How to Protect Granite Countertops

Protect granite countertops from coming into contact with acidic substances such as fruit juices, wines, soda, and tomato sauce. These substances create stubborn stains on the surface. Even if hotpots do not harm the granite countertop, grit that sticks at the bottom of the hot pot can scratch the surface. Such scratches dull the sparkle on the surface over time. Avoid putting hot pots on the surface unless it is absolutely necessary. Do not place cooking oils, creams, perfumes and other oils on the countertop as they may stain the surface.

You can use coasters on sealed countertops because they do not etch the surface. This is a good practice that protects your granite surfaces from scratches caused by rough objects such as cans and glass objects. Even though Granite countertops can withstand the high temperatures, they sometimes experience thermal shock and crack. Therefore, avoid putting hot pans on the surface.

Cleaning Your Granite Countertops

Clean your granite countertops with a soft cloth or sponge. If the countertop does not have stubborn stains, clean it with hot water. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth or sponge to remove all the dust, crumbs and other dirt that sticks on the surface. Remove stubborn stains with special granite cleaner, which leaves the surface clean while protecting the sealant from damage. You can also apply a granite polish on the surface once every month to enhance its sparkle. The topical dressing enhances the shine and removes fingerprints that you leave behind when cleaning.

Avoid cleaning your granite countertop with generic cleaners such as bleach and other household cleaning solutions. Most of them are corrosive and will damage the granite sealer. Also avoid bathroom, tile and grout cleaners because most contain abrasives that scratch the surface. Instead, use warm water find a soft cloth that can wipe the surface without scratching.

The Best Antibacterial Cleaner for Granite Countertops

Cleaning with a dishwasher removes most of the harmful bacteria on the countertop. Studies indicate that granite countertops clean more easily than stainless steel surfaces. This makes them ideal for use in the kitchen where constant food and drink spills attract bacteria. Disinfecting the surface with a mixture of water and 70% isopropyl alcohol kills the most resistant bacteria, such as E. coli. You can also make your own cleaner by mixing 40% alcohol with 60% water.

Should You Seal Granite?

You should seal your granite countertops as sealing is the best way of preserving the sparkle for several years. To seal your granite surface, remove everything that is on the countertop. Then clean the surface with a water or a granite cleaner. Avoid acidic substances when cleaning the surface as they may weaken the seal. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towels to dry the surface. Leave it dry before applying the seal.

Make sure the sealant is made specifically for stone or granite surfaces. After applying the sealant, leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then wipe out the excess sealant liquid with a soft cloth. Leave the surface to dry for a minimum of one hour before using it. It is preferable to leave the surface untouched for one to two days.

Why Do You Seal Granite Countertops?

The frequency of sealing depends on the type of granite stone used for the countertop. Light-colored stones are more porous than their darker counterparts and should be sealed afresh every year. In contrast, dark and hard stones may last ten years without requiring a new seal. Sealing protects your granite countertop from stains and damage.

You should test the strength of the countertop seal annually to see it is still holding on. If the surface darkens when you pour water on it, then it needs resealing as it is likely that the seal is worn out. Alternatively, pour water on it on the countertop. If there are beads, the seal is still strong and does not need to be replaced. However, it the water forms pools, the seal is weak and needs to be replaced.

The Best Granite Sealer

The best sealants are the impregnating type that soak into the surface filling pores that would otherwise absorb other substances. Such sealants last three to five years before replacement.

There are two types of sealants:

• Water-based
• Solvent-based

The best sealants are those that contain fluorocarbon aliphatic resin as the active ingredient. They often cost more than those that have silicon as the main ingredient but will last five to ten years. In comparison, the cheaper silicon and siloxane sealants last between six months and three years. The fluorocarbon aliphatic resin sealants repel water and oil, meaning that they will protect your countertop from the most common stains.

Protect Granite from Chipping

The best way to protect your granite countertop from chipping is by adding a sealant and cleaning it regularly. Cleaning removes stains and other substances that may weaken the surface. Chipping is caused by hitting the surface with hard or sharp objects. Therefore, avoid hitting the surface with sharp objects.  Chipping is common around edges due to impact from household appliances such as hotpots. You can reduce impact on the edges by placing appliances carefully.

Further, avoid cleaning the countertop with abrasives because the excessive scrubbing may cause it to chip.  Reduce the risk of impact from falling objects by using coasters to hold cups and other fragile items. Avoid using the countertop as a cutting board because knives will scratch the surface.

Granite countertops some of the best items you can buy for home improvement. They embellish your home giving it a sleek feel and last several years they are also low maintenance installations.  If you select quality granite countertop and take good care of them, they will serve you for many years. Explore our range of countertop options to select the design that best suits your home.

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Should you accidentally choose an inexperienced installer, you may end up with counters that are not level or have unsightly gaps, which could throw off the look of your entire remodel. Yet, how can you find a reputable countertop installer that you can trust to work on your home? As you begin the home remodeling process, here are a few steps that you can take to help you find an expert granite installer for your project.
Explore our gallery of stone options

1. Ask Around

A great place to start when looking for a reputable granite installer would be to ask around. It is likely that a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker has had their countertops replaced in the last few years. If so, you should consider asking them who they worked with and whether they’d recommend them to you. 

Blindly calling countertop installers is rarely the best way to go as it can be difficult to know where to start. However, by asking people you know and trust, you can get personal reviews and first-hand accounts from people who have worked with a contractor before you hire them. This can be a great way to find a quality contractor in your area. Of course, if you are unsuccessful at finding recommendations, a quick internet search can provide you with information and reviews of countertop installers near you, which can be helpful in narrowing down your options. 

2. Meet With Multiple Contractors

As you begin to narrow down your options, it is important that you meet with, and get estimates from, at least 3 countertop installers. Do not make the mistake of immediately choosing the first contractor that you meet with. While you may still find that the first contractor was your best option, getting multiple estimates will allow you to compare your options to make sure that you are getting the highest quality installation at the best price.

When meeting with granite installers, make sure that you take your time and ask as many questions as possible, as this is your chance to find out about the quality of their work. Additionally, asking questions will allow you to learn more about a contractor, and it gives you an opportunity to assess their customer service skills and whether or not they would be easy to work with.  

3. Ask For References and Samples

When interviewing potential contractors, do not hesitate to ask them about their previous work. Take this opportunity to assess the quality of their work by asking to see samples or their seams and installations. This is not an unusual question for a granite contractor to be asked, so do not hesitate to do so. Depending on the installer, they will likely either have a portfolio of pictures from recent jobs, or they may even have a showroom where you can view their work firsthand. This can give you an idea of the quality of their seam and edge work. 

You can also ask prospective countertop installers for references from previous customers who have been satisfied with their work. This will allow you to speak to previous customers who can give you a first-hand account of their experience. Most experienced contractors will be more than happy to provide references, so do not be afraid to ask. A contractor who is more than willing to provide multiple references is likely to be confident in the quality of their work.

4. Find Out About Their Equipment and Techniques

Next, you will want to inquire about a contractor’s equipment and approach, as this can give you great insight into their experience and the quality of their work. A high-quality granite installer will only use top-of-the-line, up-to-date equipment, as this helps to ensure that cuts are clean and accurate. A low-end granite installer may try to cut costs by using outdated equipment, however, this may result in unsightly seams and a less-than-ideal final product. 

Make sure that you also ask about their approach to installing granite. For instance, ask how they plan to protect your home from granite dust and how they determine where to place seams. An experienced contractor will be able to give you a detailed account of how they plan to protect your home throughout the installation, and they will have a plan in place to ensure that your finished countertops look beautiful and do not have seams that stand out.  
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5. Ask To See The Slab

Before you agree to anything, it is critical that you make sure that a granite installer will allow you to look at the entire slab. When picking out granite, it is important that you see the entire piece first, as a small sample may not truly represent the slab. The last thing that you want to have happen is for your finished countertops to have splotches, veins, or colors that you were not expecting. A reputable installer will understand this and will be more than happy to let you see the full slab to ensure that it is up to your liking. If an installer won’t let you see the slab, they may be trying to sell you low-end products that have lots of pitting or splotches, and you will want to look elsewhere.  

6. Make Sure There Aren’t Any Hidden Fees

When choosing a granite installer, it is also important that you read the fine print and make sure that you are aware of any additional fees that may come with the installation. Many budget-conscious homeowners will be lured in by an advertisement for low-cost granite, only to find out that there are additional fees for installation, cutouts for sinks or cooktops, or other miscellaneous fees. The fact is that if a price looks too good to be true, then it probably is. You should then ask for a detailed estimate for your installation. A quality installer will be upfront about what they charge and what your install should cost you.

Contact us for additional tips on how to choose a qualified granite installer in your area as well as to find out how we can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom.  
Explore our gallery of stone options

The post Top Tips to Help You Choose a Local Granite Installer appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

If you ask anyone to list their “must haves” for their dream house, granite countertops are likely to make most every list. In fact, a survey in 2012 done by MSN concluded that 75% of new kitchens used granite as a countertop choice. Granite is a timeless, elegant and durable option that lasts a lifetime.

It comes in a variety of colors with unique veining that gives it character as no two pieces of granite are alike. Upgrading to this beautiful, natural stone adds to the resale value of your home and gives your home an instant facelift. The comfort of your home as well as the beauty of kitchen and bathrooms is immediately increased.

Once you take the leap and upgrade to granite countertops, you will want to know how to take care of them to keep them pristine and perfect. While granite countertops are very durable, certain liquids can cause them to deteriorate or damage. With such an expensive investment, let Arch City Granite help you with the best products to clean your gorgeous, new countertops.

Cleaning granite countertops safely

When it comes to granite countertops, there are a few liquids that should never be used on them. Any cleaning product containing bleach or ammonia should be avoided. Acidic liquids can cause granite to deteriorate or damage as well as break down the sealer that was applied when your granite countertops were installed. As a porous stone, granite is sealed to keep liquids from seeping into the tiny holes and staining or discoloring the stone. Other acidic liquids such as vinegar or lemon juice should also be avoided.

There are many granite safe cleaning products on the market that are safe for your countertops. Here are a few of our suggestions:

• Rejuvenata liquid from Dry-Treat: This is our favorite and most recommended cleaner for granite. Not only is it gentle on your countertops, but it has a small amount of sealer in the solution so it protects as it cleans. Using it on a regular basis keeps your granite countertops shiny and clean along with replacing trace amounts of granite sealer that wears away over time. Regular use of this product prevents the need to reseal your countertop. There are other equally good products like Revitalizer spray from Stone Tech Products.
• Bleach free disinfecting wipes: As said before, never use bleach on your countertops, but there are some brands, such as Clorox, that make a bleach free wipe that removes bacteria and disinfects your counters nicely.
• Homemade solution: Another great alternative is to make your own homemade solution using easy to find household products. In a spray bottle, combine a small amount of dish soap, ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol, water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil and you have a nice smelling cleaner that disinfects and is safe for your countertop.

Whatever you use to clean your countertop, make sure that it says it is safe for granite countertops. Remember the rule to avoid acidic liquids such as bleach, ammonia or harsh abrasive materials and always use a soft cloth to wipe your granite countertops down with.

Arch City Granite has the best selection of granite countertops

When you are in the market for granite countertop upgrades, come see our friendly and educated staff at Arch City Granite. Not only do we have a large selection of granite pieces in our showroom for you to see and touch, but our staff can answer all the questions you may have concerning granite and all natural stone countertops. Upgrading your countertops to granite, marble, quartz or soapstone is a big decision but as far as upgrades go, it’s one of the best decisions you can make. Stop by today, we look forward to assisting you.

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Natural stone is beautiful, elegant and versatile, as it can be used in many areas of the home. Granite, marble, quartz and soapstone are some examples of natural stone and with the proper care, it can keep its exquisite look for many years to come.

It is important to know how to care for your natural stone surfaces in your home however, otherwise certain cleaning agents and liquids can damage the stone causing it to etch, chip or look dull and worn. Cleaning it is very simple and does not require expensive products but you need to know which natural stone cleaners to use and which ones to steer clear of.

Natural stone countertops are especially good at withstanding a great amount of daily wear and tear while still looking fabulous, thus their appeal and popularity. To keep your natural stone looking glamorous for many years, just follow these simple rules.

#1: Never clean with vinegar or citrus

While vinegar and lemon have been touted as excellent, antimicrobial cleaners, they are bad for natural stone surfaces. While these liquids clean nicely other other surfaces, they are very hard on stone surfaces. Over time, they wear down and etch these areas causing them to take on a lifeless appearance. They begin to lack the lustrous sheen they had the day they were installed.

#2: Clean up acidic liquid spills immediately

If orange juice, cola soda pop or other acidic liquid spills on your natural stone countertops, clean it up immediately. If it is allowed to sit there, over time it can deteriorate the stone, causing it to develop pock marks or etching.

#3: Avoid powdery or creamy cleaners

When it comes to natural stone cleaners, any powdered or cream cleaning supply is not recommended for your natural stone surface. These products have tiny, abrasive agents which can cause micro scratching of your stone surface. And while your stone countertops can withstand a lot of abuse, they are not impervious to damage and extremely tiny abrasive agents. These cleaning supplies can make your stone look cloudy rather than shiny and dazzling.

#4: Use a soft cloth when wiping natural stone

When cleaning your countertops or stone, a soft cloth is perfect to keep your surface shiny and beautiful. Using a scratchy sponge can wear down the sealer on some stone surfaces as well as dull the look of the stone. A microfiber cloth is a great idea to buff and shine your stone and make it gleam.

#5: Clean with mild natural stone cleaners

The perfect natural stone cleaner is warm water with mild dish soap. This kills most bacteria on the surface and since most natural stone surfaces are sealed, they do not have pores where bacteria can hide. Cleaning natural stone is very simple. For complete sterilization, adding a solution with a 50:50 ratio of water and isopropyl alcohol is a good idea. You can also use natural stone cleaners found at your local store but take care to make sure it is specifically used for natural stone surfaces.

Arch City Granite specializes in granite, marble, soapstone and quartz countertops. We have a large selection of slabs you can look at up close. Our educated and friendly staff can answer all the questions you have about care for the natural stone surfaces in your home as well as installation and costs between all types of natural stone countertops. If you are considering upgrading your countertops, this is the best decision you can make for not only beauty and aesthetics, but to increase the value of your home. Stop by today, we look forward to helping you.

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Understanding the right language is the best way to begin the art of communication. From installing granite countertops to adding new tile to your bathroom, knowing your square footage allows you to understand the language of projects. If you are not the handiest person in the home with crunching numbers, we can help. Arch City Granite wants you to have the resources you need to speak the right language. We have provided simple measuring instructions that you can put to good use if you are thinking about updating your kitchen countertops. In addition, you can use the principles calculating square feet to help you with any other project around your home.

Measured Square Footage

One of the best uses of having a measured square footage is getting a good cost estimate. As you look at different types of granite countertops you will notice that everything in our facility is listed by price per square footage. If you have a price in mind for your new kitchen countertops, you will be able to take the square footage you measured, and multiply it by the price per square foot. That will give you a close estimate of the total cost. It won’t give you the exact price for the materials, but it is going give a close estimate.

You can use this for any number of projects in your home. If you are looking at adding natural stone tile to your bathroom, you can get a good cost estimate in mind once you measure your square footage. If you are doing tile on a wall or on the floor, you will want to add and additional ten percent to your measured square feet. There is a good reason for this practice. If you hired someone to install tile, there is going to be waste. Tile has to be cut in order to fit your floor or shower walls. Sometimes the scrap tile is too small to be used anywhere else, so you will have waste pieces. If you add in that extra ten percent, you will be able to get enough tiles to complete your project, and you will have pretty good idea of the cost in materials.

Avoid the Guessing Game

The worst project language you can use is guessing. Guessing the square footage will give you a useless number that will be of no benefit. Even if you hate the math involved in calculating your square feet, if you want a reliable cost estimate, doing the calculations is an important step that cannot be skipped. If you have ever heard the phrase, “measure twice and cut once”, you will notice the importance of getting the right measurement before you ever start a project.

Arch City Granite

At Arch City Granite, we use computer aided measuring devices, because we want to get the exact measurements so we can provide an exact product. While it is a good point of knowledge to understand how to measure square footage we would never use a customers measurements for their countertop order. We are specially trained and have the right equipment to measure your surfaces perfectly so we can provide stone that is perfect for your home. At-home measurements are only to help you grasp what your cost may be. We avoid using guesses, because that would detract from the beauty of our finished product. We work to provide you with the best natural stone products around. When you want to transform your home, we have the materials you need to bring in elegance and aesthetic quality you can’t find anywhere else.

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So you have chosen to accent your kitchen and bathrooms with stunningly beautiful granite counter tops. You already understand their durability and how you will be able to set things from your stove directly onto your counter without the worry of burning your kitchen. While granite countertops are durable, they will also transform your kitchen and make your bathrooms eye catching. While the list of positive attributes towards granite countertops go on and on, you will soon notice that one of the biggest issues you will face is finding the right one.

Arch City Granite wants to help you make the right decision. We have listed the most common things that will help you make the choice. This is how you can choose granite countertops.

How to Choose Granite Countertops 101

• Lifestyle: Often, the first thing that people jump to when thinking about their new granite countertop is the color. While color is important, you are going to want to take a moment and think about your lifestyle. If your children love making their peanut butter sandwiches on your counter, certain colors can help hide the mess. If you don’t enjoy cleaning up after every crumb left by your children you probably want to avoid dark colored countertops. If you want the mess to disappear, choose earthy tones with lots of color like our Vicenza Brown. When unexpected company comes to visit, your counters will look clean even if they have a few crumbs from lunch.

• Complementing Colors: Choosing the right color is definitely important. Remember, that you have the ultimate decision on the colors that work for your home, but here are a few tips to consider when you are thinking about the color schemes. A common rule is to contrast the colors of your cabinets with your countertop. Make certain you take a few moments and really look at your cabinets. If they are all one color, you probably want to avoid the same color for your countertops. For instance, if you have white cabinets, and you choose a white counter top, your kitchen will be overly white. Granted, bright white can make your kitchen sparkle, but if you really want to add character, you might want to pick a white granite with deep veins of color. So while the rule of thumb is to contrast, there are exceptions that can be stunning.

• Take Pictures: One of the most common problems homeowners face when picking out their new countertops is they don’t have good representation from their home. You might think you know the colors from your kitchen, but your memory might fade when it comes to knowing the exact color. Wait until your kitchen has the maximum amount of natural light and then start snapping pictures. You will be able to bring your pictures into Arch City Granite and hold them up to our granite displays. If you need help, our stone design experts can help you narrow down your decisions.

• Consider your Space: If you get your choices down to a few different countertops, you might want to give a bit of consideration to how much space is in your kitchen. For instance, if you have a small, tight kitchen using lighter colors of granite can make your kitchen feel larger than it really is. If you have a massive kitchen and you want to make it feel cozier, you can use earth tones or rich, dark colors. Dark colors make a room feel smaller.

• Lighting: First off, if your kitchen has a lot of natural light, going with a dark granite countertop with vivid white veins is going to make your new kitchen dazzle. A lot of natural light will make your kitchen feel larger even if you decide to go with a dark colored granite. On the other hand, if you kitchen doesn’t have a lot of natural light, you are going to want to avoid dark colors. Your kitchen might begin to feel a little claustrophobic if the walls are dark, the cabinets are dark, and there isn’t any natural light.

• Mix and Match: If you think you can only have one color of granite in your kitchen, think again. In modern homes, it is becoming more and more common to have an accent countertop. This works extremely well if your kitchen has an island. In addition, if you are having a hard time choosing between two different selections, you might be able to use both. Some homeowners have been using a main granite color for all of their countertops, but using contrasting colored granite to add a unique border. Kitchens with this type of color scheme will make your eyes pop. You will marvel at your kitchen or bathroom every time you walk inside.

• Our Kitchen Visualizer: We have a 3D kitchen visualizer where you can pick your flooring color, your cabinet color and then move through and select all of our granite colors. You will be able to visualize in real time what your kitchen will look like with every single color scheme. This is one of our greatest tools in how to choose your granite countertop.

Arch City Granite

We have a great selection of beautiful granite. You can walk through our show room and see how they look as a large slab. One of our stone experts is ready to assist you as you make the tough decisions. We can give you some good ideas, because we perform granite installations in numerous homes throughout the area. Arch City wants to help you choose the right granite countertops, stop by our showroom and take a look. When you pick the right granite countertop for your home, it will bring a smile to your face every time you look at them.

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There are many benefits to installing quartz counters in your kitchen or bathroom. This advanced man-made material is stain resistant, heat resistant (up to a certain point), and scratch resistant. It requires no maintenance, and is easy to clean.

In this article, we are going to focus on Caesarstone. Founded in 1987, this brand has since become synonymous with high-end quartz countertops. Caesarstone is one of four brand of quartz that we keep in stock at Arch City Granite and Marble.

They have many beautiful patterns to choose from, but of course we have our favorites. So, without further ado, here is our completely subjective list of the six most beautiful Caesarstone patterns available today.

We carry each of these quartz styles in bulk, so you only have to pay for the parts of the slabs you need, giving you a lower end rate.

1. Nobel Grey Caesarstone Quartz

Of all the quartz styles on the market, Nobel Grey does one of the best jobs of capturing the true essence of a classic White Carrara Marble. It features medium-sized gray patterning that meanders across a white/off-white background. Like White Carrara Marble, Nobel Grey Quartz work well in almost any type of home or style of kitchen.

2. Taj Royale Caesarstone Quartz

Taj Royale is a quiet pattern with warm neutrals mixed in such a way that the slabs resemble Spanish Crema Marfil Marble. The pattern is small and fairy consistent across the slab, with well-balanced veins of caramel and light brown adding just a bit of motion to your countertop.

3. Frosty Carina Caesarstone Quartz

Frosty Carina is a minimalist take on white marble, with blue-grey filigree in a small, gentle pattern over a white background. This quartz is perfect for a contemporary kitchen–particularly as an alternative to the solid white counter for those who want just a bit more going on.

4. London Grey Caesarstone Quartz

London Grey has a very similar pattern to Frosty Carrina, but instead of blue-grey, the wispy veining is a feint taupe and gold. If you are planning to incorporate more warm colors or metals (bronze, brass), this is a great way to get that marble look while still ensuring that the counter ties in with the rest of the room.

5. Sleek Concrete Caesarstone Quartz

Moving in a very different direction, we have Sleek Concrete, a distinctly contemporary pattern. This minimalist quartz has a small, consistent grain with a few shades of gray. It is a more durable (and cheaper) alternative to concrete counters.

6. Calacatta Nuovo Caesarstone Quartz

Last and definitely not least is Calacatta Nuovo. This next-generation quartz replicates the long, bold lines of the beautiful–but soft and expensive– Calacatta Marble family. If you are trying to get the best possible quartz alternative to a bold marble, you won’t find many quartz patterns better than Calacatta Nuovo.

To see full slabs of these Caesarstone quartz patterns, visit one of Arch City and Granite’s two showrooms in the greater St. Louis area. Our stone experts are always on hand to help you make the perfect selection for your unique project. We carry each of these quartz styles in bulk, so you only have to pay for the parts of the slabs you need, giving you a lower end rate.

(All pictures, Courtesy of Caesarstone USA)

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The bathroom is one of the most practical and necessary rooms in the house. But sometimes it ends up being the last room to be decorated and updated. Think of how often you are in the powder room or master bathroom? Invest a little money and time in this space, and you have the chance to start and end your day in with colors and styles that make you smile.

Except for the unusually large and luxurious bathroom, most vanity counters can be fabricated from remnants, the large pieces of granite or other stones leftover from bigger projects.

Particularly when it comes to higher-end granites with more unique patterns, remnants rarely match new slabs, meaning that fabricators will usually sell the remnants at a considerably discounted rate. These beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces are the best way to get a great, affordable vanity top.

Granite for Bathrooms

Like in the kitchen, granite is the most versatile and durable countertop you could choose. Granite will easily hold up against the normal wear and tear of a bathroom. We still recommend sealing your vanity top once a year. Most fabricators will likely have a larger amount of granite remnants compared to other countertop types.

Quartz Surfaces for Bathrooms

Quartz counters are the next most popular choice for vanity counters. They will have the same durability level as granite when installed in bathrooms. However, your fabricator may not have as many remnants of quartz. The consistency of pattern and color across different quartz styles means that any remaining pieces can be used for future kitchen projects. If you visit a fabricator who stocks quartz, they can sell you a smaller piece at the normal price rate.

Marble for Vanity tops

White marble and white quartzite are two more popular and dependable choices for bathroom vanities. For those who would prefer marble in the kitchen, but are wary of the risks, the bathroom is a great place to enjoy a classic like White Carrara Marble.

In the bathroom, there are far less risks that an acidic substance or stray knife or heavy pot will be able to damage your marble. Properly sealed, there’s no reason a white marble can’t stay looking fresh and clean in the average bathroom.

Quartzite Stones for Bathrooms

If you are still not ready to put marble in your bathroom but love the look, consider quartzite. This natural, quarried stone can have a similar appearance to marble, but is harder and more resistant to etching and stains. Super White Quartzite and White Macaubas Quartzite are two popular choices for that classic marble top look without the risks of marble.

For a large selection of remnants and other bathroom vanity counter options in the greater St. Louis area, visit one of Arch City Granite and Marble’s two fully-stocked showrooms.

The post How to Choose the Best Type of Countertop for Your Bathroom appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.

Summer is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the soft colors and bright, airy feel of a beach house all year long. With the right mix of colors and natural materials, you can create a fresh and relaxing kitchen that looks classy in any season.

Let’s start with the colors:

Now, if you are thinking summer, your first instinct may be to choose warmer colors for the walls, but in this scenario, we are trying to capture the refreshing atmosphere of a seaside vacation home. That means you are going to want to stick to pale, cool tones–such as seafoam green and powder blue– in combination with white or off-white (whichever you prefer). Once you have the paint colors established, you can add some contrast to the room with brighter colored throw pillows, wall art, or other smaller decorative features.

Then add the cabinets:

To keep the whole room soft and light, stick to either white, off-white, or a pale wood cabinet. You can give the kitchen a casual weathered effect by choosing a natural or unfinished wood like hickory or oak. As for the cabinet style, simple is better here.

The floor comes next:

If you were actually in a beach house, you would have to worry about sand, which damages wood floors, but in this case you can choose a light-to-medium wood floor without a second thought. If you prefer tile, a large-scale (12″x12″) cream or tan travertine tile will give you a similarly open, natural feel.

Last your counters, the crown jewel of the kitchen:

As the most significant natural element in the kitchen, your countertops will be the visual center of the room. You don’t have to break the bank to get just the right look; several low-to-mid range granite colors like Kashmir White Granite, Colonial Gold Granite, and Hawaii Granite all have interesting patterns and creamy neutral base colors that will tie in the cabinets, floor, and paint colors.

In a slightly higher-priced category of stones are those granite patterns with a bit more motion and color. Typhoon Bordeaux Granite and Typhoon Green Granite have exciting diagonal waves with a splash of color to increase contrast and energy. For a glossier surface, take a look at Sea Pearl Quartzite and White Macaubas Quartzite, which both have long, meandering lines that closely resemble sea foam or gentle waves.

If you are ready to look in the exotic granite category, you can bring the ocean right into the kitchen with stunning stones like Blue Bahia Granite.

Don’t forget backsplash!

Light, simple, medium-sized tiles will help set the stage for your countertops. If your granite has a cooler background, white marble subway tiles pair well. To match with a warmer granite, neutral travertine, porcelain, or ceramic tile is best.

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There is nothing more inherently inspiring than looking at beautiful natural landscapes in person. The next best thing is to see echoes of these vistas captured in the unique patterns and colors of natural stone.

When walking through a countertop fabricator’s warehouse or granite slab-yard, many are struck by how many types of granite, marble, and quartzite resemble aerial views of the earth or the night sky. In this post, we’ll feature a few of these breathtaking patterns that are available right here in the greater St. Louis area.

The Lava Rocks

Now, it’s not hard to guess why so many types of granite resemble cooled or flowing lava. Granite is an igneous rock, which means at one time it was indeed molten lava deep below the earth’s surface.

Desert Dream Granite is one of the most striking in this category, with copper, burnt orange, and ash gray swirling into a jet black background. This granite looks different from each set of slab to the other, making each a unique snapshot of the intensity of the earth’s inner layers.

Desert Dream granite (also known as Magma Gold or Sedna)

While Titanium Granite does sometimes have traces of gold or copper in it, it is primarily black and white. Its swirls have that same distinct look of molten rock, but in this case the colors are those of cooled lava: off-white and jet black.

Titanium Granite Slab

The Arctic Rocks

Though quarried in the warmer climate of Brazil, Alaska White Granite’s crisp white and black colors look distinctly like ice floes breaking off from a glacier and drifting out into a dark artic sea. Cool and soothing, this popular granite provides an extra bit of natural inspiration in classic bright white or black and white kitchen.

Alaska White granite slab

Sea Pearl Quartzite is a translucent, off-white stone with long diagonal lines and a pearly sheen. It has a faint undertone of pale green, which give its pattern the appearance of sea foam cresting on cool waves.

Sea Pearl Quartzite (natural stone) slab

The Riverbed Stone

Black Marinace Granite (Nero Marinache) is a spectacularly unique natural stone. Geologically speaking, it is a polymict pebble conglomerate. Each of the round stones in its pattern was likely rolled smooth over a long period of time as a glacier moved over them. Then, a silt or sediment washed over them and hardened as it was covered with more and more layers of new rocks and silt. If you look closely, you can see a “weather rime” or faint change of color around the edge of some of the individual rocks where each pebble came into contact with the elements.

Black Marinace granite (Also known as Nero Marinache, Marinache Gold)

The Milky Way Stone

Cosmos Wave Granite has an unusually high amount of mica and large pieces of quartz, minerals that give this granite its signature shimmer. Swirls of silver, gold, and copper give make slabs appear as if they were photos taken from the telescopes that can zoom in on the Milky Way.

Cosmos Wave granite (Also known as Stormy Night granite)

Beauty of these stunning granites is not easy to capture in photographs.  If you are in St. Louis, Missouri area, you are most welcome to visit these granites in person.

The post Reflections of Nature: 6 Granite Counters with Unbelievable Patterns appeared first on Arch City Granite & Marble.