MANUFACTURERS OF KITCHEN & BATH SURFACES

Customer’s Frequently Asked Questions

What is Riverstone Surfaces cultured granite?

Cultured granite is a composite product made of 75% marble stone, and 25% resin and pigments.

Why should I buy Riverstone Surfaces cultured granite?

As with all building materials, there are pros and cons for cultured granite.  You need to weigh these in order to determine which building material is right for you.  On the negative side, some people feel the material scratches too easily and that there is only 1 edge treatment available.  On the positive side, there are many colours from which to choose.  You only pay for what you use – there is no waste because each piece is custom molded to your specifications.  For most configurations, the product is seamless even when there are custom-shaped islands and breakfast bars.  Cultured granite is a sanitary surface (non-porous).  Most importantly, at approximately $50 per square foot installed, cultured granite falls between laminate tops and solid surface or natural stone in price.  You get a good value for the price of the product.   

What are the care instructions for cultured granite?

There are written care instructions given when your countertop is installed.  Your installer will review them with you or you can always call the factory to clarify anything.  The main points are:  Use a damp cloth for daily cleaning, no abrasive cleaners or pads, don’t slide objects across the surface, and use felt/cork/rubber feet on appliances or ceramic pots that you store on the counter, don’t use harsh cleansers, mild detergent such as VIM with bleach and a sponge may be used, occasional polishing with Trade Secret may be done. 

What is the warrantee?

Riverstone Surfaces cultured granite and marble comes with a written 5 year warrantee against manufacturing defects such as cracking.

Are there seams?

Assuming we are not limited to size and weight restrictions (too heavy to handle or it won’t fit through your door), we can manufacture seamless countertops up to 7’x12’ in dimensions.  Seams, when required, are located at the sink where we only need to seam 4” of material at the front and the back of the sink.  These seams are very discreet.  We never fabricate mitred seams.  In the rare cases where seams at the sink aren’t possible, we review the options with the customer and may even suggest using a different countertop material.

Is Riverstone Surfaces cultured granite repairable?

As mentioned above, it is a renewable surface – scratches can be removed.  In addition, small chips or gouges can be repaired by adding original pigment and epoxy and sanding smooth.  The chip repair is discreet.

The colour layer is between 1/16” to 1/8” thick.  Sanding out deeper scratches (in the same spot) can be done 5, 6, or 7 times before you start to show wear through the colour layer. 

Does it easily scratch?

As with laminate or solid surface countertops, small scratches or “character marks” are to be expected with cultured granite.  After many months of use, the counter may take on a uniform “patina” look. 

Can scratches be removed?

Major scratches – ones that can be felt with your fingernail – can be polished out using the techniques described in the care instructions.  Most likely, this is better left to the trained staff at Riverstone Surfaces. 

Minor scratching contributes to the patina look.  However, they too can be polished out at major intervals in the lifetime of the counter such as every few years or if you want things to look bright and new if you were to list your house for sale.  A liquid polish called Trade Secret may also help lessen scratches. 

Can I place a hot pot on the counter?

You would treat this surface as you would laminate or solid surface countertops.  We have tested the surface in the factory by placing a large pot of boiling water on the surface with no discolouration or warping.  However, it is easy to replace a test piece in the factory compared to the countertop in your home.  Temperatures hotter than boiling water are likely to cause damage.  Hot plates should be used.  The counter is manufactured with a thermoset resin and will bend or warp under prolonged heat and pressure. 

Can I have high gloss black countertops?

Yes.  But this is strongly discouraged.  The higher the gloss and darker the colour, the more readily water marks, dirt, and scratching become apparent i.e. the higher the maintenance of the countertop.  A satin finish is recommended.  Lighter earth-tone colours are more user-friendly. 

Are there any other colours available?

There are currently 22 standard cultured granite colours available.  Occasionally we do colour match a new colour to a tile or paint chip provided by a customer for a small fee.

How often should I have the countertop polished?

Factory polishing can be done every few years.  It is not recommended every few months.   

Commercial & Residential.  Manufactured & Installed.