Monday, December 23, 2013

Victoria Granite Countertops: What’s On Tap for 2014



It’s nearly the start of the new year, and for your 2014 New Year’s Resolutions list, why not include new granite countertops for your Victoria kitchen? Victoria granite countertops are a thing of beauty, and there are some really cool and interesting trends that are going to be big in 2014. Universal Stone has a rundown of what to expect.

The three main trends for 2014 are black countertops, glass-front cabinets and open shelves. The glass-front cabinets and open shelves will work well on just about any style of kitchen – from traditional to modern to contemporary. Use only one or two materials at the most though and pick a focal point. Use colored glass or painted cabinets for that burst of color. The open-shelf and glass-front looks are also great throughout the rest of your home, especially in the bathroom. 

Black granite countertops are another 2014 kitchen trend for Victoria kitchens and beyond. The nice thing about granite countertops is they are easy to clean and maintain, but they still add a certain level of style and sophistication to any kitchen out there. If you want a sleek and elegant look, pair them with dark cabinets. If you want a brighter and more traditional look, get them with white or lighter colored cabinets. Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to any Victoria home, and if you get professional fabricators and installers to do the work for you, like Universal Stone, you are guaranteed a timeless look that will last several decades. Granite countertops are a great investment for any Victoria home, and they are an especially good investment if you are thinking of selling your home within the next few years.

For all of your Victoria granite countertop needs, call Universal Stone at (952) 746-4690 or contact us online for a free estimate. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about granite countertops and kitchen and bathrooms in the Victoria area.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Granite Counters for Your St. Paul Home



Are you dreaming of a granite Christmas? Have you had your eye on granite counters for your St. Paul home? We don't blame you one bit if they are on your Must-Have List for 2014! We here at Universal Stone just love fabricating and installing granite counters. St. Paul homes look so classy and elegant with them! We love the look people get in their eyes when their eyes when they see the new granite counters in their St. Paul home for the first time. In another blog we covered how to go about designing the kitchen of your dreams.

And when your dream kitchen is finally done, what will you do to show it off? How can you decorate the granite counters in your St. Paul home to make people really take notice of them?

If your granite counters are dark, you can accent them nicely with dark cabinets and stainless steel appliances. But if you want a more retro look, light-colored cabinets can set off granite counters well too. It's an interesting contrast to see the light colors with the dark colors. And if you stick to a basic black-and-white color scheme, you can accent with a bright color, like a deep red or turquoise. Go to St. Paul flea markets or yard sales and try to find interesting vases or picture frames that you can use for decorations. Or try to find unique containers you can use to hold kitchen spoons and other utensils.

Thanks to granite's durability and timeless elegance, you will be enjoying the granite counters in your St. Paul home for years to come. They make a lovely addition to any home and will definitely become the focal point of your kitchen!

And when you're ready to have granite counters installed in your St. Paul home, just call us at (952) 746-4690. Or you can contact us online and request a free quote!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Spruce Up Your Victoria Home with Granite Countertops



Looking to beautify your Victoria home? One of the best ways is with granite countertops. They provide a look that is both unique and elegant, and they are an excellent long-term investment. Laminate and wood countertops need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, but granite countertops will last you for 30 or more years. Yet another reason they’re worth looking into? The return-on-investment for these types of countertops could be as much as 100% -- meaning, you will increase your home’s market value by as much as you spent on them!

But if you’re thinking about the more practical, short-term, day-to-day benefits, there are many. For one thing, granite countertops are tough and durable. They are scratch, stain, bacteria, burn and heat resistant, and maintaining them is easy, especially if you take the time to get them sealed by a professional, like Universal Stone. As for their beauty, the best part in that regard is that each piece of granite is unique and you won’t find two that are exactly the same. The colors of the stone range from light accents to deeper and darker shades. And if you take the time to properly maintain your granite countertops, the polish can last almost indefinitely. Mostly, maintenance entails wiping up spills as quickly as possible and resealing the countertops at least once a year. 

Your Victoria home will look its best for your family and visitors when you choose granite countertops. They give such a beautiful and elegant touch to kitchens and bathrooms. Give us a call here at Universal Stone at (952) 746-4690 today at and learn more about this lovely and versatile stone. Or visit our website and request a free quote.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Granite Countertops: Color That Range the Spectrum

There are so many things to think about when you're having new countertops installed. One of the biggest, and potentially the most fun, decisions is which color your new countertops are going to be. We have a large selection of color choices. So, no matter where you live around the Twin Cities, like Eagan, granite countertops can fit perfectly into your home.

Black Countertops
Black is an elegant color, perfect for use in your kitchen and throughout your home. Black kitchen countertops can give the room a more dramatic look. They can be a great contrasting color for the rest of your kitchen area. Having black countertops gives you the opportunity to stick with a black and white theme or spruce up the rest of your kitchen with an explosion of color. 

White Countertops
If you're looking for a more traditional option, white countertops may be the way to go. White countertops can lighten the feel of the whole kitchen. Light reflects off white, so your kitchen will almost glow with light. White countertops are easy to match to a variety of cabinet colors and home decors. Don't be worried about staining them because with the right sealant they are virtually stain resistant.

Other Choices
Granite is very versatile stone. It can be made up of a variety of minerals, giving it a different color each time. No two slabs of granite are exactly alike. We can find something to match anyone's personal style and interior decorating plan. We have more traditional beige and tan options, as well as a variety of blues, greens and more. No matter what you're looking for, we have an option for you. Come browse our selection today.

Ready to install granite countertops in your home? Give us a call today at 752-746-4690 or request a quote online.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Popular Granite Countertops Colors



Want granite countertops in your Eagan or Twin Cities area home? Not sure what color to go with? Here are the most popular base colors we have at Universal Stone:
·         Black
·         Brown
·         Green
·         Blue
·         Tan

Call Universal Stone today at 952-746-4690 or Click Here to Request a Free Estimate.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

New Countertops: Choosing Between Granite and Engineered Quartz

Are you in the market for new countertops? Then you've probably stumbled upon granite and quartz as a new countertop option. There is a lot of information out there, but our team of Lakeville granite countertops experts would like to provide you with some facts. Both are viable countertop options, and in most cases, it comes down to personal preference. When choosing between the two there are few things you'll want to consider:

Appearance
- Granite: It has an unbeatable natural look. This is because it's quarried right from the earth! No two slabs of granite are alike, so each piece will look unique in your home. The color of granite ranges from black to white and everything in between.
- Quartz: Since engineered quartz is part natural and part man-made, the look can be a little bolder. Seams will match more perfectly when it comes to quartz, since the pieces are manufactured. Color options vary widely.

Maintenance Required
- Granite: These countertops will need sealed and then resealed about every 1-4 years, depending on use. Since granite is a porous material, it is capable of absorbing moisture. It is hard for granite countertops to harbor bacteria, though.
- Quartz: Quartz will also need sealed upon installation, but then will not need resealed. Since an epoxy resin is added during fabrication, all the materials are bonded together. They will need routinely cleaned for sanitation purposes.

Makeup
- Granite: Granite is a igneous rock, formed under the earth's surface. It is the result of magma being forced between rocks, then cooling. This process makes granite an extremely durable countertop choice. With everyday use, it will be hard to chip granite.
-Quartz: Engineered quartz, the type e installed in your home, is made of about 93% natural quartz. There rest is resin and other materials used to bind the materials together. This makes for an ultra-strong and resilient countertop material.


To have quartz or granite countertops installed in your home, call Universal Stone, Inc. today at 952-746-4690 or Request an Estimate.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Choosing a Mankato Granite Company


If you’re in the process of remodeling your Mankato residence, you may be looking into granite options to add to your project. Granite is known for its durability and natural beauty. It offers a timeless look with modern color options, sure to match any interior design. There are a lot of granite companies in Mankato, so you might be wondering how to choose the best one for you. Below are some easy tips on how to pick out the right Mankato granite company for your project.

Remodeling Experience
An experienced Mankato granite company can make the process easier. It takes a skilled worker to craft the perfect stone for your home remodeling project. Fabricating granite countertops, vanities and backsplashes takes special tools and a trained eye. You'll want to choose an established company that has a good reputation. Those Mankato granite companies with the most experience are more likely to be able to walk you through the decision making process.

Price
Universal Stone is willing to provide you with a free estimate before you begin your Mankato granite project. We buy our stones directly from the quarries, so we will, in most cases, be able to offer you a better price on your slab of granite. Ask about any sales available at the time of your installation.

Time & Dedication
Work with a local Mankato granite company to establish a timeline for your granite project. A professional granite installer is able to give you a clear plan for your project. Go into the discussion willing to compromise, but still get your project done in a timely fashion. Also, listen to the way the granite installer talks to you during your estimate. Do they seem like they are really dedicated to your project, or does it seem like you are just another customer on the list? Nothing is worse than having a granite installer who seems rushed and uncaring.

When you’re ready for your free estimate from Universal Stone, call us today at 952-746-4690 or fill out our online form.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Eagan Granite Facts | Process of Forming Granite


Adding natural stone to your home can give it an updated look and increase its value. There are many natural stone options, so you are probably looking at multiple natural stones. One of the most popular natural stone options is granite.  In this blog, Universal Stone, Eagan granite experts, covers how granite is formed.

How Granite is Formed
Granite is the most popular and common igneous rock on earth. It's formed at a very slow rate under the earth's crust when magma is forced between rocks and cools. During the cooling process, crystals are formed giving granite its distinguishing features. These crystals harden in an interlocking pattern, making granite very dense and durable. This prolonged process is why granite is so valuable, tough and durable.

Granite can be of a darker hue in colors such as blacks, browns and deep greens. It is mostly comprised, though, of quartz and feldspar which can give it a red, pink, gray or white color with dark mineral grains visible throughout.

Uses for Granite
Granite can be found all around the world, under the earth, making it easily accessible to many people. It is extracted from the earth in large quantities, then polished and cut to size for modern remodeling projects. Granite is used today mainly for construction projects because of its durability. It's most frequently use as countertop material, but can be used as floor tiles, paving stone, curbing and more.

Eagan Granite for Your Home
Granite is used frequently in kitchen and bathroom countertop remodels in Eagan. It's durability, style variety and inability to harbor bacteria makes it the perfect stone to have in your home. Granite has an earth shaped beauty that other materials can't compare to. It comes in a wide variety of color options, so it compliments any home decor easily. You won't have to worry about replacing granite for the duration of the time you spend in your home. Granite can make your home more modern and will last for many years.

When you're ready to begin your Eagan granite remodeling project, call us at 952-746-4690 or fill out our online Free Quote Form.

Friday, April 12, 2013

5 Reasons to Choose Granite Countertops | Apple Valley MN


Do you need new countertops in Apple Valley? There are a lot of options to consider when making this type of change in your home. You may be concerned about the look and feel as well as the life and durability of the countertops you are about to purchase. Below are 5 reasons why you should choose granite for your home.

1. Natural Beauty. Granite is a naturally occurring stone and offers the beauty that can only found in nature. The look is naturally vivid and timeless. There are a wide variety of colors available that can match any lifestyle.

2. Durable. Granite is a very durable material. It is one of the toughest rocks on the planet because it is forged naturally to be strong. To cut granite, it takes a diamond cutting tool therefore, you won't be able to do damage with regular kitchen materials. These countertops can last for many years.

3. No Mold and Mildew. Granite is naturally dense material and it is sealed before being added to your home. Granite is also unable to harbor bacteria. These facts make it a great option for anywhere that is moist for example, a kitchen or bathroom.

4. Heat Resistant. Granite is heat resistant because it is formed underneath the earth's crust under an extreme amount of heat and a tremendous amount of pressure. This means that the heat of common household objects will not easily affect the surface. Normal use will not melt or cause a burn mark.

5. Wide Variety. Granite comes in many options. There are a variety of color options for granite countertops, from Absolute Black to White Wave and everything in between . There are choices to match any style of home and lifestyle. Once you have chosen a color, then you can think about edge profiles. You can show off the personality of your home by choosing the edge profile that works best for you.

If you're ready to start the process of putting granite in your Apple Valley home? Then fill out our Form for a Free Estimate or call us at 952-746-4690.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Bathroom Vanities: Which is Right for You?


Which stone is best for your bathroom vanity: granite, marble or quartz? Before you go out and buy the first St Paul marble bathroom vanity, you should do all the necessary research. As one article noted:
Each comes with distinct advantages, but there are disadvantages to each choice.

The final pick is should something you’re comfortable with, and will add greatly to the look of your bathroom.