I guess I’m a bit worried about giving this issue too much exposure, but I have to say that I’m dumbfounded just how sensationalist mainstream media has become. And I think since people are still talking about this, I’d throw in a few thoughts in response.

In scouring Youtube for cool instructional videos having to do with countertops (see my last post - I actually found a few!), I was confronted with more exposure to what I personally consider to be fear mongering on network TV. I saw one video clip from what looked like a morning show, with a close-up of some equipment that looked (and sounded) like a Geiger counter, sitting on top of a chunk of granite. The words “dangerous” and “cancer” bandied about between host and guest ‘expert’, along with some technical jargon without the support any real evidence (the burden of which is firmly on those making the claims…) linking granite to real world health problems and specific instances of illness. The fear was the story, in my view. It’s a worrying trend in general.

Despite my point of view here, I know that there is still a fence with people (even readers here) on either side of it. There is as much suspicion out there of sellers of products (like us!) as there is of sensationalist tendencies in the press. Feel free to continue leaving comments, people. It keeps us honest.

Cheers!

Rob.

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I’ve been scouring youtube for some cool instructional videos, and found this one about profiling and polishing granite countertops. Note that the information is great, but the guy’s voice tends to be a bit soft, especially when compared to the grinder which he starts up at the 3 minute mark (be prepared to turn your sound up, and then down when he starts grinding - I startled a co-worker when I was watching it myself…). It’s a bit noisy, but not as noisy as the real thing.

Anyway, here’s the video:

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Once again this is being raised, this time by BuildClean^TM, a Houston-based group that claims to be a “pending not-for-profit organization that educates consumers and the building industry about safe, healthy and environmentally friendly materials.” The organization appears to be funded by Silestone and Cambria, two companies that manufacture synthetic stone countertops. If you visit the BuildClean site at www.BuildClean.org you will see that the organization appears to be narrowly focused on stone countertops and nothing else.

Here are some facts. Some rock contains small amounts of radioactive material. As they decay to a more stable state, they give off radiation (alpha, beta or gamma). Granite and sedimentary rocks and weathering products like clay minerals are all potassium rich. Potassium has a radio-isotope that emits radiation. When potassium decays, one of the bi-products is radon gas, which itself is radioactive.

But there is no danger from granite countertops. Remember your food was grown in clay rich soils or your meat once ate grass that was grown in such soils. Also, many people live in granite areas without any ill-effects.

A university researcher on the geochemistry of radioactive elements for nearly 20 years at Penn State University and the Colorado School of Mines stated,

“I would suggest that a good way to reduce our exposure to the radon present in outdoor air, would be to build an air-tight house out of granite slabs”

Above granite image courtesy of Zoonie.

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The couple you see in the clip, figured out what they needed for their project by choosing colors of granite tile countertop kits that most interested them. They sent in their plans, which outlined the layout of their kitchen, and we built an order around what they needed. After that, they completed the installation themselves with little guidance.

Part of what made things easy was the Pedra planning guide, which builds out various pieces of the countertops according to floor space and kitchen cabinets. From there, the guide provides a direction as to how many end sets, intermediate sets, and corner pieces that are needed for a medium to large-seized kitchen installation.

There were actually two couples involved in this episode. One chose the Tan brown granite countertop. The other (featured in the clip) chose Desert Brown.

One of the things which makes this product one which I’m most proud of, besides the fact that it’s patented of course, is that the countertop tiles can be butt joined (no grout line) thus making it look like a solid surface when completed. The seam can be sealed by a thin coat of clear kitchen grade silicon applied on the butt joint sides of the tile. Also, each kit is smartly packed so it is easy to carry to job site without the same risks of breakage, which is a traditional problem with slabs.

So, that’s a little bit of product placement for our Pedra line. But, it’s not every day that we get on TV!

Have any of you seen the program? If so, what did you think of the results of the installation?

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Fissure   

A fissure is a natural formation within a single intact mass of stone.  Fissure is not a defect, so no need to panic if you see one. The fissure was formed when two separate flows of hot magma merge into a single mass. The fissure was there when it was quarried, when the factory cut the block into a slab, and it will always be there deep in the stone. 

Pin holes

Pin hole is also natural to stone formed due to trapped air or foreign particles in the stone, during the cooling and solidification process.    

Resin Treatment

Resin is used to fill the fissures or pin holes before polishing the surface. Thanks to the vacuum, the resin filters deeper through the narrow fissures of the stone and the granite, thus ensuring a better renewal of the slabs. The vacuum resined slabs gain a better polish as every fissure, even the narrowest one, is filled with resin.

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Please visit Natural Stone Restoration Alliance website for further details.

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Plastic Laminates

Until a few years ago, plastic laminate was probably what most people thought of first. In fact, plastic-laminate tops still account for large % of the market. This product is made of multiple layers of resin-soaked kraft paper, topped by a patterned sheet of melamine that is subjected to heat and pressure. A 1/16-inch laminate sheet is then made into a countertop in two ways, either post-formed or custom-fabricated.

Post forming is done at a fabrication plant to create tops with rounded backsplashes and nosing. These tops can be purchased off-the-shelf in limited colors, or special ordered. The result is the least expensive, easiest to clean and quickest way to install plastic laminate.

Custom fabricating results in a range of styles. Laminate sheets are glued to the particle board, then edged with laminate, wood or solid surface strips.

Pros: Laminates are low cost, have an extensive choice of colors and patterns and can be easily installed and maintained.

Cons: The product is not as durable as stone or solid surface, and most of the time, it can’t be used with undermount sinks. It will also scratch and can be tough to repair. If your family is careless, this may not be a good choice, as hot pans and sharp knives will damage the countertop.

Solid Surface

Today there are more than two dozen manufacturers of solid surface countertops. Most are 1/2-inch thick and made of acrylic, polyester and fillers. Edges are built up with two or three layers of material for a thicker appearance. A predictable product, solid surface installation should be handled by a professional who is certified to fabricate and install that specific product.

Pros: Solid surface is sometimes called a “near-perfect” product. It is non-porous, difficult to stain, has a long life and can be made in nearly any size and shape. It is seamless, and scratches and burns can be buffed or sanded out. Sinks can be undermounted and backsplashes can be integrated into the countertop, making them seamless.

Cons: Most problems with solid-surface tops come with improper installation. Damage can occur if a hot pot can makes the product melt. Some critics also say the product looks artificial. It can be rather expensive to purchase and have installed.

Granite or Stone

The most durable option of all countertops, stone is becoming more popular among homeowners and is no longer seen as an “exotic” option. Granite countertops are made from natural products and come in a wide range of colors, patterns and depths, yet each is absolutely unique. The cost, which a few years ago was prohibitive for most budgets, has come down due to increasing imports, new technologies and thinner blades that allow the product to be cut with less waste and cost.

Pros: Granite surfaces resist most stains, and are even tougher if sealed. A variety of edge styles including bevel, radius, half-radius, ogee and square are available. Sinks can be under mounted and the product can handle hot pans and hard to scratch.

Cons: Granite is hard and cold and if neglected, can be stained by hot grease. Seams can be evident on granite with strong patterns. 

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone combines the functional benefits of solid-surface material with the great look of natural stone. Engineered stone is mostly made of crushed natural stone that is bound together by acrylic or polyester resins. It’s a fairly new product in the U.S., but has been popular in Europe for more than a decade. Anyone looking for zero maintenance on a kitchen countertop should consider this product. Products made of marble and limestone are best suited for bathrooms.

Pros: Engineered stone is non-porous and nearly impossible to stain. It never needs sealing and resists scratches. They have a nice natural look, but can be tinted to create colors not found in nature.

Cons: Expensive, with a cost falling between solid-surface and natural-stone prices. The product can crack or change color if exposed to extreme temperatures. Some feel the surface is too slippery, cold and unforgiving.

Stainless Steel

A common material in restaurants, stainless steel countertops are less common in homes, largely because they’re expensive and hard to find. There are different grades and thicknesses of stainless steel. Make sure the steel is wrapped completely around the edges of the substrate to protect it.

Pros: Stainless tops are very sanitary, provide good heat-proof surfaces and are easy to clean.

Cons: A very expensive choice, this product shows fingerprints and water spots easily, especially when it is new. As it ages, it can show nicks, dents and scratches. The product usually can only be found in limited sizes.

Tile

Granite, porcelain and glazed tiles are most commonly used on countertops, as they are less porous and more durable. Install backer board over plywood to create a good surface to install tiles. Then use an epoxy grout that is more durable. If standard cement grout is used, make sure you seal it often and well.

Pros: Tile is reasonably priced and tile countertops can be installed by pros and amateurs alike. It comes in a variety of styles and colors.

Cons: Tile is hard and never totally even along the surface. Grout lines are vulnerable to staining. High-gloss and solid-color tiles show scratches.

Concrete

Concrete countertops seem to be growing in popularity. They are durable, heat resistant and can be formed into any shape with the ability to embed patterns or dye them. Concrete tops are not recommended for those who don’t want to do the maintenance, as they are surprisingly porous and need to be sealed and re-sealed.

Pros: Concrete countertops allow for uniqueness, flexibility and fun. It can be mixed with a variety of colors.

Cons: Concrete tops are expensive and easily stained, even with a lacquer finish. They chip easily and are hard, with an industrial look. They require diligent maintenance.

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Straight cuts - A hand held wet circular saw with continues diamond blade is recommended.  Water feed supply is a must to eliminates the harmful dust particles common in dry cutting applications. A felt lining is recommended on the tracks (base plate) to protect the work surface from scratches. The motor should be power full to work without stalling. A guide down is a must to get precision cuts or for working on the edges. Several brands of saws are available out in the market to suite the job and your budget.  Faucet holes - Use a handheld heavy duty drill with wet diamond core bit. Work through the granite steadily with even pressure. Always start cutting from the top surface and reduce the pressure as you approach the end of cutting to avoid chipping the stone.Profile cutting – vacuum brazed diamond hand profilers / hand router bits are available in the market to produce perfect edges. An internal water feed type is recommended for optimum cooling of the bit. Hand profile tools come with guide on the top of the bit that rides on the surface of the slab to control the depth of cut for consistent shaping. 

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