Using quartz for your kitchen countertops

The kitchen, it has been said, is the heart of the home. This is because it is offers a place to sit down around the table, or perhaps stand at a countertop, and unload the events of the day.   The kitchen is also, where guests have a tendency to congregate during parties. Therefore, with that in mind, you want to be sure that your kitchen looks great. One way to do this is by having beautiful kitchen countertops such as those with a quartz surface.

As one of the more recent arrivals to kitchen countertop surface choices quartz is referred to as an engineered stone; however, this does not mean it lacks the advantages of stones such as granite, marble or other natural stones. In fact, it has many of the same characteristics. In addition, the list of colors it comes in in seemingly endless, so having quartz kitchen countertops will not cramp your design style.

Not only is the color choices for quartz vast, but it is relatively easy to maintain. Because of its composition, having quartz kitchen countertops means that you have a surface that resist scratches, dents, scuffs, burns and stains, is nonporous  and can last for many years. And, when it comes to basic cleaning, quartz kitchen countertops only require a soft cloth and warm soapy water. In fact, harsh chemical cleaners are not recommended. Of course, kitchens are meant to be used, so there are likely to be times where even the most careful of home cooks may have something spill. But don’t fear. Just clean it up with a damp cloth.

Of course, no natural stone or even an engineered stone is without a few usage concerns. Perhaps the only drawback to having Mankato quartz countertops is that they are not a replacement for a cutting board, as this could result in causing a scratch or damage the knife blade. It should also be noted that liquids such as coffee, lemon juice, vinegar and wine, if spilled, need to be cleaned up immediately; this is not necessarily a drawback, but rather a precaution.

Granite Counters: Beautiful, Durable, and Desirable

Granite counters were just beginning to be used in homes a century ago. But even as recently as thirty years ago, very few homeowners had the means to afford polished granite in their homes. Granite has always been more expensive than other suitable materials. This is because removing granite from the quarries and cutting it for final use is a very labor intensive process.

Granite is still more expensive than most other materials, but the difference is not as great as in the past. You may find that installing granite counters would be quite affordable. A large portion of the granite used in the USA is imported from other countries where labor rates are much lower. Even with the cost of shipping the granite slabs, the lower labor cost makes it a viable process.

Although granite costs a bit more, the value added to your home will always be there. If you decide to sell your home sometime in the future, you will probably get more than your investment back. Even if you don't sell, when you spread the slightly higher cost of granite over just a few years, it is hard not to see that it is a good investment. And, your granite counters will provide a lifetime of pleasure and utility, and still look as good as new.

Granite is a naturally occurring and very hard stone. In fact it is one of the hardest stones on the earth. It actually requires a diamond saw to cut it for use. The hardness of this stone gives it a durability that makes granite counters very desirable.

Another reason Mankato granite counters are becoming so popular, is the natural beauty created by the extensive variety of colors and patterns available. No one has yet been able to create a man made product with the aesthetic properties of granite. Granite can add elegance to a room like no other material.

Granite or Marble: Which Is Better For Your Kitchen?

Granite and marble are among the most popular types of natural stones for fabrication, but which one is best in your kitchen? And which ones work in the kitchen, but maybe not the rest of the home? We asked these questions in an article a while back and noted:

One commonality among all natural stone is that, despite some being heat resistant and stain resistant, the finish may not be indestructible. While heat and liquids may not be able to penetrate into a specific type of stone, the finish can be dulled with certain liquids. If liquids containing higher levels of acidity, such as lemon juice or vinegar, are left to sit without wiping them up, the finish of any stone may dull or develop haziness. For this reason, spills should be cleaned up immediately.

So, you'll need to pick the stone not only based on your tastes, color and other aesthetics, but also where the stone is going to be and what it will be used for. You might not pick the same stone for a countertop as you would, say, for a bathroom vanity. When it comes to Apple Valley granite countertops, you need to be comfortable and happy with the choice you make, as granite is very long lasting.

Read the full article: "Granite and Marble - Certain Stone Materials Not Recommended for Kitchens, but the Rest of the Home."

Granite Countertop Cleaning

Granite countertops are extremely durable, and you'll have a tough time finding something in your home that will do serious damage to them. Why do you think the Egyptians and Romans built with tough types of stone? The same idea behind structures that have survived thousands of years is present in the granite you have as a countertop. So when it comes to cleaning, your granite counters can get by with a bit of water and a soft cloth.

However, if you want to go above and beyond for your granite counters, you can.

If you want to use what you already have around the house, you can clean your granite countertops with a mix of water and neutral dishwashing liquid. Simply wipe your counters with a soft white cloth soaked in this mixture, and then dry with another soft cloth. You can also go to most home improvement stores and pick up a dedicated stone or granite cleaning solution.

Interested in learning more about how to clean and care for your Minnesota granite countertops, or are you ready to have new counters installed in your home? Call Universal Stone today at (952) 746-4690.

Sealing a Granite Countertop

While most granite countertops come installed with a sealant in place, it's often recommended that you re-seal your counter every 6 to 12 months. You may be wondering; why should you have to seal it in the first place? After all, granite is durable and resistant to almost everything, right? Granite countertops can stand up to scratches, heat, and most liquids -- however, since the surface is porous in nature, liquids can seep into the stone and stain the counter. This is what makes sealing your counter an important step.

When applying your sealant, you should do so with a white rag or brush. Work in small areas (of approximately 5 square feet) and, when the seal is applied, give it  4-5 minutes to absorb into the stone. When you've finished one coat, wait 24 hours, and then apply a second coat. This should keep your countertop sealed and protected for 6-12 months.

If your Minnesota granite countertops are under constant, heavy use, you may want to re-seal them in shorter intervals. This will ensure that your counters are as protected as possible, which helps them last well into the future. When you have a sealant on your granite top, you can safely clean the counter with a soft cloth, and, if you want, a special stone-specific cleaning solution.

Want to have a granite countertop installed in your Minnesota home? Make a call to Universal Stone today at (952) 746-4690. You can also complete our online form to receive a free granite countertop quote.

SF Gate Talks Up Granite Countertops

An article on SFGate.com, the online home of the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, takes a look at home remodeling; particularly upgrades that can add value to the home. The usual suspects are present, such as exterior remodeling, as well as bathroom renovations, room additions, and improvements that make your home more green. One really stuck out, though, and that was granite countertops.

According to SFGate, "Small upgrades like granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and updated bathrooms make a home more appealing to buyers and stand out in the real estate market." This is entirely true. Thanks to home remodeling shows on cable networks like HGTV, and magazines like Better Homes & Gardens, homeowners have never been more focused on living in a home with granite countertops than they are now. A home with granite countertops can receive consideration over a home without, especially when the buyer is dead set on having such counters in their home. When you already have them present, you're saving a potential buyer a lot of time and money, and you could be rewarded for your efforts with an increased home value.

Ready to add Minnesota granite countertops to your own home? Get a free quote today, or call Universal Stone at (952) 746-4690.

Basic Cleaning Tips for Granite Countertops

While Minnesota granite countertops can be quite resilient in terms of the elements they can weather and the abuse they can take, it's still a good idea to keep your counter in good shape with regular cleanings. By taking steps to do the proper maintenance, you can help your counter last for decades.

First, you should purchase a good microfiber cloth if you don't already have one. This is a good material to use on your granite counter. Next, use that cloth to dust off the surface to prepare for cleaning. You're now ready to dive in to the actual cleaning process.

Use water to wipe down your granite counter at least once per week. You can also use a special type of cleaner that is specifically made for stone surfaces. If you have a stain that is oil-based that you can't get out, use something called a poultice to pull the stain from the counter. This may require you to re-polish the stained area.

Interested in having a granite countertop installed in your Minnesota home? Get in touch with Universal Stone today at (952) 746-4690.