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What You Need To Know About Marble Countertops

May 08, 2012
Marble has both a scientific and commercial definition. Scientific marble was once limestone that achieved metamorphosis from intense pressures and high temperatures within the earth. This altered its crystalline structure and introduced other minerals that produced the valuable colors and veining. Commercially, any stone capable of taking a polish (with the exception of granite) is known as marble. This includes travertine, onyx, serpentine and limestone. Marble is found in the mountainous regions of Canada, Italy, Germany, Spain, the U.S., Greece and other countries worldwide.

Most common uses of marble:

Marble adds a sophisticated element to your home, and its wonderful appearance, superior engineering characteristics, and ease of maintenance makes it a natural choice for floors, wall coverings, fireplace facing and hearth, table tops, and bathroom walls, floors, vanity tops, tub decks, and showers. Polished marble will serve well as flooring in areas where little sand is tracked onto these floors. Honed (flat finished) marble, limestone, or travertine will do very well in high traffic areas.

Care and precautions:

Marble should be cared for as you would a fine wood finish. Using coasters on tabletops and cleaning up spills immediately will preserve marble's natural beauty. Polished marble on a bathroom countertop requires you not to leave any thing that will cause rust, chemical, or food stains on the countertop, and the countertop will need to be sealed occasionally. Lemon juice or other food acids can etch polished marble and cause flat spots, and marble is more easily stained by oils, juices and metals. Stains on marble are more complicated to remove. A honed marble on a kitchen countertop is a better choice than polished. Never use bleach, Comet or acidic cleaners on polished marble. These will etch the surface and remove the shine.

Check out Marble and Granite Inc.'s wide selection of over 100 different types of Marbles.

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Make Mudrooms Beautiful & Functional with Natural Stone Tile

May 03, 2012
Ceramic tiles and natural stone flooring are the two most popular flooring options when it comes to designing mudrooms due to their durability and low maintenance, according to Build Direct. But just because mudrooms need to be designed to stand up to the toughest messes, does not mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics.  
Natural stone tile flooring is the only way to achieve high function and high style and sophistication in a mudroom. With intriguing colors and textures, natural stone can transform the mudroom into a space that enhances the look and value of your home. After proper sealing, the durability of natural stone is unmatched by any other material. Even with wear and tear, your stone tile flooring will look naturally beautifully for years to come. Here are some stunning mudroom designs with natural stone tile flooring for inspiration. 
Gray-green slate tile
mudrooms with natural stone1 resized 600
By John Kraemer & Sons via Houzz
Travertine marble tile
mudrooms with natural stone2 resized 600
By Michael Roberts Construction via Houzz
Mosaic natural stone tile
mudrooms with natural stone3 resized 600
By LDa Architecture & Interiors via Houzz
Flamed finished natural stone tile
mudrooms with natural stone4 resized 600
By Crystal Kitchen Center via Houzz
Beige slate tiles
mudrooms with natural stone5 resized 600
By Castro Design Studio via Houzz
Stop hiding your mudroom from company, and start remodeling this space to achieve a mudroom you are happy to show off. Shop from a wide array of high quality granite, marble, travertine and slate tiles right here on the Marble and Granite website. All prices are included and products can be purchased directly from the site and shipped anywhere in the country. We even offer a listings of fabricators to find a reputable one in your area. Call 877-39-STONE with any product or shipping questions. 
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Granite Countertops: The Truth About Black Granites

May 03, 2012

A common question about black granites is “Why do my countertops seem like they are fading?” The best way to prevent this is to go through a reputable supplier that only buys first-quality material, which means they will not be doctored in any way.  It is important to view the slabs in person and not purchase based on price alone.

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Content is what makes MarbleandGranite.com a top Website

May 01, 2012

The kitchen is the room of the house where people spend the most time…and the most money. At Marble and Granite, Inc. our goal is to make sure the time you spend in your kitchen is enjoyable and the money you spend is put to good use.

Soapstone countertop

If you are considering replacing you marble and granite countertops you will find all the information and assistance you need on our website.

Browse over 500 different stones to find:

·         Natural Stone

·         Tiles

·         Engineered Stone

·         Curava

·         Ceramic

·         Fabrication supplies

Use our locator to find a fabricator near you. We take pride in guiding you to only the top nationwide fabricators offering quality work at reasonable prices. The fabricator you choose is a critical link in the process and we at Marble and Granite, Inc. want to guide you in the right direction.

Check our “Helpful Resources” tab to find out what you need to know before you buy. Here we will explain the features, appearance and care of each product so you can determine which one best suits your needs and budget. You can download our care maintenance guide.

Marble and Granite, Inc. is the largest natural stone wholesaler in New England. We have been importing first-class products from around the world since 1990. Our website is your one-stop source for marble and granite. You will also find our company history, meet our experienced team, see photos of our two showrooms and read testimonials from satisfied customers.

Have a question? Have you suscribed to our blogs

We are here to help. Find the address of both of our showrooms, get our toll-free phone number and get maps and directions.

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen…Marble and Granite, Inc. wants you to get the most from the money you spend.

Visit www.marbleandgranite.com today.

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Searching for White Granite Countertops

May 01, 2012

One of the latest trends in kitchen remodeling and design is the use of more unusual granite colors. While homeowners trended to gravitate towards darker granite with shades of gray, brown, black and tan, times are changing. Now brighter colors like white or so-called ‘super-white’ are increasing in popularity.

Homeowners who like the idea of a white granite countertop should realize that there is no such thing as pure, super white granite. However, there is a wide variety of light-colored granites that have the appearance of white or very light shade of gray or beige.

About Granite

Granite is a natural stone that has many different colors, shades and veins of color. In addition, granite can be treated, polished or finished to create a specific final look as well as increased antibacterial, scratch, heat and stain proof characteristics.

White Granite

Homeowners should not fear white granite the same way they may fear white carpet, which stains and damages very easily. Granite is naturally durable and stain proof. In addition, there are many varying shades of white, from super white granite to granite with darker veins and shades.

For example, Alaskan White has white as the primary color but there are varying shades of gray and black in the stone as well, creating a darker effect.

Alaskan White

London White is a polished granite slab, primarily white, with darker flecks of color sprinkled throughout the stone. The flecks are so small that a super white granite effect is created.

London White

The Blanco Napoleon polished granite slab comes from Brazil and has a white base with thin veins with shades of gray running throughout the stone.

Bianco Napoleon

Another white granite is the Galaxy White from Brazil. The slab is white but long veins of tan, sliver and brown run in thick and thin slopes across the slab.

Galaxy White

If beige and gray shades of white are not quite enough for you, consider the Golden Romano polished granite slab from Brazil. The primary color is white but the slab features thick, golden veins of color that add a great deal of added color and visual interest to the stone.

Golden Romano

Marble and Granite Inc.

For more information on how to find beautiful super white granite shades or any of over 350 granites, call Marble and Granite Inc. at 877-39-STONE or visit us at 270 University Avenue in Westwood, MA, or 125 Old Gate Lane in Milford, CT.

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Comparing Granite or Marble Tiles & Ceramic Tiles: Which is Right for You?

April 26, 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. 
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Natural Stone Countertops are the Most Environmentally Friendly

April 26, 2012

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.

Gold Travertine Quarry

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.

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Types of Marble Tile: Sizes & Shapes

April 24, 2012

Tiles are most popular in bathroom and kitchen design, but homeowners and designers need not limit them to these applications as tiles can beautify any room.  Tile work can make a space feel larger or, on the contrary, more intimate. They can create an artistic and eclectic feel to interiors. Or, they can transform a space to become more grandly and formal. Ranging from sizes 1x1-inch mosaics to 36x36 inch tiles, here are the most common types of marble tile, as indicated by Better Homes & Gardens

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Several Types of Calacatta for Marble Countertops

April 24, 2012

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 resized 600

Calacatta Bluette

Calacatta Carrara resized 600

Calacatta Carrara

Calacatta Gold resized 600

Calacatta Gold

Calacatta Ondulato resized 600

Calacatta Ondulato

Calacatta Original resized 600

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.

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Natural Stone Countertops

April 19, 2012

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.

Gast Architects picture

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

 

 

 

 

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