April 2012

 While the aesthetics will play a significant part in the type of tiles you choose, there are other factors to consider when choosing tiles. To help determine the type of tiles that are right for you, here are some guidelines for granite or marble tiles and ceramic tiles. 

Many people know that granite is a popular choice of material for countertops because granite is durable and attractive. However, not everyone knows that granite is also a natural stone countertop and an environmentally and socially friendly product.

Employment

Granite is a widely available material in the earth’s crust throughout the world, including areas such Brazil, Italy and India. When companies begin work in these areas, they bring money to the local economy, hire local workers and provide employment and other resources to these areas.

Since granite is produced worldwide, consumers can also see if there is a local granite source to cut down further on transport costs, thereby increasing the environmentally friendly nature of the granite and encourage the influx of money into the local area.

Production

When granite is extracted from the ground additional production is not necessary to create granite for countertop use. The granite is simply cut and is ready to be transported and installed. Therefore, the energy and extra chemicals necessary to prep and prepare granite are limited, making it a more environmentally friendly option than other materials that require extensive preparation.

In addition, the fabrication of granite relies most heavily on labor, not machinery or chemicals because granite is a natural stone countertop. As such, granite fabrication provides an excellent source of employment and money that re-enters the local economies.

Sealing

While granite is naturally very hard, heatproof and durable, owners can add a sealant to the granite when installed for extra durability. The sealant uses very few chemicals and prevents the need to use other chemical cleaners on a regular basis to clean the granite. In fact, once sealed, granite cleans simply with some soapy water and a damp cloth. The reduction of chemical-based cleaner use on a regular basis is better for the environment.

Recycled

When homeowners want to change their kitchen and get rid of their current granite countertops, the granite is not simply disposed of in some landfill. Instead, granite-recycling companies will pick up the granite once removed from the countertops and will use the granite for other projects, such as the creation of granite tiles or pavers.

Marble & Granite Inc.

We here at Marble & Granite Inc. are dedicated to helping homeowners find beautiful countertops that are environmentally friendly such as a natural stone countertop.

For information about our granite products and installation, please call us at 877-39-STONE.

White on the Kitchen Countertop

If like most of you have been looking to renovate your kitchen, you will no doubt have found quite a range in material and pricing. Marble will have come to mind and just when you thought it was a clear choice, you just couldn't decide what color or shading you wanted to have. Have you noticed just how white marble looks just right on your kitchen counter top? White though feared for its obvious extra effort required to maintain and keep clean, provides an elegant look and feel that you just can’t pass up. So what choices do you have when it comes to white marble?

Among the choices in white marble you have Bianco Statuario, Calacatta, Bianco Carrara, Imperial Danby White, and others. The difference here will be in the veining. Different types will have either different color veins and a distinct distribution. A major market favorite is Calacatta, it is characterized by elegant and delicate grey veining. Compared to other types in the market, there are several types. Calacatta is the most exclusive and has more pronounced veining. Other similar colors are Imperial Danby white is recognized by its soft gray and gold veins. Its veins are also lighter. Statuario with a very white background. Carrara provides a white background and a subtle gray. 

Why would you choose Calacatta you ask, the reasons will vary depending on what tickles your fancy and what your pocket has to say about it. The gray on white on these tiles help to ease up on the all white without ever compromising on the overall white feel. So, are you going to keep chickening out or are you going to take elegance a bit further and choose this beautiful piece? 

Here you can compare different types of Calacatta:

Calacatta Bluette

Calacatta Carrara

Calacatta Gold

Calacatta Ondulato

Calacatta Original

Whether you are a home owner looking to renovate your kitchen, a dealer, architect, designer or shop owner, a strong source of information is essential. www.marbleandgranite.com provides the market with the relevant information and support when it comes to stone products. If you are looking for kitchen countertop products say marble, quartz, granite or ceramic slabs, you will find it here. The support team is here to ease your search and project along.

Is it time to give your kitchen countertops a facelift? Are you thinking about installing natural stone countertops, possibly for the first time? Natural stone countertops are a design trend everywhere you look these days. Elegant and durable, timeless and trendy...they are these things and more. What shade of stone might suit your lifestyle best? Let's take a look at three of the most widely chosen styles and their colors.

First, how about considering granite as your natural stone countertop? Granite has been the go to natural stone countertop for some time now. Once considered especially pricey, with its popularity in recent times, it is becoming a bit more affordable while still retaining its reputation for elegance defined. Granite comes in more than a thousand different colors, and it requires minimal maintenance to keep it beautiful and functional. You can start looking at materials by clicking here.

Next, Quartz stone is one you might want to consider. Is this a style that could suit your needs best? Quartz stone comes in many different colors, is easy to maintain, and, while a bit more pricey, it is worth the investment if you are looking for functional, attractive, and easy to maintain countertops. Check our Caesarstone inventory here.

Another option could be soapstone and marbles. This is a stone that is usually dark gray and smooth to the touch. Functional and appropriate for both historical homes and modern ones, it is a good choice for many. While durable, it does require a bit of maintenance with mineral oil, as it may darken or crack over time. There are many types of Soapstone that you can see here.

Photo from Gast Architects via Houzz

With so many choices out there, you are sure to find the natural stone countertop that fits your needs and preferences perfectly! For more info and a wonderful selection to meet all of your natural stone countertop needs, please visit  www.marbleandgranite.com

 

 

 

 

NeoLith Is Tougher Than Granite

This material is a dream for chefs and parents alike. Leave the cutting board under the sink. Forget about the pot holders when placing a pan on the granite countertops. NeoLith is scratch proof and heat resistant.

It is also hygienic. There are no pores, no way for germs to take hold.

NeoLith was born of clay and sand, coated with a substance and cured in a kiln at very high temperatures. This gives it that magical quality of hardiness.

NeoLith by TheSize gives a chef a freedom never before known. The entire countertop is the cutting board, the pot holder and the workspace for creating a masterpiece. Gone are the days of scratched or scorched granite countertops with this new substance. And it is beautiful to boot!

Watch the Neolith with Tumbarello to get a general idea of just what NeoLith can stand up to. The sharpest of knives cutting fragile pieces of meat with no worry of marring the surface. Using a blow torch, of all things, to grill food directly on the counter. And having no fears of germs from a previous cooking session. Can your granite countertops do that? Would you place a hot pan just off the stove onto white granite countertops? Not likely. You would fear a large, brown circular spot would forever reside on your counter. But now you can. No need to worry about the kids putting so much as a blemish on your perfect countertops.

NeoLith is hardy. It can take a punishment without showing a mark. The shine of the coating will not fail you. Amaze your friends when you cook for them in a modern kitchen where no clutter is seen from objects to protect the countertop surface.

The shine, the depth and the beauty of this material is just another feature of this incredible product. And it lasts for years and years to come.

Marble and Granite Inc. is the largest retailer in the eastern northwest of the country. Because of this, there is a large array of colors from which to choose. The stock in the warehouse holds the complete line. We can help you with your order and advise you as to which installation companies are in your area. NeoLith is easy to install, so there is a short renovation timeline.

Order a sample and see this material for yourself. Try your sharpest knife and hottest pan on it!