FAQs

A:The old rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn’t use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Avoid using any acidic product, including ammonia or many common household liquid cleaners such as Windex.

For everyday cleaning, simply use mild soap and water. You may also use our excellent user-friendly products available at Classic Tile + Stone.

A:Only if you want to ruin your good knives! Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly. Always cut or chop on a cutting board. Marble and limestone are softer and can scratch.

A:Yes, in fact marble that has a honed finish that will not etch because their surface starts out with a matte finish. Because marbles are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids like vinegar, mustard, ketchup and other food products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction that will remove the polish.

A:Granite is a very hard stone that is formed at very high temperatures deep in the earth; its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives or pots and pans. It’s unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans or spilled liquid. That means it makes a great Ottawa countertop for your kitchen or bathroom!

A:Some green stones, like the jades from Taiwan, are actually a different material called Serpentinite rather than true marble, Serpentines are somewhat harder and do not etch or react to acids the same way limestone and marble do. Green tiles of this family must always be installed with epoxy adhesive to prevent curling that can occur if a water-based settling material is used.

A:Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discolouration.
Do not kneel or stand on stone counters under any circumstances. Some areas (i.e. sink area) can break under the stress of added weight.

A:All stone will absorb stains over time and even granite is porous to some degree. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine, or other liquids from soaking into the surface. For long-term care and beauty, you will need to reseal the surface with granite sealer once a year and more often around heavy traffic areas like the sink and stove. Granite is the hardest building stone and this is what lends it excellent wear.

Exposing your stone to harsh chemicals such as paint removers, oven cleaners, window cleaners, and oils could remove the sealer and render your stone susceptible to staining. If contact occurs, flush well with water.

A:If you want a particular stone product like granite, marble, tiles or quartz, we can customize it for you! Our expert in-house staff will work with you to choose the most suitable stone for your project. After you choose your stone, one of our experts will come to your house to measure and assess your home.

We offer customized kitchen and bathroom countertops, tables, and have a huge selection of sinks, faucets and cooktops to suit your vision.

A:Once you select your granite, marble, quartz or tile product, we’ll send an expert technician to your house to measure and assess your kitchen or bathroom. From there, we develop a unique template for your project that will guide our experts through the installation.

We will also provide ongoing support after the installation is complete if anything goes wrong. If you’re not completely satisfied with your installation, give Classic Tile + Stone a call and we’ll be back to fix the issue!

A:Our technicians can mount the sink and faucet to your new countertop during installation but we will not be able to hook up your water. None of our in-house staff are licensed plumbers.

We recommend hiring a professional plumber to complete the necessary work. Let your sink cure for 24 hours before finishing the installation.

A:Like any project, the length of installation will depend on the scope of the work you need performed. Our sales team will provide you with a countertop or backsplash template within 48 hours of receiving your deposit!

On the day of your installation, our staff will arrive at your residence between 8:00AM and 3:00PM on your scheduled installation date and work quickly and efficiently to make sure your installation is done accurately and in a timely manner.

Our sales and planning team will answer all of your questions before the installation begins so you will know exactly what to expect!

A:Apart from being at home when our installers arrive, we recommend removing your existing countertops, sinks and faucets before the installation begins. With advanced notice, Classic Tile + Stone can provide removal and disposal service at an additional fee.