How to Care for Your New Marble Bathroom Vanity: Dos and Don’ts

Did you just get a new marble bathroom vanity? Twin Cities custom fabricator and installer Universal Stone has some tips on how to keep your vanity looking as good as the day it was installed.

DO:

• Use a special cleaner for your Twin Cities marble bathroom vanity because they are known for being sensitive to acid.
• Use a soft and damp cloth when you clean it. Microfiber or something similar is best for your vanity.
• Wipe up any spills on your marble bathroom vanity as soon as possible after they happen.
• Get your Twin Cities home checked for hard water because that can stain your vanity.
• Get your vanity resealed on occasion. A Twin Cities company like Universal Stone can help with this process.
• Use a stick of crushed chalk and baking soda to clean your Twin Cities marble bathroom vanity. 
• Wipe the vanity with a mix of baking soda (3 tablespoons) and water (1 quart).  Let it air dry for a couple of hours and then rinse. Then get a fresh cloth, dampen it and dip it into the crushed chalk. Wipe your marble bathroom vanity with the cloth and chalk, rinse and then dry it completely.

DON’T:

• Do not use abrasive or harsh chemicals, like bleach, or cloths to clean your marble bathroom vanity.
• Do not place anything that is too hot, like a curling iron, directly onto your vanity.
• Do not forget to clean your vanity on a regular basis.
• Do not drop anything too heavy onto your marble bathroom vanity.
• Do not leave too many objects permanently on your vanity because that could end up discoloring the surface.

If you have any questions about your marble bathroom vanity in your Twin Cities home, call Universal Stone at (952) 746-4690 or contact us online to request a free quote. We will be happy to answer your questions, address your concerns or speak to you about how to start the fabrication and installation process so you can enjoy a new marble bathroom vanity in your Twin Cities home as soon as possible.

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

Check Out Universal Stone’s Residential Gallery!

There’s no better way to see what Universal Stone can do for your Twin Cities home than by checking out our natural stone residential gallery. It’s where you can see our quality granite countertops, marble sinks and much more. We are proud to be able to put our work on display, and pleased with all the work we’ve done.

If you like what you see, then we’d be honored to showcase our expertise in your home. Contact Universal Stone at 952.746.4690 or visit www.UniversalStone-Inc.com to request a free natural stone quote.

Request a Free Quote Today from Universal Stone

Are you in need of professional quartz fabrication in your Twin Cities MN home or office? Do you want granite countertops of which you can be proud? Then Universal Stone Inc. can help!

We are experts at natural stone fabrication, and are proud to offer current and future clients the ability to obtain a free quote online. This simple request can be made simply by visiting www.UniversalStone-Inc.com.

When you need marble fabrication in Minneapolis or St. Paul, Universal Stone should be your first choice. Call us today at 952.746.4690!

Universal Stone Now Offers Inventory Online

Thinking of granite countertops in your Twin Cities MN home? Want to see what natural stone fabricators have, but from the comfort of your chair? Then take a trip over to www.UniversalStone-Inc.com!

Universal Stone, the professional granite, marble & quartz fabricators and installers of record for Minneapolis & St Paul are now proud to offer a searchable, online database of its inventory. Enjoy looking for that perfect natural stone remnant or slab without ever leaving your home!

For everything granite, marble and rinato in the Twin Cities, contact Universal Stone today.

Upgrading a Kitchen With Granite Countertops - Cost Savings To Be Had While Improving Other Rooms

One of the strongest and most durable of all building materials is a natural stone such as granite. Mostly used as kitchen or bathrooms countertops, granite can serve as a very beautiful focal point of any home. The home owner should not restrict the use of granite to just the kitchen and bathroom. Many of the other areas of the home can benefit from the use of granite or other natural stone.

Certain types of home remodels will pay for themselves when the home is sold. Kitchen upgrades or remodels are a prime example of the home owner receiving close to a 100% return on the investment. After upgrading the kitchen with a granite countertop there are subtle, but effectively simple ways to jazz up the rest of the home in order to tie it all together. Most home owners would prefer the home to not be dated with a brand new standout kitchen, calling attention to other shortcomings in the house.

The key is to balance the use of granite throughout the home. Particular areas which lend themselves nicely to using granite are mantels and fireplace surrounds, built-in shelving, window sills or tabletops. Do not forget about the exterior of the back yard. Most of the time the patio or deck is just outside of the kitchen. Unlike some other types of countertops granite is the ideal choice for creating an outdoor kitchen for barbecues and cookouts. Laminate counters, as well as some porous natural stone materials, are not ideal due to the conditions nature provides. A stone fabricator should be able to advise the client which type of stone will be durable enough to weather outdoor environments.

It is important for the home owner to note that if there is the intention of accenting the rest of the home by incorporating granite or other natural stone throughout in order to achieve an organic flow, it is recommended to select all of the slabs at the same time. If the home owner selects more granite at a later date, it is quite probable that finding a slab with like marbling or veining and coloring will be exceedingly difficult and unlikely due to the ever changing variation of natural stone. No two slabs are alike, but very similar patterning, texture, and appearance can be found on slabs from the same area of a quarry.

Stone fabricators will many times have a showroom for the home owner and remodeling contractor to view. As one looks through the displays or portfolios other ideas on how to best complement the rest of the home may develop. The stone fabricators and contractors may be able to use any excess of the selected slab in the client's home.

For more information on granite countertops and other natural stone, visit Universal Stone Inc. of Shakopee, MN.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Universal Stone Inc. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Kitchen Countertops

Tooling of Granite and Other Stone Materials for a Countertop

Granite has enjoyed a long history of use as flooring, shelving, countertops and even buildings and monuments. From the earliest stone tools to works of art, granite has been crafted into all shapes and sizes. Perhaps the most prevalent use of granite today is for countertops used in kitchens, bathrooms and other surface treatments. Because of the fact that granite is one of the hardest and most durable materials on earth, it lends itself well for use in high traffic areas. It is also due to this same hardness and durability that makes it a difficult material with which to work.

It is common for improvements in technology to yield lower costs of products and manufacturing, but this generalized rule does not apply to the area of stone fabrication. As the demand for granite has increased more and more equipment is necessary to maintain and increase production levels. Specialized diamond-tipped saws, water jets and other tools and heavy equipment are needed to be able to cut and transport the dense and massive material.

Despite the advent of computer controlled machining, crafting a countertop is still a laborious and time consuming process. Computers and computer aided design programs have revolutionized the level of precision that fabricators may achieve and reduce the amount of errors and wasted material. Much of this precision is visible in the edge profiles that are possible. There are over 15 edge profiles which are usually available from a simple round over to a delicate waterfall profile. Some granite countertop edge profiles are given different names by individual suppliers much like certain retail chains will assign their own model numbers to a particular line of appliances.

The first step in exploring the use of granite as a countertop or even as a fireplace surround is to visit a granite showroom. Many showrooms will actually have the granite fabrication facilities on the same site. There will be a wide variety of colors and patterns available, but it is important to note that because granite is a product of nature no one piece in the showroom will be able to be exactly duplicated. The samples available for viewing are simply a good representation of what particular type of granite can be found at a specific quarry. When it becomes time to select a countertop, many fabricators will walk the customer through the warehouse so that the client will be able to select the exact individual slab for the kitchen remodel project, providing a truly customized one-of-a-kind product which will last for many decades.

Visit Universal Stone Inc. to view the colors of granite offered or to request a free quote.

Article independently authored by Dan Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Universal Stone Inc. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

Granite and Marble - The Advantages Of Using Natural Stone For Countertops and Flooring

It is often true of artwork that special care needs to be taken in order to preserve the natural beauty of the piece. While this is true regarding most things of value, countertops fabricated from natural stone such as granite, marble and others share a natural durability which is unmatched by any human made invention. Not even stainless steel can claim to be as durable and easily maintained as granite. There are a few exceptions to the rule, however.

Granite is essentially the hardest material on earth that can be commonly found throughout kitchens, bathrooms and as a variety of building components in residential and commercial applications. When granite is used as a countertop, shelf, or fireplace surround very little care is necessary to maintain the inherent beauty and finish. Granite is, for all intents and purposes impervious to the every day rigors of life.

Although some fabricators will recommend sealing a granite countertop, this is largely for the peace of mind of the consumer and not for any special protection needed for the granite material. Other types of natural stone countertops should be sealed due to the specific stone's porosity. The best rule of thumb is to follow the recommendations of the stone fabricator. The only usual needed care to maintain granite or marble countertops is to wipe the stone down with warm water and possibly a non-abrasive liquid soap. The one exception, which is true of any material, is when granite or marble is used for flooring.

With regards to flooring materials, continuous wear and tear which floors are subjected to every day will not damage the stone itself, but can dull the finish. Sand, dirt and almost all abrasives will cause any surface, including carpet and wood, to become worn unless regularly cleaned. The nature of granite just allows the flooring to be more durable than other floor types.

As proof of this, many high traffic government buildings and large commercial businesses, such as hotels erected in the early half of the 1900s, used granite for countertops, flooring and more. Today these materials are still just as beautiful as was when installed. For this increased durability and natural one-of-a-kind beauty, granite flooring is often more expensive than the average carpet or even genuine hardwood flooring. The investment is also usually higher due to the specialized skill and machinery necessary to craft natural stone with attention to detail.

For additional information on granite kitchen countertops and more call 952-746-4690 or visit www.universalstone-inc.com today!

Article independently authored by Daniel Elliott. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Universal Stone, Inc. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

In the Know About Granite

When it comes to your home's décor, there are many options for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. These choices include basic laminates, ceramic tiles in an array of colors and patterns, concrete slab countertops which can be customized to suit and granite. To help you decide if granite countertops are right for you, consider these perks and quirks of granite:

• It comes in over 3,000 colors each one with its own unique pattern and movement, and can be given custom edges and finishes.
• Countertops, when properly sealed and maintained, are virtually scratch, stain and chip resistant.
• They are great for making cookies, candies, bread dough and other foods that are best prepared on a cool surface.
• It is heat resistant. If you forget to grab a heat pad for that pan of lasagna, it won't matter if you set it on your counter.
• The only surface that is harder than granite is a diamond.
• Granite countertops add a minimum of 10% to the resale value to your home.
• Granite is not excessively porous (unlike marble) making it chemical and acid resistant.

Disadvantages of granite are:

• It is expensive due to the labor for its removal from the quarry, the work involved in cutting it and the work necessary for installation.
• It does not have a uniform pattern or color and will also contain natural cracks or pits. These "imperfections" are actually what lends to its beauty and "movement".
• It will dull your knives if you use it as a cutting board.
• Granite countertops should be installed by a qualified professional-it is not a do it yourself project.
• They need to have the sealant re-applied a least once a year to prevent staining or fading.
• Seams are visible, regardless of how good the installer is.

When it comes time for you to have your countertops installed, you want to have the best job possible. Here are a few tips for selecting a granite installer:

• Beware of rates that are considerably lower than others-a great price does not necessarily equal excellent quality. Oftentimes these companies may give a low price quote, but then add in extra items on the expenses not included in the original bid.
• Take your time-during busy seasons, the best companies can be backed up, don't hire someone simply because their calendar is open---ask why they don't have a lot of work at a time when premier companies have a waiting list.
• Be sure to get more than 1 referral for the installation company you are considering; also, asking the company for a customer list is only going to give you the name of satisfied customers. Rather ask those you know who have had granite countertops installed, for their recommendations.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau for a list of companies that have received great reviews. Find out if the company honors their contracts with the homeowners as well any suppliers.

For additional information on granite countertops visit Universal Stone Inc. Article independently authored by Janet M. Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Universal Stone Inc. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

7 Things to Look for When Purchasing Granite

If you have decided to upgrade your home's floors/ work surfaces with granite, then chances are you have already learned about the color choices, movement and durability. But how can you tell if you are getting good quality granite? After all, you are making a major investment into your home and you want to ensure you are getting exactly what you expect. As you begin your selection process, be sure to ask these questions and pay attention to the details.

1. If purchasing granite for countertops, look for slabs that are a minimum of 3 meters or more in length as this one of the key indicators of a quality piece of granite. These will cost more, but they are truly the best.
2. Will the granite be cut with water or kerosene? While either is acceptable, the higher quality choice is granite that will be cut using water as this is better for the granite and does not take away from the stability and strength of the stone. If granite has been cut using kerosene, then dormant ferrous and ferric mineral particles are triggered and will eventually cause discoloration and pitting in the polished surface. Kerosene cut granite also begins showing dull places within 6-18 months giving the granite a dull appearance. Lastly, kerosene cut granite should not be used in homes with radiant heating as kerosene will evaporate from the stone bringing unpleasant odors and health hazards.
3. Can the vendor use granite slabs from the same block for a single job? This will add to the overall look of the completed project. If more than 1 slab will be used, then the material should be a nearly perfect match in shade and color (an exact match is rare due to the natural coloring and movement of granite).
4. The finished product should have a mirror like appearance (ask to see finished pieces in the showroom so you know what to expect from the installer/fabricator) as well as a consistent high shine.
5. Your granite countertops, once installed, should have seams that are as smooth and as nearly invisible as possible. Again, you will want to see showroom samples for this. Check to see that the edges are slightly beveled and well polished at the top edge of any joints or seams. Edges that are merely sawed off will have a lighter appearance than those that have beveled and polished.
6. Look at the showroom samples and note the edges. Good quality granite countertops will have smooth edges without the wavy rippled look that occurs when a fabricator uses hand-held equipment versus an automated edging tool.
7. Do the colors and grains "match"? Though an exact match is unlikely, when the surface finish is applied, there should be a consistency to the granite, even if there are seams and multiple pieces of granite used for the project. In addition, the granite slabs should fit precisely so that the countertops flow smoothly which adds to the overall elegance and appearance of the stone.

For additional information on the topic of granite countertops visit Universal Stone Inc.

Article independently authored by Janet M. Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Universal Stone Inc. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.