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Although it’s not obvious to the naked eye, rocks do absorb water. This came as a pretty big surprise to a recent customer who couldn’t figure out why a salesperson would try talking her into “non-porous” quartz surfacing for her busy family bathroom. “It’s a hard surface! How can a natural stone countertop absorb water?” she wondered.

 Granite vanity by LDa Architecture & Interiors; photo via Houzz

Slate may not be as popular as its marble and granite cousins, but it has many qualities that make it a great choice for kitchen and bath surfaces. More than just a “nice personality,” slate has some genuine attention-grabbing attributes.

There was a time when the hearth was primarily made of brick. But this was also when it did most of the legwork when it came to cooking. Today’s fireplace is far more aesthetic than it is functional, and the materials it’s made of are as diverse as the owners of the home itself. The material you choose for a fireplace surround makes a strong design statement. And no matter what your style preference, there’s a material to help you reflect your unique personality. 

You’ve finally decided to pull the trigger on that kitchen or bath remodel you’ve been dreaming of. Now what? How do you make sure that you’re going to get what you pay for? How do you know if your fabricator or contractor is who they say they are?

Customized granite benches have become popular features in many outdoor spaces. From an elaborately ornate pew, complete with quotes and carvings, or a simple seat that just showcases the beauty of the natural stone, a handcrafted bench offers the opportunity to sit, linger a while, and reflect. Whether used as a cemetery memorial or landscape accent, there are innumerable ways to customize a meaningful spot to sit that will stand the test of time.

Caption: Photo by Houzz, Leslie Fine Interiors

The kitchen may still be the heart of the home, but the bathroom is by far one of the most important rooms in the house. There is a defined trend toward luxury and indulgence in the bathroom. As homeowners seek to create spa-like retreats they can access any time they like, designers and manufacturers are coming up with new, creative ways to splurge in the bath. Frequent travelers want to be reminded of the sumptuous experiences they’ve enjoyed at hotels and resorts they’ve visited, so the master bath has evolved into a personalized sanctuary. One of the most important elements in today’s high-end bathrooms is natural stone tile.

Photo: Houzz by Marble and Granite, Inc.

Everyone knows that natural stone surfaces are beautiful. But not everyone knows how to care for them. At Marble and Granite, Inc., we get a lot of questions from our customers about proper care and maintenance of natural stone used for countertops, flooring, walls, and more. We’ve compiled our “Top 10 Tips” to help de-mystify the do’s and don'ts of living with natural stone.