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.

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

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.

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. 

Granite Counters FAQ

The Universal Stone staff gets a lot of questions about granite counters. Here are some of the most common:

Where does granite come from?

All over the world, and countries like Brazil and India are where it can be found most commonly. It takes millions of years for granite to form under the Earth’s surface.

Are granite countertops high maintenance?

Depending on the color of your stone, they need to be sealed once or twice a year. The process is much easier than polishing furniture. All you have to do is spray the surface and wipe it.

Can my granite counter be damaged?

Yes, by blows of great impact and sharp objects. Sealing your counters will protect them from staining.

What’s a seam?

It’s the portion where two pieces of stone are connected. To fill in the space, an epoxy mixture is used that matches/blends with the color of the stones. This seam is made to flow with the stone, and is seen minimally.

Are there different classes of granite?

Yes. Granite is a natural stone that comes from all over the world, and as such, it can be found in many variations. There are several aspects that can affect the class or price, with the more rare granite being from a higher class.

MN granite counters contractor Universal Stone can help you with your natural stone needs. Contact us today by visiting www.UniversalStone-Inc.com. 

Minnesota Granite Countertops Customer Testimonial

Here’s what one client has to say about our Minnesota granite countertops:

I recently hired Universal Stone to fabricate and install three granite vanity tops in my home.  I was extremely satisfied with the professional service, installation of my vanity tops.  The employees at Universal Stone were very helpful and patient while I was choosing my granite.  I took several weeks to make my final decision on the granite, and I felt Universal Stone was very understanding during the process.  The installers of the vanity tops arrived at my home promptly the morning of installation.  They were very polite and professional.  The installation went smoothly and the left my home clean and neat. Before the installers left, they took the time to show me how to apply a sealer on my granite in the future. The fabrication of the vanity tops looks great.  I picked the standard edge with under-mount sinks and it turned out very nice.  I am happy with the vanity tops from Universal Stone.  I would use them again in the future and would also recommend their services to others.

Maricarol Johnson

Chaska, MN

 Universal Stone would love to put your testimonial on www.UniversalStone-Inc.com. Contact us today for everything related to MN granite countertops. 

Maple Grove Granite Countertops Edge Profiles

 The edge profile you choose can increase the cost of your Maple Grove granite countertops, since some profiles cost more to fabricate. Granite countertops are offered in six different profile types, and each fits a different design style.

Eased

Eased profiles are the standard include in most companies base pricing. It’s like the most traditional countertop style, and works with any counter or kitchen island.

¼” Bevel

It’s like the eased profile, but more rectangular instead of rounded. A great fit for countertops that extend into the dining area.

Bullnose

The half bullnose is a great wall countertop with a rounded corner that’s great for those located near doors and entrances. The demi bullnose has one rounded corner, and the full bullnose has one rounded edge.

Hollywood

This profile type has a slanted edge and is great for smaller areas.

Chiseled

The chiseled profile offers a unique edge that can bring a different style to your kitchen or bathroom.

Ogee

The small ogee has a slight curvature, while the large ogee looks like a shoe when viewed from above.

Not sure what edge profile to go with for your Maple Grove MN granite countertops? Contact Universal Stone by visiting www.UniversalStone-Inc.com.