February 2012

While stone countertops are trusted and preferred for their long-lasting durability, there are certain practices that are necessary to maintaining the exquisite beauty of your granite countertops, marble countertops or other natural stone surface. In a recent article, House Beautiful magazine shares the five secrets to keeping stone countertops in prime condition straight from kitchen designer Florence Perchuck, who has over 38-years of experience in the kitchen industry. Here are the five things that Perchuck believe consumers should know about stone countertops.

1. Spills need to be wiped up immediately so as to prevent stains caused by liquids penetrating the surface.
   
   
2. A proper seal can be tested by ensuring that water beads and forms droplets on the stone surface.
   
   
3. Different stones require different sealing, cleaning and maintaining regimens; for example, marble is more porous than granite and, therefore, requires more frequent resealing.
   
   
4. Always get a second opinion on sealing and cleaning products to make sure they are safe and effective on your particular stone surface.
   
   
5. Do not assume that black stone surfaces (as opposed to white or other light colored stone surfaces) will be easier to keep a perfectly clean appearance; it is black stone surfaces, in fact, that show the most fingerprints.

A good stone cleaner is the key to daily maintenance of stone countertops. According to  House Beautiful article, Perchuck explains that it is always best to get a second opinion on stone countertop products, however, Perchuck does directly recommend StoneTech as an accredited sealing and cleaning system for natural stone countertops. To learn more about StoneTech products and other maintenance do’s and don’ts, please

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Photo via House Beautiful

Marble and Granite, Inc introduces NeoLith by TheSize

NeoLith by TheSize is one of those products that instantly amazes you. It is incredibly durable and looks fabulous, keeping its luster regardless of use. It is transportable and can be recycled without harmful emissions. It can be cut to size and glued a the surface and used for just about anything. It resists UV rays of the great outdoors and is also excellent for any room, new or remodeled. It has been in production since 2009 and is catching on as the surface to use.

The use of NeoLith by TheSize offers great advantages. This product has no pores. Therefore, it cannot absorb stains or odors. When something has spilled on the surface and abrasive cleaners are employed, the stains are removed with no adverse effect to the NeoLith. There is no ability for and bacteria, mold or fungus to anchor on its surface. Because it is very thin, it is lightweight and easy to transport, even though it is amazingly durable. For instance, it will not burn easily and it is very resistant to scratches. It is available in a plethora of colors, thereby making it easy to fit your color scheme.

The list is too great to name all of its uses. NeoLith by TheSize is amazingly thin and yet incredibly durable. In fact, the guarantee on this material is well over a decade. However, to give an idea, it can be used for countertops, walls inside and out and floors. This can be ordered in slabs or tile form of various sizes. Its depth is available from 3mm to 8mm, making a beautiful final product. When ordering from a sample, you will be pleased, for the process of manufacturing gives for a uniform result.

The reason it is so durable and lasts for such a long time while still looking great and feeling smooth, NeoLith by TheSize is made from pure sand or clay into a ceramic. The raw clay is molded and glazed. This unique glaze is what makes it so very resistant to scratches and stains. This is then placed into a kiln and baked. When fully fused, it is removed from the kiln with a slow decrease in temperatures.

Once you see it for yourself, you will wish to use it in your home and for your places of business. NeoLith by TheSize is an excellent product in any setting. You can see the line of Neolith colors that Marble and Granite stocks by clicking here.

Those who once thought granite countertops were just a trend better think again. Harris Interactive conducted a new survey commissioned by the Marble Institute of America to find out how many American homeowners still prefer granite countertops to other countertop surfaces. Out of the 1,588 American homeowners surveyed last month, 76% of them agreed with the statement "Nothing beats the beauty and value of granite countertops." This was the second survey Harris Interactive has conducted like this, with the first one in 2008 resulting in 55% of consumers preferring granite countertops. Here are the results of the January 2012 survey that confirms granite as the No.1 choice for countertop surfaces in 2012 despite economic and industry trends in the last few years.  

• 75% of homeowners who intend to remodel their kitchen in the next couple of years plan on getting granite countertops.

• 89% of homeowners agreed granite countertops are safe. 

• 91% of homeowners agreed granite countertops are durable.  

• 93% of homeowners agreed granite countertops are beautiful. 

As you can see, homeowners overwhelmingly recognize that granite countertops enhance the value of your home more than any other surface. Not only do homeowners agree granite countertops are a safe investment with their high resale value, but they prefer the look of granite countertops as well. As Marble Institute of America CEO states in an article, "Independent consumer surveys have consistently shown that Americans love the natural look of granite and value it above other countertop products."

 

Read more about the Harris Interactive survey commissioned by the Marble Institute of American online. 

A good architect, contractor or designer knows that working with clients to achieve the highest success in a project is just as much an art as the actual work is. Clients can become overwhelmed by the available options. This is especially true when it comes to selecting granite for countertops. As one of the most popular and widely used surfaces on the market, granite countertops now come in endless sizes, colors and finishes. From an article in Remodeling Magazine, here are some valuable tips for helping clients choose the granite countertops that will optimize beauty and home value.