to installation. Depending on the actual material and how heavily an area is used it may need to be resealed every 1-5 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 and pitting 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.

It depends on the size and design of your kitchen and the size of the usable slab material.  We take care to avoid seams but at time they are necessary.  World Wide Granite uses special tools and color blending adhesives to minimize the appearance and feel of seams as much as possible. Seams may 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, however we take great care to do so when 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 8” 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 generally not included in the estimate price of the countertop, and thier need is typically determined at the time of template.  Should supports be necessary the tempalte technician will disucss pricing and options.

If you wish to recieve remnants from your project, please discuss this with your sales representative.  

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.