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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read the entire article: “Granite vs Marble vs Quartz: The Countertops Battle Royale.”

Choosing Granite Counters for Your Home

When you're looking for an affordable way to give your home some class, granite countertops are a great option. However, you'll find yourself bombarded with a number of different choices from which to choose, so before you select the first Apple Valley granite countertops company you come across, take your time. As one article noted:

Just a single perusal of a granite dealer’s website or showroom may result in as many questions as answers.

 What should you look for? See if there are any spots, patterns or fissures that wouldn't work well with your home. Ask the fabricator about veining directions and seaming. Look at the granite in the right light and go to another company if your questions aren't being answered.

Read the entire article: "Granite Countertops: How to Choose Granite Counters For Your Home."