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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

Removing Scratches from a Granite Countertop

Granite is a very scratch-resistant surface, meaning it can stand up to items that would normally scratch other surfaces very well. It is not, however, impenetrable, and the right kind of material (something that is harder than even granite) can scratch your countertop. Should something like this occur, you have a few options for removing or otherwise making the scratches your counter has sustained.

One route you can take is to use a bit of steel wool and rub on the affected area. This works for light scratches that aren't as apparent to the naked eye. Deep, visible scratches can be fixed up using a sander that has a diamond pad (since diamond is harder than granite, it is effective for sanding it). If you're not comfortable doing something like this yourself, it might be a good idea to call in a specialist who regularly repairs granite countertops. A lot more work can go into fixing up some scratches; a professional may utilize tools like an electric grinder, a polisher, and more.

However you decide to approach scratch repair in the future, take comfort in the fact that you probably won't have to do it very often. Burnsville granite countertops are popular for their durability and toughness, and they can stand up to quite a bit of punishment. If you're interested in having a granite countertop installed in your home, get in touch with Universal Stone today at (952) 746-4690.

Granite Countertops as Cutting Boards

We hear this myth being perpetuated quite a bit as one of the perks to having granite countertops; the ability to toss out your cutting board and use your countertop instead.

It certainly seems like this could be the case. After all, granite is an extremely durable surface and is both scratch and heat resistant. You could chop away on your granite countertop for a years and probably not see any significant damage done to the counter itself. Still, it’s not a good idea to use the countertop for this purpose.

Why? Your knives!

Granite is an extremely hard material, and there are only a few other materials out there that are strong enough to scratch and do damage to it; harder stones, such as diamond, are capable of scratching a granite countertop. While your knife blades will probably not scratch your countertop, your countertop can scratch your knife blades and cause them to become more dull. That’s why, unless you’re a fan of regularly replacing your cutting knives with brand new sets, you should probably avoid chopping on your countertop and instead opt to use a dedicated cutting board.

If you’re looking to have a granite countertop installed in your home or commercial building, contact Universal Stone, a Burnsville granite countertops company that serves the entire Twin Cities region. You can request a free estimate by calling (952) 746-4690 today!

Types of Granite Countertop Finishes

One of the great things about selecting granite for your countertop is the amount of customization you have with the surface. Because of the way granite forms, it’s pretty much impossible for any two slabs of granite to have the same pattern, which makes your own granite slab extremely unique. And, depending on where your granite comes from in the world, the color can vary, and you’ll likely be able to find a color that suits the look you’re going for.

On top of all that, you can have your granite countertop finished in a few different ways. The finish adds to the look and feel and is the icing on the cake, of sorts, as far as granite countertop customization goes. A polished finish makes your granite countertop surface incredibly shiny, so much that it’s almost like staring at a mirror with the amount of light it reflects. A honed finish offers a more dull, non-reflective look. A leather finish gives you the smooth look of a polished finish, yet still offers a bit of texture. If you’re opting for an antique finish, you’ll get a granite countertop surface that appears brushed and non-reflective.

Regardless of the finish you choose for your countertop, you can’t go wrong with granite. It’s durability and resistance to heat and scratches make it a great choice for your kitchen or bathroom. Looking to add one to your home? Call Burnsville MN granite countertops company Universal Stone today at (952) 746-4690.

Julie Rizzo: Granite's Rock Star

A recent piece on nwiTimes.com grabbed our attention. The piece had to do with an Indiana woman named Julie Rizzo, who's been referred to as the 'rock star' of granite. She saw granite being hauled to landfills and decided to do something about it.

Five years later, she's helped to keep more than 5 million pounds of granite out of the landfills, which has been instead recycled into other items. We think this is a great idea, and if you're thinking about replacing your Burnsville MN granite countertops, think about recycling your old ones.

Part of the article:

No less than 25 percent of the granite from a countertop is treated as garbage. In fact, manufacturers pay up to $5,000 a year to have their waste hauled to a landfill.

Enter Julie Rizzo, who decided to do something about this problem. Julie saw exciting new uses, and even "green jobs." Now she is working on a new application using split waste granite to create decorative art!

Aided by a national network, she said, more than 5 million pounds of waste granite have been recycled into a plethora of profitable products.

Moreover, the St. John resident has launched a new industry in which students with "special abilities" learn to become artisans and help get products out the door. These include pavers, tiles, mosaic and stone aggregate!

Basically, Julie -- called the Recycling Rock Star by Waste Management Magazine earlier this year -- is challenging status quo. Today, she is a global leader in granite recycling. She gets hits and inquiries from all over the world from her website, www.RecycledGranite.com.

Moreover, Julie will be featured on "Do It Yourself" cable network. She and two of her network partners assembled a wall in a home filmed last month outside Washington, D.C., by this popular network.

How did this all start? Essentially, Julie was working with a granite countertop company in Chicago in 2007. She noticed a large container of scrap granite. Each week a truck would haul the garbage to landfill. She asked, "Why are you doing this?"

Read the entire article by clicking here. 

Debunking Myths About Granite Countertops

Let's debunk some popular, untrue myths about granite countertops.

Myth: Granite is absorbent.
Truth: If granite wasn't impervious to water, then it wouldn't be used in high-rise buildings because of it's resistance to wind and rain. Plastic, solid-surface products are more absorbent than granite is.

Myth: Granite stains easily, and these stains are permanent.
Truth: If spilled liquid is wiped up in a few minutes, there will be no stain left behind. In most cases, liquid that soaks into the counter will evaporate within a few minutes. Oils can cause stains if they soak into the stone, but most can be removed using a poultice or paste.

Myth: Granite requires a lot of maintenance.
Truth: All one needs to do is routine cleaning with mild soap and water. Resealing should be done on annual basis, but this only takes around 15 minutes.

Myth: Granite is a safe harbor for bacteria.
Truth: Anything found on granite counters can be found on other types of countertops. Wash your counters with anti-bacterial soap if you have concerns about bacteria and other germs.

Myth: Granite countertops are expensive.
Compared to laminate countertops, yes, granite is more expensive. But, when viewed next to other types of high-end counters, they are usually more competitively priced.

Looking for Burnsville MN granite counters? Then visit our website at www.UniversalStone-Inc.com .

Granite Monuments from Universal Stone

Here at Universal Stone, we're known for our granite counter tops, granite fireplace surrounds, and other granite products. We've recently added a new offering to our line-up: granite monuments.

These monuments, sometimes called tombstones, come in two colors; absolute black and tunis green. We'll only have one style available for now, but we hope to offer more in the future. We've inserted an image below of what granite monuments look like, just to give you an idea.

Interested in learning more about our granite monuments? Give us a call today at (952) 746-4690.

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.

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