Why Choose Marble and Granite Over Synthetic Material

Using natural stone such as granite and marble for your kitchen countertops and other home accents provides numerous advantages over synthetic materials such as Corian, Formica, porcelain, concrete or ceramic tile. One of the main benefits of natural stone is its durability and longevity, which can be cost-effective in the long run as compared to synthetic material that requires periodic replacement and costly repairs. Moreover, the color selection of natural stone is generally far more extensive and the cost is often misconceived as expensive when it is actually affordable.

In addition to being cost-effective, natural stone offers an attractive appearance that synthetic products often aim to mimic. Granite and marble countertops are popular among homeowners due to the unique color variations and quality of natural stone. The difference in quality and ease of use between natural and synthetic materials is visible, especially when it comes to heat resistance. Granite can withstand high heat up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, while synthetic materials require heat pads to avoid potential burn marks and fading. Furthermore, granite countertops are virtually scratch-proof and will not scratch even when directly cut on, unlike man-made material that is susceptible to burning, discoloration, scratching, and deterioration due to normal wear and tear.

Another advantage of using natural stone for your kitchen countertops and home accents is that it can increase the overall value of your home. At Granite Place and Quartz, we use the best machine tools to cut and bullnose our product, ensuring the highest quality finished product for our customers. Our mission is to offer the best value for your dollar by providing quality natural stone that is both elegant and cost-efficient. With access to over 60 different granite colors, we make it easy for our customers to find exactly what they are looking for.

The Difference between Marble and Granite

Marble and granite products alike add a polished sophistication and enhance any room. Both can be used for countertops, tile flooring, fireplace mantels, columns, vases and much more. However, even though marble and granite have a similar aesthetic, they can also be better suited for specific purposes.
Marble lasts as long as granite but is typically best used for items such as vases, crosses, and mantels. Subtle color choices and veining patterns that marble offers can create more unique and exquisite designs in bathrooms. Physically, marble is less dense and is often the preferred choice for fireplace mantels because more detailed designs can be carved. Largely composed of calcite, marble is sensitive to acidic foods which include ketchup, lemon, vinegar and wine. In exposing marble to these acids there is a risk of staining and dulling the polished finish.
Greater density and hardness help make granite resistant to scratches, acids, stains and heat. That makes granite a popular choice for kitchen countertops and outdoor pieces, including headstones and monuments because it is the most durable natural stone and stand up well to weather changes. Granite is long-lasting and creates a beautiful, unique ambiance in any environment.
Granite Place and Quartz is a direct supplier of marble and granite. We import our material internationally from various countries which include: Italy, Spain, Greece, Brazil, China and India. We have a large inventory and extensive selection for all of our marble and granite products. For the last season our most popular colors for marble include: Crema Marfil, Botticino Fiorito, Cherry Blossom, Hulian Jade, Negro Marquina. Popular colors for granite include: Yellow Fantasy, Almond Mauve, Paradiso, Absolute Black, and Blue Pearl.

How to Protect Your Marble and Granite

Granite Place and Quartz we believe that protecting your marble and granite material is an important way to ensure product lifetime and maintain original quality. Here are some ideas on protecting your natural stone:
The most popular method of protecting natural stone is by applying a sealer. When choosing your sealer remember that solvent based sealers work much better than water based ones. A sealer works by penetrating into the pores of the stone and building an invisible barrier that allows for easier cleaning, protection against scratching/stains and creating a harder, less slippery surface. Sealers are easy to apply and take only a few hours to effectively dry. For best results, it is recommended that sealers be re-applied once a year for bathrooms and every six months for kitchen countertops. A good rule of thumb to follow is the more traffic on the granite or marble surface, the more frequently you should apply the sealer. Areas that typically see more traffic include kitchen sinks and prep surfaces near stovetops. Once the sealer is applied, there is no visible difference to the clarity or beauty of the marble or granite. For stubborn stains it is best to consult with a professional, but most require using liquid poultice.

For day to day care, the best cleaning agent is dish soap diluted with water. Simply wipe down your kitchen surfaces with a damp cloth and that will help preserve your marble and granite. Granite and marble are both beautiful and classic additions to any home and can last a lifetime with proper care.

How to Measure Counter

Step 1: First, with your tape measure, measure the length of your counter top. Write down how many inches it is from the longest stretch.

Step 2: Then, measure the width of the counter top. Any standard cabinet base is 24″ in width, then the counter top usually has an inch and a half overhang. This means the width of a typical counter top is about 26″. Write this down.

Step 3: Repeat this method of measuring for all counter tops.

Step 4: Square footage is basically length multiplied by width, in inches, divided by 144. (L X W)/144 = square foot

How To calculate the square footage of Countertops

Example:

Notes:
– Standard width of countertop = 26 inches
– Standard height of splash = 4 inches

A. Square inches of splash
– Length of back splash + Length of end splash = total splash length
– Total splash length x 4 in = sq in of splash

B. Square inches of countertop
– Length of counter x 26 in = sq in of countertop

C. Square inches of bar area
– Length of bar at longest point x Width of bar at widest point = sq in of bar

Total square footage = (A + B + C) divided by 144