What’s the difference between marble and granite?

Although both are natural stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives - limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. The greatest difference lies in the porosity, softness and durability of marble when compared to granite. Granite is stronger, less porous and more resistant to stains and heat.

Do I have to buy the whole slab?
Buying slabs is similar to buying fabric. Like a seamstress or tailor, Rembrandt Stone Masters will lay out your job in a way that will minimize the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty of veining and pattern. You are encouraged to “tag” the slab(s) you would like for your projects that require at least one full slab (we will direct you to the supplier that best fits your need).  If you don't need one full slab, we have a large variety of stones at our fabrication facility that you can choose from.

Why are some stones more expensive than others?
Availability, locations of quarries in the world (due to transportation expenses), the rarity of the color, and the amount of labor required to extract the stones all affect the price of natural stone. Higher price doesn't mean higher quality.  

Why are granite and engineered stone good for kitchen counters?
Granite and engineered stones are highly resistant to scratching, cracking and staining, and is impervious to heat. Daily kitchen activities pose no problem and it can take a hot pot without the use of a trivet, although we would still highly recommend using a trivet to be safe. This makes granite an ideal choice for countertops.

Will my kitchen have seams?
Due to the limitation of slab size, seams on countertops may be necessary and sometimes unavoidable. On average, granite slabs are approximately 110"x66", though in some colors, 120" slabs are not unusual. Extremely large islands may either require a seam, or color selections will be limited to those slabs that have longer lengths or widths. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern of the stone. With edging (double edge) we cut at 45 degree miter angle to limit seam appearance. Feel free to visit our showroom kitchen to see how unnoticeable seams are to the eye due to our fabrication process and skills!  

Can I use marble on my kitchen counters?
Yes, but be aware marble (and limestone and travertine) are calcium carbonate, and their polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, Ketchup, citrus and a host of other food-related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction, which will remove the polish. Additionally, marble and limestone can be scratched more easily than harder stones such as granite or engineered stone.