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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Here are some helpful tips on how to get through your kitchen renovation unscathed:

Start packing well in advance

One of the best ways to begin a kitchen renovation is to start with a blank canvass. Sort through the contents of the kitchen and then begin packing away items you know you won’t need during the remodel.

Use sturdy moving boxes and label them well. Pick a storage spot that’s well away from construction zone to keep everything safe from damage. Packing away fragile items in rooms adjacent to the kitchen is also wise. Place any items you want to keep on hand in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. By working on it gradually, you can have the kitchen bare the night before construction is due to start.

Set up a substitute kitchen

During the renovation, you need the abilitytofix light meals or snacks and keep food and beverages cold. Any quiet location that’s fairly near a water source will do.

Put the basics in place like a mini fridge, electric kettle and can opener, as well as cutlery, utensils and microwave/grill-safe dishes and cooking vessels. Don’t forget about a cutting board, dishwashing detergent, napkins, paper towels and trash bags.

Think about meal preparation

Eating out or bringing in take-out every day during a kitchen remodel that lasts for weeks or months can get expensive. Instead, plan to use outdoor grill as much as possible, and make sure your temporary kitchen has a microwave, toaster oven or crockpot. If you’ll have easy access to a freezer, prepare and package a selection of favorite meals so they’re ready for reheating.

Plan a dishwashing strategy

Unless you intend to use disposables exclusively, you’ll need to set up a dishwashing station to keep everything clean and organized. A utility room or bathroom sink can work perfectly, as along as you have space for a dishpan and drainer.

You can also set two coolers filled with hot water on the patio. Use one for washing and the other for rinsing, and open the drain plugs when you’re finished.

Are you planning a kitchen renovation in the coming months? If so, be sure to contact us at Arch City Granite & Marble to learn more about how we can accomplish all of your natural stone coutnertop needs.

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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.

The post Everything You Need to Know about Stone Countertops appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

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A white countertop also contributes to the amount of diffuse light in a space, adding energy to your kitchen or bathroom. And far from being a one-size-fits-all color, white granite comes in many patterns which can accentuate the architecture or other fixtures in your room.

Here are some favorite patterns of white granite here at Arch City Granite & Marble:

Alaska White Granite

Reminiscent of a northern snowstorm or snow on rough terrain, this granite has large patches of cooler whites and grays, and clouds of pale ashy gray, all interspersed with tighter clusters of darker grays and blacks. With a visually dramatic but also subdued feel, these white granite countertops would pair excellently with a darker palette in the kitchen.

Moon White Granite

While from a distance this may resemble the tight flecks of television snow, when viewed up close it reveals itself to be a beautiful tumult of whites and dove grays, peppered with punctuation-like dashes of charcoal gray. It offers a surprising self-contained intensity.

River White Granite

The patterning on this granite is like watching swirls of sediment in a flowing river, with ripples and wisps of colors decorating the white base. This granite works excellently as white granite countertops in places where a large granite surface can be installed, so that it can fully display its larger-scale patterns.

White Ice Granite

A beautiful marble-like granite, this material offers strata of pale blue-grey which can crackle into a thunderstorm blue at the edges. August and mesmerizing, this pattern can serve as a focal point for visual interest in a bathroom or kitchen space.

Colonial White Granite

The pale off-white of fine letterhead, this granite is speckled with dark particles which can take on an almost windblown patterning. While it doesn’t loudly draw the eye, it still offers a touch of class and sophistication which is just understated enough. It would fit well into a minimalist design.

Are you looking to add white granite countertops to your kitchen or bathroom vanity? If so, be sure to reach out to the natural stone experts at Arch City Granite.

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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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Whether you’re debating between Calacatta or Carrara, both types of marble will instantly elevate your home from fine to fantastic as soon as they are installed. And either one can be used in fireplace surrounds, bathrooms or kitchens.

Yet, many people don’t know the difference between the two types of marble, which is too bad because understanding what makes each one magnificent can help you pick the right kind to use in your home.

Here’s a look at each, and some tips about where each works best in a house:

Carrara

Of the two types of marble, Carrara is darker. It is grayer in hue and its veining is usually softer. The veining is usually more linear, too, meaning you won’t get wild veining patterns.

This makes Carrara perfect for fireplace surrounds in spaces that are more formal. It also works well in the kitchen. Marble countertops made from Carrara add the distinguished, clean look that marble is known for, but because it has a gray color, it adds a touch of warmth, too.

In fact, Carrara’s gray color can be used to add a touch of color to any room in which white is the primary color. It can be used as a backsplash (which can really tie a kitchen together when combined with Carrara marble countertops) and as a wall in a bathroom that’s primarily white.

Calacatta

Calacatta is renowned for its bright, white color and and dramatic veining, both of which make it perfect for any room in which you want to infuse some energy.

It’s veining rarely follows a linear pattern. This makes Calacatta perfect for large expanses, including walls, floors and showers. It instantly adds class and sophistication to any room. In the bathroom, it transforms an otherwise ordinary shower into a spa-like experience. In a great room, it adds a dramatic centerpoint. In the kitchen, if you are brave enough to use it as marble countertops, it is warm, comforting and inviting–not too pretentious, but very classy.

There are many more differences between these two magnificent marbles, and to learn more about them, contact the experts at Arch City Granite and Marble today.

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Size and Location

Most modern kitchen designs feature islands that are at least 5 feet wide by 3 feet deep, in order to provide plenty of additional storage and counter space. To avoid impeding access to other areas of the kitchen, there should be at least 42 to 48 inches of space on each side of the island, and the island should be located as close as possible to the sink, stove and refrigerator to provide an efficient work-flow. Kitchen islands tend to work best in L-Shaped or single-wall kitchens, though they can be added to U-shaped kitchens if there is ample room, at least 10 feet, between the opposing sides of the layout.

Function

A basic island can add plenty of extra workspace and storage, but by adding a cooktop or a sink to the island, you can free up space in other areas of your kitchen, while allowing you to more easily converse with guests as you work. If you have limited seating in your kitchen, an island with an extended countertop and counter-height stools can provide a perfect place for an informal meal or for entertaining guests.

Design

In order to fit in with the rest of your kitchen, you should make sure that you choose an island that complements the colors and style of your existing cabinetry, including small details such as cabinet hardware and trim. To complete the look of your kitchen island, choose a quality countertop, such as granite or marble. These materials look great and can add significant value to your home, while providing a work surface that is both durable and easy to maintain.

If you are looking for the perfect countertop for your kitchen island, contact our staff at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. We offer custom fabrication and installation of granite, marble, quartz and soapstone countertops that can complement most modern kitchen designs, and we serve the entire St. Louis area with our locations in St. Louis and O’Fallon.

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Over the centuries, the way people use soapstone may have changed, but its value has remained the same:

Source: Houzz

Beauty

Soapstone’s rich, textured beauty makes it an incredibly versatile material. Not only can it be used in the kitchen or the bathroom, but it can be incorporated into any design—from rustic to modern to modern rustic. It comes in three colors—grey, black and green—which gives you an array of attractive design options.

Durability

Soapstone stands alone among its counterparts in that it is softer and more pliable, meaning that it is less likely to crack or chip. It can withstand more weight and more heat than other countertop materials. And because it’s non-porous, homeowners don’t have to worry about their soapstone countertops staining when liquids such as wine, oil or coffee are spilled on them.

Heat Resistant

One of the properties that made soapstone popular with people centuries ago is its resistance to heat. Native Americans used soapstone to make cooking tools and utensils because heat from fires would not destroy them. Today, the same remains true, and red-hot pans, cups of coffee and even bowls of boiling water are no match for soapstone, which easily absorbs heat without cracking. Yes, soapstone’s resistance to heat is perhaps its most important and impressive enduring advantage.

Environmentally Friendly

Soapstone is 100 percent natural, so it doesn’t require any harsh chemical cleaners or sealers, although you may choose to apply an all-natural oil to make your countertops shine. Nothing about your soapstone countertops will introduce any foreign chemicals to your home or the environment.

Safety

Because soapstone countertops are non-porous, they are naturally cleaner and safer than other types of countertops. Bacteria can’t penetrate soapstone as easily as it can other materials, making soapstone countertops incredibly safe and easy to clean. All it takes to keep your countertops clean and looking great is some mild soap, some warm water and a sponge.

To learn more about why soapstone has been a coveted material for thousands of years–and why soapstone countertops are a good investment in any home–contact 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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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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