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What is Granite?
Granite is the signature rock of the continents. More than that, granite is the signature rock of the planet Earth itself. The other rocky planets—Mercury, Venus and Mars—are covered with basalt, as is the ocean floor on Earth. But only Earth has this beautiful and interesting rock type in abundance.

First, granite is made of large mineral grains that fit tightly together, which is where its name came from.

Second, granite always consists of the minerals quartz and feldspar, with or without a wide variety of other minerals (accessory minerals). The quartz and feldspar generally give granite a light color, ranging from pinkish to white. But that light background color is punctuated by the darker accessory minerals. Thus classic granite has a "salt-and-pepper" look. The most common accessory minerals are the black mica biotite and the black amphibole hornblende.

Third, almost all granite is igneous (it solidified from a fluid state) and plutonic (it did so in a large, deeply buried body or pluton). The random arrangement of grains in granite—its lack of fabric—is evidence of its plutonic origin. Rock with the same composition as granite can form through long and intense metamorphism of sedimentary rocks. But that kind of rock has a strong fabric and is usually called granite gneiss.

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Should I buy marble or granite?

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Steps for Measuring

Step 1 Draw a simple sketch of your kitchen on graph paper. Draw your kitchen as if you are looking at it from above. Don't forget to include islands, bars and backsplashes. (If you would like we can professionally measure for you, just give us a call.)

Step 2 Measure cut outs such as sinks or counter cook tops from the outside and label the measurements on your drawing. You can use squares or rectangles to signify where a cut out occurs in the countertop.

Step 3 Use a regular tape measure for measuring your countertops in inches. Start from the outside edge and measure the length along the wall. If an oven or other appliance separates counter pieces, measure the lengths on both sides of the appliance and add them together. Measure the width at the edge of the counter from the wall to the front of the countertop.

Step 4 Include the overhang in your measurements. Add an inch and a half to any side not bordering a wall or appliance.

Step 5 Record the backsplash measurements by measuring from the top of the countertop to the top of the backsplash. Sketch the backsplash onto your drawing along with the measurements.

Step 6 Give us the measurements - Just fax it to 815-578-1616 or mail it and we will return a quote in 24 hours or less in most cases.

We will visit you to make a template.
We will measure once cabinets are in place, level and secured to the walls. We need to see your sink(s), faucet and Stovetop during this visit, so please have them available.   It is required that you are there when we measure and install, to answer any questions.

How long does it take to install?
It takes 7-days or less in most cases. Installation is usually about 4 hours.


Should I remove existing counters before templating?
You should remove existing counters for determining the sizes of cabinets below.  However, we can replicate the sizing of the counters and include any specific changes you want.

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Cleaning Your Granite Stone
Make sure that 1st your stone is sealed, for easier cleaning and maintenance.
Step1 Blot up spills immediately, before they penetrate the surface.
Step 2 Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available in hardware stores or from a stone dealer), or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.
Step 3 Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the granite. Rinse after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft, clean cloth.
Step 4 Remove a stain on granite, basing the method on the type of stain. Mix a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight.
Step 5 Scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse. If the stain is oil-based (e.g. grease, oil, milk), use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid - or try ammonia on it.
Step 6 Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for an organic stain (e.g. coffee, tea, fruit).
Step 7 Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone. On light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide to these stains. This also works for wine stains.
Step 8 Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.
Step 9 Paste a mix of molding plaster and water over an oil-based or fat-based stain. Mold it into a bird's-nest shape and allow to stand for 3 hours. Remove and rinse.
Step 10 Reseal the countertop every year or two years. Check with the installer for recommendations. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas.
Step 11Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.



 

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Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board
 

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Can my granite top be damaged?
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 discoloration. Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
 

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Why should I choose McHenry Granite?
Thanks for asking! While are pricing is competitive, our best customers are looking for something more. They value how we handle all of the details that go into producing a superior quality product and our responsive service. They don't want to be pressured to make a purchase. They want to work with professionals in every step of the process especially with those who perform work in their home. They want their project completed on-time with minimum disruption to their home and their lives. The McHenry Granite Team has a proven track record for assuring these results. Our customer comments say it better than we ever could. Read more.

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Other Information and Helpful Hints

Sinks
There are five main types of sink. Undermount (sits underneath the countertop), Drop In (drops through the counter with edges supported on the top of the counter).

The most common pitfall is buying a sink larger than the net size of the cabinet. The sink should fit within the width of the cabinet with several inches allowed for internal supports .

Cabinet Installation

It is critical that the cabinets be set level no matter what countertop you have. If they are not, the countertops will show gaps that are not attractive. Stress to the cabinet installers that they make sure the cabinets are level to within 1/8" in 4'-0".

Wavy Walls
Most walls are not perfectly flat. Granite, on the other hand, is cut almost perfectly straight. We recommend a minimum standard 4" backsplash to transition between the counter and the wall.

Countertop Jointing
Typical slabs range from 7 feet to 10 feet long, and 4 feet to 6 feet high, allowing long runs and L-shaped pieces. L-shapes however cost slightly more due to the extra manpower required to carry the obtuse load and the waste creted from the inside of the L. The maximum size we can provide varies depending on the weight and size of the stone with relation to the ease of entry to your home.

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Method Of Payment    

Accepts cash or certified checks only. If payment is done by personal check we will not start the fabrication process until the check is cleared. Once the order is placed the grand total is broken up into two payments, one during the template, and the other due at the end of the installation.