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.”

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.

Soapstone FAQs

Here are some of the questions we get asked about soapstone:

Do I need to seal my soapstone counters?

Soapstone is very dense and non-porous, and most sealers are meant to be used on porous stones. Therefore, it does not to be sealed.

How do I clean my soap stone countertops?

A mild soap and water mixture is recommended to clean your counters. Since this type of natural stone isn’t porous, it’s resistant to germs and bacteria, and is a naturally clean surface. Ammonia-based cleaners can be used on soapstone, unlike on granite and marble counters.

Where is soapstone found?

Soapstone is found in small deposits from small rocks to seams and boulders. Significant deposits are located in the Appalachian range from Maine to Georgia, with much of it in Vermont and Virginia. Deposits can be found also in Finland and Brazil.

Looking for a Plymouth MN soapstone counters company? Contact Universal Stone by visiting www.UniversalStone-Inc.com. 

Cleaning Granite Counters

You’ll find that granite counters are easy to clean, and require little maintenance. Still, you need to take regular care to ensure your granite countertops don’t become damaged or stained. Here’s what the Universal Stone staff tells clients who want to make sure their countertops always retain their luster.

1. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface.
2. Wipe the counter using water. This should be done on a daily or as needed basis.
3. On a weekly basis, wipe the counters down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner. Never use harsh or abrasive chemicals or cleaners.

4. To clean oily stains, use a mixture of flour or baking soda and dish soap. Add water and place it directly on the stain. Let it sit overnight.

Having problems cleaning your granite counter? MN granite counters experts Universal Stone can help. Contact us by visiting www.UniversalStone-Inc.com. 

Granite Counters Benefits

Granite counters are appealing because they present many benefits that other natural stone countertops lack. Universal Stone customers like granite countertops for many reasons, including:

• Uniqueness. Like snowflakes, each and every granite countertop is not like any other.
• Long lasting beauty. You’ll still be in awe of these counters in five years time. They will last you a lifetime and more.  
• Always there. Natural stones like granite always is readily available.
• Easy to coordinate. You can match the counters with a variety of sink finishes, including ceramic, copper, onyx, marble and more.
• Durable. It’s hard to cut or chip granite, and hot items won’t leave burn or char marks.

We are MN granite counters professionals. Learn more about our services at www.UniversalStone-Inc.com. 

More Granite Counters FAQ

Universal Stone gets a lot of questions about granite counters:

How do I know if my granite countertops need resealed?

You can sprinkle some water and see if it soaks into the stone instead of beading up. If the water doesn’t wipe away, then it’s time to get them resealed.

What’s the best way to know if my old cabinets can support a new granite counter?

Natural stone counters can weigh as much as 30 lbs. per square foot. Your contractor will need to make sure your cabinets are able to handle the weight.

What is flamed granite?

Granite can be flamed by applying high heat to the stone’s surface. This process melts the surface and crystals to shatter, leaving a textured surface perfect for paving or wet areas.

What is honed granite?

Honed granite is when polishing process is stopped before a shiny surface is present. It gives the stone a softer appearance.

How do I know my granite is high quality?

It should not show a pattern in areas not polished. The polished areas should be uniform without flake textures.

Universal Stone is comprised of expert MN granite counters contractors. Find out more about our services at www.UniversalStone-Inc.com.