Palaces and statues made from marble over 1,000 years ago still stand today. The beautiful and durable stone has been consistently sought out to decorate the most elegant homes all over the world. It is a material that anyone can incorporate into their home in some manner, and fireplaces provide an excellent opportunity. Versatile in Design Each piece of marble, like granite, is unique. The color options are endless, and the veining and other patterns in the stone are different in every section of the material. Homeowners can install large slabs of marble or create whatever pattern they wish with the variety of marble tiles available. The options make it simple for anyone to create a one-of-a-kind design for their home. The elegant look of polished marble is perfect for formal homes. The addition of the natural stone adds a timeless and classic look to any room where it is installed. However, this is not a product that is only for high-end homes. Marble can easily blend with casual and even rustic interiors. Nearly any design style can be accentuated with marble. Use the product anywhere around the fireplace. It makes an eye-catching surround, a stunning mantlepiece, and even looks beautiful on the hearth or over the chimney. Aside from the actual firebox, marble is suitable for every part of a fireplace. Durable Material Choice Marble is heat and fire resistant and is safe for wood or gas fireplaces, so it is a sensible finish option. The stone is durable enough to withstand the abuse of fireplace tools and stacked firewood. Stains are avoided when the marble is properly sealed. Ease of Cleaning Any homeowner that has grown tired of scrubbing soot stains from bricks or who has been forced to repaint their wood mantel each year to keep it clean will appreciate the ease of caring for marble. Dust the material weekly and wash away any soot or debris with a damp rag as needed. Mild dish detergent or marble cleaner is useful for scrubbing away stubborn stains. It is possible to reclaim the material by having the marble polished again if it loses its sheen. Restoration of this type may be needed if the stone is not properly cleaned, if an acidic cleanser is used or if a chimney fire leaves behind heavy soot stains. Simple Safety Precautions Marble is porous, so sealants are used to prevent stains. Apply the sealer to the marble, including the grout if a tile is used, after installation. Re-seal every few months as needed. There are simple tests to do at home to determine if it is time to apply a sealant. Put a small amount of water on the material and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe up the water and look at the surface to see if the area where the water sat is darker than its surroundings. If so, it means the marble absorbed the water, and it is time apply the sealant. Perform the test with mineral oil if an oil-based sealant was originally used. Sealing the marble is a straightforward and simple process, so there is no need to contact a professional. All that is needed is to clean and dry the marble and add a layer of acid-resistant impregnator. There are numerous brands available at hardware and home improvement stores. Follow the directions on the bottle to ensure it is applied properly. Marble is just one of our specialties at Custom Marble and Onyx . Any homeowner that wants to boost the value and appeal of their home with natural stone should contact us for more information. It is possible to create a unique look for any home with so many options available. Visit our website or call today for more information.
When you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, there are many decisions that you will need to make in the process. One of the most important of these decisions is to choose the right countertop material for your kitchen. The countertops can set the tone for your whole design scheme and can also make a major difference in the functionality of your kitchen. Get to know some of the best countertop material options available to you so you can be sure you get the right countertops for your newly remodeled kitchen. Granite Countertops Granite is one of the most popular and most beautiful countertop options available for any home. This stone product comes in a variety of finishes and colors which can help you to give your kitchen that unique style you are going for. Granite is considered to be a high-end product meaning it will elevate your kitchen in appearance and can take you from a drab-looking kitchen to a stunning one. This is also a very strong and durable material. It scores a seven on what is known as the Moh's scale of hardness. This means that it is a very difficult material to scratch. One drawback with granite is that it does need to be sealed and resealed on a regular basis (every one to two years). This is because granite is porous, meaning it is more absorbent than some other stones. If you did not reseal your granite regularly, you would run the risk of severe and permanent staining. Marble Countertops Another popular option for your kitchen countertops is marble. Many people love marble for its chic and luxurious appearance and style. Marble is a beautiful stone option for your kitchen countertops, but it does have a few drawbacks of its own. Marble is a much softer stone than granite or some of the other countertop options available to you. Because of this, it is susceptible to chipping and scratching. If you do a great deal of chopping and knife work in your kitchen, you will have to be very careful to avoid hitting your marble countertops. Marble is often prone to staining and even with sealant, will likely become discolored over time, developing what is known as a patina. They are also particularly susceptible to stains from acidic kitchen items such as berries, coffee, and red wine. However, if you are careful with your countertops and wipe up spills right away, the beautiful style of marble countertops cannot be denied. The price is often right as well with most varieties of marble being far less expensive than granite, quartz, and other options. Soapstone Countertops Soapstone is one of the lesser known options for kitchen countertops, but that does not make them any less desirable or effective. This is a natural stone option which requires little sealing or finishing in comparison to other countertop options. Unlike marble or granite, soapstone is a little more rustic in nature and can even complement an industrial look and vibe in your kitchen. If you are looking for countertops that are very homey and natural-looking, then soapstone is the option for you. One of the best parts about soapstone is that it is not prone to scratching or staining. It also is naturally anti-bacterial and is very low-maintenance in general. You do not have to worry about sealants or about using special cleaners on your soapstone countertops because all you need to do is use soap and water to clean them. Knowing all of this about these three amazing countertop options , you can choose the best possible option for your newly-remodeled kitchen.
Marble could be considered one of the most desirable home interior materials. However, traditional marble can have its downfalls for some homeowners, which is why cultured marble was developed. Cultured marble is made up of a mix of natural stone and polyester resin, which makes it slightly more resilient to moisture and an ideal material to use for your surrounding walls in the shower. If you have a cultured marble shower in your home, then you have a valuable feature, but you should know that taking care of your cultured marble is just as important as properly maintaining traditional marble. Here is a look at a few tips to help you keep your cultured marble shower looking like new for the long term. 1. Wipe Down the Cultured Marble After Showers Cultured marble is resilient to moisture, but it can be stained just like regular marble . Leaving excess moisture on the shower walls can leave behind things like trace minerals, dirt, and soap scum that can cause stains to develop over time. Instead of leaving your cultured marble shower to air dry after you step out, it is best to wipe away any excess moisture. You can do this quickly with a small squeegee or even a dry towel, just make sure you dry off all areas of the marble. 2. Remove Stains from the Cultured Marble Quickly Even if you wipe down your shower after every use, there is always a chance of causing a stain. Whether it is from products you used in the shower, such as shampoo or soap, or some other type of stain, hydrogen peroxide can usually get the stain out. There are a few basic steps of stain removal to keep in mind: Soak a cloth or paper towel in hydrogen peroxide Lay or situate the cloth over the stained area of the marble Allow the stained area to remain covered overnight with the peroxide-soaked cloth Rinse the next day with cold water to wash away any residue If the stain still exists after following these steps, you can also try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to create a gentle scrub to slough away the stain. The faster you remove the stain, the less likely it will settle deeply into the surface layers of the cultured marble. 3. Follow General Maintenance Guidelines for Your Cultured Marble The glossy finish of cultured marble can become dull and unimpressive if you use the wrong cleaning solutions. It is good to occasionally polish the surface of the marble with a quality marble polishing solution. But the occasional polish and cleaning materials aren't the only things you need to worry about. Here are some other tips to keep in mind: Check any caulking around the cultured marble periodically Use only soft-bristled scrubbers or sponges for cleaning the cultured marble Take care not to drop heavy objects directly on cultured marble shower floors Even though cultured marble is a little heartier than all natural stone, it does need to be properly cared for on a regular basis so it does not lose its luster with age. When your cultured marble shower is installed, you will be given care instructions that are provided by the manufacturer that should be followed to prolong the new look of the material. With your cultured marble shower being such a valuable and attractive attribute of your home, you undoubtedly want it to last for as long as possible after it is installed. Maintaining that beautiful finish is all about the proper care. Contact us at Custom Marble And Onyx for more information about cultured marble care.
Marble can be a stunning addition to any room in the home. This material is classic, works well in kitchens and bathrooms, and is known for its beauty. However, marble can also be somewhat fragile compared to other materials as it is susceptible to scratches, etching and staining, particularly when marble is used for countertops. The good news is that with a little care, marble countertops can continue to look amazing no matter how much they are used. Here are a four tips for taking care of marble countertops. Avoid Acidic Substances Acid is the enemy of marble surfaces. Acidic substances can etch into the surface and leave the marble looking dull and lackluster. This is something to keep in mind when choosing cleaners for the countertop. Any type of acidic or abrasive cleaner like bleach and vinegar should be avoided, and you should never use harsh scrubbing pads. Cleaners are not the only acidic substances you should keep away from your counters. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus and other types of fruits should also have limited contact with the countertop's surface. Be sure to use cutting boards, bowls and other methods of keeping the acid away from the marble when preparing food. Clean with Gentle Soap While it may seem difficult to clean marble without the use of abrasive cleaners, it's not. Marble is easy to clean and maintain. Gentle soap and warm water are enough to get the job done. Cleaning a marble countertop is as simple as washing it down with a solution of water and soap, wiping with a wet, hot dish towel, and then drying the countertop with an absorbent towel. Cleaning with gentle soap on a regular basis is enough to keep marble countertops looking great after everyday use. If you make a mess, immediately spot clean any spills in order to prevent staining. The longer a substance is left on top of the marble, the more likely it is to stain. Deal with Stains Immediately Unfortunately, even with careful attention and regular cleaning it's still possible that your marble countertop will stain. Address these stains immediately. Stains from oils, such as cooking oil, can be removed with a gentle cleanser or a few drops of ammonia. Organic stains, from food or liquids such as coffee and tea, can be removed with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. While mild detergents, peroxide, and ammonia work well on most stains, some may need to be removed physically. Paint stains often need to be carefully removed with a razor. Water stains and water marks can be buffed out with steel wool. Be sure to remove stains before they become permanent fixtures on the countertop so your marble countertops look great for years to come. Seal the Countertops While there are plenty of ways to clean marble countertops and keep them looking great, an added layer of protection is often needed. A sealant can be a key part of taking care of marble countertops. Sealers can reduce staining and etching on marble countertops as sealers act as a barrier between the marble and other substances. The layers gives you a little more time to clean up spills before they stain. Marble countertops can be sealed as often as needed, based on the countertop and the formula of the sealant you use. When water stops beading on the counter, it's usually time to reseal. Taking care of marble countertops is easier than you may think. They will look great as long as you avoid acidic cleaners, liquids and food. If you think marble countertops are the right choice for your home, contact Custom Marble & Onyx today.
Have you recently upgraded your kitchen and selected granite countertops? Granite is a popular choice among homeowners because the material is very durable. That being said, you should not completely ignore how you treat your granite countertop surfaces if your goal is to keep them looking great. These tips will help maintain the material over the years. Clean Up Spills Right Away Your granite countertops are made of hard, natural stone, but the material is semi-porous. While a spill will not immediately stain the granite, it is important that you clean up any spills as soon as they occur. If you do not, you may be surprised to see a stain on your granite. Some liquids that can be problematic include coffee, fruit juice, citrus-based liquids, wine, soda and cooking oils. These liquids have the capability to quickly penetrate the surface and will leave behind a color when the liquid evaporates. Thankfully, liquids will only cause stains if the granite has lost its seal. You can test the seal by dripping water on the countertops and seeing how the water reacts. If the water forms a bead, then the seal is in good condition. If the water immediately absorbs into the granite, then it is time to seal the countertops again. Always Use a Hot Pad A common myth about granite countertops is that you can set a hot pot or pan on the countertop right after taking it off the stove. While granite is quite durable, you should not be putting a hot item directly on your counter’s surface. Always use a hot pad when setting a hot item on granite. You may think you can get away with not causing too much damage, but granite is actually susceptible to thermal shock. You could end up causing cracks in your granite countertop due to the heat from the hot pot or pan. Ruining your granite counter top is not worth the risk when a hot pad is so easy and convenient to use. Always Use a Cutting Board Another misconception about granite is that you can use a knife to cut food directly on the surface without causing any damage. While granite will be able to withstand your knife, it is going to cause your knives to dull quickly. Stick to using a cutting board to save you the hassle of needing to sharpen your knives, even though the granite can handle it. Do Not Clean Granite with Harsh Chemicals Do not use cleaning products like degreasers, glass cleaners, or bleach on your granite countertops. These kinds of cleaning materials use acids and alkalis that can degrade your granite countertop's seal with each use. While you may think you are doing a good job at cleaning your countertops, you are actually making them prone to stains and other damage. Use a cleaning product that is designed to work with granite and keep the existing seal intact. If the seal is not wearing down prematurely due to your cleaning product of choice, then you should reseal the surface every 3-6 months. Do Not Sit or Stand on the Granite You may be tempted to hop up on the counter to take a seat or stand on the granite to reach a shelf located high up. You could crack the granite by putting too much pressure on it since the material is not flexible. While laminate countertops have a plywood backing that has some flexibility to it, natural stone surfaces do not have that protection. Custom Marble And Onyx can provide you with more care tips for your new granite countertops
