Black Galaxy Granite contrasted with Honey glazed cabinets

In the past, you may have heard interior design experts say that dark colors should always be avoided in small spaces. However, as the field of design continues to expand, more designers are willing to challenge these rules and break away from tradition to create unique, memorable spaces. But is it okay to use dark countertops in a small kitchen?

Dark Colors in Small Spaces

The advice to avoid dark colors in small rooms comes from the idea that lighter colors will make the room seem more spacious and open. Darker colors, on the other hand, can make the room seem even narrower and cramped if they aren’t used properly. However, this does not mean that you should never use a dark color in a small space. On the contrary, dark colors can be beautiful even in a small space if you apply them carefully.

Tips for Dark Countertops in Small Kitchens

Deciding to place a dark countertop in a small kitchen may not be the most popular choice among designers or homeowners, but it can be breathtaking if you do it right.

Here are some tips to help you make your kitchen as appealing as possible.

Tip 1: Pair dark countertops with light cabinetry.

In general, having both dark countertops and dark cabinetry will make a small kitchen seem even smaller. However, selecting a lighter cabinet color instead will give you the contrast you need to avoid this problem. The contrast itself can also be striking, making your kitchen more appealing and memorable. 

Also read: How to match granite and cabinets

Tip 2: Choose lighter wall colors.

The risk of a kitchen looking smaller because of a dark countertop is nearly as serious as the risk that comes with darker walls. While a lighter wall reflects light and gives the illusion of additional space, a darker wall has the opposite effect. Although dark walls can sometimes be used in a small kitchen successfully, they should generally be avoided if you have already chosen a dark countertop.

Tip 3: Add spaciousness in other ways.

If you have already chosen a dark countertop and you are worried about the size of your kitchen, you can make other small design choices that make it feel more spacious. For example, while some floor patterns may actually make your kitchen look smaller, others can make it look larger. Examples include floor patterns that include large diamonds or chevrons. Choosing cabinetry with glass inserts and maximizing storage space to cut down on clutter can also make your kitchen seem more open and spacious.

Tip 4: Consult a stone design professional.

If you aren’t sure whether you are making the right decision with regard to dark countertops, or if you want to make sure that your dark countertops will add beauty to your kitchen without making it seem cramped, consulting a design professional is the best way to put your mind at ease. A design professional can help you make the best decision based on the specifics of your situation and your design goals.

Dark countertops can be beautiful and are available in a wide variety of different materials, including granite, marble and quartz. Even if you have a small kitchen, you can still use these colors in your kitchen successfully if you make the right choices and plan carefully.

The stone design experts at Arch City Granite in St. Louis will be happy to help you achieve all of your design goals.

The post Can A Small Kitchen Look Good With Dark Countertops? [Updated for 2022] appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Top White Granite Colors in 2022 – Updated January 2022

Are you looking to make a trendy yet timeless upgrade to your kitchen or bathroom? Look no further than white granite countertops. In addition to uniquely brightening up your living space, white granite counters add elegance with no sacrifice of durability.

Natural granite is a hard and nonporous stone, making it a brilliant choice for kitchen counters and other high-traffic areas of your home. Meanwhile, white continues to fit in with the modern design because of its chic, clean aesthetic.

But all white granite countertops aren’t created equal. For starters, there’s no pure white granite in all of nature. Instead, when we talk about white granite, we’re talking about a predominant background of white or off-white bedrock with various other colors subtly mixed in. Because of this, white granite boasts astounding versatility and can beautifully complement many different cabinet colors.

With so many hues to choose from, how do you know which white granite shade suits your style? Read on for a roundup of 12 go-to white granite colors for 2022 and beyond. Visit our St. Louis or O’Fallon locations to see these colors and more!

1. Alaska White

Alaska White Granite slab – Granite with White background and brown, grey, and black specks

Alaska White’s name belies its origins. This show-stopping shade doesn’t actually hail from The Last Frontier, but instead comes from Brazil. However, this white granite’s stunning blend of cool and warm colors, including icy silver, frosty white, rich cocoa and deep onyx, bring to mind the stunning Alaskan landscape. Featuring slight movement with moderate variations in color, tone, granularity and pattern, Alaska White has a contemporary feel which suits both dark and light cabinets. Its brown veining pairs beautifully with wood.

While Alaska White is at the higher end of the white granite price range, it’s still affordable at $65 to $75 per square foot installed.

2. Alps White

White Granite Color of choice – Alps White from Brazil

Alps White features a contrast of glimmering white crystals, Bordeaux flecks and bold black — all against a warm, white background. Imported from Brazil, this sophisticated shade works well with many different design styles, including everything from traditional to contemporary kitchens. Whether you’re looking for stunning countertops or a dazzling backsplash, accent wall or floor, Alps White has slight movement and variation for added visual appeal.

At $58 to $65 per square foot installed, Alps White is at the middle of the price range for white granite.

3. Andino White

Andino White Granite from Brazil – A beautiful White and Gray granite with beige and charcoal accents

Soft shades of white and gray granite intermingle with beige and charcoal accents in this high-performance, low-maintenance granite. Quarried in Brazil, Andino White granite offers a uniform appearance that can vary from brilliant white to a more muted look depending on the slab. As with most other shades of white granite, Andino White is highly versatile to complement both light and dark cabinets. Our pick when decorating with Andino White? Espresso cabinets with sleek stainless steel appliances. For a more traditional aesthetic, Andino White is gorgeous with natural oak.

Andino White is available at an affordable price point — particularly when you factor in its durability. Expect to pay between $58 and $65 per square foot installed.

4. Colonial White

Colonial White – A white granite from India with creamy off-white background mixed with black and garnet speckles

While most white granites come from Brazil, Colonial White joins a select few that come from India. Featuring a foundation of creamy off-white bedrock, Colonial White has black speckles and smoky silver accent colors. A hint of rose-pink mineral deposits is also a defining feature of Colonial White. If you’re looking for light granite that’ll add warmth to your kitchen, Colonial White is a winner. When paired with stark white cabinets, Colonial White countertops soften a space while having a more dramatic effect alongside darker cabinets. Colonial White’s slight movement and variation mean it offers a continuous and cohesive feel.

While Colonial White has an upscale appearance, it’s an affordable $55 to $60 per square foot installed.

5. New River White

New River White – A light background granite from India with dramatic veining flowing the entire slab

This picturesque light granite consists of an alabaster bedrock speckled with dark red flecks and rich silver veining. Imported from India, New River White offers a great deal of variation, making it a dramatic and dynamic addition to any living space. While other granites may feature mineral deposits similar to New River White’s crimson accents, only this color has them in such magnificent abundance. Choosing cabinets that highlight this quality is the best way to showcase New River White countertops. White cabinets are an obvious choice for complementing New River White, but darker cabinets also provide appealing contrast.

Because of New River White’s inherent beauty, it’s in great demand. Still, it’s a mid-range white granite at $55 to $60 per square foot installed.

6. Moon White

White Granite – Moon White is a bright white granite with uniform color throughout the slab

Quarried in India, Moon White embodies the exquisiteness implied by its name. Bright ivory, silver-gray, and bold black are a few of the colors that speckle and swirl in this fine and intricate light granite. One of the whiter shades of granite, Moon White can also have a subtle yellow undertone. It’s relatively uniform in color compared to other white granites and has been described as “mesmerizing” for its unique appearance. As with many granite colors, Moon White is highly versatile. One particularly striking combination? Moon White granite with white cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances.

Moon White granite has many appeals, including its price of just $45 to $49 per square foot installed.

7. Mystic Spring

Mystic Spring – A White Granite from Brazil with dramatic veining with rich blend of grays and whites

This durable light granite from Brazil features a fine, intricate blend of grays and whites enhanced by dramatic veining in shades of darker gray and jet black. Versatility is a hallmark of Mystic Spring granite — it pairs perfectly with many other premium surfaces, including everything from porcelain tiles to mosaics. Comparatively uniform in movement and variation, Mystic Spring is an elevating addition to the traditional decor and exudes polished warmth when partnered with darker tones.

Mystic Spring is at the top of the range when it comes to white granite pricing. Expect to pay between $62 and $69 per square foot installed.

8. Salinas White

Salinas White – A creamy and bone-white granite from Brazil with bright Onyx speckles

Quarried in Brazil, this creamy, bone-white stone features dense clusters of onyx speckles with lower-contrast accents of light pewter and smoky tan accents. Beloved by decorators for its subtle shimmer, Salinas White is lovely for both interior and exterior applications. As with other light granites, Salinas White, which is comparatively consistent in terms of variation, is heralded for its versatility. While it coordinates well with many colors and decorating styles, it remarkably contrasts dark woodwork in traditional settings.

At $58 to $65 per square foot installed, Salinas White is a mid-range white granite.

9. White Ice

White Ice – A white and creamy background stone with rich blue & gray veining

When homeowners talk about White Ice granite, words like “love” and “obsessed” frequently enter the conversation. This versatile and chic shade from Brazil has a snowy sheen accented by dark veining in hues of blue and gray. The result? A sleek and streamlined look that’s an ideal addition to contemporary, cool-toned kitchens. While many shades work well with White Ice, grays, metallic and stainless steel appliances are powerful choices for this light granite with minimal movement. Dark neutrals deliver contrast that truly “pops.”

Priced at $58 to $65 per square foot installed, White Ice offers transformative appeal to many living spaces.

10. White Valley

White Valley – A new white granite color from Brazil with abundance of gray veining running throughout the slab

White Valley granite’s winsome white background is elevated by tonal shades of gray veining running throughout the slabs. Imported from Brazil, this dramatic stone adds welcoming warmth to any kitchen. It also offers plenty of visual interest and depth, thanks to its abundance of movement. If you’re angling to add an air of sophistication and elegance to your kitchen, White Valley comprises a classic aesthetic with unprecedented versatility that blends beautifully with many design styles.

White Valley is a mid-range light granite with a price tag of $58 to $65 per square foot installed.

11. White Ornamental

Ornamental White – A light granite from Brazil with soft white, creams, taupes, tans and grays

What do you get when you combine soft whites, creams, taupes, tans and grays in low variations? This lovely and timeless light granite. Imported from Brazil, White Ornamental granite may be subtle in color, but it makes a seriously sophisticated statement when incorporated into kitchen designs. It’s well-suited for monotone environments but can be accented with contrasting cabinetry and accessorized with vibrant pops of color for a high-impact look.

Ornamental White offers a luxurious look at a less-than-luxury price. Expect to pay just $45 to $49 per square foot installed for this popular white granite.

12. White Spring

White Spring – Beautiful light granite from Brazil with crystal-white bedrock mixed with white, gray and crimson hues

Mined in southern Brazil, White Spring granite is a true classic. Featuring a backdrop of crystal-white bedrock, White Spring is noteworthy for its alluringly rambling, high-variation veining in white, gray and crimson hues. Plus, while White Spring is very much pure white, it can appear darker in color due to its dense mineral veining. Cherry and mahogany cabinets bring out White Spring’s dramatic red accents, while white cabinets offer dramatic contrast.

Due to its distinctive appearance, White Spring is at the higher end of white granite price at $62 to $69 per square foot installed.

There’s a reason why the words “white granite” and “dream kitchen” often go hand in hand. If you’ve been fantasizing about white granite countertops, you’re sure to find just the right elegant and enduring shade among these 12 trending colors.

Why White Granite?

If you want new countertops in your kitchen, white granite is an excellent choice. Some of the advantages of this material include:

• Aesthetic appeal: Vibrant white granite countertops can brighten up your kitchen, leaving a remarkable first impression on your guests. White countertops have specks and variations that make each slab unique.
• Spacious look: The brightness of white granite countertops widens your kitchen. Whether you have a small kitchen or want to make your large one more luxurious, white granite will add dimension to your living space and give it a light, airy feeling.
• Goes with any color: White granite countertops match any other color you may have in your kitchen. You may want a stark contrast against your black flooring or a subtle transition from your beige cabinetry. Since they come in various shades, you can find the exact color you want to match your design.
• Timeless appearance: White is a timeless color that’s always in style. You may use it in your classic, traditional kitchen or your modern living space.
• Durability: Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, so it can withstand most of the activity that takes place in the kitchen. When you seal it properly, granite is resistant to stains, cutting, heat and scraping. As a result, you can have peace of mind your white granite countertops will maintain their appearance for many years.

Is White Granite Hard to Maintain?

The answer is no. White granite kitchen countertops are easy to maintain, as long as you keep up with your cleaning routine. Follow these tips to care for your countertops:

• Wipe up crumbs and debris every day: Clean the grime off your white granite countertops with hot water and a sponge or cloth. It helps to clean them at the end of each day to avoid debris buildup. Aside from this routine cleaning, it’s also best to wipe up spills as soon as you notice them.
• Deep clean once a week: Move the small appliances and dish racks you may have on your white granite countertops to get rid of hidden grime. You can use mild detergent and warm water to clean up this residue.
• Polish once a month: Use a granite polisher once a month to restore your white granite countertops’ shine.
• Test the seal once a year: Depending on your specific product, you may want to seal your white granite countertops each year to improve their resistance to moisture, heat and wear.

When to Choose White Granite Over Marble

Marble and granite are both similar countertop materials that can each add unique value to your home. Marble is an attractive, luxurious option for your living space, but it’s not as resistant to wear and tear as white granite. You’ll also need to seal marble countertops more often than you would seal granite countertops. If you’re a family with kids or use your kitchen often to entertain guests, you may want to choose white granite instead because of its ease of maintenance.

White Granite Slabs at Arch City Granite in St. Louis, Missouri

At Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc., we strive to provide you with the best selection of granite slabs, including all the popular white granite colors described above. Selecting the right granite color for your project isn’t always easy, but our project managers will work with you to find the right countertop for your home.

Arch City Granite is one of the very few granite showrooms in St. Louis that stocks over 100 colors of granite, quartz, marble and soapstone. We also offer full-service countertops fabrication and installation to St. Louis homeowners.

When you want the best kitchen countertops, you need Arch City Granite.

People Also Read:

• Tips on Measuring Your Kitchen Countertops for an Accurate Quote
• The Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors in 2022 [Updated!!]
• Can a Quartz Countertop Take the Heat?
• Granite Colors that will Match with Oak Cabinets Perfectly
• Frequently Asked Questions

The post Top Trending White Granite Colors in 2022 [Updated!] appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

You should never put a burner-hot pan directly onto a countertop or table. Most of us learn this during our first cooking experience, one way or another. Why not, you ask? Most countertops are solid stone, right? And you can place hot things on stone without damaging it.

This is true, solid stone countertops take very little damage from a hot pan. But most countertops are not 100% stone. Even a nice granite counter has a surface layer of sealant that prevents water from seeping into the slightly porous natural stone. Regular heat application to your countertops can discolor, melt, and even peel back the sealant on a slab countertop. However, quartz countertops are a little different.

Quick Answer: Can Quartz Counters Take the Heat?

Unlike natural stone, Quartz countertops should not be exposed to hot pots and pans. A quartz countertop can withstand up to about 150 F before it takes damage. The most common result is a discolored ring on your countertop if a hot pan touches the quartz countertop surface. Fortunately, a few normal safety measures in the kitchen can protect your countertops and your hands from the usual kitchen burns. With the potholders and trivets we all learned to use as kids, your quartz countertops are completely safe.

Quartz Counters are Composite Stone Slabs

Not all stone countertops are cut from solid slabs. Quartz countertops are a manmade composite stone, made from 93% quartz chips held together by a very strong resin. Composite stone is artificial stone made from stone chips and resin sealed and cured together to imitate a natural stone slab.

When the quartz slab is mixed, the quartz and resin are combined with color elements that determine the primary color of the countertop along with chips and flakes that will act as part of the decorative grain of the artificial slab. Composite quartz slabs are then poured and cool to an extremely hard, stone reminiscent of natural solid slabs. 

Benefits of Composite Stone Countertops

While quartz counters are uniquely manmade, they also have a few tech upgrades from mother nature’s modern stone. The resin that binds the quartz together is water-tight, unlike granite countertops, and serves as its own sealant. The layers of tightly packed quartz chips also form an extremely hard surface, more difficult to damage even than granite countertops.

Homeowners who choose quartz also have the freedom to choose the color, grain, and style of countertops beyond what natural stone can offer.

Quartz Countertops on the Molecular Level

• Natural Stone
  • Crystalline molecular structure
  • Very heat resistant
  • Porous
• Quartz Composite
  • Resin composite slab
  • Up to 150 F heat resistance
  • Water-tight and stain-resistant

Natural stone is a crystalline formation. The molecules of stone fit together in a geometric pattern that is locked in like a grid. This is what makes stone so strong. Quartz slabs, however, are not locked together at the crystaline molecular level. Instead, the quartz chips that make the counter so strong are held together by a powerful hardened resin. This is why you will need to treat a quartz countertop a little differently from granite, marble, or soapstone counters.

Natural stone, however, is also porous and must be sealed to prevent water (and other kitchen liquids) from seeping through. A natural stone countertop must be re-sealed every few years though the stone will last forever. Quartz counters are equally durable but are already water-tight on a molecular level due to the resin sealing the entire slab together.

Quartz Countertops are Damaged by High Temperatures

The one limitation of quartz countertops is that the resin is not as heat-resistant as natural stone. If you place a hot pan on a quartz composite countertop, you can scorch the surface and leave a permanent spot of discoloration. The most common result is a ring left by the bottom of a hot pan or pot. When the top resin layer is scorched, it usually darkens and changes color. The ring may be an empty ring or 

Heat Damage to Stone Slab Countertops

Exposed natural stone does not take heat damage. So why then is it also possible to scorch rings onto granite and marble countertops? You may have encountered heat-damaged stone counters in the past and are wondering about that natural heat resistance. The answer is in the sealant finish. Natural stone is porous so to avoid moisture wicking and stains, a water-tight sealant layer is added to the surface of most natural stone slab countertops.

That sealant layer can be scorched, making the counter appear damaged. The good news is removing and replacing the sealant can repair natural stone scorch rings. With quartz composite, however, the scorch may go deeper and be more difficult to repair.

How to Protect Your Quartz Countertops from Heat Damage

• Use Potholders  and Trivets
• Keep Hand Towels Handy
• Lay Out Heat Mats
• Protect Your Curling Iron
• Serve from Separate Serving Dishes
• Keep Your Sink Clear

Use Potholders and Trivets

Potholders are cloth (and now silicon) squares of thick flexible material. They let you grab the hot handles of pots from the stove and reach for pans in the oven. They can also be slipped underneath a pot to protect the counter or table surface.

A trivet is a potholder designed for the countertop or table. They may be thicker or more rigid than potholders and can be quite decorative. Keep your potholders and trivets handy so one is always available when it’s time to handle or set down a hot dish.

Lay Out Heat Mats and Towels

Heat mats are like large trivets and are made from a variety of materials. Wood blocks, bamboo rolls, silicone mats, and even hand towels can do the job. If you know you’re about to be juggling hot pans, heat mats create safe counter space where the pans can be set down without damaging the counter.

Protect Your Curling Iron

For quartz countertops in the bathroom, be especially careful with curling irons and straightening plates. Any hot part of these hair tools can leave scorch marks on the counter. Make use of spoon rests or a stylish trivet-like mat in the bathroom so there’s always a safe place to put the curling iron.

Serve Out of Serving Dishes

While your pan may be upwards of 200 F, the food inside likely isn’t. Spoon or pour your finished recipes into separate serving dishes. The bottoms of these dishes will warm up but won’t get dangerously hot. Then you don’t need a trivet on the counter or table where the meal is served.

Keep the Sink Clear for Hot Pans

Finally, make sure there’s some sink space for each meal’s set of hot pans. The best way to clean a pan is with a splash of soap and water when it’s still sizzling hot, and the best way to get a now-empty pan out of your way is to drop it in the sink. If the sink is empty, you won’t be tempted to drop a hot pan on the counter when you’re distracted by an involved multi-stage recipe.

Installing or Replacing Quartz Countertops

If a quartz countertop completes your dream kitchen remodel, don’t stress it. When you take sealant into consideration, Quartz countertops take no more care than a sealed natural stone countertop. We’ll gladly help you install your new quartz counters and share helpful pointers on how to keep your counters looking beautiful for years. 

If you have an older quartz countertop that already has a few burn scars, we’ll gladly replace your old counters with a new design of your choice.  A new countertop is your chance to take personal care of the counters and keep those surfaces pristine without mistakes of the past marring the surface.

Whatever your countertop needs, Arch City Granite is here to make your kitchen and bathroom dreams into reality.

People Also Read:

• 12 Trending White Granite Colors in 2022 [Updated]
• Tips on Measuring Your Kitchen Countertops for an Accurate Quote
• The Most Popular Quartz Countertop Colors in 2022 [Updated]
• Granite Colors that will Match with Oak Cabinets Perfectly
• Frequently Asked Questions

The post Can a Quartz Countertop Take the Heat? appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Quartz kitchen island

If you are just now adding an island to your kitchen, you may be struggling with how to match it to your current countertops and kitchen design. A beautiful kitchen island can really bring a kitchen together, as well as provide a place to have snacks or quick meals, a more convenient cooking area and a central location for kids to grab lunches or snacks on their way to school or activities.

Quartz will not only give you the strength for a long-lasting investment, but this engineered countertop allows for more flexibility in design.

Should I Choose Quartz for My Kitchen Island?

Quartz is an excellent choice for a kitchen island. Quartz countertop is made from an industrial fabrication of quartz stone, resins and some other materials. Not only can you have a more customizable look, but quartz creation leads to it being non-porous. Whether the kids spill juice on the island or your water glass leaves a sweat ring, you’re in the clear. Waterproof quartz will hold its brilliance and wipe up clean.

Quartz’s waterproof nature also means you do not have to worry about bacteria infiltrating your quartz. Cooking can inevitably lead to the spread of bacteria and cross-contamination that even the best cleaning cannot always fix. Rest assured with quartz that bacteria won’t be lingering in after your countertop clean up.

Quartz is also quite durable, although the edges can chip, and it is not quite as heat-resistant as granite. However, you can round the edges to avoid chipping, and your quartz countertop should be fully resistant to normal kitchen wear and tear.

Selecting the Right Quartz for Your Kitchen

There are so many color and pattern possibilities when it comes to quartz countertops, and the only way to be sure you have found the right one for you is to see it up close. When you pick out your quartz at a showroom, you sidestep the potential disappointment of finding out your finished countertop doesn’t look like the picture or sample led you to expect.

Our showroom is open and experts available anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and anytime between 9 a.m. and before 3 p.m. on Saturday. Visit us to pick out your kitchen island quartz this week, or contact us for more information!

The post Quartz Kitchen Islands appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Granite bathroom vanity tops

Home bathrooms have gone from a no-frills necessity to a key focus in design and buying. Thanks to popular home improvement TV shows, social media and the growing number of online photo sharing apps, we see more and more elaborate bathrooms.

 A key element of many modern bathrooms is the vanity. Will you have a double sink? Will you have free-floating sinks? Should you install countertops and cabinets? How do you make your first stop in the morning and last stop at night a room you’ll love as much as any other?

Selecting the Right Granite for Your Lifestyle

In addition to being beautiful, scratch-resistant and almost entirely heat and humidity-proof, each slab of granite has its own distinctive appearance. Even slabs with the same general color and style have a unique pattern that only your bathroom will feature. These elements are important because not only is style important to daily pleasure and home resale value, durability and stone quality matter to your everyday peace of mind.

The family bathroom will endure high humidity from showers, spills and messes from kids and everything in between you can imagine. Granite is strong enough to survive the bathroom chaos and clean up beautifully at the end of the day.

Work With Experts to Get the Right Look for Your Bathroom

If you are taking the step to find a granite bathroom vanity, you are probably trying to create the perfect bathroom environment. But, you are also probably not an interior decorator. You may have a good idea of what you want your new bathroom and vanity to look like, or you may have a vague idea. Either way, you will probably need some help, and we at Arch City Granite have the expertise to provide it.

We want you to have a fabulous new granite vanity for your bathroom as soon as possible. Why not come in and see us today? Our showroom is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Our team is ready and waiting to help you complete your dream bathroom as soon as possible. Visit our showroom or contact us for more information!

The post Granite Vanity Tops for Your Bathroom appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Granite kitchen island

A classic kitchen island is the perfect finishing touch when it comes to your home kitchen décor. Kitchen islands look great, help create a unified look in your kitchen and can be extremely convenient, whether you need some extra room for ingredients while you are cooking, communal space to enjoy a quick breakfast or a launching point for lunches and supplies when getting your kids off to school.

Is Granite the Right Choice for Your Kitchen Island?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, granite remains the preferred kitchen island countertop material for American interior designers. Why? Because in addition to being extremely durable, granite is quite beautiful and can come in styles and colors that blend in seamlessly with a wide range of kitchen decors.

Consider the durability you will need for normal family operations. Will you be doing a lot of cooking on the island? Is its main use going to be for show or dining? Other softer materials may be adequate for more vanity related kitchen island goals, but for an island that will be a family focal point, granite is the way to go.

Work With Experts to Craft the Perfect Granite Island

The island in the center of your kitchen will become the focal point of the room. It’s imperative that you carefully select your stone color and edges so that you truly love your new home addition. Careful selection will also help you improve your home’s value in the long run.

At Arch City, we always have experts on-site during business hours to help you. If you’re looking for granite for your kitchen island, let us know, and one of our experts will provide you with a free stone design consultation. Tell us about your kitchen and your goals for your kitchen island, and we will steer you in the right direction.

If you are ready for a beautiful new kitchen island with a gorgeous granite countertop, there is no time like the present. Come and visit us today at our Page Industrial Blvd showroom. We are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or stop by Saturday after 9 a.m. and before 3 p.m. We look forward to seeing you soon! Feel free to contact us for more information.

The post Creating Your Granite Kitchen Island appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Bathroom vanity top

Unless you’ve custom built your home, you’re working with a bathroom built by someone else. It could be far bigger than you need or a tight fit all around. Custom cutting a granite countertop can add lasting value to any size or shape bathroom.

Granite countertops extend far beyond the kitchen and are not limited to one-size-fits-all applications. With the experts at Arch City, you can create a vanity to meets your bathroom needs.

Getting the Look You Want in Your Bathroom

You can absolutely get a custom bathroom vanity, and you should demand nothing less when choosing your bathroom décor. You should, however, be mindful of your family’s needs. If you have young children, square edges on your custom vanity top may not be the best choice. You may even consider creating a custom child height sink to help the youngest members of your family.

Our experts can help you determine what color granite will work with your overall bathroom vision, how it will need to be cut for your sink choice and even the best edges for your home.

Is Granite the Best Choice for Your Bathroom?

Do you really want a granite vanity top? If you want to add real long term value to your home, rest-assured that your countertops can stand up to day-to-day family use, and have gorgeous countertops in your bathroom, granite is the best choice. With distinctive patterns and brilliant colors, your granite vanity can fill you with delight every time you walk into the bathroom, enhancing feelings of durability, reliability, cleanliness and luxury in your bathroom.

How to Choose Your Custom Vanity Top

The best way to pick your custom vanity top is to come to our showroom. We have more than 100 colors of full stone slabs to choose from, and it may be difficult to make a decision. Just let one of our on-site experts know you need some assistance to get a totally free stone design consultation.

We’re ready to help you choose your dream custom granite vanity top and start enjoying your new bathroom right away. All you have to do is drop by our showroom now. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come on in and see us, or contact us for more information!

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Quartz Countertop

One of the most prized materials when it comes to choosing a countertop is quartz. Low-maintenance, beautiful and available in a wide array of colors, this engineered stone can be fabricated to perfectly meet your needs with respect to your kitchen or bathroom countertops.

Why Visit a Quartz Countertop Showroom?

Quartz is one of the hardest and durable surfaces available for counters. It’s also far more customizable than granite or other natural stones. A quartz showroom is a place that features a wide selection of quartz slab options to help you choose the right one for your countertops.

While you can get some idea of what a quartz countertop will be like from a picture, keep in mind that your quartz countertop will probably be with you for a very long time. Before it becomes a permanent fixture of your home, don’t you want to know what it looks and feels like up close? When you come into our showroom, you can choose the exact slab of quartz we will use to make your countertop.

How to Select the Right Quartz for Your Home

Not sure exactly what you want? Are you struggling between two colors or patterns that both seem like appropriate choices? Are you unsure if the color of quartz you like will pair well with the cabinets and appliances you chose? With an investment like quartz, it’s normal to ask these kinds of questions.

Fortunately, when you come to our showroom, not only will you be able to choose your own quartz, you will get all the help you need. We offer free stone design consultations with our experts to help make sure you get exactly the quartz you want. Bring pictures of your cabinet doors, flooring, wall paint and other features of your home so we can better match you with the right quartz.

Our experts are always ready and waiting to help new customers find their dream quartz countertop material. So stop on in anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, and we can get started! You can also contact us anytime for more information.

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Arch City Granite & Marble Stone Showroom

A granite countertop is often the key element that pulls a kitchen together. The right material and look for your countertop can create a combination of durability and elegance that can elevate the feel of any interior décor. Before purchasing a granite countertop, however, it is of critical importance that you visit a granite countertop showroom. What you see online may vary from inventory in a showroom and when you fall in love with a color and pattern, you want to ensure you can have just that.

Countertop showrooms provide the perfect opportunity to see exactly what a granite company has to offer. You can look at hundreds of pictures of slabs for countertops, but they can never fully capture how a particular countertop will look and feel. The only way to get the full experience of what your countertop will be like once installed is to see and feel it up close.

When it comes to countertop showrooms in the St.Louis area, you won’t find better than Arch City Granite and Marble. At Arch City, we have a huge facility containing more in-stock slabs for viewing than any other stone fabricator around. You can see more than 100 colors of full slabs of stone at our facility. We offer multiple colors granite that you have to see to appreciate. Many of these colors, such as Blue Bahia, Monte Cristo, New River White and Andino White, have nuances you will want to examine closely before making a decision.

Not only will you be more confident in your final decision when it comes to the color and material of your countertop after you experience the possibilities for yourself, but you can also benefit from our personalized, expert advice when you come to an Arch City showroom to choose your granite countertop.

Working With an Expert to Select Your Granite Countertop

Exploring granite options online and through social media is not the same as getting up close to the actual slabs. Lighting and filters can dramatically change how a countertop looks in a photo. What you see online may be a perfect vision for your dream kitchen, and you can reassure that dream by seeing your granite in the showroom.

We know it is very important that you get this right. After all, this is an investment in your home. When you visit our showroom, we’re happy to offer a free stone design consultation. Once you have seen our gorgeous countertops in person, one of our experts will be happy to take the time to work with you to help you decide which products may be right for the goals of your project.

We’re ready to make your decision on the perfect countertop for your project a lot easier. Our showroom is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come by and let us help you find the perfect granite countertop today, or contact us for more information! 

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Kitchen Countertops with Taj Mahal Quartzite

Quartzite countertops have become the most-coveted countertop choices in recent times across the United States. Homeowners, interior designers, kitchen and bath dealers, etc. have all begun to think about using different colors of quartzite slabs (e.g., Taj Mahal, Sea Pearl, White Macaubas) quarried and imported from Brazil for their kitchen projects.

Popular Quartzite Colors

Comparing prices of different stone materials

The cost of quartzite countertops tends to be much higher when compared to granite and quartz countertops.

“Why is the cost of quartzite so high?” is a common question answered by project managers at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. in St. Louis, MO. The purpose of this article is to educate homeowners, interior designers, and others about the price of quartzite countertops.

Before going into the details as to the reasons for the higher cost of quartzite, let us compare the price range of most popular natural stones, such as granite, marble, soapstone, and quartzite. We will also discuss the prices of quartz countertops (not to be confused with the quartzite stone we are talking about here!)

Quartz and quartzite stones are two entirely different materials. Quartzite is a natural stone quarried from the earth just like granite, marble, or soapstone. Quartz is a material man made in an industrial environment by mixing naturally found quartz crystals and epoxy materials. Q-Quartz, Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone are some of the name brands that manufacture and distribute quartz countertops.

Following are the ranges of prices per square foot installed of 3 cm slabs, including material, measuring, fabrication, and installation costs. We have to consider that there may be additional costs involved if there is more-than-average wastage of material during the project. Additional costs will apply for add-ons like upgraded edges (stacked edge profiles or mitered, built-up edges), waterfall islands, etc.

Granite prices are $45 to $75 per sq. ft., installed. In exceptionally rare and beautiful granite colors like Fusion Granite or Blue Bahia granite, there may be exceptions to this price range. Prices may range from $150 to $240, depending on type.

Marble countertops prices are $59 to $90 per sq. ft., installed. Some very high-end marble slabs such as Calacatta Gold and Imperial Danby will cost much more. For example, Calacatta Gold Marble from Verona, Italy, ranges in price from $180 to $300, depending on the quality of the batch.

Soapstone countertops: $75 to $90 per sq. ft., installed.

Quartz (man-made stone): $55 to $90 per sq. ft., installed.

Quartzite countertops: $90 to $150 per sq. ft., installed

Scarcity or rarity of the material compared to granite

Unlike the vast tracts of land with granite quarries that are found in Brazil and India, quartzite stone quarries are comparatively rare, which makes the availability of quartzite materials scarce.  

Unavoidable wastage of material while quarrying

Taj Mahal quartzite quarry in Brazil (Photo courtesy – Antolini.com)

In order to cut the slabs of stone, big blocks of stone (granite, quartzite, and marble) must be carved out from the quarry. In granite, finding large enough blocks of rock is not difficult. Unlike granite deposits, quartzite deposits are very fragmented with cracks and fissures, and finding large enough blocks of quartzite is difficult. For every ideal-sized block, two or three smaller blocks must be sacrificed.

Simply put, the yield from a quartzite quarry is much less when compared to other natural stones.

More time to cut and extract and more consumption of cutting supplies

Since quartzite is a much harder and more abrasive stone than any other natural stone, including granite, it takes more time to cut it and extract the blocks from the quarry. It also needs more diamond blades, diamonds wires, and diamond polishing heads, etc., which results in higher cost of inputs.

High demand worldwide for Quartzite slabs

Quartzite is so beautiful that designers, architects, and homeowners around the world love to have it in their projects. This brings demand to very high level for a material that is not available in abundant quantities. The theory of supply and demand works here as well!

Difficulty in cutting and polishing of Quartzite material into countertops

Quartzite has to be cut with three passes even on the best stone machines!

Quartzite is a very hard and abrasive material. Stone-cutting machines with diamond blades that are normally used to cut through the entire thickness of 3 cm granite slab cannot cut the quartzite material in one pass.

In the case of quartzite slabs, even the most sophisticated machines like a Fusion Saw-Jet cannot cut the entire depth of 3 cm thickness in one pass. We have to program the machine to cut it in increments that take from three to five passes. That means it takes three to five times longer to cut the quartzite compared to granite slabs.

Polishing the edge profiles takes much longer time than it does granite material. It is not an exaggeration to say that cutting and fabricating quartzite slabs are kind of a nightmare for a fabricator without modern stone-cutting equipment.

Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc. is a leader in the fabrication and installation of quartzite countertops in St. Louis, Missouri. We have state-of-the art equipment and highly experienced stone fabricators to handle the quartzite fabrication.

We stock full slabs of premium quartzite stone, such as Taj Mahal, Sea Pearl, Azul Treasure, Florida Wave, Calacatta Macaubas, and White Macaubas.

Visit our showroom to hand-pick your quartzite slabs. We use in-house teams to measure, fabricate, and install our products.

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