When it comes to countertops, Arch City Granite works to bring you the best stone countertops in St. Louis. We work with a lot of stone types and have found that there are a lot of myths and urban legends about different types of countertops. While it is true that not all stone countertops are equal, each has unique properties that can make them perfect for your home. We have a lot of different stone varieties to choose from and we want to help you make the right choice for your home, so here are some facts about stone countertops.

Stone Countertop Facts

Marble: Have you heard that marble countertops are super expensive? Well this is not always the case. The cost of marble always goes back to supply and demand. If you choose a type of marble that is rare, you will pay a higher price for it. Other types of marble are common and you will find their price range to be similar to other types of countertop.

Another misconception about marble is that since it is porous, it harbors bacteria. The fact is that marble is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial. This means that the stone itself does not create a good habitat for bacteria. You can further reduce bacterial habitat by cleaning your counter with mild antibacterial soap. If you have heard that vinegar is bad for marble, you heard right. Marble reacts with acids, so the acetic acid in vinegar can etch the stone. Marble is a gorgeous stone and its cool surface will add beauty to your home like no other type of stone.

Soapstone: One of the biggest misconceptions about soapstone is that it is a super soft stone. While it is true that soapstone is used for sculptures because it is soft, there is a reason. Soapstone for creating sculptures has a lot of talc in the rock and that makes it soft. The soapstone used for you countertops has a low percentage of talc which makes the stone much harder. While soapstone might not be as hard as granite, homeowners who purchase soapstone countertops love the look. Soapstone is very forgiving, if you accidentally chip or scratch the surface, soapstone can be sanded down. That isn’t something you can do with granite.

One misconception about soapstone is that it requires a lot of work. This isn’t true. Some homeowners like to have a consistent look with their soapstone, so they rub it down with mineral oil or a soapstone wax. This isn’t something you have to do. Other homeowners like the feel and look of the natural stone, so they do not wax it. Untreated soapstone will develop a patina overtime, but many people feel this adds character and color to their countertops. If you decide to go with a soapstone countertop, you can make the decision for yourself.

Granite: Granite is very popular because it of its appearance and durability. Unfortunately, the idea that it is indestructible has begun to surface. First off, granite is not indestructible. It is super durable and is very resistant to scratches, but if you drop a large pot on your granite countertop, there is a possibility that you can chip the surface.

Another misconception about granite is that requires a lot of upkeep. You might even hear that you will need to reseal the surface every few months. This isn’t true at all. A granite countertop is sealed, but you can go years before you need to reseal it. The best way to find out if you need to reseal the surface is to take some water and drip it onto your granite countertop. If the water soaks into the stone, it is time to reseal it. If your countertop repels the water droplet, you can wait to reseal the surface.

Quartz: If you have heard that quartz countertops are not real stone, that is only slightly true. Quartz countertops are engineered, but they contain around 93% quartz. The other 7% of the slab is a special resin that holds the ground quartz together and allows engineers to create large slabs of quartz for your countertops. A quartz countertop can be made to look like granite, or even marble.

Another fact about quartz is that it is extremely hard. Geologists created a scale to determine rank the hardness of natural materials. The scale is called the Mohs Hardness Scale. Diamonds are at the top of the list with a 10. Quartz is a 7. Quartz might not be as hard as diamond, but it is still a very hard substance. When you have a quartz countertop, you will notice that it is extremely durable. If you heard that granite is the most durable countertop, well you should know that quartz is giving granite a run for its ranking.

Another amazing fact about a quartz countertop is the number of choices. Since it is engineered, there are hundreds of different colors that you can find. The selection when you go with quartz will be massive.

Arch City Granite gives you the Facts about Stone Countertops

If you are interest in even more facts about stone countertops, why not come in and visit our showroom. You will be able to see all of the different types of countertops we provide. You can even watch our precision machines cut stone slabs and transform them into future countertops. We understand that you want to have the perfect countertop for your home. Our friendly staff is willing to answer all of you questions and give you the facts that will help you make the right choice for your home.

With Arch City Granite, you will be armed with all the answers you need to make an educated assessment of our different stone surfaces. We empower you. When you decide on your countertop we will come out to your home and use our computer aided measuring equipment to make perfect measurements. Arch City Granite can help you transform your home.

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If you really want to make your kitchen countertops stand out (and who doesn’t?), you’re going to want to go with natural stone.

Natural stone is considered the gold standard of kitchen countertops; it conveys class and culture. Natural stone countertops also give your kitchen character that can’t be duplicated. But like everything nice in life, you do need to know a thing or two about natural stone countertops if you want them looking their best all the time.

Here are five stone countertop tips to help ensure that your kitchen impresses today, tomorrow and for years to come:

• Match stone to your personality. Every all-natural stone countertop has its own personality. Granite is strong and sturdy. Marble is elegant. Soapstone is the venerable natural stone that adds gravitas and a touch of class. Choose the stone that best matches your personality and that of your home.
• Round the edges. Stone countertops with rounded edges don’t chip as easily as those that have squared edges. When you are choosing your design, consider having your natural stone countertop fabricator round the edges.
• Have a care. Even though natural stone countertops are extremely durable, you still need to take good care of them. Make sure to immediately wipe up any spills, especially the ones that include acidic liquids like wine and fruit juice. Doing so will help keep your countertops stain-free forever.
• Maintain them. One of the most overlooked stone countertop tips is this: Make sure to promptly repair any cracks or chips. If you don’t they could quickly spread and require complete countertop replacement. If you do notice a chip or crack, contact your St. Louis stone countertop fabricator immediately.
• Work with the pros. There are a lot of companies out there that say they have experience cutting, fabricating and installing natural stone countertops. But only the best of the best have proof of their track records of success. Before you commit to a stone countertop fabricator, do your homework. Visit their showrooms. Inspect their slabs. Ask for references.

And if you’re in the market for new countertops, contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble for a truly customer-focused experience. There truly is no substitute for proof of success.

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If the practicality and functionality of marble countertops have a downfall, it’s etching.

Etching is the physical change that occurs to marble when acid interacts with the stone’s calcium carbonate makeup. That’s a fancy way to say that if you don’t quickly clean up spilled lemon juice, you can wind up with dull spots on your marble countertops.

Of course lemon juice isn’t the only liquid that causes etching. Other culprits include wine, orange juice, vinegar and cleaning products that weren’t designed for marble. In fact, cleaning products have been known to make marble dull as soon as they are applied.

Bleach and ammonia can quickly destroy your countertops’ shine and shimmer, so can drips of water and ringlets from condensation on the bottom of your beer, which can also cause your countertops to develop dull spots.

So how do you prevent your marble countertops from etching, or fix it once it occurs?

Well, you basically have three options:

• Live with it. This option isn’t really as bad as it sounds. The next time you are in a upscale bar or hotel with marble countertops, take a look and you’ll likely see some etching. It can add character, if you choose to see it as such.
• Try a store-bought marble polish. These products are easy to use and can be effective in many cases. All you have to do is apply the product to your countertops and rub it in using a soft cloth. Depending on how bad the etching is, you may have to use several applications–or it might not work at all.
• Contact a professional. If the etching on your marble countertops is so severe that you can’t live with it and you can’t fix it with over-the-counter cleaners, you probably need a professional. An experienced marble-maintenance professional can re-polish marble that has been afflicted by the severe etching.

If you have questions about your countertops, or if you need to connect with a professional for help fixing severe etching, contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble. They have helped return the shine and shimmer to countless countertops that have experienced etching.

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Source: Wikimedia Commons

Most have an open mind when they initially ask the question. But, when faced with the facts, they quickly fall in love with natural stone countertops once they discover all of the amazing benefits:

The aesthetics

Granite, marble and soapstone countertops immediately transform a kitchen or bathroom from good to great. While aesthetics may be subjective, the tangible response people have to natural stone countertops is always positive because they look so great.

The durability.

Natural stone countertops last a lifetime. They are incredibly durable, require minimal maintenance and can withstand the spills, accidents and mishaps that often accompany day-to-day living. Hot cups of coffee, spilled wine and even slicing knives rarely damage granite, marble and soapstone.

The uniqueness.

No two slabs of granite, marble or soapstone are exactly alike, meaning you can truly create a one-of-a-kind kitchen or bathroom by choosing them for your countertops. You can also work with a countertop fabricator to find a color and design pattern that fits the personality and character of any room.

The value.

Of all the countertop materials available to you, none will enhance the overall value of your home like natural stone. Granite, marble and soapstone are always desirable and always in style. They are, in a sense, timeless but at the same time contemporary. Many homebuyers have made the decision to buy based on the natural stone countertops alone.

The flexibility.

Because each slab of natural stone is cut specifically for your counters, you can incorporate them into any design you desire. Whether you want a kitchen island that is shaped like a T or a round vanity in your closet, your natural stone fabricator can cut your slab of granite, marble and soapstone to order. With natural stone, you truly have the flexibility to design the counters of your dreams.

If you are asking yourself whether to install natural stone or some other kind of countertop, connect with Arch City Granite & Marble. Ask about natural stone’s aesthetics, durability, value and flexibility—and then find a unique slab that’s right for you and your home.

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Source: House Beautiful

Yes, those marvelous stand-alone structures certainly do play an important role in the life of your kitchen, which is exactly why everyone needs to think strategically when they are designing a kitchen island. Designing a kitchen island is about more than thinking about function–it’s about form as well.

In other words, the perfect kitchen islands are part art, part science and entirely practical. Once you’ve figured out where you want your kitchen island, you need to start thinking about what features you want to add to your kitchen island.

Here are some tips to get you started if you’ve just added a kitchen island to your home:

Think about adding another sink. If one sink is good, two must be better, right? The truth is, having an auxiliary sink installed in your kitchen island can make everything easier–from food preparation to clean up.

Take a long look at under-island appliances. Imagine what it would be like if your microwave or wine fridge was always within reach. They can be, if you make sure to build in under-island appliances when you are designing your kitchen island. And don’t be afraid to think out of the box. Consider adding another oven, some stove-top burners or any other tool you use a lot to your island.

Choose bold countertops. Even if you don’t have natural stone countertops in other areas of your kitchen, you will want to consider them for your kitchen island. They are incredibly durable, meaning you won’t have to worry too much about them chipping or cracking. Countertops made of granite are stain resistant, so you won’t have to worry about spilled coffee or wine. And they look incredible, so all your friends will be impressed with your kitchen.

Look to the lights. It’s easy to overlook lighting when you are designing a kitchen island, but thinking carefully about what overhead lights you install and where the light switches are located can elevate your kitchen island from good to great. Don’t be afraid to have light switches installed right in the island itself.

If you need help designing a kitchen island–as well as finding all the perfect features to complement it–contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

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We’re, of course, talking about quartz countertops. There’s a lot to love about quartz countertops, which is why they’re increasingly being installed in homes throughout St. Louis and across the nation. If you’re in the market for new countertops, consider quartz and all it has to offer.

Source: houzz via Abodwell Interior Design

The durability:

Quartz countertops are manufactured products made from a mixture of 95 percent quartz mineral and 5 percent polymer resins. This mixture produces a material that’s every bit as durable as granite and concrete, but a little more forgiving, so it’s less likely to chip or crack. Quartz countertops are also non-porous, so it’s virtually stain-resistant even when juice, oils, wine or coffee is spilled on it.

The look:

Even though natural quartz is translucent and looks like crystal, dyes are often used during the fabrication of quartz countertops, so they’re available in a wider range of colors than most other natural stones. Once finished, quartz countertops look like natural stone, with the same rich, luxurious look you’ll find in granite.

The maintenance:

Caring for natural stone countertops is critical to protecting them from scratches, scrapes, dull spots and chips. Countertops made from quartz are engineered to be stain-resistant, strong and incredibly sanitary. Their non-porous nature makes quartz countertops easy to clean and impervious to stains. In addition, countertops made from quartz never need to be sealed. You can clean them with a simple solution of soap and water.

There’s a lot more to learn about quartz countertops, including the design and fabrication process, installation and how long it takes for your order to arrive. For answers to your questions about the “new kid on the countertop block,” contact an expert at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc.

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Source: Arch City Granite

Here’s a look at four popular kitchen layouts that strike a nice balance between form and function:

The U-Shaped Kitchen

The U-shaped layout works well for families with one primary cook because it makes the most out of a small area. Everything, from the refrigerator to the sink to the oven and stovetop, is within an arm’s reach. If there is a downside to the U-shaped layout, it’s that they are typically a little smaller. However, many people choose to maximize their space by adding an island in the center of the room.

The Galley Kitchen

If you’re serious about cooking, you should consider the galley kitchen layout. This design makes cooking easy because they’re built for maximum efficiency. Galley kitchens have two walls across from each other lined with appliances and kitchen countertop spaces. If there’s a drawback to the galley kitchen, it’s that they’re not ideal for socializing.

L-Shaped Kitchen

If you’re a fan of entertaining and hosting parties, consider the L-shaped kitchen layout. This design provides plenty of space for both cooking and socializing, especially if you add an island to the mix. The L-shaped layout really offers the best of everything, including plenty of space for cooking, as well as conversing. The only downside is that your house has to be large enough to accommodate such a sprawling design.

G-Shaped Kitchen

If you’re working with a small space, but have big ambitions, consider the G-shaped kitchen. It’s a combination of the L-shaped kitchen and the U-shaped kitchen, keeping everything close, but giving you a little extra room for kitchen countertops. It works well in small spaces.

Layout matters, and which one you choose will determine whether or not your kitchen is functional and comfortable. But layout isn’t the only thing to consider when creating the kitchen of your dreams. You’re also going to need the best kitchen countertops. Kitchen countertops can transform an average kitchen into a spectacular space, especially if you choose granite, marble, quartz or soapstone. Contact Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. today to talk about your options.

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Source: Houzz

Here’s a look at five kitchen designs that are currently trending in homes across the nation:

• The floor is the building block on which all great kitchens are built. Increasingly, people are turning to natural, environmentally friendly flooring materials, such as floating, wide-plank natural wood. Not only is this made from environmentally safe materials, such as bamboo, but it feels great underfoot.
• Today’s kitchen cabinets are nothing like your grandmother’s. Gone are the stilted structures that required a mathematician’s mind to store away everything. They’ve been replaced by convenient storage areas that are more functional than ever, as well as hydraulics, rolling and fold-up features and buttons that allow you to open and close them with a single finger. The result is customized cabinets that are easier to access, meaning you can stay focused on preparing food.
• Once people figured out how easy it was to keep their recipes on their iPads, it was only a matter of time before technology infiltrated all of the other kitchen appliances. High-tech, environmentally friendly dishwashers, televisions built specifically for the kitchen and automation abound in many of today’s newly built kitchens.
• Of course, a kitchen is only as good as its countertops, and one trend that doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon is expansive natural stone countertops. People fell in love with the way granite, soapstone and marble look, as well as how incredibly durable these materials are. Even quartz, which isn’t technically a natural stone, is growing in popularity. Yes, natural stone countertops and back-splashes are still trending in the kitchen.
• Where once kitchen lights were functional and forgotten, they’re now functional and fantastic. People are choosing fixtures that fit their personalities, from big and bold to the excitedly elegant. There are more well-lit kitchens with illuminating personalities in and around St. Louis than ever before.

If you need help designing your dream kitchen, contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. to get started on your project today.

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Source: Arch City Granite & Marble

There will also be some high-end touches, from the utensils to pots and pans to the kitchen countertop materials. The latter should be tough and aesthetically appealing when foodies do what they love.

When it comes to designing the perfect cook’s kitchen, you need to pay attention to the obvious, as well as the nuanced:

The Appliances

The most obvious—and perhaps most important—element in a cook’s kitchen is the appliances. Investing in high-end appliances, like the oven, range and refrigerator lets people cook with reckless abandon.

An even-heat, double stacked electric oven unit will give you the ability to bake and broil with precision. Most professional chefs prefer instant-response gas ranges and cooktops. The right refrigerator can accommodate a wide range of perishable goods, from large turkeys to delicate fruits and vegetables. And then there’s the dishwasher—the most important tool for anyone who loves to keep the sink clear for meal preparation.

The Layout

The layout of your kitchen shouldn’t be overlooked. The better-designed your kitchen is, the more effectively you’ll be able to cook with ease. Everything about your kitchen should be designed to swiftly move you from one functional area to the next, like a conveyor belt.

A great layout can make everything more efficient and enjoyable, from food prep to cooking to cleanup.

The Extra Touches

Appliances and an intuitive layout lets guests know you’re serious about cooking, but it’s the extra touches that let you cook like a professional.

Double sinks allow more than one person to operate in the kitchen at one give time, and selecting a durable kitchen countertop material to surround such an area is equally as important for meal preparation and cleanliness. Granite, for example, is among the toughest and best-looking of kitchen countertop materials.

If you need help selecting your kitchen countertops, contact Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. today for expert advice.

The post Monthly Inspiration: Designing a Cook’s Kitchen appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Granite countertops are durable, no two are exactly alike and they look absolutely amazing in nearly any kitchen, which could explain why so many people are having them installed.

Yes, there are a lot of good reasons why granite countertops are ubiquitous. But, what if you want to try something different in your home? What if you want to replace your granite countertops with a different kind of natural stone or unique material? What options do you have that are every bit as durable and exquisite as granite?

The answer: plenty.

Source: Arch City Granite & Marble

Marble

Marble countertops are softer and more susceptible to scratching and staining than their granite counterparts. However, when they do develop stains and scratches, it can actually add to the character of your countertops as part of the patina. Marble ages gracefully, enveloping all of the dents and dings for a warm and inviting look.

Source: LDa Architecture via Houzz

Wood

Wood hasn’t been used regularly as a countertop material for decades, but it has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. People use cherry, bamboo, zebra wood and butcher block to make their wood countertops, which are stylish and durable.

Source: Better Home and Gardens

Soapstone

Soapstone is perhaps the most durable of all natural stone countertop materials. It’s virtually non-porous, so it doesn’t stain easily and it’s also resistant to heat. Soapstone’s striking charcoal black hues and matte finish add a sophisticated touch to any kitchen.

Source: Leva & Bo via Apartment Therapy

Concrete

Concrete countertops are nowhere as popular as granite countertops, but they do offer many of the same advantages. They look great, can be crafted to fit any shape and size and are fairly resistant to heat.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Stainless Steel

If you’re truly looking for kitchen countertops that will differentiate your home from those of your friends, family and neighbors, consider stainless steel. It can work in nearly any style of kitchen, from the contemporary to the classic. It can complement today’s appliances, many of which feature stainless steel facades. And it’s entirely heat and stain resistant.

Granite might be the norm when it comes to kitchen countertops — with very good reason — but you don’t have to limit your options, especially when you have so many to choose from.

To find out more about bringing natural stone countertops into your kitchen and home, contact us at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. today.

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