Monte Carlo Bordeaux granite countertops installed by Arch City Granite

For homeowners that love to cook, functionality is just as important as appearance. Your kitchen countertops and kitchen appliances have to look good, feel good, and hold up under heavy use. Here are our top three countertop picks for cooks, based on aesthetics, durability, and cleanliness.

#1 Granite

Granite is an easy choice for cooks. Granite countertops do not get scratched under normal usage , even if you are using heavy pots and pans. Granite is heat resistant, so you can take things right out of the oven and set them on your counters.

Once granite is sealed, most food substances will stay right on the surface until you wipe them off. Again, if you seal your granite, you won’t get water rings, stains, or grease spots. The polish on granite will not wear off no matter how hard you use your counters, so if you invest in quality granite counters, they will look like new for many years.

A solid slab of granite is easy to clean. Just spray on a bit of granite cleaner, and you can easily wipe off all kinds of grease and spills. Have a particularly stubborn bit of food or dough stuck to the counter? A simple razor blade can be used to easily remove even the most resistant mess.

Another benefit of granite countertops is the option to choose matching full height backsplash. If you are cooking a lot, you will get splashes of food and grease on the wall behind your stove and countertops. By avoiding grout, you can keep your backsplash clean and like-new for many years with minimal maintenance and cleaning. Just seal your counters with a long lasting sealer and you are good to go.

#2 Quartz

Manmade quartz counters are a durable alternative to granite. They will not scratch chip, or stain, and they don’t need to be sealed. While quartz is largely heat resistant, very high temperatures can burn the material, and it is not easy to repair if that happens.

An advantage of quartz counters is that they can come in a bright, solid white pattern. If you want to have a solid white counter and still use it comfortably for lots of cooking, this is a great option.

#3 Soapstone

Soapstone has been used in American kitchens for hundreds of years. Because soapstone is not porous like granite or marble, it is completely resistant to bacteria, make it one of the most naturally sanitary counters on the market. It is a natural heat conductor, so can withstand heat from pots and pans.

The one downside of soapstone is that it is softer than granite or quartz. It can scratch and nick easily with use . However, unlike granite or quartz, it’s easy to remove these marks. Light scratches can often just be wiped away with a wet cloth or some soapstone mineral oil. Deeper marks can be quickly removed by the homeowner with some steel wool and a bit of mineral oil.

Many homeowners actually love the look of a soapstone that’s been put to work. In southern European and Mediterranean countries, a worn counter is actually the sign of a good cook! If you want it to look like new, you can just use a soapstone treatment and wipe away any blemishes.

At Arch City Marble and Granite in St. Louis, we will help you pick the perfect countertop for your unique home and lifestyle needs. Visit one of our two showrooms today to talk to a countertop specialist and see full slabs of granite, quartz, and soapstone.

The post 3 Kitchen Countertop Recommendations for Home Owners Who Love to Cook appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Modern small kitchen interior with glass jars on natural stone countertop.
Source: istockphotos

But durability isn’t the only reason to consider soapstone. Here’s a look at four other reasons soapstone might work for you:

It’s virtually maintenance free. That’s right, all you need to keep your soapstone countertops looking fabulous is a mixture of mild soap and water. If you want to go the extra step, you can apply food-grade mineral oil once in a while, but that’s more cosmetic than anything.

If you are the type of person who likes to spend time doing something other than maintaining things around the house, soapstone might be perfect for you.

It’s sustainable. If you’re like most people and care about the environment, you can’t go wrong with soapstone. Once it is mined and fabricated, it will last for generations.

Soapstone is also incredibly versatile when it comes to working with a variety of decor options. So once it is installed, you can design around it to transform your kitchen from rustic to modern to somewhere in between.

It’s incredibly functional. You already know all about soapstone’s durability, which is why it’s used in science labs across the country. But you probably won’t be using any Bunsen burners in the kitchen. What you will be using is hot pots and pans, oils and acidic liquids.

With soapstone, you won’t have to worry about setting the hot pans directly on your counters. Nor will you have to worry about spills. Soapstone is one big hot pad that is impervious to staining.

It improves the overall value of your home. Your soapstone countertops will likely be in your home longer than you will be–and that’s a good thing. When you invest in soapstone in your kitchen, you can expect the value of your home to increase. Real estate experts consistently say that installing soapstone in the kitchen is a surefire way to increase a home’s value when you are ready to sell.

If you’re ready to install soapstone countertops in your home, want to know more about soapstone, or want to find the perfect slab for your kitchen, contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble.

The post 4 Reasons Soapstone Countertops Might Work for You appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Source: Istockphoto

It is, of course, soapstone.

If you want kitchen countertops that dazzle and distinguish your home from those of your neighbors, you want soapstone countertops. But before you commit to this all-natural soft stone, you need to know a little about its origins and attributes.

Here’s a quick primer on why soapstone countertops are such a great choice for you kitchen:

• Most of the soapstone used for countertops in St. Louis is quarried in Brazil, India and Finland.
• While soapstone countertops are almost always grey, there are those that have a green hue and those that turn black after being treated with mineral oil.
• Soapstone can include sparkling flecks and even veining, which can give it a sense of energy.
• Soapstone is impervious to heat, meaning you can actually set your hot pots, pans and coffee cups directly on your countertop surface.
• Even though soapstone is a soft natural stone, it is durable.
• Soapstone is resistant to etching from acids found in soda, wine, juice and other common ingredients used to make meals in the kitchen.
• Scratches and dings can typically be removed easily by using regular sandpaper.
• One of the things homeowners love about their soapstone countertops is the way it feels. It is a soft stone that has a pleasing, matte feel to it.
• Soapstone stands the test of time. And while it may darken with age, many homeowners find that the deep, rich color of their kitchen countertops adds depth and character to their kitchens.
• Soapstone is versatile, able to fit seamlessly into both classic and contemporary kitchens.
• Contrary to what many believe, soapstone is similar in price to high-end granite countertops. Soapstone ranges in cost from $80 to $85 per square foot.

Yes, soapstone is a venerable countertop material that stands the test of time. If you are interested in learning more about this beautiful, all-natural stone, contact the countertop design and fabrication experts at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

The post How Much do You Know About Soapstone Countertops? appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

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  Source: Arch City Granite

  Furniture-style kitchen cabinets. This year, the island in your kitchen could look more like a stylish, granite-topped dresser than a functional storage space. One of the hottest 2015 kitchen design trends is to add furniture-style design features to the cabinetry.

• A mix of the modern and the traditional. Sleek and cosmopolitan kitchen designs are so 2014. This year, people seem to be leaning toward combining the modern with the traditional. For example, dark-colored wood cabinets are being combined with magnificent white marble countertops.
• Stunning, stylish ceilings. It used to be easy to overlook ceilings. After all, they just played a supporting role, serving as nothing more than a place to put the lights. But in 2015, ceilings just might become the star of the kitchen stage. This year, you’ll start seeing more design elements, creative lighting and coffer ceilings.
• Dark colors–or more specifically: black. That’s right, one of the hottest 2015 kitchen design trends involves incorporating the color black (and dark, dark browns) into everything from the cabinets to the countertops. Painting cabinets black or choosing a slab of titanium granite for the countertops will soon be commonplace.
• Wide open spaces. Where kitchen design used to be all about making the most of the space you had, today’s kitchens are being designed to make more space. Open floor plans, kitchens designed without an abundance of cupboards and shelves hanging in the open will be popular this year. The goal is to make the kitchen more comfortable for entertaining, socializing and, yes, cooking, too.
• Smart investments. Some things never change, and that includes the importance of making smart investments. One of the 2015 kitchen design trends that seems to have staying power is making smart investments. That includes choosing building materials that will hold their value–like high-quality appliances, the best cabinets and natural stone countertops. Each of these building materials not only makes your kitchen a more enjoyable place, but each also increases the overall value of your home.

If you want to explore your natural stone options, contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble. They have a full array of granite, marble, quartz and soapstone countertops.

The post Renovating? Check out these 2015 kitchen design trends appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Source: Houzz

But, to fully appreciate the elegance soapstone, you need to understand what it is, and why it has such an intrinsically high aesthetic value.

Soapstone is an all-natural, quarried stone. It gets its name from its soft, or soapy, feeling surface which is caused by the presence of talc. Most of the stone that is used for kitchen countertops in the United States comes from the Appalachian mountain range; however, some is imported from Brazil and Finland.

The stone has long been popular as a countertop surface in science labs because of its durability. In recent years, it’s also been gaining in popularity in homes across the country because it doesn’t stain, it’s heat resistant and it looks absolutely fabulous.

If you’re considering joining the ranks of those who are incorporating it into their kitchens, you need to know the following:

• It comes in colors ranging from charcoal-gray to pitch-black to green. Regardless of what color you choose, it is sure to enhance the overall character of your kitchen.
• You can find it with marbling similar to that of granite. Soapstone with veining generally comes from Brazil.
• You can enrich the color of your countertop by applying mineral oil. Mineral oil, once applied, makes the stone darken several shades in color, giving it a full, rich aesthetic appeal.
• No two slabs are alike. Once you select your slab, you are sure to have a one-of-a-kind countertop.
• It is impervious to spills. One of the best features of the stone–besides its natural beauty–is that it is non-porous so you don’t have to worry about spilled wine, oil, coffee or tea causing hard-to-get-rid-of stains.

There is a lot more to know and love about soapstone, and the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble are available to help you understand and appreciate your options.

To learn more about it-ass well as other natural stone countertop options including granite, marble and even quartz (which isn’t technically an all-natural stone), contact  us at Arch City Granite & Marble today.

The post Kitchen Design 101: Bringing soapstone into the kitchen appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

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.

The post 5 Reasons to Invest in Soapstone Countertops appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Source: Kitchn

Soapstone countertops are durable, but easy to shape

Soapstone is dense, non-porous and heat-resistant – all good qualities for a countertop to have. However, because of soapstone’s high talc content, it’s also easy to carve and shape. This means you can carve unique design elements into your countertop. These might include integrated draining channels next to the sink for quick dish drying, or perhaps soap holders and small depressions, which can be used as pinch bowls.

Soapstone’s natural softness means that it may collect nicks and scratches, but this can be considered a part of its natural beauty. If you’d rather maintain a smooth countertop, just make sure to use cutting boards during food prep, and gently sandpaper out any irregularities that occur.

Soapstone countertops are low-maintenance

Because soapstone isn’t as porous as marble, it doesn’t need to be sealed for stain-resistance. And because soapstone itself is pH-neutral, you don’t have to worry about using pH-neutral cleaners on it. Acidic spills from vinegar and wine will also pose less of a threat to soapstone than to granite or marble.

Instead of sealing, soapstone just needs a quick wipe-down with a food-safe mineral oil upon installation. This will darken the stone (soapstone darkens naturally with age) and bring out an elegant sheen. Soapstone may not absorb all the mineral oil, but after 30 minutes, any excess can be wiped off. If your countertop starts to dull, a quick re-application of mineral oil will bring it back to showroom quality again.

Soapstone also has a high heat resistance, meaning hot pans can be placed directly on the stone without worrying about damage. While you might still use trivets in order to prevent any nicks or scratches to the counter, this can be useful if you need to move a hot dish off a crowded stove in a hurry.

If you want to learn more about how soapstone countertops can perform in your St. Louis home, don’t hesitate to contact us at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc!

The post What You Need to Know About Soapstone Countertops appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Because soapstone is naturally non-porous, it’s extremely stain resistant and incredibly durable. In fact, it’s able to withstand the day-to-day use and abuse that might cause other types of countertops to crack under the pressure. As a result, soapstone countertops require minimal maintenance. An initial oiling to bring out the natural beauty, followed by an additional oiling yearly is all that’s required.

Routine care of soapstone counters will have your kitchen standing out for years to come.

The Initial Oiling

The first oiling is the most important. After your soapstone countertops have been installed and the glue has had time to dry, mineral oil should be directly applied from the bottle onto the countertops. Then, use a rag to rub the entire surface until every inch is covered.

Let the oil sit on top of your soapstone countertops for about 30 minutes, and then wipe off any excess oil with a dry, clean rag. The initial oiling will bring out the natural beauty of your soapstone countertops.

Follow-Up Oiling

Remember, your soapstone countertops are non-porous, so they won’t necessarily soak up the mineral oil. Instead, it will evaporate over time and the color of your counters will begin to fade. When you notice this beginning to happen, it’s time for a follow-up oiling.

Addressing Scratches

Even though soapstone countertops are incredibly durable, they do scratch. The good news is that most scratches can be easily addressed by applying mineral oil. If the scratch is deeper, it may require sanding. When sanding is necessary, most people contact their fabrication and installation company specializing in removing deep scratches and repairing soapstone countertops.

Some people try to fix the scratches themselves by using sandpaper, between 120- and 220-grit, depending on how deep the scratch is, and then sanding the affected area in a circular motion. Once the scratch is gone, another round of follow-up oiling is required.

Soapstone countertops are naturally beautiful, durable and easy to clean and maintain. If you’d like more information about installing or caring for your soapstone countertops, contact Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. today.

Image Source: Better Homes and Gardens

The post A Guide to Properly Cleaning Soapstone Countertops appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Few other kitchen countertop materials are as coveted or as beautiful than those made from granite, marble, quartz or soapstone. All four stones share the aesthetic attributes that only Mother Nature can design, yet each is as distinct as the homeowners who have them installed in their homes. Find out which popular countertop material is the best fit for your living space below.

Source: houzz

Granite

Granite sits at the top the list of the most desirable kitchen countertop materials — and for good reason. It’s incredibly durable, as well as scratch- and heat-resistant. And, most importantly, it offers a timeless appeal that is both regal and sophisticated. Granite, more than any other material, complements most interior design styles, from classic to contemporary to transitional.

Source: Arch City

Marble

Marble countertops offer a level of elegance that can elevate a kitchen’s design to a level of luxury many dream of, but few are able to achieve, which is why it might surprise you to learn that marble countertops actually cost less than most granite countertops. However, marble is more expensive to maintain and is also more susceptible to scratches and stains than granite.

Source: Helen Norman via This Old House

Quartz

If what you desire are countertops that will distinguish your home from those of your friends and neighbors, consider quartz. Like granite and marble, quartz is a natural stone that adds a level of refined sophistication to your kitchen. Unlike granite and marble, it’s not 100 percent natural, since most quartz countertops are manufactured, crushed and combined with a binding agent to prevent cracking and chipping. Quartz is strong, beautiful, stain-resistant and very charming.

Source: The Kitchn

Soapstone

Soapstone is perhaps the most misunderstood of all the natural stones commonly used as kitchen countertop materials. Contrary to what’s widely believed about this stunning, relatively rare stone, it’s strong enough to be called scratch-resistant. And, soapstone is non-porous and isn’t likely to stain. It also brings in an understated, mellowing effect to every kitchen with its flat, matte color.

These are the natural stone kitchen countertop materials that have been carved and crafted by Mother Nature over the course of hundreds of thousands of years, and they can transform your kitchen from functional to fabulous in a matter of hours.

And when you’re preparing for a renovation, or designing a new home, be sure to contact Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. to transcend the average in kitchen design with one of these unique kitchen countertop materials.

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