marble counters

Nov 25 2021

Marble vs. Granite Countertop Options

Due to their natural beauty and versatility, both marble and granite countertops have become popular options in recent years. Both are available in a nearly endless array of shades and colors, accent virtually any living or professional space, and can be easily tailored to fit your requirements and budget.

When it comes to choosing marble vs. granite options, our team of experts at GranitePro can help you make the right decision and provide you with step-by-step guidance to make sure you love your remodeled home. Call us today at 410.875.7579 to schedule a free consultation.

Marble Vs. Granite – Which One Is Right For Me?

When it comes to choosing a natural stone countertop, you’ll want to consider the following factors:

Price
Number of technical details in the final product
Whether you are using prefabricated or custom slabs
The complexity of the design (number of seams, whether or not the counter is “U-shaped,” how it integrates with bathroom or kitchen fixtures, etc.)
Appearance (color, grain, and texture)
Grade of material
Location (home, bathroom, etc.)
Construction
Maintenance
Availability

Marble Countertop Installation

Marble, which is formed from recrystallized carbon, is a more dynamic substance than granite. It is softer and will develop a patina on the surface as it is used, changing its original appearance over time. However, this natural pliability is an ideal medium for projects that require fine detailing. Just bear in mind that it is more porous than granite, so any spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining.

In terms of color, marble presents with a more unified palate, with the textured veining appearing as intenser highlights (for example, in a piece of red marble, the veins will be a deeper shade of red). The size of the pattern tends to be larger than in granite. Commercial marble is also available in primarily white or black patterns. The overall effect is perfect for a job demanding understated elegance.

Marble is slightly more expensive than granite, starting at around $75 a square foot. However, rare varieties of marble can be costly, running over $200 per square foot. It also requires some more maintenance, which should be discussed with your designer during the planning stages.

Granite Countertop Installation

Granite is composed of a number of grains, including mica and quartz. It is the harder of the two stones, so granite tends to perform better against the basic wear and tear inherent in food preparation when it comes to kitchen remodeling. Granite generally does not change appearance over time if correctly sealed and maintained.

Granite contains several elements visibly embedded throughout the slab as multi-colored highlights, which will most likely influence your final design. This also means that granite is available in almost an infinite array of colors. The downside of this is that you may have difficulty obtaining an unlimited quantity of the same pattern; however, the natural variation makes it an excellent choice if you wish to make your countertops the central focus of a space.

Finally, granite is slightly more affordable than marble, running from approximately $40-$80 per square foot. The appearance of the stone is one of the significant factors determining the price of the material, with less expensive granite having a more subdued appearance. Granite requires immediate sealing after installation, which most contractors should handle as part of the cost.

Marble and Granite Countertop Installation at GranitePro

Although there are advantages to both options, relying on expert designers and technicians will ensure that either choice leads to an elegant home remodel. Call our team at 410.875.7579 for a free consultation to learn how GranitePro can help make your renovation project one of the best investments you’ve ever made.

Nov 15 2021

3 Natural DIY Ways to Clean Marble Countertops

If you’ve chosen a natural stone like marble or granite for your countertops, you likely love them, so you will want to protect your investment by caring for them correctly. Although correct sealant application will protect your countertops, using harsh cleaners can reduce their effectiveness over time.

DIY cleaning of your marble or granite countertops can be very simple when armed with a few tricks of the trade and made quite earth-friendly (and inexpensive) with a few common ingredients and tools you probably already have around the house.

Here are some guidelines from our team at GranitePro. Call 410.875.7579 to ask one of our experts if you have questions about DIY cleaning or maintenance.

Materials

The porous nature of natural stone lends to a beautiful final product, but it does require the occasional use of some gentle cleaning materials. These will include:

Baking soda (flour can be used as a substitute if needed)
Hydrogen peroxide
Gentle, unscented liquid dish soap
Isopropyl alcohol (70%, or diluted from 99% to 70% with clean water)

Other helpful tools to have on-hand include:

Refillable spray bottle
Plastic cling wrap
Scotch tape
Bowl and spoon or spatula
Microfiber towels, or old, clean cotton t-shirts

3 Marble Countertop Cleaning Tips for DIYers

Although you can buy a commercial cleaner specifically designed for use on marble, any mild, alkaline dish soap will do the job. The following three tips should allow you to tackle any stain on your marble countertops:

1. For general cleaning and maintenance, you simply need to:

Mix warm water and dish soap in a refillable spray bottle (about a tablespoon of soap to a bottle of water)
Spray the entire surface area of your countertop
Wipe up all residue with a clean cloth until dry
Buff with a soft towel
Store the remaining cleaning solution for later use

2. For most food or wine-based stains, you can spot-treat the stained area with hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia.

3. Remember that marble is more sensitive to acid solutions like lemon juice or vinegar and can even contribute to the formation of dull etches that require re-grinding and polishing.

The bacteria-resistant nature of natural stone means you generally don’t need to worry about extensive disinfecting, provided the counter has a solid seal. However, should extra precautions be required, a quick spritz with isopropyl alcohol or antibacterial soap and wipe with a clean cloth is all that is necessary for a little extra protection.

Granite Countertop Cleaning Tips for DIYers

Cleaning and disinfecting granite countertops will be very similar to marble countertops. They can also be kept in great shape with a regular routine of warm water, mild soap, and microfiber towels.

For oil-based stains, you might try creating a poultice of baking soda and water in a bowl (until it is roughly the consistency of Greek yogurt or sour cream). Next, use a flexible spatula to spread on the affected area, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Make sure to spot-test a small area first to ensure that the color of the stone won’t be affected. After you apply, let sit undisturbed for a day or two to let the baking soda draw out the stain. Rinse to monitor the results. Difficult stains might require multiple treatments.

For water-based stains, use the same process but substitute hydrogen peroxide for baking soda and water.

GranitePro: Your Granite Experts

Occasionally, even the best-maintained countertops may require professional cleaning and resealing. At GranitePro, our team of in-house artisans is here to help you with all of your marble and granite countertop needs. Call us today at 410.875.7579 for information on how to best care for our natural stone products, keeping them looking as good as new for decades to come.

Feb 05 2021

5 Reasons to Get Marble Counters

Marble is formed when limestone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures. Mineral impurities like clay, iron, and sand give marble its signature veins. Marble countertops have been a status symbol for centuries.

They are elegant, and timeless, and unique. When properly installed and sealed, marble countertops last a lifetime. The marble experts at GranitePro know how to find on-trend styles that work for your home. Contact us to learn more.

How to Know Marble Counters Are Right for You?

When it comes to choosing countertops, marble remains the top choice for many Baltimore County homeowners. It’s no surprise that marble countertops and backsplashes are such popular choices—the marble adds a timeless, dramatic appeal to any space. There are a lot of stone countertops out there. You could go with granite, marble, quartz, or soapstone, for example. When it comes to marble counters, there are a few key things you can expect. Here are a few of the benefits of marble counters.

#1: Marble is Beautiful

Hands down, this is one of the best reasons to consider marble for your home. You can choose those with deep, dark colors or fine veins and lines through it. You can select white marble, one of the most popular options that can offset any other kitchen cabinet color.

#2: Sealed and Protected

Marble counters are also beneficial when they are properly sealed. This helps to safeguard the marble and keeps fluids from penetrating the stone. For those who use their kitchen a lot, this is important to prevent stains.

#3: Heat Resistant

Some types of stone countertops are likely to suffer damage when a hot pan is placed on them. Marble is less likely to have that type of damage. While it is important not to shock the stone with very hot pans, it is less likely to suffer damage from something warm placed on it than other types of stone.

#4: Add Value to a Home

Marble counters add value to a home. Many times, these are highly valuable additions. It does cost a bit more because it is harder to locate and rarer to find. Yet, a well-selected piece of marble is going to enhance your home’s worth in most cases.

#5: Smooth, Soft Stone

For those who are looking for a smooth surface, marble does well. It is naturally smooth already. However, when you use countertop services like our own, you’ll see that we can significantly improve the smoothness of the stone. This helps minimize the risk of problems with etching that some people have.

Finding the Right Countertop Services for You

With a wide range of products available on the market, there’s no doubt it takes some time to determine which stone countertops are right for you. That’s why it is most important to see the stone in person and to learn about the options available to you. Marble counters are a valuable investment – you need to make sure they are correctly installed. That’s where our team comes into place. With exceptional service and an experienced team for all aspects of countertop services, you can trust us to be there to help you. Our services include:

Choose to Invest in Your Home – Call GranitePro Today

Stone countertops, beautiful marble counters, and other stunning natural stones add value and character to a home. They can set the stage for an impressive space, one that you love spending time in. For that to happen, you need the right team to help you. At GranitePro, our countertop services can help you every step of the way. To learn more, call us at 410.875.7579 or set up a virtual consultation online today.

Dec 25 2020

Benefits of Natural Stone Counters

Natural stone counters are increasing in popularity by the day. While they may be more expensive than human-made options, stone counters’ benefits offset their considerably higher price tag. At GranitePro in MD, our experts can offer you these benefits through professional installation services.

Control Your Kitchen Design With Great Adaptability

Natural stone has infinite design potential. You cannot fail to find natural countertops that will be adaptable to your personal taste and kitchen style. Every piece of stone has its own story. GranitePro can help you bring that story to life.

Granite counters can fit well with both ultra-modern kitchens and traditional ones. You can pick the pattern and color depending on your interior decor. On the other hand, marble counters appeal more if you want to be elegant yet conservative. Nevertheless, some marble colors, such as black, can blend well with contemporary kitchen styles.

Besides, a natural stone combines well with various other materials, such as:

Plastic
Steel
Concrete
Wood
Synthetic materials

With natural stone counters, you can bring sophistication and liveliness into your kitchen, subject to your personal preferences.

You might need some flexibility when you want to remodel your bathroom or kitchen. If you are looking to install some custom cabinets, the contractor can cut the natural stone into your desired shapes.

Maintain Sanitary Conditions

If you are looking for a sanitary surface for preparing meals, your best option is a natural stone. Granite counters are an on-trend kitchen option. The stone is easy to clean and highly resistant to bacterial accumulation. The feature makes it sanitary enough to use in food prep. We recommend using a cutting board, but your kitchen surfaces need to be easily sanitized.

When disinfecting the stone, avoid using washing liquids that serve to clean and disinfect. Such products often leave streaks that are damaging to natural stone countertops. In its place, you can use a mixture of warm water and mild antibacterial dish soap. Apply the mixture to the surface and use a mild cleaner to remove or prevent streaks.

Natural Stone Counters Are Durable

Many dangers in the kitchen can destroy your countertops. You will not need to worry about little accidents with natural stone because the material is tough enough.

Manufactured countertops typically fail to resist the effects of liquids. It is much easier for water, for example, to warp or separate them. Moreover, they can easily chip or crack because of the dropping of items. However, natural stone is resistant to the effects of many types of fluids, and a dropped item rarely destroys stone countertops.

Typically, stone countertops require negligible maintenance, if any, to sustain their resilience, stain-resistance, and sparkle. Marble counters need some looking after, typically annually, except where the seal warranty lasts longer. Quartz counters are generally free of maintenance.

Eco-Friendly

When you go shopping for countertops, you will find many options, some of which are tempting to choose because they are relatively cheaper and easier to install. However, do not let the low price and convenience fool you. The products can be more hazardous and ineffective than you might imagine.

Manufactured countertops lack the durability and long life of natural stones. Furthermore, they contain plastics and chemicals that contribute to the destruction of the environment. You cannot recycle them easily.

Also, when you choose a professional contractor, you will protect the environment through services such as:

Contact GranitePro for the Best Stone Counters

If you want to incorporate natural stone in our kitchen, GranitePro has an array of options depending on your preferences and budget. You can reap all the benefits mentioned above by considering natural stone counters for your new or existing kitchen. Contact GranitePro at 410.875.7579 for the right stone countertops for your home.

Nov 09 2020

Marble Counters in Ellicott City

If you are looking to remodel your kitchen, choosing a countertop surface material is one of the crucial considerations you have to make. While most of the preparations and cooking take place on the countertops, countertops play a big part in your kitchen’s overall aesthetics. Therefore, when choosing the best materials for your Ellicott City countertops, consider utility and style equally.

That said, choosing the right material can be daunting. After all, there are so many options and variations available. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a highly versatile, luxurious material that adds beauty and real estate value to your home, you can never go wrong with marble.

Marble countertops remain to be a top choice for many homeowners in the US. Understandably, marble has an elusive quality of softness and delicate veining that conveys timeless elegance and sophistication. Take some time to understand the type of material for your kitchen renovation in MD.

Artificial Versions of the Natural Marble for Counters in Ellicott City

It is worth noting that there are artificial marble variants that exist in the market. Even though the variants tend to be cheaper alternatives for the natural marble, they differ from natural marble in their durability and general look. These variants mostly exist as laminates as well as solid surfaces. Laminates offer a thin layer of marble-like patterns on non-stone material, but they are generally flimsier than marble.

By this fact, they are not ideal for counters in Ellicott City. For solid surfaces, they tend to look like marble itself, but they cannot get the high polish of marble. Additionally, they are not heat-resistant like marble.

What Are the Pros of Marble Counters?

People like marble mostly because of its beauty. But besides the beauty, there are so many benefits. Some of which include:

Flexibility

Marble is flexible in the sense that it can be cut in whichever shape that you may want. Unlike granite, marble is less brittle making it easy to achieve different countertop designs.

Heat Resistant

Marble is a soft stone, softer than granite. But that does not mean that it can melt under high temperatures. In fact, marble is very durable and can resist damages when exposed to high temperatures. This makes them ideal to use for counters in Ellicott City.

Longevity

Marble has been in existence for a long time, and its ability to withstand the test time has been well documented. When properly installed and sealed, expect to enjoy its beauty for a lifetime.

Affordability

Even though it looks expensive and posh, marble can be less expensive than other natural stone materials like quartz and granite.

What Are the Cons of Marble Counters?

Even though marble is great to use on countertops, it does have some issues that are worth noting before you decide to use it. Some of the cons of marble include:

Prone to Staining

Marble is highly vulnerable to acids, and this makes it easy for them to stain. While staining is not physical damage, it may make the countertop look unsightly. The good news is that you can avoid the stains by wiping up as soon as the spill occurs.

Etching

When marble comes into contact with acid, the acid will eat up the marble, leaving noticeable craters behind. The best thing is to avoid acidic liquids. If it happens that the marble countertop develops some etching, you can use marble polishing powder to cover up the marks. If you can’t fix the damage, call a marble countertop expert in MD to help you repair the damage.

Call GranitePro for Your Marble Counters Installation

While marble countertops have cons, their pros make them a worthwhile investment. For the best results, find a reputable company to supply and install your marble countertops. At GranitePro, we are made up of experts at fabricating and installing a variety of countertop products, some of which include:

Unsure if marble countertop is right for your kitchen renovation in MD? Call GranitePro today at 410.875.7579 to learn more about marble counters in Ellicott City.