October 2011

Cleaning and Caring Resources for your Stone Countertops

October 26, 2011
You may have heard of famous story of Meg Ryan rubbing sliced tomatoes all over her brand new white marble countertops in her kitchen to "break them in." This is called acid-etching because the natural acid from the tomato literally etches the surface taking off the finish. This is pretty risky and not recommended, however, as acids can interfere with the stone's chemistry.

If you are looking for sound advice on the internet for how to clean and care for your stone countertops, you may be bogged down and overwhelmed by the thousands of forums and Meg Ryan-like testimonials. This is why Marble and Granite offers multiple outlets for reliable resources on learning how to maintain your granite, marble or other natural stone surface.

Of course, you can always find regular Care and Maintenance posts right here on our blog, but you can also go directly to our website, www.marbleandgranite.com, for several convenient Helpful Resources. From treating individual stones and spills to all the do's and don'ts you would need to know, our website can serve as your go-to source for quality stone caring guidance.

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Celebrating Your Stone Countertops with Kitchen Decor

October 24, 2011
Now that we have taken you through the entire kitchen countertop renovation process from why you should renovate your kitchen to the installation of your countertops, it's time to celebrate and decorate. We turned to one of the most popular interior design magazines, Elle Decor, for ideas on different ways to glorify your countertops through beautiful kitchen decor. Since it is the season of cold temperatures and warm hues, we chose our favorite decor that was inspired by the warm colors and natural textures of autumn. Tell us in a comment which decorating ideas are your favorite or share with us one of your own decorating ideas!
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How to Evaluate Your Stone Countertop Installation

October 20, 2011
Voila! You are officially the owner of brand new shiny stone countertops! After the installation is complete, it's time to evaluate whether you received the quality job that you paid for. Here is a list of specs to double-check in order to feel confident that you received the proper installation to ensure your countertops will last and look fabulous for generations.

  • All seams are where they should be.

  • Stones are perfectly level.

  • Countertops feel satin smooth, and there are no chips or etches.

  • The edges are polished to the same luster as the surface.

  • If you opted for an undermount sink, the granite overhang should be equal around the whole bowl.

  •  The counters are sealed and actively repelling liquid; to test, splash some water and make sure that the droplets bead up like a freshly waxed car.

  • The installer advised you on how to care and maintain for your stone countertops.


Marble and Granite offers a list of the top fabricators in the stone fabrication industry nationwide right on our website. Search our list of fabricators by entering your zip code to find a fabricator near you that you can trust for a high-quality stone countertop installation.

 

Photo via Traditional Home
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All You Need to Know About Stone Countertop Seams

October 17, 2011


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How to Prepare for Your Stone Countertop Measurements

October 13, 2011

The exciting part is soon to come...your stone countertop installation! But first, it's time to take measurements. In order to get ready for your stone countertop measurements, there are a few things you should know. It is important to have certain items completed and ready before your fabricator comes to take the measurements for your stone countertop template in order to get the most accurate dimensions.

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How to Find a Quality Stone Fabricator

October 10, 2011

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How to Select a Unique Stone for Your Countertops

October 05, 2011




Want to know how to create that "wow" factor like a top kitchen designer? According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, many designers report that the countertops should command the most attention in the kitchen above all else - lighting, cabinetry and flooring. Because of its durability and endless possibilities of patterns and colors, stone countertops remain a popular choice for creating eye-catching focal points in any style of design, from traditional to country to urban contemporary.

The type of stone you choose will depend on how you use your countertops, your personal aesthetic and the look and feel you want to achieve in your kitchen. Whether you opt for granite, marble, Caesarstone or ceramic, the beauty is that every slab of stone is completely unique with its own variegation and movement. This is why so many choose stone but also why it is important to choose the stone in person. Ensuring you get the exact stone you want requires going to a well-lit, indoor facility (with your designer or architect) and handpicking the stone for yourself.


Marble and Granite believes in the importance of clients handpicking stone for their personal projects, which is why we offer two well-lit showrooms located at 125 Old Gate Lane in Milford, Connecticut and at 270 University Avenue in Westwood, Massachusetts.






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How to Compare Different Quotes for Stone Countertops

October 03, 2011


A smart consumer shops around. But finding the cheapest quote for stone countertops may only save you more initially and actually cost you more in the long run. There are certain things you don't want to skimp on, like the quality of materials and the level of craftsmanship. To be able to properly compare different quotes for stone countertops, it's important to understand how you arrive at the total cost. A stone countertop project can be broken down into four categories: materials, labor, installation and profit.
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