Granite countertops are among the most durable choice when considering options for new countertops in your kitchen or bathroom. In popularity, granite has reigned supreme among the top choices for countertops for almost 40 years now.

It has been seen as a statement piece in the kitchen and bathroom with its artistic veining and variety of colors. No two slabs are the same so adding that touch of brilliance and luxury to your kitchen or bathroom is a big thing. Elbowing passed formica and marble countertops, granite was hailed as the most beautiful and desired countertop option after the 1970’s and 80’s. Even today, it is still held its place among the top 3 most popular countertop choices in new homes.

One reason homeowners love granite is for its heat and scratch resistant durability. Graduating from laminate countertops to granite, you especially love the fact that this stone can easily have hot pots placed on top or that it can withstand small surface scratching from regular use. While granite countertops are a brilliant choice in the kitchen, they are not indestructible and you need to take care when it comes to granite and specific liquids, even water.

The porosity of granite

Due to the nature of granite, that it is a natural stone, it can be somewhat porous. Before it is installed as a countertop in your kitchen however, it is treated with special sealers to make it less likely to absorb stains and liquids. Without this sealant, if dark colored liquids are allowed to sit on the countertop for a long period of time, they can discolor light colored granite.

Sealing your granite countertops professionally before they are installed is a must. After that, you can self seal your granite countertops with store bought granite sealer. We recommend Stain-Proof Original from Dry-Treat products as it is manufactured with nano technology and has high amounts of stone sealer in it and will keep your countertops from soaking up liquids.

Water on your granite countertops

In nature, rain water drenches marble and granite but it may be surprising that rocks such as these can soak up water. It’s not much but because of the porosity, the tiny holes that are not visible to the naked eye can absorb water. Sealed granite countertops are much less likely to absorb water, however if water is left on your countertop for long periods of time, it can cause a darker spot. Oftentimes, water will just dry and evaporate but if it’s been left to sit for a long time, it might needs a bit more help.

Mild detergent, water and a soft bristled brush is usually enough to remove the spot. Hard water stains are another story. If your water has a high mineral content, it can leave a hard water stain on your granite, especially around a leaky faucet. This creates a white, filmy residue on your countertop that can seem impossible to remove but there is a way to do it. Using baking soda or a granite cleaner poultice, spread a thick layer around the hard water stain. Cover it with plastic wrap and tape down. Allow it to dry for 24 hours and once dry, gently use your hands to rub off the dry poultice. Use a soft cloth with warm water and soap to remove the rest. If there is still a little bit of the hard water stain left, try this process again. So can water ruin granite? No, but it can discolor it so you want to be cautious with especially hard water on your granite countertops.

Arch City Granite for the best selection in granite countertops

Arch City Granite prides itself in providing the best selection of granite slabs around. When selecting granite for your new countertops, you don’t want to see a picture in a book, you want to touch, see and feel it. Our friendly staff is happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best look for your kitchen or bathroom update. Come in and see us today!

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Have you ever wondered why so many homeowners decide to go with granite in their kitchens or bathrooms? With so many different varieties of countertop on the market, you might wonder why granite is such a popular choice. Here at Arch City Granite, we want you to have the information you need to make informed decisions. If you have questions about granite in bathrooms and granite in kitchens, then we have the answers you need.

The Origin Story

Granite is an extremely hard material and is formed from quartz and feldspar and a few other trace minerals. The other trace minerals are what alter the coloring. Granite is formed from magma deep under the earth. As the magma begins to cool, the pressure of the earth compresses the crystallizing magma and granite is formed. The formation of granite is a combination of the right materials, added to the right amounts of heat, pressure, and time. When granite is created correctly, you get a kitchen or bathroom countertop that can withstand an army of angry toddlers, and even forgetful teenagers.

So, Why Go With Granite?

Durability

 If you are wondering where granite falls on durability, we will need to look at the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. In the early 1800’s a mineralogist named Fredrick Mohs wanted to know the toughness of natural materials. He created a simple method of taking one material to scratch another. Using this revolutionary technique, Mohs was able to understand hardness as it related to Geology. Ranked at a number one, the softest material on the scale is talc, while the hardest is diamond with a rank of 10. Granite falls in at a rank of seven. This means that the granite in kitchens is resistant to scratching. Granite can also withstand the heat. If you have granite in a bathroom, you won’t have to worry about a curling iron burning the surface. Granite can take the heat. You can take a hot pan out of the oven and set it directly on the surface. If you love baking and cooking, granite will be your new best friend.

Selection

If you are worried about finding the right color for you kitchen or bathroom countertop, granite has you covered. You will be able to find slabs of granite that come in a variety of coloring schemes and patterns. Some of the colors include: browns, beiges, earth tones, reds, whites, blacks, neutrals, and greys. You can even find a few granite slabs that have a blueish coloring. Pretty much, if you have a color scheme in mind for you kitchen or bathroom, granite has the wide selection you need.

Resistant to Staining

When countertops are fabricated at Arch City Granite, we add a protective sealant. The sealant goes a long way to protecting the granite from stains, but the granite itself helps too. Granite is a pretty dense material.

Low Maintenance

There are some countertops out there that require a lot of maintenance. Granite definitely is not included in that group. Granite is one of the lowest maintenance countertops you can find. Depending on the level of use, you might need to reseal your granite countertops once a year to once every few years. Applying the sealant is easy, all you need to do is follow the directions on the package and you will be good to go.

Arch City Granite

If you have questions about installing granite in kitchens or bathrooms, feel free to come down to one of our stores. We will answer your questions in a pressure free environment. We want to help you make the right decision for you home. At our St. Louis location, you can even watch the fabrication process. You will be amazed as large slabs of granite are transformed into stunning countertops. We have the selection you need for your kitchen and bathroom and we have install you countertops the right way the first time. When you think about installing granite countertops, think Arch City Granite. With Arch City Granite, you will understand why so many people love their granite countertops.

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Travertine is often thought of as a type marble and people frequently confuse the two. In fact, many people think travertine is just a fancier word for marble but this is not the case, the two are very different stones created in a unique environments giving them their own specific look and feel.

One reason these two stones might be lumped together is because they are in the limestone family and both created from sedimentary material, but these two stones are very different in appearance and formation.

The key difference between the two stones is how they are formed. Marble is formed when limestone comes under high pressures and temperatures. Travertine, on the other hand, is formed under additional high pressures and temperatures too, however travertine is formed in hot springs and limestone caves. Travertine has many distinctive, tiny holes and channels, giving it its telltale characteristics. These are created by the expulsion of hot water and gases during formation.

Both travertine and marble are beautiful choices for countertops in your kitchen and bathroom and we will help you understand these two stones better so you can make a choice you will be happy with.

Durability of travertine and marble

Travertine and marble are very hard stones and can withstand normal, everyday use. Being two of the softer natural stones, especially in comparison to granite and quartz, these two types can be cut in a variety of styles and shapes. Travertine and marble can be honed and polished into a beautiful shine. When homeowners hear the word “soft stone,” some are scared off from these two choices but keep in mind, travertine and marble countertops still incredibly durable and harder than most non-stone countertop surfaces.

They were created with heat and pressure during formation, so they are easily able to withstand heat and everyday wear and tear in your kitchen and bathroom. Travertine countertops are slightly harder than marble countertops as travertine is between a 4 and 5 on the mohs scale while marble is between a 3 and 4.

Appearance of the two stones

Marble come in a variety of colors from grey to beige, golden or dark brown or even black. The veining in marble is a unique characteristic but some types of marble can come out one single color with minimal veining.

Travertine is typically in the warm, Mediterranean earth tones. Once the two stones are sealed, they are more resistant to stains, though care should be taken as these porous stones are susceptible to discoloration if dark liquids are not wiped up quickly. Marble and travertine develop a patina over time that connoisseurs of these two stones appreciate.

Cost between travertine countertops and marble countertops

Costs between the two stones can vary greatly depending on the quality of the stone as well as the rarity. Some rare and beautiful marble slabs like Calacatta Gold from Italy may cost more than $150 dollars per sq. ft.  Natural travertine can sometimes cost less than marble because it is easier to cut, reducing costs on this end. In other instances, a natural slab of travertine can cost more than cultured marble, however you can find similar costs in both depending on the quality.

The complexity of the installation can be a factor in the cost. Considering all aspects as well thickness of the slab and quality of the stone, we can help you find a choice that fits your taste and budget. Once you narrow your choice down to the type of countertop you prefer, weighing the options becomes much simpler.

Both stones are a beautiful choice for your countertop upgrades

Whether travertine countertops with its warm, artistic appearance or the natural elegance of marble countertops have caught your eye, Arch City Granite can help you pick the best choice for your kitchen or bathroom.

Granite countertops are wildly popular but if you are looking for something unique and different, steering away from the typical trends and opting for the luxurious travertine and marble choices is an excellent choice.

Our knowledgeable staff can answer all your questions concerning the many different types of travertine countertops and marble countertops we have in stock. Come visit us today for the best selection in natural stone countertops in the St. Louis area.

The post What is the Main and Most Important Difference Between Travertine and Marble? 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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When it comes to improving the overall look and feel of your home, there are things you can do that will help you add value, without increasing your headache. Here at Arch City Granite, we are all about improving the value of your home. We want to provide you with the information you need that will give you the upper edge when you want to invest in a bit of remodeling.

It’s all about the Kitchen

You have probably heard the adage that the kitchen is the heart of the home; well it’s true in more ways than one. When you have a realtor showing your home to potential buyers, they will naturally spend a lot of time discussing the home in the kitchen. That is why you want to make your kitchen pop.

One of the simplest ways to improve the aesthetics and value of your kitchen is to replace your worn out countertops with some beautiful edge defining granite. At Arch City Granite you can look through our vast selection of countertops and find one that fits the color and scheme of your kitchen. Updating your kitchen countertops is a simple remodeling  project because we do the measuring, fabrication, cutting, and installation, while you sit back and relax.

Revamp your Fireplace

Another eye catching part of any home is your fireplace. Unfortunately, if your home is like many other homes, your fireplace surround might be outdated and out of style. A simple remodeling project for your fireplace an update with beautiful natural stone. We will help you find the right type of stone for your fireplace surround and then you will be able to look through our selection and find something that will add life and value to your home.

Bring out the Stone

Adding value to your home means increasing the appeal. Potential home buyers will always look at your windows. At Arch City Granite we have a simple remodeling project that will improve the look and feel of your windows and it all starts with our remnants. During the fabrication process where we transform stone slabs into stunning countertops, there are always remnant pieces left over from the cutting. By using our remnant stone pieces, you can add natural stone to the window sills of your home.

We sell our remnants for a fraction of the cost, which means you can get some amazing pieces of natural stone that will add value to your home. We even cut the pieces to your measurements. Once you arrive home all you need to do is apply a good bonding agent and your window sill project is complete.

Arch City Granite

When it comes to granite and other natural stone countertops, you can find what you are looking for when you come to Arch City Granite. For more ideas about what you can do with around your home or office you can find them here. We want to help you make your home to have the look and feel of beauty. You can find the sleek stone surface that will transform your home and add the amazing value that only natural stone can offer.

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When you are looking to beautify and update your kitchen by replacing those worn out countertops, you are probably thinking about going with stone. While researching you have probably uncovered a lot of information about different types of stone, but there is a lot of confusion about quartz and quartzite countertops.

At Arch City Granite, we dedicate our time and resources to provide you with the best countertops in St. Louis. We understand that making a decision about your new stone countertops can be a lot of work. In order to help you make an informed decision, we want to provide you with the information you need. Here are the big differences between quartz vs quartzite.

Quartz Countertops

First off, the biggest difference you will discover with quartz is that it is not a natural slab of stone cut from a quarry. Quartz is an engineered countertop. Don’t worry though, even though it is engineered, it is still made from 92-94% quartz, the rest is epoxy resin. The main component that goes into the Quartz surfaces is a naturally found mineral or rock in the Earth, called Quartz. It is a naturally occurring stone that is just as hard as granite. The quartz is crushed and mixed with the resin. The resulting mixture is poured into a form under very high temperatures and very high pressures. Once the mixture sets and cures it becomes a hard slab. It can then be finished and installed.

Benefits of Going with Quartz

The biggest benefit with quartz is the selection. Since it is engineered, you can get hundreds of different colors. In recent years, quartz can even been engineered to look like marble. Veins of color can be inserted into the countertop. Quartz can give you the look of marble, with the durability of granite. Another advantage with quartz is its durability. Since the quartz and resin are nonporous, you won’t have to worry about stains. In fact, you won’t have to worry about sealing your quartz countertop at all. Any natural stone will need to be maintained by applying a sealer.

Disadvantages of Quartz

Even though the resin makes quartz countertops resistant to stains, that same resin makes it vulnerable to heat. If you place a hot pan from the oven onto your countertop, you can burn the resin. You will need to use hot pads or trivets. Make certain you avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Another significant disadvantage of engineered quartz surfaces is that they cannot be used in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight. The ultra violet radiation in the direct sunlight fades the colors of Quartz surfaces.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite is natural stone. Quartzite began its life as a sedimentary rock, which underwent extreme pressure. The pressure transformed the rock from sedimentary to metamorphic. You will notice beautiful swirling white and gray patterns in quartzite countertops. If there were other minerals present during its formation, you can have quartzite that is orange, yellow, blue, or even green. Since it is natural, quartzite is cut from quarries in large slabs. At Arch City Granite we take those slabs and are able to use specific measurements from your home and we are able to create stunning quartzite countertops.

Benefits of Going with Quartzite

You have probably heard that granite is one of the hardest countertop materials; well quartzite is just a bit harder. Since quartzite was formed under extreme pressure, it makes it a very hard substance and that translates into durability. You will be able to set hot things from your oven or stove, straight onto the surface. Your quartzite countertop can take the heat with ease. If you like the way natural stone looks, then you will definitely be moving toward quartzite.

Disadvantages of Quartzite

Since it is a natural stone, quartzite will need a bit of maintenance. When it comes to your home, your quartzite countertop is sealed. Every once in a while you will need to have your countertops resealed. The best way to identify if your seal coat is working is by sprinkling the surface with water. If the water beads up, your sealer is doing its job. If the water soaks into the stone, it is time for a new coat of sealer.

When the sealant is in place, cleaning your countertop will be a breeze. Just make certain you use a cleaner that is labeled for quartzite. Another disadvantage of quartzite is the color selection. While white and grey are very popular in kitchens right now, if you are looking for variety, you will notice that quartzite is very limited when you compare it with the manufactured quartz. Even though quartzite is extremely durable, you will want to use a cutting board to avoid the potential of scratching the surface. Many homeowners do in fact cut up food right on the surface, and never see a scratch, but there is always the possibility.

Arch City Granite

Now that you know more about Quartz vs Quartzite, you can decide on the type of countertop that you like most. No matter what surface type you decide to go with, both will absolutely beautify your kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry room. When you go with Arch City Granite, we will be able to provide you the skill and expertise you need to have a beautifully cut custom countertop.

We use specialized computer aided measuring and fabrication devises, to make certain that every countertop fits perfectly into you home. Our installation crew is friendly, courteous, and will work around your schedule. When you want to increase the value of your home and give it that aesthetic appeal that only beautiful countertops can achieve, come to Arch City Granite. You can tour our facility and see how new countertops are cut. You can watch the entire fabrication process from a rough slab of rock, to a new beautiful countertop. When you want the best countertops, come to Arch City Granite. Your kitchen will thank you.

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When people think of an elegant, cool, and stunning countertop they usually think of marble. One of our biggest attractions to marble is those veins of color. When marble is formed under the earth, different minerals are exposed to heat and the veins of color are created. No two slabs of marble look the same. Your kitchen countertop will always be unique. Unfortunately, marble comes with its own issues.

At Arch City Granite, we specialize in the fabrication and installation of countertops. We understand that even though marble has its undeniable charm, it comes with higher demand for maintenance. If you are looking for that marble look, but without the maintenance, we have a solution.

Meet Marble

Marble is resistant to heat, and since it doesn’t absorb heat well, many bakers love its cool properties. You can set a hot pan, or pot down on the surface of your marble countertop and not worry about the heat doing any damage. Marble has been used for fireplace surrounds because it can handle a few sparks and won’t yellow from the heat.

Marble has a lot of qualities, but it is also a soft, porous rock. Because it is soft, you might never set a pot down on the surface, because you will be terrified of scratching it. Marble countertops will scratch very easy. You will want to have a cutting board whenever you are preparing a meal, because a knife blade can mar the surface. Because it scratches easily, most people will even put a soft cloth under their cutting boards. If you decide to use a scrubbing pad to clean the surface of you marble, you can damage the entire surface. It is that soft.

Marble is very susceptible to acids as well. If you spill some orange juice, wine, or any liquid that has acidic properties, the acid will etch the surface. Spills have to be cleanup up immediately. For this reason, people with young children often avoid getting marble countertops. Kids just make it difficult to have nice things.

Remember how marble is porous? That means that things can seep into the marble. Oils, coffee, and other drinks can seep into the porous rock and stain it. Since marble is so porous, you can get a surface sealer and a deep soaking sealant. Both will help protect you marble and give you precious minutes to clean up a spill before it can stain your beautiful countertops. Both types of sealant degrade over time, so you will need to have your countertops resealed.

The time frame is different, depending on the amount of use, but it can range anywhere from a few times a year, to once every one to two years. This is where the maintenance comes in with marble. If you forget to reseal, you will be faced with impossible stains that you can use elbow grease to remove, because scrubbing will scratch your marble.

Meet Granite that Looks like Marble

You have heard that granite is hard. That hardness gives it the durability people expect with a granite countertop. Geologists created a ranking system that measures the hardness of rock and they call it the Mohs hardness scale. Marble comes in at a 3 to 5, while granite comes in at a 7. Diamonds are a 10. Granite is non-porous and very, very hard. You can set hot pots down on the surface; some people even prepare their meal right on the surface.

Although, we recommend that you still use a cutting board, you will find that granite can withstand scratches from knife blades quite well. Since Granite is non-porous, you can spill things on the surface and never worry about stains occurring. Granite has a lot less maintenance. Like marble, granite does require a sealant, but many homeowners find that they can go a few years with heavy use before they ever have to add a new seal coat.

Your Marble-like, Granite Solution

If you love the look of marble, but you want the durability and the low maintenance associated with granite, then you are in for a wonderful surprise. There is a form of granite that has veins of color and looks like marble. That’s right, you can get granite that looks like marble. You can have your beautiful flowing marble look without all the work that goes into maintaining a marble countertop.

Bianco Romano granite looks a lot like Carrara marble. You will notice the white color with the greyish veins flowing through the surface. Your kitchen will come to life and you won’t have to worry about your children destroying your countertop.

Here at Arch City Granite, we can help you find a beautiful slab of granite that will give you the look of marble that you want. When you want the most out of your kitchen, you need to come and see us at Arch City Granite. We can help you pick the right countertop for your home. You can even watch the fabrication process, where we take large slabs of stone and transform them into beautiful countertops for kitchens, bathroom, and laundry rooms.

At Arch City Granite, we work to beauty homes, one kitchen at a time. Why not make your kitchen, the next one we transform?

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When it comes to countertops, Arch City Granite works to bring you the best stone countertops in St. Louis. We work with a lot of stone types and have found that there are a lot of myths and urban legends about different types of countertops. While it is true that not all stone countertops are equal, each has unique properties that can make them perfect for your home. We have a lot of different stone varieties to choose from and we want to help you make the right choice for your home, so here are some facts about stone countertops.

Stone Countertop Facts

Marble: Have you heard that marble countertops are super expensive? Well this is not always the case. The cost of marble always goes back to supply and demand. If you choose a type of marble that is rare, you will pay a higher price for it. Other types of marble are common and you will find their price range to be similar to other types of countertop.

Another misconception about marble is that since it is porous, it harbors bacteria. The fact is that marble is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial. This means that the stone itself does not create a good habitat for bacteria. You can further reduce bacterial habitat by cleaning your counter with mild antibacterial soap. If you have heard that vinegar is bad for marble, you heard right. Marble reacts with acids, so the acetic acid in vinegar can etch the stone. Marble is a gorgeous stone and its cool surface will add beauty to your home like no other type of stone.

Soapstone: One of the biggest misconceptions about soapstone is that it is a super soft stone. While it is true that soapstone is used for sculptures because it is soft, there is a reason. Soapstone for creating sculptures has a lot of talc in the rock and that makes it soft. The soapstone used for you countertops has a low percentage of talc which makes the stone much harder. While soapstone might not be as hard as granite, homeowners who purchase soapstone countertops love the look. Soapstone is very forgiving, if you accidentally chip or scratch the surface, soapstone can be sanded down. That isn’t something you can do with granite.

One misconception about soapstone is that it requires a lot of work. This isn’t true. Some homeowners like to have a consistent look with their soapstone, so they rub it down with mineral oil or a soapstone wax. This isn’t something you have to do. Other homeowners like the feel and look of the natural stone, so they do not wax it. Untreated soapstone will develop a patina overtime, but many people feel this adds character and color to their countertops. If you decide to go with a soapstone countertop, you can make the decision for yourself.

Granite: Granite is very popular because it of its appearance and durability. Unfortunately, the idea that it is indestructible has begun to surface. First off, granite is not indestructible. It is super durable and is very resistant to scratches, but if you drop a large pot on your granite countertop, there is a possibility that you can chip the surface.

Another misconception about granite is that requires a lot of upkeep. You might even hear that you will need to reseal the surface every few months. This isn’t true at all. A granite countertop is sealed, but you can go years before you need to reseal it. The best way to find out if you need to reseal the surface is to take some water and drip it onto your granite countertop. If the water soaks into the stone, it is time to reseal it. If your countertop repels the water droplet, you can wait to reseal the surface.

Quartz: If you have heard that quartz countertops are not real stone, that is only slightly true. Quartz countertops are engineered, but they contain around 93% quartz. The other 7% of the slab is a special resin that holds the ground quartz together and allows engineers to create large slabs of quartz for your countertops. A quartz countertop can be made to look like granite, or even marble.

Another fact about quartz is that it is extremely hard. Geologists created a scale to determine rank the hardness of natural materials. The scale is called the Mohs Hardness Scale. Diamonds are at the top of the list with a 10. Quartz is a 7. Quartz might not be as hard as diamond, but it is still a very hard substance. When you have a quartz countertop, you will notice that it is extremely durable. If you heard that granite is the most durable countertop, well you should know that quartz is giving granite a run for its ranking.

Another amazing fact about a quartz countertop is the number of choices. Since it is engineered, there are hundreds of different colors that you can find. The selection when you go with quartz will be massive.

Arch City Granite gives you the Facts about Stone Countertops

If you are interest in even more facts about stone countertops, why not come in and visit our showroom. You will be able to see all of the different types of countertops we provide. You can even watch our precision machines cut stone slabs and transform them into future countertops. We understand that you want to have the perfect countertop for your home. Our friendly staff is willing to answer all of you questions and give you the facts that will help you make the right choice for your home.

With Arch City Granite, you will be armed with all the answers you need to make an educated assessment of our different stone surfaces. We empower you. When you decide on your countertop we will come out to your home and use our computer aided measuring equipment to make perfect measurements. Arch City Granite can help you transform your home.

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