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light vs dark granite for outdoors

Article Number: 1483 | Rating: Unrated | Last Updated: Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM

I need your advice, we recently placed an order for new granite counters for my lanai, 1/2 of the counter is subject to sun and rain. I am told by the retailer the lighter colors are more porus and cannot be warranted that I should go with a higher price group darker granite. Is this true? The current material is a very light laminate which has lasted 9years. I love the look of granite but if it has to be replaced in a short time will be a huge mistake on our part.

Dear Rebecca:

“ Is this true? ”

I don't know. For instance, if you take a slab of Luna Pearl, which is very light, it will stay beautiful forever and ever. But what do I know?…

There are over 2700 (no, it's not a typo) stones traded as granite on the market (and counting). Approximately 2% of them are true geological granite or next of kin. All the remaining 98% are related to granite and to each other like a cat to a cow. Many are as good as granite, many are even better, but some are a disgrace.

Q.: “But… isn't that illegal?...”

A.: “Yes, it is. It's consumer fraud big time! Welcome to the stone industry!”

Having said all that, which “granites” do your suppliers have in mind? I don't care about the fancy names they call them with: I want to know the actual mineralogy of those stones. Do they even have the information?

Get back to me when they do and supply it to you.

Just don't hold your breath… L

Of course this kind of stone “intelligence” would be eradicated if marblecleaning.org could have its way…

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?

Ciao and good luck,

Maurizio Bertoli

www.marblecleaning.org – The Only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!