Granite Countertop Solutions

Thin StoneOn average CRS-Granite costs less than full thickness because our slabs are only 3/8” thick re-enforced with a woven fiberglass backing.

Weighing only 4 lbs per square foot, our counters are approximately 7 to 10 times stronger than thicker granite weighing in around 14 to 22 lbs per square foot. The external force required to collapse the backing of our granite is in excess of 5,000 lbs.

The strength of our granite, combined with the existing counter top, is one of the main reasons we are proud to offer a 10 year warranty.

Each granite slab is imported directly from Italy in sheet form measuring about 5 feet by 10 feet, that is polished to a diamond like shine. 

Italian granite slabs maintain the highest quality standards in the world, having the least number of deep swirl scratches, larger inclusions, or tiny fissure cracks that may open up over time, nor do they apply a spray-on glaze or wax finish that may come off causing the stone to look dull, cloudy and or fuzzy. 

Also, our slabs are considerably lighter than full thickness so it allows us to install larger pieces with the least number of seams. Our goal is to install every counter without a seam to reduce the time during the installation, however, if the piece exceeds 8.5 feet (102 inches), by 4 feet (48 inches) in an “L” or “U” shape configuration it will likely require a seam. If a seam is required, it is no wider than a razorblade.

Caring for our granite counter tops is simple. Water mixed with a cap full of clear dish soap, combined with 1 – 2 tablespoon of clear vinegar will help keep your granite looking fabulous. Every two years, or as needed, CRS will reseal your counter top at no further cost to you. 

When evaluating granite prices, it is important to compare a stone to a stone, plus where it is mined, the Country who cut and polished the slabs because quality will vary dramatically, including warranties and abilities of the fabricator. 

CRS-granite is sometimes confused with engineered over-lays which are made from crushed stones, or glass, combined with a polymer plastic or acrylic mix. Through destructive testing, engineered counters have a low tolerance to long durations of heat, UV light and acidic base products. These are just a few reasons why you rarely see engineered stone used in outdoor applications.

Public survey shows that 80% of the population would prefer granite over any other counter top because of the mirror like shine, durability and unmatched return value when selling properties.

Granite has been in the market for centuries, which is why you see them in most model homes, magazines, realtor listings and on remodeling TV shows. 

Our Customers think Renew... Reuse… Resurface… and include well known builders, contractors, home renovators, cabinet makers, architects, and interior designers, commercial and residential homeowners within Canada.  

Applications include:

  • Kitchen Counter Tops
  • Full Back-Splashes
  • Kick-Plates
  • Bathroom Vanity-Tops
  • Hot-Tub Surrounds
  • Saunas & Steam Rooms
  • Shower Surrounds & Tubs
  • Fireplaces
  • Wainscoting & Window Sills
  • Patio & Office Furniture
  • Restaurants
  • Kiosk Displays & Tradeshow Booths
  • RV & Boat Tables


View gallery and colour options - click here

View edge options - click here         View sink options - click here        View Counter Installation - click here

Thinner is better...

Our unique process only removes 1/3 of the natural material from the earth, which saves you about 30% to 50% when comparing a stone to a stone, cut and polished out of Italy.

 

By cutting slabs thinner, we have significantly reduced the weight of our granite to approximately 4 lbs per square foot compared to thicker granite slabs weighing around 22 lbs per square foot. This eliminates the need to reinforce cabinetry or necessity to make structural changes in new home construction.

 

Imported from Italy, our granite slabs come with a special woven fiberglass backing which gives it flex properties, so that countertops are able to expand and contract as cabinetry and floors move over time. It also makes our countertops 7 to 10 times stronger, requires less maintenance, and will not stain or become dull compared to 3/4 inch (2 cm) and 1 1/4 inch (3 cm) granite countertops.

 

To demonstrate the durability of our granite slabs we have put together a few videos to help the public understand why our approach is gaining in popularity over full thickness granite, engineered stone or other solid surfaces.

 










US vs. THEM

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Eco-Friendly Company

Eco Friendly Company.

As an environmentally conscious company, our exclusive patented granite over-lay countertops are specifically designed for people who are making efforts to be more earth-friendly.

 

Our approach saves money, time and our environment. Homeowners may now enjoy the natural beauty of real granite, to RENEW life to any surface without settling for look-a-like granite countertops, or sacrificing quality and unmatched durability.
 
Using only the highest quality of granite, which is mined throughout the globe, our slabs are cut 3/8” thick which allow us to make a cap that fits perfectly over an existing counter. No messy tear-outs or disposal of the old counter is involved. Our landfill sites have enough garbage; therefore, it only makes sense to REUSE what is already there.
 
By cutting our granite slabs thinner, we are only removing 1/3 of our natural granite resources. Drawing less material from the earth reduces the risk of over mining, and fuel consumption transporting finished slabs to North America. As a result, the cost savings is about 30% to 50% when comparing a stone to a stone, cut and polished out of Italy.
 
Combined with a patented woven fiberglass backing, imported from Italy, our RESURFACING process has successfully eliminated Customer concerns about maintenance, staining, scratching, fading, cracking and or damage caused to floors and cabinets over time, compared to thicker granite countertops.
 
To demonstrate the benefits of our granite slabs we have created a few videos to help educate the public why our over-lay product is gaining in popularity over thicker granites, quartz, engineered stones, and other solid surface countertops.
 
CRS Granite countertops require little maintenance, because our granite is thinner, giving us the ability to fully saturate the stone with very little sealant. Resealing is often not necessary, but we recommend homeowners should test their stones once every two years as a precautionary measure.
 
Sealing our countertops is covered by a 10 year full service warranty, and takes less than 20 minutes to complete. The reason granites are sealed is to prevent natural oil, and other solvents, from penetrating the stone which may cause it to darken over time. It is not a stain!
 
As a manufacturing leader, our counters are produced locally using state of the art bridge saws and polishing technology, operating with RECYCLED water and forced air to conserve energy. At the same time, we are protecting the environment from harmful silica dust particulates, which is a well-known problem within the stone industry.
 
We have also gone thinner to reduce the health risk associated with radon gas emission commonly found in thicker slabs of granite, which is proven to be the second leading cause of lung cancer. For more information on this, please click on the "Radon" Tab above.
 
CRS Granite countertops require little maintenance, because our granite thinner, giving us the ability to fully saturate and seal our granite with very little sealant. Resealing is often not necessary, but we recommend homeowners should test their stones once every two years as a precautionary measure.
 
Sealing our countertops is covered by a 10 year full service warranty, and takes less than 20 minutes to complete. The reason granites are sealed is to prevent natural oil, and other solvents, from penetrating the stone which may cause it to darken over time. It is not a stain!
 
As a manufacturing leader, our counters are produced locally using state of the art bridge saws and polishing technology, operating with RECYCLED water and forced air to conserve energy. At the same time, we are protecting the environment from harmful silica dust particulates, which is a well-known problem within the stone industry.
 
We have also gone thinner to reduce the health risk associated with radon gas emission commonly found in thicker slabs of granite, which is proven to be the second leading cause of lung cancer. For more information on this, please click on the "Radon" Tab above.

Radon Gas

Radon Safe

Another reason why CRS went thinner was to reduce the radon emission found in thicker slabs of granite sold here in Canada. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer which is becoming a hot topic within North America, because home inspectors now have the tools to measure the radon content within the home.

Rest assured that CRS slabs have been tested and are considered to be radon safe. 

Historically high levels of radon were often discovered coming from home foundations, however, more cases are now being reported from the installation of ¾ inch (2 cm) and 1 ¼  (3 cm) thick granite countertop installations. 

Testing radon is based on the total amount of gas emission, multiplied by the total square footage of the counter, combined with the total indoor air volume within the space. To perform a radon test you will need to obtain a sample of the granite you plan to purchase.

Thickness and granite colour lots may vary from slab to slab, so it is critical that you collect a sample of the exact thickness, colour and square footage of the countertops to be installed in your home. Samples should be at least 6 inches x 6 inches for accurate results.

There are dozens of laboratories within Southern Ontario that will measure radon gas emissions for around $50 per test sample. EMSL Analytical Inc., who specializes in radon testing is one company we recommend. Located at 10 Falconer Drive, Mississauga, ON L5N 3L8. Phone: 289-997-4602

The process involves placing a piece of granite in a chamber to allow the radon off-gas to be released. This portions of the testing phase takes approximately 15 days in order to allow the radon to go through 4 half lives. Once this is complete, an additional 3 days of radon testing is performed to see what the levels are in the chamber in an effort to calculate the radon concentration. 

The radon concentration is calculated based on a 1 square foot piece of the granite, since people purchase anywhere from 20-50 square feet of granite for a kitchen. By knowing the total amount of square feet needed for a project, it is easy to multiply the radon concentration for a square foot by the total number of square feet for the job to determine the increased radon contribution given off by the countertop. 

The important thing to remember is that a homeowner is not breathing the air coming directly off the granite; it is diluted by the total indoor air volume and will need to be corrected for. 

For example, let's say it is determined that the radon concentration per square foot is 1 pCi/L. The kitchen remodel is going to need 40 square feet of granite to be installed. Multiply 1pCi/L times 40 square feet and the radon contribution is going to be 40pCi/L, which is well above the limit for radon in Canada (200Bq/L or 5.4pCi/L). 

Now you have to account for what the "total indoor air volume" is of the house. If the house is 2000 square feet with 8 foot high ceilings, multiply 2000 times 8 for an indoor air volume of 16,000 litters of air. Divide the 40pCi/L of radon by 16,000 litters of air and you come up with 0.0025pCi of Radon, which is insignificant by most standards. 

As survivors of cancer, we take this matter very seriously, so before dismissing granite counters too quickly, it is important to educate yourself on the risks before making a final decision on what product to purchase.


Features

The Granite That Fits on Top!

Incredibly Strong
Granite Applications

Superior Durability

Before & After Videos

Before & After Videos

Environmentally Invested

Our

Mission

 

We are not only committed to you, we are also committed to the environment. Our exclusive process only removes ⅓ of the natural material from the earth compared to traditional thicker granite, and contains no artificial resin mix as found in engineered products.

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