Jennifer Baiceanu

Apr 11 2020

Pro Tips on How to Maintain Your New Granite Countertop

Granite may be the go-to material for high-quality kitchen countertops, but it does require a bit of maintenance. The Risks of Installing Marble aren’t all that difficult, but you still need to know how to take care of this surface if you want it to last and look its best. Your best source of information will be the contractor who sold and installed your granite countertop, but there are still plenty of things you can do to get the most out of your investment.

Sealing Your New Countertop
First of all, find out whether or not your granite countertop should be sealed. Most stone surfaces can do with a coat of impregnating sealer, but it’s not always necessary. The granite countertop specialists at Marble Unlimited will help you decide whether you need a sealer for your new countertop. If you do decide to seal your countertop, be prepared to reseal it every year or so to protect it from stains.

Keeping Clean
The best way to keep your granite countertop looking its best is to clean up any spills immediately, especially if you’ve spilled an acidic substance like wine, coffee or fruit juice. Granite is relatively resistant to these substances, but they can still leave a stain if they are allowed to set in. A sealant will provide some added protection, but never assume that your countertop is completely stain-resistant. Placing coasters or pads underneath any glasses, pots or anything that could leave a stain will also help keep your new countertop clean.

When you do clean up a spill on a granite countertop, stick to sponges and soft cloths that won’t scratch the surface. You should also invest in a cleaner that is specifically formulated for granite countertops. Dish soap may appear to get your countertop clean, but it also leaves a residue on the surface if it is used too frequently.

Other Tips

As durable as granite countertops can be, they are susceptible to being scratched. To avoid this, always use a cutting board when using a knife. This will not only protect your countertop, but it will also keep your knives from going dull too quickly. Take the time to wipe away any crumbs or other bits of grit before you place anything on top of your counter. Crumbs won’t damage the surface of a granite countertop as badly as a knife, but they can still leave marks over time if you’re not careful.

Even though it sounds like maintaining a granite countertop is a lot of work, it’s actually much easier than you might think. Granite countertops are beautiful, durable and perfect for any busy kitchen, and they will continue to look great and function well as long as you keep them in great shape.

Apr 05 2020

Battle of the Countertop Surfaces: Granite vs. Quartz

When it comes to countertop surfaces, there doesn’t seem to be a big difference between granite and quartz. Both types of countertop are made of stone, and both are prized for their durability and aesthetic appeal, but is one better than the other? Let’s take a look at each option so you can decide for yourself what kind of countertop you want in your home.

Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are made from pure stone that is mined and sawed into slabs or tiles. The stone is polished to a fine sheen, but it otherwise maintains its natural appearance. Granite countertops come in many different colors and patterns, and no two countertops will be alike. Although granite is a hard and durable material, it’s also porous and can be stained by spills that aren’t cleaned immediately. Sealing a granite countertop will provide some protection, but it should still be wiped clean with soap and warm water every day. You might also want to purchase a cleanser that is specifically formulated for granite countertops if you want your countertops to look their best. On the other hand, granite is highly resistant to heat, so you don’t have to worry too much about damaging a granite countertop with hot pots and pans.

Beautiful Kitchen With white ice granite countertops In New Luxury Home With Island Pendant Lights And Glass Fronted

Although higher-end granite countertops can get expensive, they are mostly comparable in price to quartz, with prices ranging between $2,000 and $4,000. They are less environmentally-friendly, however. Granite countertops are made from solid pieces of stone that need to be mined from a quarry, so they aren’t as sustainable as quartz countertops. If having a “green” home is important to you, you might want to consider quartz instead of granite for your countertops. If you’ve ever wondered what the use of granite is, our latest article will be interesting for you.

Quartz Countertops
Unlike granite countertops that are 100 percent stone, quartz countertops are composed of 95 percent stone and 5 percent polymer resin. Quartz countertops look very similar to granite, but because they need to be manufactured, they can be customized for those who want a specific color to match their kitchen’s decor. Quartz isn’t as heat-resistant as granite, but it is harder and more resistant to scratches and gouges. Since quartz countertops aren’t porous, it is easier to keep them clean. They should still be wiped clean if you spill anything on them, but you don’t have to worry a

Snow-white with New Kitchen Quartz Countertops

bout applying a sealant or investing in special cleansers. They are also much more environmentally-friendly than granite countertops since they don’t require large stone slabs to be mined and cut. The only real downsid

e of going with quartz instead of granite for your countertops is that quartz often doesn’t have the same natural beauty as granite. It does come close enough for most homeowners who don’t want to take the time to purchase and maintain a granite countertop, though.

Whether you decide to go with granite countertops or quartz countertops, you can rest assured that you are getting a good-quality work surface for your kitchen that will look great for years to come. If you need more information on these countertop options and want to know which one would be best for your home, contact Marble Unlimited today. They will be happy to answer any questions that you might have.

Mar 28 2020

How to care for quartzite countertops?

Quartzite countertops are appealing and exotic kitchen installations. Thanks to their durability and hardness, these counters have become the go-to choice for many homeowners.
However, even the best counters can still get stained or dirty, especially after heavy use. Therefore, knowing how to care for quartzite countertops is essential to ensure they maintain their great appearance and optimal functionality. Regular care for quartzite countertops will help you keep them great looking and functioning at their best.

So, how to take care of quartzite countertops?

To care for quartzite countertops and to preserve their enduring strength you need to holistic maintenance approach. This encompasses meticulous sealing, cleansing, polishing, and professional maintenance as necessary.

To care for quartzite countertops and preserve their enduring strength, you need a holistic maintenance approach. This encompasses meticulous sealing, cleansing, polishing, and professional maintenance as necessary. When it comes to quartzite countertops care, following the right steps:

Sealing quartzite

All stone countertops are slightly porous. Quartzite countertops are less porous than marble or quartz, but they still have a tendency to absorb liquids. In kitchen terms, this means that your quartzite counters can quickly turn any spill into a colorful and permanent stain.

The solution is to seal your countertops at least once a year; this will prevent stains and maintain your quartzite counter’s signature shine. Try using a stone sealer made from polyurethane, acrylics, or natural wax. You can find more permanent sealers made from silicone and other liquid-repelling materials, but you should always make sure that the sealer was intended to be used on natural stone. Proper quartzite countertop maintenance involves diligent sealing to protect their appearance.

Cleaning quartzite

After sealing your quartzite countertop, you should also ensure that you clean it regularly. The best way to do this is with a damp cloth and some mild detergent. After you’ve applied the soap, rinse the counter with plain water and another clean cloth. In between major washings, you use a wet micro cloth to dust off your countertop while maintaining its delicate shine.

When you’re cleaning any stone countertop, it’s important to avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners. Citrus and vinegar bases will cut through the sealant and permanently damage the stone underneath. If you need something stronger than soap, look for an antibacterial and virucidal cleaner that’s intended for use on marble, quartzite, and natural stone. Caring for quartzite countertops involves gentle cleaning methods to preserve their beauty.

Polishing quartzite

Lastly, you need to polish your quartzite countertop to maintain its glossy appeal. Although quartzite is a tough stone, it can discolor, crack, chip or develop perforations over time. Polishing will wear away these defects to reveal the smooth and perfect stone underneath.

The best way to ensure good polishing and restoration is to call a professional. They’ll use a delicate hand to revitalize your stone counter without doing any further damage. A professional polisher will also be able to help you apply sealant and make recommendations for quartzite cleaning products.

If your quartzite countertops are looking under the weather, don’t be afraid to give your quartzite maintenance company a call. They’ll be happy to help you restore your counters to their original beauty and shine.

Conclusion

In summary, quartzite care and maintenance is a comprehensive approach. Consistent sealing, meticulous cleaning, and skillful polishing stand as pivotal measures to uphold their optimal condition. Employing a damp cloth and gentle detergent for regular cleaning is paramount, and sidestepping harsh agents that could compromise. Also, you can entrust the polishing to professionals eradicates imperfections, and amplifies the stone’s resplendent gloss. By embracing these tips and enlisting expert aid, you can affirm the timeless charm and robust endurance of your quartzite countertops, ensuring they remain focal points in your kitchen.

Mar 17 2020

Why Should You Buy Quartzite Countertops?

If you want to revamp your kitchen, your counters are the best place to start. Natural stone counters are beautiful, durable, elegant, and exciting; they’re the perfect choice for nearly any kitchen design. While granite and quartz are old standbys, quartzite is actually the best choice for countertops. Here are a few reasons why:

Durability
Quartzite countertops are durable and long-lasting. Both granite and quartzite are beautiful, natural stones, but quartzite is denser and far less porous. A less porous material won’t absorb liquid as easily, which means it’s less likely to stain the next time you make juice or cook something with beets in it.

Because they’re so durable, quartzite countertops require little-to-no sealants and need to be polished far less often. The dense material is also more resilient to scratching, so you can relax as you prepare your next culinary masterpiece.

Maintenance
Quartzite countertops are easier to maintain than counters made from granite, quartz, or marble. This makes the material a perfect choice for an active kitchen atmosphere.

Because quartzite is less porous, you can cook with colorful fruits and vegetables without worrying about an immediate stain. And since the material is dense, you don’t need to worry about scratches from a dropped dish or a wayward knife. You can also increase the lifespan of your quartzite counters by applying a sealant regularly and cleaning with the right materials.

Appearance
One of the reasons quartzite is so popular is that it looks like marble. Quartzite has shimmering veins and unique patterns that vary with each piece of stone. This material comes in alluring shades of white, gray, tan, black, and even pink or blue.

However, unlike marble, quartzite countertops are actually relatively inexpensive. Quartzite is also easier to take care of than marble. Quartzite countertops are a great choice when you want an elegant look without a high level of maintenance or a premium price tag.

Cost
Quartzite is a surprisingly affordable material, especially considering its benefits and appearance. Expect to pay slightly more than you would for a granite countertop and far less than you would for a piece of real marble.

Since the demand for quartzite is increasing, this natural stone is becoming more readily available. The prices of these countertops are likely to remain stable or even decrease as long as the supply is able to keep up with the kitchen design industry.

Quartzite is an affordable and durable material that looks great in nearly any design. If you’re thinking of adding natural stone countertops to your kitchen, you definitely need to give quartzite a try.

Mar 09 2020

How to Buy Marble Countertops for Your Home

Marble countertops work great in kitchens because they are easier to clean and lend a pleasant aesthetic appeal. All you need to do is spray them with warm water and soap to remove dirt and stains. Marble countertops look grand, elegant and refined—features that set the material apart from many other natural stones, like quartz. Before you invest in marble countertops, try these tips to get the most impact on your kitchen design.

Know the Different Types of Marble
Marble varieties are typically broken up by both type and color. Some types of marble, like Carrara, are known for having a specific color palette. Other varieties, like Calcutta, are designated by pattern and can come in a variety of colors.

• Calcutta marble is immediately recognizable thanks to its thick and bold veins. Calcutta comes in both light and dark colors, so there are plenty of choices for your kitchen.

• Carrara marble is an incredibly common type of marble. This stone has gentle gray veins on an off-white background and can be used for a variety of design applications.

• Crema Marfil has a subtle tan appearance that looks great in warm kitchen and bathroom designs. The veins in this marble can differ wildly, adding interest and excitement to your design.

• Emperador marble features a wide range of dark tones that are broken up with stark white veins. This marble is intense, alluring, and exotic—perfect for dinnertime inspiration.

Pay Attention to Veining Patterns
Marble countertops with veining patterns have a peerless appeal. These patterns appear naturally in the stone, and no two pieces of marble are exactly alike.

For a dramatic look, try a countertop that appears fractured or broken. You’ll get the most visually interesting results if the veins are a completely different color from the material base.

You can also find more subtle veining patterns that will give your kitchen a gentle mystique. Soft and subdued countertops are perfect for kitchen interiors where you want to lend elegance without visually overwhelming your guests.

Check the Finish
Marble countertops come in two main types of finish: polished and honed. Both finishes look amazing, so you should choose the one that will be the easiest to maintain.

Polished finishes are better for a shiny and glossy look. These finishes scratch easily, but they’re not easy to stain; this makes them the perfect choice for preparing juices, smoothies, and sauces.

On the other hand, a honed finish offers a subtle matte look without the same level of gloss and shine. Honed finishes stain much more easily, but they’re almost impossible to scratch. Go with a honed finish if your favorite cooking tool is your collection of chef’s knives.
While you’re shopping for marble, don’t forget to tell your showroom consultants what you want out of your design. They’ll be able to help you find a unique piece of marble that’s perfect for the kitchen of your dreams.