Frequently Asked Questions
Granicrete is an amazingly innovative product with a multitude of uses. You might have some questions - check out our FAQ below for more info.
What is Granicrete? It is a durable polymer modified concrete mix designed for coating new or existing surfaces that - when applied and colored - can simulate virtually any stone.
What is Granicrete used for? It can be used for countertops, vanities, kitchen/bath/basement/dining/living room floors, showers, tub surrounds, walls, fireplace surrounds, sidewalks, steps, patios, pool decks, garage floors, outdoor living spaces including kitchens, fire pits and even art! The list is endless!
Is Granicrete heavy since it's made of concrete? Although our counters do contain thin, durable, and lightweight layers of concrete, there is no need to reinforce your floors or cabinets like you would to accommodate heavy counters. Granicrete is hand troweled, not poured concrete.
Does it scratch? Our sealers are very durable and countertops might show wear under normal use just like any natural stone or solid surface. We recommend that you use a cutting board, not only to protect your counters but to maintain your cutlery. We offer gloss and satin hardeners that can be applied over our sealers. In the event of significant wear and tear, your countertops can be renewed by a certified artisan installer.
Can I put my hot pan on my counter? Yes! Granicrete can withstand heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
What maintenance is required? Very little. We recommend that you use soap and water or Windex to clean your counters. As with any other investment, one should use trivets or cutting boards where appropriate. Also, we recommend using "The Original Bee's Wax" for cleaning, especially in the kitchen - it's food safe!
Will my wine stain the counter? No! Our sealed concrete countertops are non-porous so you will never have staining or bacteria.
Compared to other countertop materials, what are the benefits? Granicrete counters have many advantages over traditional counter surfaces:
- All of our counters are seamless, durable, lightweight and repairable
- The color will never wear off
- You will never have to reseal your Granicrete counters
- They are heat resistant to 500 degrees
- No demolition mess to live in
- Easy to maintain
- The tops will not stain and are National Sanitation Foundation certified - Granicrete is the only overlay company in the USA that has this distinction!
- All of our work is customized in color, pattern, edges and finish - no two counters are ever alike
Can you use my existing countertops? Yes. If your counter is in good shape, we will just resurface it. Or, we can rebuild part of your countertop for a new undermount sink.
What if I don’t have existing countertops? No problem! We will use MDF or MDO wood and build your counters for you. If you're building a new home, your builder can do that for you, and we will go over the new substrate.
How long does it take to install my countertops? Typically, countertops are done in three days.
Is Granicrete suitable for commercial kitchen use? Absolutely! All of our sealers have been approved by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and will stand up to rigorous cleaning and dampness. They are also grease and acid resistant. Unlike other surfaces, Granicrete does not have to be resealed and does not hold germs. Our sealers can be used on floors, walls, and counters in your commercial kitchen.
I have wood and tile floors and want to replace them because I have allergies and dogs. Will Granicrete work? Granicrete can be applied directly over your existing tile with no demolition mess. We also go over wood floors, concrete floors, and even heated flooring! There is virtually no maintenance with our sealed, groutless floors.
We have new concrete next to our old concrete. Can you match it? We can make it beautiful by covering both the old and new surfaces with our concrete, coloring and sealing it.
I have pink tile in my bathroom shower. Can you help me? Yes! We can resurface your shower walls, flooring, counter and even those tile walls with no demolition! You’ll love how easy it is to clean your shower, and you won’t ever have any ugly grout, mold, or mildew!
What’s the warranty? Our artisan fabricators are all independent business owners who set their own warranty policy.
How do I find an installer? You can call our Albert Lea office at 507-373-3547, and we will match you up with a certified Granicrete installer near you.