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.

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."

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."

Types of Stains and How to Clean Them

If your stone counter top is susceptible to stains, it's a good idea to know the first step you'll need to take in order to clean a stain when it shows up. You might possibly need some chemicals or a special type of cleaner, depending on the type of stain.

Oil-based stains, which usually come from grease, tar, cooking oil, milk, or cosmetics, should be cleaned with a bleach-based cleaner, mineral spirits, or acetone.

An organic stain, from something like tea, coffee, food, or droppings, can be cleaned with 12% hydrogen peroxide and several drops of ammonia.

Metal stains, from rust or other sources, should be removed with a poultice.

Biological stains, from sources like algae or mildew, must be cleaned with dilute ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. Remember: do not mix ammonia and bleach. The mixture creates a toxic and lethal gas!

Ink stains can be cleaned with bleach or hydrogen peroxide (for light stone), or lacquer thinner or acetone (for dark stone).

Have any other questions about your stone counters? Feel free to give us a call today at (952) 746-4690.

Caring for a Granite Countertop is Easy

One of the reasons families in Minnetonka MN elect to install granite countertops over other types of counters is the ease of caring for granite.

Granite Countertops Minnetonka MN

Granite countertops are incredibly tough to stain. They're also not susceptible to heat damage, nor can they be scratched easily. As far as cleaning your granite countertop, a soft white cloth with some water will do the trick.

Have questions about your granite countertop, or issues that require professional treatment? Give us a call at 952-746-4690.

Granite Means Unique

One of the draws to adding a granite countertop to your Chaska MN home is the fact that no two granite countertops are alike. No pattern is the same, and you can choose from a variety of colors and edge profiles to put your fingerprint on the countertop even more.

Chaska MN Granite Countertops

Universal Stone has installed hundreds of countertops, and has helped a number of Chaska MN families pick out and install the countertop of their dreams. Homeowners love the look and durability of a granite countertop, and the feeling that the countertop in their home has no equal anywhere else in the world.

Call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or click here to request a free quote. We'll help you find that perfect granite countertop for your home.

Why Granite Counter Tops?

Residents of Plymouth MN might be asking themselves: why a granite counter top? What are the advantages of using this type of stone over others? And who can I trust to perform a quality granite counter top installation in Plymouth? Simple -- Universal Stone.

Plymouth MN Granite Counter Tops

Universal Stone has installed hundreds of kitchen counter tops in Plymouth, as well as other cities and towns in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota. Many of our customers choose granite due to its affordability, as well as its durability. Granite counter tops can take a lot of punishment, and can last for decades. We can install the granite counter top of your choice, and do so with the quality and precision you'd expect from a professional contractor.

If you're in the Plymouth MN area, or are located anywhere else in the Twin Cities metro, give Universal Stone a call at 952-746-4690.

A Few Customer Testimonials

With 2011 coming to a close, and with an eye toward next year, we'd like to share some of the testimonials customers have given about Universal Stone. We hope that you'll choose us to guide you through selecting and installing a stone countertop in 2012. Thank you!


"I want to thank you and Universal Stone for the outstanding granite countertops you installed in our kitchen. The quality of the stone is exceptional, the craftsmanship and fit is perfect and the appearance of the stone in our kitchen is exactly what we were looking for. The compliments we've had from guests in our home have been endless.Susan and I were very pleased with the customer service of Universal Stone and we would not hesitate in recommending you to our friends and co-workers."
--Tim Blotz, Fox 9 News Weekend Anchor

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"Thank you and all the others in and associated with Universal Stone Inc. for you work, materials and service.  You really make this process easy for the homeowner, especially with the ability to refer out plumber, tiles, etc.  The option of "one-stop shopping" is very convenient.  It's been my pleasure working with you and others."
--Judge Tony N. Leung, Hennipin County District Court

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"Thank you for all your wonderful work. I had a woman call from Edina and I gave an excellent referral. Would be happy to refer again. Take care."
--Rose Barkley, Realtor at Lake Area Realty

Stone Countertop Protection Tips

Always use a coaster when placing a glass, mug or cup on your stone countertop -- especially when the liquid inside is alcoholic or citrus.


Blot any spills on your countertop with a paper towel. Don't scrub the spill, as this causes it to spread even more. There are some liquids that can permanently stain your countertop if they seep into the pores of the stone, depending on which type of stone you use.


Do not, under any circumstances, use a bathroom cleaner or any other type of cleaner that contains acid on your stone countertop. These types of cleaners can change the stone's look and complexion, damaging it in the process.

Find more stone countertop care tips at the Universal Stone website. If you want to request a free quote, fill out this form or call 952-746-4690.

Countertop Edge Profiles

You probably know that you can have a few different stone types used for your new countertop, such as granite, marble or quartz. But did you know that each of these countertops can be finished with a certain edge profile? You aren't stuck with a simple block slab of granite for a counter -- instead, you can bevel the countertop's edge, select an ogee finish, shape the edge with a waterfall finish, and many more. The image below shows you some of the finishes that can be applied to your new countertop.



Which of these edge profiles would you use on your counter?

If you're interested in requesting a free quote from Universal Stone, click here or give us a call at 952-746-4690.

Choosing the Stone for Your Countertop

When choosing to go with a stone countertop in your home, you not only have several stone types to choose from, but you also have different pros and cons for each type of stone. You can use these pros and cons to choose a stone type for your counter if you know what the counter will primarily be used for.

Granite is scratch resistant, bacteria resistant, heat resistant, burn resistant and is 100% natural. As far as staining goes, granite is pretty stain resistant, but it isn't 100%.

Marble is burn resistant and is 100% natural -- unfortunately, it falls short in several other categories. It's not scratch, stain, bacteria or heat resistant, which means you'll have to be more careful about how you treat your marble countertop.

Soapstone is not scratch resistant, but it can offer every other protection, including being stain resistant, bacteria resistant, heat resistant and burn resistant. As long as you're careful not to scratch your soapstone countertop, it should last you for years to come.

Need a granite countertop installation performed? Perhaps you prefer a different stone type for your counter? Contact Universal Stone today and request a free quote.

Adding Value to Your Home With a Granite Countertop

A major upgrade trend in home remodeling is the installation of granite kitchen countertops. These countertops are incredibly durable and last a very long time. In fact, the likelyhood of your granite countertop in your lifetime or even your child's lifetime is slim, at best.

Granite kitchen countertops used to be a sign of wealth in a home, but granite countertop installations are now available for many different types of budgets. Installing granite has really taken off in the last few years thanks to reality TV cooking shows set in high-end kitchens. When looking at new homes, buyers often view the existence of granite countertops as a big plus when decided whether or not to buy, which is why installing these types of countertops is such a good idea. They provide a return on their investment, whether you live in your home for the rest of your life, or if you decide to sell and move elsewhere.

Universal Stone is a company that specializes in the installation of granite kitchen countertops.
Take a look at some of the testimonials Universal has received from satisfied customers, and get in touch if you're interested in installing granite countertops in your own home.

Cleaning a Granite Countertop

Granite countertops were once a feature found in expensive homes owned by the affluent. In recent times, however, the price of granite countertops have come down and there is a type of granite coutnertop for any budget.

One of the most popular reasons for going with a granite countertop is its natural beauty. In order to keep your countertop looking good, though, you'll need to keep it clean. Cleaning a granite countertop is extremely simple and, with the right tools, can be done in a few steps.

First, you'll need a bottle of Windex and a soft white cloth. With the Windex bottle eight inches away from the granite countertop surface, spray some Windex onto the surface. Using the soft white cloth, wipe the granite countertop down until it looks clean.

You can also use vinegar in place of Windex if you'd like to clean more quickly and you don't mind your countertop smelling like vinegar.

A daily cleaning of your granite countertop isn't necessary. If you see spots or stains, though, it is usually a good idea to get them cleaned up as soon as possible.

Granite Countertop Colors

Granite countertops are made from 100% natural granite. Because of its natural origin, you might think that granite only has a select few colors you can choose from. That, however, is far from the case.

Granite comes from many different locations in the world, each with its own unique granite color characteristics. This opens up a multitude of possibilities in terms of colors and natural design patterns. African Red Granite, for example, is mostly red with black, white and gray specs mixed in throughout the stone. Blue Perola Granite mixes black, gray and a green/yellow color into a wavy pattern, of sorts. Seaweed Green Granite mixes several shades of green into a pattern that very much resembles a seaweed-covered sea bottom. The colors go on and on and reach into the hundreds.

If you're interested in learning more about our granite color selection and how much it would cost to get a granite countertop installed in your home, contact us via our Quote Request page.

Granite Countertop Durability

When installing a granite countertop in your home, you know you're getting one of the most durable countertop surfaces there are. In terms of kitchen countertops, granite is one of the hardest surfaces that can be used, and its tough characteristics make it one of the most popular choices for new home owners or those replacing their kitchen counters.

Granite countertops can stand up to a number of different challenges, such as heat from pots and pans, sharp objects, or stains. Granite is also bacteria resistant. Selecting granite as your countertop of choice means you're investing in a countertop that will last for several lifetimes. You can learn more about installing a granite countertop in your home by visiting our website.

Taking Care of Your Granite Countertops

While granite counters are strong and durable, there are a number of things you can do to take care of them. So, to maintain your granite countertops beauty and to ensure it lives a long life, experts recommend you do the following:

Avoid Large Weights on the Edges

You don’t want to damage your counters. And one of the best ways granite counter pros say you can prevent damage is to not putting any unnecessary weight on the edges. The added weight can cause extra pressure and damage, which may take away from its attractiveness.

Use a Sealant

Once they’ve been installed, it’s recommended you apply a sealant to the counters. This will add an extra layer of defense to the counters, and while it doesn’t mean you’ll be protected from stains, you’ll have a little extra time to clean up a spill before they become stained

Clean Up Spills Stat

While they are resistant, granite counters can fall victim to liquids with a high level of acidity. Orange juice, soda and alcohol can all damage your counters if not cleaned up immediately. If you do spill something, take a cloth or paper towel to soak up the spill, followed up with a damp rag to remove sticky residue. 

"The Most Interesting Article You Will Ever Read About Granite"

We love reading articles about granite, since we fabricate and install granite countertops. So, when we see an article called "The Most Interesting Article You Will Ever Read About Granite," we have to give it a look. Without further ado, here's blogcritics' "The Most Interesting Article You Will Ever Read About Granite":

A type of rock forged from magma, granite has been used in construction for over 4,000 years. The ancient Egyptians used granite in their pyramids, and the Easter Island Moai head statues and many Hindu temples in India were built with granite also, mostly because of its resistance to erosion and durable structure. It’s no surprise that some of these pyramids and temples have survived to this day. What is surprising is that these structures were built in the first place, considering how heavy some of the pieces are. Below are a few of these constructions that have made it through the years and continue to confound researchers. 

You can read the entire article at BlogCritics.org. You can also check out Universal Stone at www.UniversalStone-Inc.com for all your granite countertops needs.