When you walk into a bathroom designed with marble or granite in St. Louis, you know you are walking into a space of luxury. This is why granite and marble have always been, and continue to be, popular choices in bathroom remodels. Choosing your stone for the bathroom, however, needs to be done with both functionality and style in mind. This is because of the different characteristics of each type of stone and the amount of maintenance and care they need, whether you are using marble or granite countertops in your bathroom.

When to Use Marble in a Bathroom Remodel

There’s no question about it—marble exudes class. It is a fabulous choice for occasionally used guest bathrooms. Marble is a metamorphic rock with a lot of calcium carbonate in it. If you have ever poured a can of soda over some limestone and watched it eat away at the rock, you will have some understanding of how calcium carbonate responds to harsh cleaners, spilled toiletries and cosmetics, as well as otherwise heavy daily use.

No, the marble won’t bubble and dissolve before your very eyes—it’s much stronger than its cousin limestone, because marble is metamorphic instead of sedimentary (like limestone). This means that the calcium carbonate in the marble has undergone significant geological forces of heat and pressure to harden and change its composition into something that can be cut, carved and used in sculpture or in your bathroom.

But it is still a “soft” stone, which is why it is often chosen for carvings. So if you have seen and fallen in love with other marble bathrooms in St. Louis, we recommend applying this gorgeous stone in a low-traffic, high-luxury bathroom. The marble needs resealing annually to help protect it from stains, nicks and spills, but following the recommended maintenance schedule should give you the durable, long-lasting marble bathroom of your dreams.

Marble Bathroom Trends

One of the most popular types of marble to use in bathrooms is our Carrara marble from Italy. Its white background is accented with veins of bluish-gray that go well with several other accent colors and give a sense of clean elegance, space and calm that is just perfect for a guest bathroom, powder room or spa-style bathroom. Marble can be used for the countertops, and also as tiles for the walls and floor as well.

Aside from this classic color, marble comes in shades of black, pink, green and brown. Each of these can be used to fit your tastes and design desires. And while our Carrara marble brings a brighter vibe into the room, darker, earthier tones of marble accessorized with black or mahogany cabinets and other elements give a feeling of warmth and luxury. Another great stone trend in St. Louis is Emperador Dark marble, which is a great choice for bathrooms.

When to Use Granite in Your Bathroom

There are many luxury granite bathrooms in St. Louis, and that’s because granite is tough, durable and comes in so many different natural colors that your remodeling options are wide open. Granite is an intrusive igneous rock—which is a fancy way of saying that it used to be magma underground. This magma never erupted to the surface as lava, but instead cooled slowly in underground chambers, developing a wide variety of beautifully colored crystals made mostly from silica-rich minerals like mica, quartz and feldspar.

Because of its composition, it is a harder, more durable stone than marble. It is able to withstand heavier use, even in sinks and showers, making it a popular stone trend in St. Louis. Unlike marble, which is porous, granite does not soak in water, but it still requires regular sealing to prevent staining from spills of bath and cosmetic products.

Granite Bathroom Trends

Granite comes in a wide array of potential color combinations, including black and white, gold, brown, pink, blue and green—so designing can be fun.

You can choose granite with a glossy finish, a honed (matte) finish or even something called a “leather” finish that shows off some of the granite’s natural textures. With all of granite’s flexibility, you can get creative when designing and choosing accents for your bathroom renovation. It all depends on the mood you are trying to convey for the bathroom.

Fine-grained granite options such as the sparkly Blue Pearl or the darker Silver Pearl are dramatic without being overstated, and can be incorporated into cool, crisp designs that produce a feeling of calm. To add drama, choose a granite design like Supreme White or Silver Cream that has exciting stripes and veins running through it. Granite elements like this are almost their own centerpieces. This means that you can minimize other design elements in the bathroom to reduce décor clutter and stick to the very basics.

So tell us: What kind of bathroom style are you dreaming of? How would you like your spa to look and feel? Marble or granite might be able to turn that dream into a reality.

The post Bathroom Renovation Trends with Granite and Marble in St. Louis appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Whether you’ve had your granite countertops or marble kitchen countertops for a while, or you’re still gazing with the eyes of a new love at its lustrous surface while whipping mashed potatoes, you know granite inspires some gratitude. If you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving gathering this year, follow these tips for showing off and taking care of your granite countertops before, during and after the feast!

Before Thanksgiving on Granite Countertops

• Seal or Re-Seal— If your countertops are new and have recently been sealed, you should be good to go. But if they haven’t been sealed in a while, take about 20 minutes, a week ahead of Thanksgiving, to re-seal the countertops. Follow this link for a great, quick tutorial on sealing granite countertops. This will better protect your granite from spills and stains.
• Marshal the Cutting Boards—To make things easier for you on Turkey Day, make sure all of your cooking equipment is set out in easy-to-reach places ahead of time. Make sure cutting boards are cleaned and ready so you don’t end up prepping foods directly on your granite (more on that below).
• Gather the Trivets—Granite can handle the heat, but don’t take any chances on damaging the seal by placing hot pots and pans directly on the granite. Use trivets or hot pads instead. Think ahead to how many hot dishes you’re preparing and make sure you have enough on hand.

Granite or Marble Countertop Protection During the Thanksgiving Festivities

• Use Your Cutting Boards for Food Prep—Granite is super tough, but you don’t want to damage the seal, ruin your good knives or get raw turkey juices in any crevices that could possibly cross-contaminate other foods. Salmonella will ruin your Thanksgiving feast quicker than you can say “pumpkin pie.” And granite is so tough that running knives over its surface will dull and damage them after just a few cuts.
• Clean up Spills Quickly—To avoid staining or etching in the seal on your granite countertops, be vigilant and up any spills right away. This is especially true of any citrus, vinegar or other acidic foods like tomatoes. A clean granite countertop is a happy granite countertop!
• Disinfect after the Bird is in the Oven—Even if you wisely followed the cutting board advice, you more than likely had a few splashes of raw turkey juice or leftover brine end up on the counter. Just make sure to clean them up quickly, before you do any further food prep work. Remember not to use harsh cleansers on your granite countertops, though. We suggest hot, soapy water and a microfiber cloth, or a mixture of half water, half isopropyl alcohol (91 percent). Spray this mixture over the area you want to clean, let it work for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a microfiber rag. (see also: Make your own granite cleaner)
• Set Coasters out for Drinks—This is a nice touch for guests, and it will also prevent staining on the granite.

After

Remember to proactively wipe up any spills as they happen and store all leftovers in shallow, air-tight containers to allow them to cool quickly for safe storage in the refrigerator. Then sit back and enjoy the time with your friends, family and guests, being grateful for everything wonderful while you admire the sparkle on your granite countertops.

Arch City Granite Staff wishes a Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers and customers.

The post 7 Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner on Granite Countertops appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

So, you’ve bought your forever home, and you are decorating with the next few decades in mind. Granite countertops are a great investment; with proper care and feeding, they will look as good in fifteen years as they do today. But that means you need a countertop that will fit the styles of the future as well as the trends of the present.

Here are six stunning granites that will go the distance and easily adapt to the design “do’s” of the next decades (along with some pro tips for getting today’s looks just right).

1. Alaska White Granite

Alaska White Granite

This Brazilian stone has simple color palette of white, cream, black, and gray that dazzles in a spectacular pattern. Its sparkling formations of quartz, feldspar, and mica contain nearly infinite variations. You will be able to redecorate around Alaska White Granite’s colors over and over, and the complex pattern will always surprise you.

Pro tip: pair Alaska White Granite with cherry cabinets and burgundy accents.

You might also like Juperana Delicatus Granite or Bianco Antico Granite.

2. Colonial Gold Granite

Colonial Gold Granite

A soft pattern and gentle cool colors with accents of gold meet in this Indian granite, and the effect is a timeless elegance that will look as beautiful in twenty years as it does now. This is a perfect choice for a sunny kitchen where the light catches all the tiny pieces of translucent quartz that are sprinkled across the granite.

Pro tip: pair Colonial Gold Granite with espresso cabinets and a large travertine tile on the floor.

You might also like Astoria Granite, Colonial Cream Granite, and Ivory Fantasy Granite.

3. Absolute Black Granite

Premium Black Granite

You know what they say: black is the new black. A simple black countertop is a classic choice that looks at just as at home in a sleek contemporary penthouse as it does in a traditional farmhouse. The versatile solid black pattern will easily adapt to whatever styles and colors designers favor in the years to come.

Pro tip: Pair Absolute Black Granite with a white marble tile backsplash and painted gray or stainless steel cabinets. Use small kitchen appliances and accessories to add a pop of color that can be easily replaced for a quick and cost-effective mini-remodel.

You might also like Premium Black Granite, Black Antique Granite, Black Spice Granite, and Cambrian Black Granite.

4. Blue Bahia Granite

Blue Bahia Granite

You don’t have to keep your colors simple to create a timeless look. Natural materials like wood or granite aren’t made with trends in mind. Blues may go in and out of style, but sapphires are always beautiful. In the same way, a natural granite that takes your breath away today will not look dated in ten years just because it happens to look great with current styles. So, go for your bold colored granite, just be mindful of your cabinet color and styles and your backsplash choices. Choose a simple edge like an eased or beveled profile that lets the timeless natural beauty of the granite do the talking.

Pro tip: pair Bahia Blue Granite with a simple white subway tile and white cabinets. This combination can lean contemporary or traditional based on your appliances, lighting, and kitchen accessories…all of which can be easily replaced with trendier models when they fall out of style.

5. Typhoon Bordeaux Granite

Typhoon Bordeaux Granite

Typhoon Bordeaux Granite is one of those great stones that changes its look from year to year as different areas of its Brazilian quarries are reached. That means that no kitchen will have quite the same combination of appetizing vanilla and wine swirls. As styles come and go, your unique countertop—a masterpiece of nature— will still look as good as the day it was installed.

Pro tip: select cream cabinets with a dark glazing and upgrade to an ogee edge.

You might also like Bordeaux Dream Granite, Sienna Bordeaux Granite, and River Bordeaux Granite.

6.  Golden Beach Granite

Golden Beach Granite

Golden Beach Granite has an understated pattern and warm, buttery colors. Its mix of minerals is complex and engaging up close, but the overall effect is more subdued. The cream, gold, and tan palette can be paired with black cabinets for more contrast or white for a light, airy aesthetic. You may prefer a sunny country kitchen with golds and whites today, but after 10 years and a coat of paint, Golden Beach Granite will still shine just as brightly as the centerpiece of  rich, chocolate flavored contemporary kitchen.

Pro tip: There are lots of colors hidden among the minerals of Golden Beach Granite. Bring home lots of paint chips and lay them on the counter to see what “pops” before selecting your wall color.

You might also like Solarius Granite, Mascarello Granite, and Namibian Cream Granite.

Happy stone shopping, and if you get stuck, remember that your local stone fabricator has picked up some great granite decorating tricks over the years.

The post Six Granite Colors that Will Never Go Out of Style appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

In the last few years, architects, designers, and decorators have been turning to a “mix and match” look in the kitchen for an off-the-beaten path look. Whether you shake it up with two different cabinet colors or two different granite colors, this unexpected twist on the traditional kitchen will add a bit of complexity to your design palette.

Done correctly, a mix and match kitchen can be quite elegant. But like any decorating project, using more materials and color requires a bit more planning and careful assessment of the space and overall intended look.

This article will help you decide whether your kitchen is right for a two-tone design and how to get just the right combination of cabinets and granite counters.

Is My Kitchen Right for a Mix and Match Look?

The first step is to take a look at your kitchen layout. Do you have two separate counters or are all your countertops in one run? If you only have one counter or a few small wall counters, then it’s best to stick with a single color countertop. You can always add an interesting tile backsplash to give your kitchen that designer look you want.

The ideal space for two counter or two cabinet colors is a medium to large kitchen with an island. It is important to make sure the space is balanced. One little piece in a different color will look accidental. An island is the perfect place to use a “showier” granite, which will then be the visual centerpiece of the kitchen.

Can I Mix and Match Both the Cabinets and Granite?

 Of course it depends on your particular space, but we usually recommend mixing either granite countertops or cabinet colors. Having four different elements can become too busy pretty quickly. One way to get around this problem is to choose a more unusual cabinet color, like blue or green, on all the cabinets and mix two granite colors. Likewise, using two different cabinet colors under the same exotic granite gives you a chance to highlight different colors in the stone.

What Two Granites Should I Use?

If you are using two different granites in the kitchen, the best way to start is to look for two stones with similar or complementary colors that have distinct patterns and vice versa. A good rule of thumb is to not mix two stones that look very similar. If you select a pair of granite countertops that look too similar, it might look more accidentally than innovative.  One fail-safe way to pair two granites is to pick something very consistent and solid on the perimeter (the counters up against the wall) and an exotic or otherwise exciting granite for the island.

For example, in a kitchen with white cabinets, put Absolute Black Granite on the perimeter counters and a dynamic white or gray stone like Alaska White Granite or Juparana Delicatus Granite on the island. The understated Absolute Black on the perimeter will set the stage for your island granite to shine.

This same overall pairing of one solid granite and one granite with more movement can be adjusted for your color scheme. For example, if you have more warm, earth tones in your kitchen, then you might want to put that Absolute Black Granite on the island and use a warm stone like Golden Sparkle Granite on the perimeter. The long, meandering lines in Golden Sparkle Granite create a visual flow around the Absolute Black Granite, which would act in this case as a visual anchor for the whole ensemble.

Pro tip: Virginia Mist Granite is a great choice as the quiet half of a granite pair. Its soft dark gray and subtle lighter veins will match with a lot of different granites without being too loud.

One more combination type to consider is a soft white granite paired with a bold, colorful exotic. One striking example of this design style would be Bianco Romano Granite on the perimeter with Dynamic Blue Granite on the island. In this case, the hints of blue-gray in the Bianco Romano Granite would tie in with the dusty blue of the island just enough to create cohesion without dimming the bright contrast.

Few More Mix and Match Granite Examples

• Super White Island with Black Pearl Brushed Perimeter countertops
• Alaska White Island with Absolute Black surrounding counters
• Cambrian Black Brushed Island with Saturnia as perimeter
• Nero Marinache Granite Island with Black Pearl brushed perimeter
• Antique Brown Island with Giallo Ornamental perimeter
• Virginia Mist Island with Super White perimeter

These tips should give you a good idea of how to start planning your mixed-granite kitchen. It’s important to carefully consider all the factors in your kitchen that will make or break the look, including cabinet layout, lighting, and decor in surrounding rooms. However, at the end of the day, don’t forget that the best decorating tip is to trust your instincts. You know best what is beautiful to you. We’re here to help you sort through all the great choices available.

image source: Houzz

The post Mastering the Two-Tone Kitchen: A Guide to Mixing Granite Colors appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

You know the drill: You’re planning the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams, so you start shopping for ideas. Before too long, you have your heart set on a particular type of granite or quartz. Perhaps these countertops are from a supplier recommended to you by your family and friends—maybe even our company, Arch City Granite & Marble. With your dream countertop picked out, you proceed with the project, choosing all of the rest of the materials.

That’s when trouble strikes. As the quotes start rolling in, you realize that the cost of your project is well beyond your budget, so instead of moving forward, you put off your remodeling plans for later, or you look for someone else that can offer you a similar, but lower quality product for a lower price.

It’s something that we see all the time. Homeowners who have never before looked at granite countertops choose the most beautiful granite slabs in their favorite colors, but they have no inkling of what it will cost. Once they get to see the price, sticker shock sets in, and the unhappy homeowners take their business elsewhere in search of a less expensive countertop.

This all too common wish list mistake can seriously limit your options when it comes to granite countertops. Before you start shopping for your new countertops, it’s important to learn a little bit about granite and how to purchase it. We’ll show you how to shop for granite countertops so that you can find a beautiful countertop that fits within your budget.

Learning How Granite Colors are priced

There are all kinds of variables that affect the prices of different varieties of granite. Granite colors are of those variables. You don’t need to become an expert on the subject, but it does help to learn a little bit about the way colors affect the price of granite before you choose one slab over another.

For instance, let’s say that you’re looking for a granite countertop with a blue color. You’ll find several different options, including Blue Bahia, which is quarried in Brazil. Once you see the prices, however, you’ll find that Blue Bahia granite is the most expensive blue granite we offer. On the lower end of the price range, you’ll find Sapphire Blue, which comes from India. This variety of granite might serve your purposes wonderfully, while saving you lots of money over the Blue Bahia.

There are also blues with mid-range prices, such as Brass Blue and New Azul Aran. If you ask for a quote on Brass Blue granite versus Blue Bahia, you’ll find that even between the mid-range and high-end prices, there is a humongous difference in cost.

It’s not just blue granite that comes with such a large difference in price. Homeowners shopping for white and gray granite will find that these colors come with a pretty wide price range, too. Cheaper colors include things like White Mist or Luna Pearl, while colors like Monte Cristo and Sea Pearl are at the upper end of the price range for white and gray granite.

The smart way to shop for granite is to learn about the prices before you choose a color, not after. Once you know which varieties fall in different price ranges, you’ll have a set of practical expectations, which makes it less likely that you’ll choose a type of granite that is well out of your price range.

How Edge Finishing Affects Costs

Another major factor in the cost of your granite countertop will be the way that you have the edges finished. In fact, depending on the edge profile, you could see a huge difference in prices. The price tends to go up with complexity, which means that a simple Straight Edge finish is likely to be the most cost effective option. On the other end of the price range, edge finishes like a double-thick stacked edge with the Ogee edge over the Full Bullnose edge will cost you substantially more.

What this means is that not only do you have to keep color in mind as you’re choosing a countertop, but also the edge finish you desire. If it’s more important that you have an elegantly shaped edge, then you may find it wise to choose less expensive granite varieties so that the total cost of your countertop fits within your budget.

In short, if you want to avoid a wish list mistake—and if you’d rather not suffer from sticker shock—then your best option is to learn everything you can about the way granite is priced before you start choosing colors and edge finishes. Once you have a set of practical expectations in place, you’ll be able to choose the granite you want, and you’ll be able to select a high-quality fabricator, all while keeping your costs affordable.

The post How to Avoid Wish-list Mistakes When Planning for Your New Granite Countertops appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

The new trend in kitchen and bath designs is all about neutral shades—but not neutral in a boring way. Forget about the beiges and sandy tones of yesteryear. Today’s designers love to work with bright whites, deep blacks and softer shades of gray. You’ll even see a few dark browns—particularly espresso cabinets—thrown into the mix.

When it comes to kitchen countertops—especially among St. Louis homeowners—gray and white granite colors are a trending fashion. Not only do they work wonderfully well with white, black, gray and espresso cabinets, but they’re also perfectly suited to a variety of themes. You’ll find white and gray granite countertops in kitchens with old-fashioned designs and you’ll find them in contemporary kitchens, too.

Are you ready to recreate your kitchen or bathroom with the latest colors and styles? We’ll give you some inspiration and make a few recommendations about which of our fine granite colors to choose.

Kitchen and Bathroom Color Schemes

The new trends in kitchen and bathroom color schemes open up a whole world of possibilities. Here are some of the things you can do with these new neutrals:

• White: Solid white kitchens and bathrooms give you a clean, fresh and unblemished look. This color scheme works with your home’s natural lighting to make rooms feel larger and brighter. You can add just a little bit of contrast to the room by installing gray granite countertops or you can maximize on that fresh, airy feeling by choosing white granite.
• Black: Black is associated with wealth and luxury. Because of this, kitchens and bathrooms with black cabinetry tend to have a sleek, modern look; however, an entirely black room would be much too dark, which is why the walls are normally painted white. The addition of glossy white granite countertops provides a stark contrast to the dark cabinetry, but you can also use gray granite if you want a softer transition between the white of the walls and the black of the cabinets.
• Gray: No matter what style you choose—contemporary, industrial, minimalist—gray kitchens and baths tend to have a very modern, upscale look. With this color scheme, your best bet is to start with gray cabinetry and then use black and white accents (black drawer pulls, a black tiled backsplash with white grout, black and white flooring and so forth). Then you can either enhance the look of your grays with a gray countertop, or you can add contrast by choosing white granite.
• Black and White: Black and white color schemes take the freshness of white and mix it with the luxurious look of black. When two types of cabinets are used in a large kitchen, you’ll often find that the island cabinets are black while the perimeter cabinets are white. To continue the theme, choose granite that features a bold mixture of black, white, and gray, like our Silver Cloud or Monte Cristo granite.
• Espresso: Espresso color schemes give you the same stark contrasts between dark cabinets and lighter walls, but because this color is a little more traditional, you can easily use it for vintage and retro themes. For these kitchens and bathrooms, we prefer a white granite because it stands out against the dark cabinets; however, gray works well if you’re going for a more earthy look.

Which Granite Colors to Choose?

No matter what color scheme you choose, we have a variety of great countertop options. One of the most popular options among St. Louis designers and homeowners is Silver Cloud. This granite color features a white base mixed with light to dark gray or black stripes—perfect if you want something that has a marbled look.

For a softer, smoother pattern and a more even tone, choose something like our Monte Cristo granite. This color features dramatic gray waves over a white base, but it’s a bit more muted than the Silver Cloud color.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, we have several great choices that will give you the look you want for a lower cost. Some of our high-end granite slabs, including Silver Cloud, Monte Cristo and New Azul Aran give you the neutral colors you want at an affordable price. You’ll also find that we carry several inexpensive granite colors that feature a white base mixed with gray—White Mist, Caledonia and Luna Pearl to name a few.

If these selections aren’t quite what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us to learn more about the other types of granite we have available. Our inventory is always changing, which means you can find the right countertops at a price you can afford. When they need granite or marble countertops, homeowners and designers from all over St. Louis turn to Arch City Granite & Marble.

The post White and Gray Granite Countertops: The New Neutral Granite for St. Louis Homeowners appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Marble (left) and Quartz Countertops

It’s hard not to fall in love with marble; its smooth, natural, classic beauty lures many people designing or remodeling their kitchens. It is a soft, porous stone from which great artists like Michael Angelo sculpted timeless masterpieces. Yet it’s exactly this soft, porous nature of marble that makes it a little capricious as a choice for frequently used kitchen countertops.

Risks of Marble Countertops in the Kitchen

The aesthetic aspects of marble are stunning. If you are just using these marble countertops on a movie set kitchen where very little food prep or cooking is going to happen, then there is no reason to avoid marble. If you are a person with a high sense of aesthetics who isn’t fussy about natural imperfections and stains, marble could work for you as well. And the fact it does not hold heat very well and stays cold easily makes it a fantastic choice for pastry aficionados.

On the other hand, you have to know marble stains and chips easily. Everything from curry to wine and even just any cooked food debris can leave its mark behind for good, to say nothing of etching from acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, or sugared-up fruit punch.

Spills can’t be left alone and must be cleaned as soon as possible. Because it’s soft and carve-able, marble can easily get nicked and chipped as well. You will also need to use special, non-acidic, non-abrasive cleansers to clean it, and it requires regular sealing to keep it looking its best. If these considerations do not faze you, then you are going to love having marble in your kitchen! It’s a choice you need to make based on you and your family’s needs and temperament.

Quartz Countertops as an Alternative to Marble in the Kitchen

The good news, however, for those of you who still crave that classic look of marble countertops—but are also sobered by the realization that high maintenance and frequent staining and chipping will get in the way of you realistically using and enjoying your kitchen—is that there are splendid quartz countertops that look and feel a lot like classic marble, but are far more durable.

Quartz countertops are also called “engineered” or “man-made” because they really are made out of natural quartz, but the stone has been crushed, re-engineered, and had other elements added to it. For example, a typical quartz countertop will consist of 93% crushed quartz mixed together with 7% polyester resin. Some models include coloring agents, colored glass, and UV absorbers to preserve the color from being damaged in sunnier locations. These countertops do not need sealing and resist staining and chipping very well.

Quartz Countertops and their Marble Counterparts

So if you have been coveting your neighbor’s Carrara or Calcutta marble countertops, but are afraid to have them installed in your own home, it is possible you can find a great quartz countertop counterpart to fit the bill. Let’s talk about your options.

Carrara Marble: This is that beautifully bright, cool marble with bluish-gray veins running through it that so many people love for its ability to gather and reflect light, brighten and open spaces, and show off a clean, fresh, classic style. There are quartz countertops that can do this too, including Cashmere Carrara by Q-Quartz, Frosty Carrina made by Caesarstone, or Lyra made by Silestone.

Calcutta Marble: Many people love Calcutta marble with its white background and variable color veining and flecks of crystals shining throughout (including anything from honey gold to blue-gray tones). Caesarstone makes a lovely Calcutta Nuvo, while Helix and Pulsar designs stand out from the Silestone line.

Emperador Dark Marble: This brown marble ranges from dark to light with dramatic veining and crystal throughout. Suitable quartz countertops within this color range include Silestone’s Bering and Mediterranean, Caesarstone’s Lagos Blue.

Crema Marfil: The light, warm honey or rose tones with light veining of Crema Marfil marble go well in a lot of classic kitchen styles. If you like this type of marble, but would like the quartz countertop version, take a look at Caesarstone’s Dreamy Marfil, or possibly Silestone’s Daria or Caramel Rhein.

These are just a few examples of man-made, engineered stone or quartz countertops you can apply in your kitchen where marble may not be the most optimal choice. It really involves looking at the way you and your family use the kitchen. There are indeed very active cooks and families who do love their natural marble countertops, do not mind the natural patina that develops after normal use and staining, and are willing to keep up with regular sealing maintenance. On the other hand, a lot of families would rather not have to worry.

So what do you think: marble or quartz countertops for your kitchen?

The post Can You Enjoy Marble Countertops in Your Kitchen Without Fear? Quartz Countertops may be Your Choice. appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Novice cooks and professional chefs alike put a high premium on their kitchens. Having the best tools and environment to be creative is paramount to preparing fabulous meals. This is one of the reasons why when it comes to countertops and kitchen prep areas in their own kitchens, top chefs prefer to have beautiful, durable granite as their material of choice. If you love to cook and want the best kitchen to prepare your meals, you’ll want to consider the reasons that lead top chefs to choose granite for their own kitchens.

Granite Is the Right Ingredient for Professional Kitchens

Both top chefs and cooking enthusiasts understand that quality ingredients are what make any meal special. The same is true of a professional grade kitchen. The best quality appliances and cooking tools, along with the kitchen design and quality materials are all part of creating a top-notch kitchen. One of the largest portions of most kitchens is the countertops and worktop areas, making the material used in these areas essential to the quality of the entire kitchen. For many top chefs, the ideal quality material for their kitchens is granite.

Top chefs depend on countertops in their kitchens that can withstand heavy use on an everyday basis. While there are many materials that look fantastic as countertops, not many have the unique blend or beauty and strength that granite can offer. Top chefs and the average cooking enthusiast can both appreciate how granite is the perfect ingredient for a professional grade kitchen.

What Makes Granite So Special?

While many materials can be used as countertops, none of them compares to granite when you look at durability, beauty and value. Whether you are a professional chef or a busy mom, you want kitchen countertops that add value to your home, while giving you the best surface for cooking in your kitchen. Although beauty and value are important, when it comes to creating a kitchen for a top chef, the main component will almost always be durability.

Top Chefs Value Durability

A busy kitchen means plenty of abuse for the countertops. Heavy pots and pans, hot liquids and sharp utensils are just some of the items that can destroy a countertop’s surface. However, the reason top chefs prefer granite is its ability to withstand this abuse. Granites beauty is not skin deep; this is a durable stone that is perfect for even the high demands of a professional kitchen. Consider these facts about granite’s durability:

–       Mohs scale. Mineralogist Frederich Mohs created the Mohs scale in 1812 to gauge mineral hardness. The scale ranges from one to ten, with soft minerals like talcum rated at one and the hardest minerals like diamonds at ten. Granite is composed mostly of quartz and feldspar, which range at the high-end of the Mohs scale at an estimated 6-7 rating.

–       Resistance. Due to the hardness of granite, it is resistant to common damage that occurs in most kitchens. Granite resists scratching, chipping, staining and heat, making it a perfect material for countertops and work areas in busy professional kitchens or for any household kitchen. Even if the granite countertop is scratched or chipped over time, granite can usually be repaired without replacing the entire surface.

–       Maintenance. Top chefs need a surface that is easy to clean and maintain in their kitchens, which is why durable granite is one of their top choices. Cleaning granite is a snap; most spills can be easily wiped up without the use of toxic chemical cleaners. In addition, maintaining the beauty and integrity of granite is simple. Using a gentle granite cleanser and conditioner keeps the surface beautiful and protected.

–       Granite Colors. Busy kitchens used by professional chefs need a clean and hard granite slabs used as countertops. Absolute Black, Black Pearl, Tan Brown, Indian Coffee Brown granites are some of the popular choices for high traffic kitchens because of their durability, ease of cleaning.

Professional Kitchens Need Professional Granite Installations

While top chefs know food, they are not necessarily kitchen designers or granite contractors. When it comes to installing their granite countertops, chefs depend on those who are experts in granite installation. Choosing the right type of granite, then having it professionally designed, cut and installed takes skilled workmanship by those who understand this unique and versatile stone. Using granite in a kitchen is an investment in quality, both in the stone and in the professionalism of the installation.

If you are looking to create a professional-grade kitchen similar to what top chefs use, take the time to research using granite for your countertops by calling Arch City Granite. Arch City Granite has over nine years experience designing, cutting and installing granite in homes throughout the greater St. Louis area. There is no equal to the warmth and beauty granite can add to your home and kitchen, plus all the benefits of having a superior work surface for creating meals in your home.

Let our expert staff help you choose the right granite to meet the function and design needs for your kitchen. Our team of experts have installed over 4000 kitchen countertops, giving us the experience to meet all your granite countertop installation needs.

The post Why Top Chefs Prefer Granite in Their Kitchens appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

What is Soapstone?

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock with large amounts of the mineral talc, which gives it a soft feel. That soft-to-the-touch effect is what gives this unique material its name. Soapstone is found all over the world, including the northeast of the U.S. (Virginia and Vermont, primarily), Brazil, and Finland. Humans have been putting soapstone to work in the kitchen for thousands of years. Vikings made bowls from soapstone, and early Native American civilizations used it for bowls and other objects including….wait for it…cooking slabs!

Soapstone Grows Up with America

Fast forward to the last 200 years, and soapstone is a staple of the American farmhouse. Soapstone holds heat remarkably well, and is not damaged at all by hot pots or pans. That quality made it desirable for sinks, counters, and wood burning stoves in early kitchens that needed to put up with a lot as the center of home life for hardworking farmers and craftsmen.

Today, soapstone is in high demand for other reasons as well. It is essentially non-porous, which means this extremely dense stone (30% more dense than granite and marble) is impervious to chemicals, does not stain, and is bacteria-resistant. In the last decade or so, soapstone has grown in popularity as a kitchen countertop, particularly because of its aesthetic versatility. Soft to the touch, subtle, and a powerfully understated design choice, soapstone is a wonderful addition to both the elegant rusticism of traditional home décor and the simple, clean lines of a modern or contemporary design.

How Does Soapstone Hold Up Over Time?

Soapstone is softer than granite, so over the years, you will nick and dent it. It does scratch, but these marks look more like dents than, say, a scratch on metal or granite. There are two ways to deal with marks on soapstone: by gently applying a bit of sand paper to the spot and by applying mineral oil. Because it is not porous, soapstone does not need to be sealed, but many homeowners choose to oil their counters up to once or twice a year. This hides any nicks and other marks accumulated on heavily used counters. Mineral oil also gives the stone a darker, shiner look (Note: use only 100% mineral oil created for soapstone. It’s worth it to buy a high quality product instead of using any other oil). A similar effect can be attained with special waxes like Dorado Soapstone Dry Wax.

Un-oiled, soapstone will slowly darken in color and develop a subtle patina over the years. Treating your soapstone counters with mineral oil is completely optional. It all depends on what looks best to you. In fact, many soapstone lovers list the added “character” of their counters as a benefit to choosing this timeless and trendy counter option. Of course, soapstone is not for everyone. If the idea of the counter being anything less than pristine bothers you, then granite or quartz are probably a better fit for your home.

What Colors Does It Come In?

Soapstone has a very limited color palette. Usually, it is gray, blue-gray, or green-gray. As mentioned earlier, it can be darkened with mineral oil. Some slabs of soapstone are very mono-chromatic, with little to no pattern. However, there are also deposits with large sweeping lines or striking quartz veins. Unlike granite, there is not a consistent naming system for different variations of soapstone, since it can vary so much within a single quarry. The best way to find “your” slab is to explain to your local fabricator which features of soapstone you like, and ask them to show you what is available on the market in your area.

A Few More Things to Consider When Choosing Soapstone

• While it also looks great with a bullnose edge, an eased or straight edge is usually used with soapstone to play up its strong simplicity.
• If you aren’t sure whether you are ok with the possibilities of nicks and scratches, take a big sample home and live with it for a few days.
• Soapstone is often used as a natural option for homeowners and designers who love the look of concrete in residential architecture.

The post A Familiar Surface: Getting to Know Soapstone appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

This week, we’d like to introduce you to a family of gorgeous Brazilian granites. What these natural stones share in common is

1) A striking pattern that combines waves and linear motion with the subtle variation found in composite patterns and

2) A rich palette of wine colors (hence the “Bordeaux” in the name).

The unique lines of the Bordeaux granite colors look best when the countertop design takes their flow into consideration. If you are considering one of these natural stones, it is important to choose a high-quality local fabricator who will carefully plan which parts of the slab to use for each part of your counters and carefully line up the sections at the seams for a flawless finish.

Typhoon Bordeaux Granite

Typhoon Bordeaux is probably the most well-known out of this color group. As its name suggest, Typhoon Bordeaux is full of energy. The pattern often twists in several directions like water in rapids or cresting waves. The background of this stone is usually cream, ivory, white, and grey with strong lines of deep wine red and rose. Often, black accents create contrast, making the white in the granite appear brighter.

The cool colors of the background set off the rich “Bordeaux” colors, giving this stone a particularly elegant look. Occasionally, slabs of Typhoon Bordeaux Granite will have a bit of gold swirled in, and when this happens, the overall effect is a sunset palette. That is why it is also called with the name of Sunset Cream in St. Louis granite market.

Crema Bordeaux granite

While Typhoon Bordeaux’s palette lets the beautiful pattern take center stage, Crema Bordeaux’s colors make it a guaranteed statement piece. Rose, various reds, burgundy, gold, and a soft sherbet orange are all swirled together. Through the soft grain of the stone runs an occasional river of crisp quartz and a smooth, pearly peach mineral. This is a great choice for homeowners and designers who want to add passion and color to their home. In fact, many of the warm colors in Crema Bordeaux, like red, are scientifically proven to increase energy.

Chocolate Bordeaux Granite

More complex than Typhoon Bordeaux Granite and more subdued in color than Crema Bordeaux Granite, Chocolate Bordeaux is the wild card of the Bordeaux family. It can look quite different from one lot to another (a lot is a set of slabs cut from a single block of granite). Large amounts of quartz allow you to peer into the stone, creating dimension and depth. In addition to savoring the signature Bordeaux and rose colors, indulge in the eponymous dark chocolate lines that meander across the background. Sometimes, Chocolate Bordeaux can have a brick orange/brown element as well. These slabs tend to have an overall warmer effect. Your local fabricator will be able to show you what Chocolate Bordeaux slabs are available in your area.

Netuno Bordeaux Granite

Sometimes called River Bordeaux Granite because of its strong, linear pattern, Netuno Bordeaux Granite is characterized by strong diagonal rivers of cream, grey, and wine red with black mica and quartz tumbled across the slab. The overall effect is reminiscent of colorful stones jostling across the riverbed beneath a fast-moving stream. Like Typhoon Bordeaux Granite (which, for comparison, evokes a cresting wave rather than a river), Netuno Bordeaux adds controlled energy to the kitchen.

Tips for Decorating with the Bordeaux Granites

Bordeaux granites are a lot of fun to decorate around, because by emphasizing different qualities of the granites, you can create so many different looks in the same home. Here are a few ideas to help you imagine how these stones will fit into your home:

• While they go well with many cabinet colors, cherry cabinets and cream cabinets really set off these stones.
• Pewter and brushed nickel really set off the cool background colors of these patterns (although Crema Bordeaux looks stellar with copper fixtures).
• Play up the passion and energy of these granites by choosing a bold paint for the walls (burgundy, aborigine, dark red) or instead emphasize their elegance with cream, gray, or mint green colors.
• An Ogee edge profile will create more wavy curves in the kitchen, emphasizing the pattern of the stone.

If you like these stones, you will probably also love:

• Sienna Bordeaux Granite
• Monte Carlo Bordeaux Granite (aka Galaxy Bordeaux Granite)
• Caramel Persian Granite
• Lennon Granite (aka New Azul Aran Granite)
• Hawaii Granite
• Sienna Beige Granite

Arch City Granite & Marble stocks hand picked slabs of Bordeaux granites from Brazil. If you are looking for granite in St. Louis area, please feel free to visit our showroom.

The post Get to Know Your Stone: The Bordeaux Granites appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.