FAQs

Why does Northern Rock Tops specialize in using 3cm slabs? What is the advantage of 3cm vs. 2cm?

Using 3cm slabs of granite and quartz allows us to produce an attractive edge profile without the process of “laminating”, or gluing an extra piece on the edges, which creates a seam. However, we are also perfectly adept at fabricating from 2cm slabs, if by chance the exact colour you want is not available in 3cm.

 

Will my kitchen have seams?

Due to the limitation of slab sizes and other factors, seams on your counter top may be necessary and sometimes unavoidable. The placement of the seams is at the discretion of the fabricator.

How do I maintain my granite countertops?

Soap and water! We will provide you with detailed instructions upon installation.

You should re-seal after the first year and then every three to five years as needed.

Can I cut on my granite countertops?

Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly.

Can I place hot pots and pans on my granite or engineered quartz countertops?

Granite is nearly impervious to typical kitchen cooking temperatures, though you may wish to avoid any risk of damage by using hot-pads or trivets.

Quartz surfaces such as Caesarstone are tolerant of heat up to about 300 degrees F,  so you’ll want to be more careful and use hot-pads or trivets.

Weight of your granite countertops?

3cm granite weighs approximately 21lbs – 241bs per square foot and 2cm granite weighs approximately 15lbs per square foot.

Both 3cm and 2cm are easily supported by standard floor and cabinet systems.