I have spent some time writing specs for an architectural firm in regards to countertops. I specialize in solid surface products, such as Corian, Staron, Meganite, Gibraltar and such. More and more do people ask for upgrades like granite and engineered stone. eStone, as I call it, is basically all the same 'Breton' process. Silestone, Hanstone, CeasarStone, Zodiaq. Granite, however, is not so easily identified and is misunderstood in way too many ways. Hence my post. Acrylic solid surface and eStone *IS* created pretty much the same way. 10-year warranties included. Granite is not. For instance 'Blue Pearl', in my opinion is one of the prettiest of them all. 'Emerald Pearl' can be fantabulous. Now here comes the problem: there are 5 grades of those 'pearls'. Some are soft as butter, some are full of fissures, some are hard as..well...stone. They DO look the same. A fabricator will select his router's running speed and feed-speed depending on hardness of those granites. Some of those decisions are made after a slab is picked up by grippers and a rubber mallet is whacked upon a 5' x 10' sheet. If it rings like a bell, GREAT.. if a dull THUD...not-so-great. When buying granite, you really have to take a very close look at your fabricator. Ask for references and CALL them! You be careful out there! Did you know you can stain granite if you forget to seal it?
r- posted
16 years ago