FAQ

1. Our experience... . . .

Universal Granite Pty Ltd is a well established family owned business and has been working closely with kitchen companies as well as the general public for over 30 years. It is this reputation that has guaranteed our success since 1989.

2. Why choose Universal Granite? . . .

Universal Granite is ‘ The leading edge in stone’ with our highly skilled staff who deliver nothing but quality service in all that we do, ensuring that you can fully trust our team with your dream project.

3. What’s the difference between Natural stone and Engineered stone? . . .

Natural stone range is deprived of earth organically whereas, Engineered stone contains more than 93% natural quartz, the remaining content consists of a bonding agent, pigment and additives.

4. How are Natural stone bench tops cared for?... . . .

We offer a premium sealer designed for natural stone to help assist in the protection of the stones aesthetics whilst not altering the existing material features.

5. Which stone is more suitable for kitchens? . . .

All stones are suitable for kitchens. It comes down to personal preference with contributing factors such as; age, usage, home-style etc.

6. Is your stone heat resistant? . . .

Stone is heat resistant, however like all stone materials, it can be damaged by sudden and rapid surface temperature changes. A good rule of thumb is that if your hand cannot tolerate the level of heat for more than a few seconds then the heat source is too high. DO NOT PUT HOT COOKWARE DIRECTLY ON THE STONE SURFACE. Therefore we always recommend placing hot pots, oven trays and fry pans directly from the oven or hot plate onto a wooden chopping board or heat trivet. We also recommend that electric fry pans and slow cookers are also used on a wooden chopping board.

7. Do we offer book matching? . . .

Yes, we do.

8. Honed vs. Polished finish . . .

A polish finish is a high gloss reflective finish, which enhances the colours and features of the stone whereas, a Honed finish changes the high gloss finish to a light sheen surface, when using Marble for kitchen benchtops we recommend a honed finish.

9. Pitting . . .

It should be clarified that we hold no liability for any pitting (small holes) in your granite or marble bench tops as it is a natural feature of the material.

10. Edge profiles and costing . . .

Depending on the edge profile desired, the cost will vary based on the size and profile of the edge.

11. How quickly until my stone bench top can be installed? . . .

From the day of check measure, our turnaround process takes 5-10 business days.

12. What areas of Sydney do you service? . . .

We service all of Sydney and surrounding regions.

13. The process of Fabrication and Install. . .

Step 1: Compile drawings and send to Universal Granite via email (sales@universalgranite.com.au) or fax (87837322) for a free quotation
Step 2: After the quote is accepted a contract will be sent and if approved we will begin to schedule in a day for our team to check measure your job.
Step 3: After the check measure, the material will be fabricated in accordance with the drawings allowing 5-10 business days before the installation process occurs.
Step 4: Our team will install your job, answering any questions or queries that you may have.

14. How to care for your kitchen benchtop . . .

• Don’t ever stand on your bench top
  
• Avoid putting extremely hot things on your bench top
  
• Wipe up any spills on bench top as soon as possible
  
• Don’t use your bench top as a chopping board
  
• Wipe clean with a warm soapy cloth or use specialist products such Caesarstone spray cleaner, cream cleanser or ready-to-use surface wipes (available on https://www.caesarstone.com.au)
  
• Products that can damage your stone benchtop:
  
  • Bleach
    
  • Nail polish remover
    
  • Hot pots
    
  • Red wine
    
  • Permanent markers
    
  • Turmeric
    
  • Pumpkin
    
• Engineered is heat resistant, however like all stone materials, it can be damaged by sudden and rapid surface temperature changes. A good rule of thumb is that if your hand cannot tolerate the level of heat for more than a few seconds then the heat source is too high. DO NOT PUT HOT COOKWARE DIRECTLY ON THE STONE SURFACE. Therefore we always recommend placing hot pots, oven trays and fry pans directly from the oven or hot plate onto a wooden chopping board or heat trivet. We also recommend that electric fry pans and slow cookers are also used on a wooden chopping board.