green/gold leathered granite

Q. We're about ready to have granite installed in our kitchen, and both of us instantly agreed on the leathered green/gold granite. (Mostly green & black in color.) We asked the salesperson how it holds up compared to polished granite, and he said no differently. It's sealed just like granite, and it should be cleaned just like granite. Another installer said that it absorbs stains, and is not as sanitary as polished granite. It's a fairly new product, so we are wanting to proceed with caution. We loved the look, but we're slightly nervous but don't want to make a costly mistake. thanks for your advice.

 

A. I think that before you purchase this product get a sample piece and give it the lemon test. (You can find the lemon juice test in the Stone and Tile Care Guide at www.stoneandtilepros.com/care-guide.pdf) This will test the acid resistance and absorbtion rate. I think you will be fine, but test it first. It is a honed finish and could be will be more porous than polished to a point which testing will confirm. Maurizio always said find a good fabricator who knows stone and you will never go wrong.

 

A new product! That stone has been around for a a couple of hundred million years. LOL. The type finish is new, though, and is becoming more and more popular.

 

Take my advice and get two samples one sealed and one not sealed and then treat them like they were in your kitchen and see if they work for you.

 

Stu Rosen