Coon Rapids - Main Showroom  (763) 862-0888
Maplewood - East Metro  (651) 777-9988
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who disconnects my plumbing and electrical connections before you come to install my new tops? 

A. We are not licensed plumbers or electricians. Therefore, we cannot disconnect your plumbing or electrical connections. All plumbing and electrical connections need to be disconnected BEFORE we arrive at the job site. If you have paid for us to remove and dispose of your old tops but wish to keep your old sink or faucet you will have to have them unattached from the old tops before we arrive. 

Q. Can you re-connect my electrical and plumbing connections? 

A. We are not licensed electricians or plumbers. Therefore, we cannot make electrical or plumbing re-connections. When we leave your home, the sink is fully installed on (or under) the countertop, but a plumber or the homeowner will have to re-connect faucets and drain lines the next day after all the adhesives and caulks have fully cured. 

Q. Will my granite/quartzite or quartz look like the sample? 

A. Granite and Quartzite are natural stones created by the forces of nature. It is composed of various minerals and is susceptible to wide variations in color, texture, spotting, veining and cracking. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. Therefore, no 4” x 4” sample cannot completely represent the changes found throughout a whole slab of granite. Quartz is composed of pure, natural quartz; as a result, variance in color, shade and pattern is an inherent trait expected of this product. The sample is only a general indication of a particular color’s design pattern, aesthetics and hue.  

Q. Will my new countertop have visible seams? 

A. Most installations will require at least one or more joints called seams. During layout and design, we will try to minimize the number of seams required. Additionally, our care in manufacturing ensures that edges fit together very tightly to help lessen the appearance of visible seams. You will, however, be able to see and feel the seams. 

Q. Is there a chance that my walls will be dinged during the installation of my counter tops? 

A. During the installation, damage to walls or sheet rock may occur. We do everything we can to minimize the dings but occasionally damage does occur.  

Q. Will the underside of my granite or quartzite be smooth like the top? 

A. The underside of granite usually has a mesh fiberglass backing for structural and integral reasons. Removing this will jeopardize the integrity of the slab. We will not remove this backing unless the customer signs off and pays for this service.

Q. What is your warranty? 

A. Twin City Discount Granite backs up its work with a 1-year workmanship warranty.
 
The warranty will not cover fissures and pits in natural stone. Natural stone may have fissures which look like cracks; these pose no actual structural problems. When selecting your slab, please look for these carefully in your slabs if you wish to avoid them. Natural stone must be regularly sealed. Any stains to the material is not subject to warranty.

Quartz is a man-made product using some natural material and a polyester resin. Always use a trivet or hot pad between your new tops and any heat generating device including, but not limited to, crock pots, Insta Pots, deep fryers, hot pots and pans or electric skillets. Sudden or rapid change of temps or sustained heating, especially near edges and cut outs, may create enough thermal expansion energy to cause your countertop to crack. Damage caused by thermal expansion is NOT covered under warranty.
 
Q. What is standard for inside radius and outside corner radius? 

A. We have certain standards for different situations. Our outside standard radius is ¾” and inside radius of 1 1/2”. CUSTOMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO SPECIFY IF THEY WANT A SPECIFIC INSIDE OR EXTERIOR CORNER RADIUS. For quartz countertops, it is mandatory to have an inside radius to maintain the warranty.

Q. When is the deadline to make changes to my order? 

A. You are responsible for making any changes to your order no later than your measure date. All changes must be made in writing and approved by a TC Granite Sales Representative or Manager.

Q. What exactly is quartz? 

A. Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from a combination of crushed natural quartz crystals and resin binders. This mixture is then molded into slabs and cured under high heat and pressure. The result is a non-porous, extremely durable surface that exhibits the beauty of natural stone while offering superior performance.
 
Q. Is quartz countertops heat resistant? 

A. While quartz countertops are resistant to heat and can withstand some temperatures, it's essential to use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from direct heat exposure. Placing hot pots or pans directly on the countertop can cause thermal shock and potentially damage the resin binder. 

Q. Do quartz countertops require sealing? 

A. One of the significant advantages of quartz countertops is that they are non-porous and do not require sealing like natural stone surfaces. This makes them have exceptionally low maintenance and easy to clean. 

Q. Can quartz countertops be used outdoors? 

A. Quartz countertops are not recommended for use in outdoor environments. Despite their high durability and engineering to withstand various conditions indoors, quartz countertops are not ideally suited for the challenges of outdoor settings, such as constant UV rays, temperature variations, and moisture. These elements can adversely affect their composition, leading to potential damage and diminished aesthetic quality over time. 

Q. Can I cut directly on quartz countertops? 

A. While quartz countertops are incredibly durable, it's not recommended to cut directly on the surface with sharp knives. Doing so can dull the blades of your knives and potentially cause scratches or damage to the countertop. Always use a cutting board to protect the surface and preserve its beauty. 

Q. Can quartz countertops be repaired if they get damaged? 

A. In most cases, minor damage to quartz countertops, such as small chips or scratches, can be repaired by a professional quartz countertop repair technician. They can use specialized resins and techniques to fill in chips and buff out scratches, restoring the surface to its original condition.