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.

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

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. 

Maple Grove Granite Countertop Colors

One of the biggest boons to installing Maple Grove granite countertops is you are given a wealth of colors to choose. Having granite countertops installed is one of the biggest interior design decisions you will make, so you’ll want to make sure whatever you choose works well with the room. When picking out your colors, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.

What colors complement?

You can mix and match different colors when it comes to your Maple Grove granite countertop, but the wrong pairing could result in design gone wrong. Make sure your selections mesh well, and don’t strain the eyes. The right combinations will make cooking easier, but the wrong ones will make time in the kitchen much harder.

Which have complementary patterns?

If you choose a slab with a pattern, it can make you a fan of a color you might not have liked. The pattern can help complement a room as much as the color. For example, elaborate patterns go well with dark slabs, and provide a much more beautiful décor.

Which complement the rest of the area?

While you want your countertops to get noticed, you don’t want them to stick out like a sore thumb. Choosing colors that go with each other, but not with the rest of the room, you’ll probably ruin the room’s design. If you need assistance with complementing colors, do a little bit of research or talk to an interior designer.

Which best serve the room’s use?

Colors invoke different moods and feelings, and the more you know about this, the better the design of any room. Lightly colored granite makes your kitchen look bigger, while brown is a warm color that works great for living rooms but not for kitchen. Don’t pick the colors based just on aesthetics, but how they best serve the room’s function.

If you need help with Maple Grove MN granite countertops colors, get in touch with Universal Stone by visiting www.UniversalStone-Inc.com. 

Maple Grove Granite Countertop Tips

Replacing your drab kitchen countertops with luxurious Maple Grove granite countertops can add elegance and style to your kitchen, but the process can be time consuming. Once you see your new granite countertops, however, you’ll realize it was worth all the effort. You’ll have to think about more than layout: you’ll need to know what color you want your countertops to be, what kind of backsplash they should have and whether you’ll want to invest in them.

Colors

Granite countertops come in more than just gray. Ask your Maple Grove granite countertop fabricator about the different colors from which you can choose, as there’s a wide palette available. Pick a color that fits the style and atmosphere you’re trying to convey. Your countertops will be the most dominant feature, so be careful in selecting a color.

Every color has differences in patterns and in the overall look, so don’t rule out an option based on the color alone. Ask the fabricator if it would be possible to take home a sample piece, so you can see how it would look. The results may have you thinking twice.

Backsplashes

The right kitchen backsplash highlight your new counters, but the wrong selection can have visitors being distracted from their natural luster. There are three perfect choices if you’re thinking about backsplashes:

Tile

Ceramic, slate and mosaic tiles are the most popular choices for backsplashes. They meld well with granite because they provide water resistance. When selecting a tile, you should pick one that contains some of the granite’s more subtle colors, as well as a grout color that goes well with the counters’ undertones.

Natural Stone

If you want granite on granite, go for it. There is nothing wrong with using the same thing twice, or to choose something else that coordinates. The latter option will break up the space to create visual interest. Or, consider limestone and marble. Try different things when selecting your style.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a modern and sleeker option, and is a fine choice for those who want a contemporary style. This works great with colors like black, white and tan, and can applied as a sheet or individual tiles.

Cost

How much granite countertops cost can detract some from buying them. They are a bit pricier than other countertops, due to a variety of reasons that include they cannot be manufactured, and they must be polished and sealed from outside elements. These countertops are durable and will in the long run pay for themselves. Shop around and get a free granite countertops estimate from each fabricator, so even if you decide to temporarily hold off, you’ll have at least firm prices.

Need Maple Grove MN granite countertops? Get in touch with Universal Stone by visiting www.UniversalStone-Inc.com. 

Universal Stone Customer Testimonials

Here’s what Renee Olsten of Mound MN had to say about the granite countertops the staff of Universal Stone installed for her:

Thank you, Thank you! You and your entire staff are terrific. I love the granite counters and I also appreciate all your care and advice. Job well done. Corey - Hats off to you! Thanks for your referral to Jamie. I met and enjoyed working with him. Most of all for getting the island in and finishing everything so well.

We’d love to have your testimonial on our site. Reach Universal Stone at 952.746.4690 or visit www.UniversalStone-Inc.com to request a free natural stone quote.

Be Sure to See Universal Stone’s Commercial Gallery!

The staff at Universal Stone loves doing commercial projects, as evidenced by our natural stone commercial gallery. When it comes to installing marble countertops, granite sinks or soapstone fabrication, we have the capabilities and knowledge to make your office or business gain an aesthetic edge.

We’d be honored to show you what we can do for your office or business. Contact Universal Stone at 952.746.4690 or visit www.UniversalStone-Inc.com to request a free natural stone quote.

Universal Stone Customer Testimonials

Here’s what Maricarol Johnson of Chaska MN had to say about the granite countertops the staff of Universal Stone installed for her:

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.

We’d love to have your testimonial on our site. Get in touch with Universal Stone at 952.746.4690 or visit www.UniversalStone-Inc.com to request a free natural stone quote.