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What is the best way to clean marble and other natural stones

The most important rule pertaining to natural stones is: never use anything on them that you would not use on your hands. It is advisable to keep away from abrasive pads and powdered cleansers when cleaning natural stone. Soft scrub products contain pumice, which can damage stone floors and counter tops. You should also keep away from acidic products, especially those containing ammonia. To ensure that surfaces last longer, you should always use cleaning products and sealers that are specifically made for natural stones.

Many mineral surfaces absorb different types of liquid because they are porous, causing discoloration and staining. Most of the commercial grade products in the market are designed to create the original luster of the stone, though it is advisable for the users to carry out simple precautionary steps in addition to maintenance processes to help preserve the surface. Marble and granite tops are sealed after they have been installed. Sealing, covers all the pores to prevent the entry of substances such as cosmetics, cleaners, beverages, food and oil. The durability of the sealer depends on quite a number of things, including frequency of use. It is therefore recommended that users should seal the granite every 1-2 years and marble every 6 months.

Marble can be used for the bathroom vanity tops, fireplaces and Jacuzzi tops but may also be used for kitchen counters. Most designers do not recommend this because marble is prone to scratching and can be damaged by acidic products like ketchups and vinegars. Another reason we do not recommend marble is because it loses the high-gloss appearance as a result of surface etching by many chemicals. Marble surfaces are prone to damage from acids and kitchen items including knives, pots, and pans. Granite, on the other hand, is highly recommended as a kitchen countertop because it is considered the second stone in the hardest- stones list. Granite is heat resistant, and that makes it the best choice for the kitchen countertops.

Although they are both extracted from the earth, granite and marble (including limestone, travertine, and onyx) have some key differences in their compositions. Granite is generated inside the mantle of the earth at very high temperatures, resulting in heat resistance and the hard stone made from the resulting mineral crystallization. Marble, however, is created by solidification of materials such as sediments, plant matter, silt, shells, and animal skeletons. The major component in marble is calcium, marking marble prone to damage from acidic products such as beverages containing citrus and vinegar.
Since granite is natural, it is hard and durable. It is also resistant to heat and scratches. The best part is that granite comes with extremely easy maintenance!. When it comes to the design aspect, granite is known for its versatility. It is available in a variety of structural compositions and colors. On our site, we offer over 1,000 colors with different designs. Each piece of granite come with unique features, which is why it is nearly impossible to find two pieces exactly the same. Its natural characteristics have made it a top choice for many homes because it comes with a natural beauty that has captured the eye of many people throughout the years.
Granite also comes without predictability making it a great thing for sophisticated designers and architects to work with. Many consumers unfamiliar with granite usually expect to install stones that are similar to the sample they have seen. Please note that although the samples are a representation of what is available, the material itself extracted may sometime come with a wide range of colors and veining aspects. The same product would also feature a range of colors across its surface. This is- a feature that many architects and designers consider an advantage. The, irregularities of the stone produces a natural element that could not be created by humans or robotics. Granite’s sophisticated design is great for designers and architects alike!.
What is the cost of Granite ?
The overall cost of this material varies piece to piece based on choosing the edge profile, the color, and the shapes used. We offer buyers a wide range of competitive prices along with excellent service. Our buyers can use the estimate tool to find the right price for their needs. Using this tool will give you an estimate and will be quick to complete. We would also be happy to discuss your needs over the phone or offer a free in-home consultation to give you a more precise quote.
As an igneous rock, granite is crystalline in nature, both in terms of texture and formation. It contains feldspar, mica, and quartz. The formation starts with the cooling and compression of liquid magma within the core of the earth. The compression takes place over millions of years; afterward, it is quarried and polished after it has been cut. It can then be used in different surfaces around the home including countertops, Jacuzzi, fireplaces and other areas desired by the homeowner.
Some images that are online are digitally processed and may not contain the correct color tones from varying computer screens and systems. Another reason for the variation is the result of the natural appearance of granite which comes with different types of colors, granularity, patterns, and tones. These contribute to the natural beauty of the stone. It is recommended that you visit our showroom and pick out the actual slab.
The granite should be cleaned with mild cleaners like dish soap and warm water, although it is recommended that you use cleaners that are specially formulated for the surface. If you opt to use warm water and soap, you need to know that the soap might build up. The granite cleaner requires sitting for approximately 30 seconds before it is wiped off by use of a soft cloth. Some of them come with sealers meaning that the surface will still be protected when it is being cleaned.
All natural stones come with different levels of porosity. Granite is among those with minimum levels because most of its colors would never indicate moisture. After a long period of use, some of the moisture will be visible in a few colors. After installation, our professional team will seal the granite countertops. You may also opt to purchase cleaners that come with sealers that serve two purposes at once: cleaning and sealing.

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Granite is mined in blocks and in this case you will find seams. The seams are also visible because the materials are sold in rectangles and you can save money by using seams. Seams’ visibility is determined by the patterns, color, and the granularity in the pieces you have. Those granite pieces with large patterns of grain will have seams that are more visible than small and uniform grain. Concerning color, dark colors will have less visible seams than light-colored ones. The pieces with uniform patterns will have less visible seams than those with dramatic patterns with colors. Despite all this, many customers are more concerned with the beauty of the granite pieces, than with the seams.
It is very difficult to damage granite, but it is possible. If this happens, you should use an epoxy mixture with the granite dust to fix it.
Yes. Granite can be cantilevered up to 14″ as long as it has adequate support using a piece that is large enough on the end where it is fixed. You should never cantilever this material in places where it will be exposed to excessive stress such as someone stepping or sitting on it. For these situations, you must have sufficient support underneath.

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With regular use, granite will not crack, as the process will not cause much stress on such strong and durable material.
Granite surfaces will only chip when high impact tools such as hammers have been used on them. The chip can be fixed by use of granite dust alongside epoxy mixture or just epoxy. In case this happens on your countertop, you should keep the pieces if possible, as they can be used to repair the countertop.
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Where can Marble be used ?
There are many places where marble can be used, but the most ideal places are low traffic areas. Marble is widely used for bathroom vanity countertops, jacuzzi surrounds, shower walls etc..
Granite is denser compared to marble because it is formed within the core of the earth while marble is formed by the sedimentation under the seabed. Although they both solidify after years, they contain different types of minerals that make them respond differently to different types of household cleaners and chemicals. Although they are both from the same source- (the earth), they have clear differences. Granite is formed under very high temperatures causing it to crystallize into resistant and hard natural stone. Marble, on the other hand, is formed from the solidification of materials such as animal skeletons, plant silt and sediments that are formed under the sea bed. The main component of marble is calcium, meaning that the surfaces can be affected by acidic products such as beverages with citrus and vinegar.
Marbles are not recommended for kitchen countertops because of their softness and porosity. The marbles that are resilient are also prone to staining and therefore should not be used if you will prepare, cook and serve food on a frequent basis.