Blog

Just as important as it is to choose a material that suits the function of a particular project, it’s equally important to select the appropriate finish for the material. When it comes to natural stone, the surface finish helps to dictate the functional characteristics of the material. For example, a honed surface will provide slip-resistance, whereas a polished surface will be highly reflective. Finish can also go a long way in affecting the color of natural stone. Some finishes will intensify the color while others will soften it.

White countertops offer a look that’s timeless, clean, and fresh. Blended with white cabinetry, they offer a soothing look. Paired with black cabinets, they help create drama and contrast. Marble is usually the material that comes to mind when most of our customers think of white natural stone. But if you want the look of white countertops with a little less work, consider white granite.

You’ve heard us say before that Quartz surfacing is more than just a passing fad. As building professionals and homeowners learn more about this remarkable material, its popularity is expanding exponentially. In fact, it’s one of the most popular countertop materials used today, second only to granite. In a recent study by Consumer Reports, Quartz came out ahead over 14 other materials tested, proving that it can hold its own against the competition.

Q: Help! My boyfriend put a ring on it, but not the kind of ring I was hoping for. He forgot to use a coaster on my marble countertop and now there’s a visible water ring. Is there anything I can do to remove it?

Q: We’re trying to decide on a color for our new countertop. Is there a “rule of thumb” or standard way to determine whether we should go light or dark?

In today’s building and construction industry, “green” has evolved from a mere buzzword into a solid reality. Architects, builders, and homeowners alike recognize the need to increase our environmental consciousness and do what we can to be kinder and gentler to the earth, plus conserve our natural resources. Natural stone is an inherently earth-friendly material, which recently became even more so when the Natural Stone Council unveiled more stringent sustainability standards for the industry.

What are some of the earth-friendly attributes offered by natural stone? Well, first of all it offers a long life cycle. Natural stone stands up to weathering better than just about any other building material, natural or manmade. The stone columns of the Parthenon, which have stood since 447 BC, are one example; the Egyptian pyramids are another. Natural stone is so durable, in fact, that in most cases it will last the lifetime of any particular building.

Love the resilience of soapstone, but have your heart set on classic white countertops? We’ve got a choice that may offer a pretty good compromise…White Soapstone.

Granite and marble may get all of the attention for having vivid veining and striking striations, but today’s quartz surfacing offers some pretty exciting choices too.

Every now and then, we receive a thank-you letter that reminds us why we love the business we’re in. It’s our goal to remain a step above other natural stone wholesalers. And nothing makes us more proud than when we accomplish this goal. It is with great pride that we share the following letter we recently received from two customers who are very pleased with the caliber of customer service they received at Marble and Granite, Inc.