Granite Counter has texture? (granite countertops, color, stone, repair)

[tmd2001]

We moved into a new construction home two months ago and have since noticed that our granite countertop has tiny holes or indentations, some large enough to catch crumbs. It seems to follow the pattern of the stone. I've done a warranty request and have the granite company coming out next week.

Anyone know what the cause would be? My thought is they did a sloppy job polishing the stone before install. What would be an acceptable/resonable fix? Can a repair, fill in with the granite dust that they do with chips really work for an entire surface? I'm not gunning for a replacement if they can fix it but I want to make sure that I won't have problems down the road after the end of the warranty. I want to be armed with information when they come. Advice?

[Mjames]

I have had granite countertops in 3 homes. They should feel smooth to the touch. I think filling a few isolated spots is acceptable as long as you can not tell or feel they were filled afterwards. Otherwise, they should replace the counters.

Good luck and be firm!

[Poltracker]

Not all granite is created equal. Sounds like you got a bad batch. Like many other stones, granite can have intrusive veins. Some of these add attractiveness and patterning, some can be troublesome. Generally, the quarry will cut around or cut out these veins. The major problem is that these intrusions may have a different hardness than the granite so when polishing they will not polish completely and cause dull spots and/or pitting. Sounds like you have pitting. It is possible that repolishing might work but that would require removal so that they can be reworked. There are also filler products that are available. I am a lapidary, not a granite specialist, so I am not real sure if the fillers we commonly use for jewelry and ornament work would work for household purposes, but I don't see why they shouldn't. The application to a finished surface may be an issue though.

[tmd2001]

Thanks so much for the responses. We'll let you know what happens!

[Shwa]

Isn't there something you're supposed to use annually to coat the granite? I forgot what it's called but I remember hearing that.

[Rocky Tops]

Originally Posted by Poltracker

Not all granite is created equal. Sounds like you got a bad batch. Like many other stones, granite can have intrusive veins. Some of these add attractiveness and patterning, some can be troublesome. Generally, the quarry will cut around or cut out these veins. The major problem is that these intrusions may have a different hardness than the granite so when polishing they will not polish completely and cause dull spots and/or pitting. Sounds like you have pitting. It is possible that repolishing might work but that would require removal so that they can be reworked. There are also filler products that are available. I am a lapidary, not a granite specialist, so I am not real sure if the fillers we commonly use for jewelry and ornament work would work for household purposes, but I don't see why they shouldn't. The application to a finished surface may be an issue though.

ALL granite has pits. Some fabricators use a cheaper version of stone that is not treated with a resin. This resin fills the pits/chips BEFORE it is face polished. I can't say without seeing them if that is the case in your home. If you only have a few pin size pits they can be filled.

It is also largely dependent on the color of stone. Tropic Brown many pits. Absolute Black, very few.

[Rocky Tops]

Originally Posted by Shwa

Isn't there something you're supposed to use annually to coat the granite? I forgot what it's called but I remember hearing that.

You should seal granite annually. It will not help with pits.
You can wax your countertops with a high quality carnuba (sp) auto wax. This will somewhat help with the pits.