countertop

Natural stone plays a prominent role in many kitchen remodels. Here are three questions to consider when choosing a stone for your kitchen project.

“The soapstone countertop has character. It’s not smooth, but it’s not rough either,” Barnieu said. “That’s what I like about soapstone; the more you use it, as it gets older, the patina of the stone gets more and more charming”

While polished and honed are the most common surface finishes for natural stone, leathered and brushed textures are growing increasingly popular to add a unique flair your design.

It is important to use the right product and process for the type of stone and specific issue you are addressing. Different stones have different characteristics and will respond differently to cleaning and maintenance.

It can be difficult to find reliable information about the practical properties of different types of countertop surfaces. In a quest to bring more data-driven information to the countertop industry, this article offers side-by-side performance testing of four categories of materials.

Aesthetic qualities and price are often the first criteria used to make countertop and flooring selections. But have you considered if each material is eco-friendly? A material’s life cycle should be considered during your home design and renovation projects.

Thought should be given to countertop material’s durability, maintenance, sustainability, and cost. Let’s take a comparative look at some of these issues before making a decision.

Soapstone is versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of designs. It has remained a go-to countertop material due to its long-known physical properties and classic old-world aesthetic.

Many people are curious about the differences between natural stone and manufactured surfaces, and my approach is always the same: be wary of marketing claims, learn as much as you can, understand the properties, and be informed.

Is quartz natural stone? Our geologist analyzed samples from several different quartz manufacturers. Sort fact from fiction using real scientific data to prove performance statistics.

Quartzite has been gaining in popularity as a countertop material in the past few years. With a look similar to marble and a durability comparable to granite, this natural stone seems to have it all.

One of the most important steps in caring for marble is preventing stains and etches. Prevent etching and stains by religiously using cutting boards, trivets, and coasters.

You’re facing the same conundrum that so many marble-loving home owners have wrestled with: you love real marble, but is it really worth the care and maintenance? Read this before you choose artificial or fake marble for your home.

Millennials see natural stone as a functional piece of art. They are very knowledgeable about what they want.

We sat down with several stone care experts to learn how best to care for granite countertops. How often should you reseal? What should you use to clean granite countertops?

During this panel discussion featuring a variety of talented stone industry professionals, questions were specifically targeted to each professional’s forte. Topics included: stone trends, marble vs quartz and other artificial stones.

Choosing the perfect material for your lifestyle and décor is the first step. The next phase is installation, and if you’ve never gone through the process you might not know what to expect.

Cost is a major deciding factor in most purchasing decisions. There are many factors that go into the process, which makes every homeowner’s situation unique.

When you head to the showroom to choose your natural stone, use these five questions to ensure you choose your best option.