February 2013

Choosing materials for your kitchen and bath renovations can seem overwhelming, but if you want a durable material with minimal maintenance needs, you can't go wrong with marble. This stone will not only stand the test of time, but also has an ageless aesthetic appeal, allowing it to be right at home in an ornate, traditional home or a sleek, modern space. While there are plenty of familiar ways to use marble in interior design, don't be afraid to branch out. Take a look at some unique ways to use marble in home design.

Nearly everyone loves to gaze at marble. It adds character and class to any setting. Augustus proudly said he found Rome made of bricks and left it marble. The Pantheon is made of marble, as well as the Lincoln Memorial. Time has shown marble to be long lasting, durable, beautiful and unique because of its veins. Marble countertops make any setting beautiful. Last year brought the trend of white marble.

When you choose marble countertops you are making an elegant statement that your presence will last decades. Small wonder the trend is to bring back marble in residential and commercial settings. Wherever marble is found, it always gives us pause, as we never tire seeing it.

In the world of white marble countertops, there are many variances, at least 27 in fact. Some tend toward the gray. Others are a bit more creamy or granular. Those in the most pure form are without a doubt the hardest to procure and therefore the most expensive. White marble can be found on many continents. However, the most sought after types are from the quarries in Barry, Vermont and Carrara, Italy.

Quartz and Quartzite countertops are indeed an excellent choice. At Marble and Granite, we work hard to bring you the best in materials and help bring your projects to fruition.

Quartzite                                            

This is an amazing material. It is naturally strong, resists heat and is hard to stain. Quartzite is formed from sandstone and quartz together under a great deal of heat and pressure. The empty grains of sandstone are filled with quartz. This process makes quartzite harder than quartz. On the Mohs scale of hardness (1-10), with 10 the hardest, granite measures between 6 and 6.5; whereas quartzite measures around 7.

However, there is a chance for etching to occur on its surface. Quartzite is considered an exceptional material for use in countertops. This can be literally found all over the world, as it is a very common material formed in the crust of the earth. You will notice the more sought after material originates in Brazil and India. The difference in price for the material in either slabs or tiles will be reflected through the availability of colors and location.

When it comes to kitchen renovations, one of the most popular upgrades among homeowners is the installation of stone countertops in marble or granite. Stone is an incredibly versatile material that helps to not only improve the aesthetic quality of the kitchen, but can also increase the value of your home.

Common real estate wisdom holds that much of a home's value is centered in the bathrooms and kitchen. These spaces can be both functional and beautiful, and are excellent places for upgrading to high quality materials and fixtures. A great way to add both beauty and durability to your home is by installing stone countertops in the kitchens and bathrooms. Stone and granite countertops help add visual interest to your home by providing color and pattern to the interior design.