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countertop

Understanding Environmental and Health Product Labels for Natural Stone

by | May 15, 2023

Natural stone has a great reputation for environmentally friendly qualities such as its durability, low embodied energy, no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and being a nearly complete material in its natural state. Mother Nature does most of the work, making natural stone a single ingredient material suitable for many interior and exterior applications that perform impeccably over time. Most other building materials require additional ingredients and a more complex manufacturing process. Because these added materials and processes can have a negative impact on our health and the environment, they should be considered when selecting a material for a project.

Natural Stone versus Manmade Materials for Interiors

by | Jul 31, 2022

Styles may change from season to season, but Mother Nature creates unique designs in natural stone that are historically innovative and always on trend. This is why natural stone remains a timeless and flexible option for many interior applications including countertops and flooring.

A Year with Marble Countertops in the Kitchen

by | Dec 8, 2021

I’m Ashley, and I’ve been slowly renovating my kitchen to create a new space fit for a modern family in an old home. While it’s taken me years to decide on the layout and cabinetry color, there was always one thing that was certain. Marble countertops.

New Treatments to Natural Stone Make Them More Accessible in Kitchens

by | Aug 12, 2021

There are many reasons homeowners choose natural stone in their kitchens. With new technology and resources that allow for more stress-free living, they have more options than ever to create a space they love.

From the Chemistry Lab to the Kitchen: Soapstone Offers Much More Than a Passing Grade

by | Mar 5, 2021

Soapstone has been a staple material in chemistry labs across the country for decades because of its heat and acid resistance. Glass beakers, Bunsen burners, and hydrochloric acid are no match for soapstone in the chemistry lab, so naturally there is nothing in the kitchen it can’t handle.

Using Natural Stone Indoors on a Budget

by | Sep 9, 2020

Whether you’re looking to update several rooms in your home or just one space, your goal is to maximize your look without sacrificing the budget. How does natural stone fit into this?

Three Things I Wish Customers Knew About Using Natural Stone

by | Aug 14, 2020

To ensure a successful countertop fabrication project, remember: a good job takes time, look beyond the color, and perfection does not exist in our world.

A Marble Kitchen Makeover

by | Jul 21, 2020

From the start of their kitchen remodel, the owners of a palatial home in Weston, Massachusetts knew they wanted a countertop material that would become the showpiece of the living space. “As soon as we saw the slabs of Calacatta Saturnia marble, we knew it was the perfect fit.”

3 Questions To Ask Before Using Natural Stone In Your Kitchen

by | May 6, 2020

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

Philly Chef Prefers Patina Over Polish For His Soapstone Kitchen

by | Apr 22, 2020

“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”

Designing with Textured Surfaces Using Natural Stone

by | Mar 31, 2020

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.

Eco-friendly Cleaning Practices for Natural Stone

by | Mar 9, 2020

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.

Got Data? Testing the Performance of Granite, Engineered Quartz, Concrete, and Sintered Countertop Surfaces

by | Nov 6, 2019

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.

How Do Your Countertop & Flooring Choices Impact the Environment?

by | Oct 24, 2019

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.

Granite vs. Engineered Quartz for Your Kitchen Countertop

by | Jul 31, 2019

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.

Caring for Soapstone Countertops

by | Jul 19, 2019

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.

Do Engineered Quartz Countertops Stain?

by | Jun 28, 2019

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.

Sifting Through the Confusion about Manmade Quartz Surfaces

by | May 21, 2019

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.

Caring For Quartzite Countertops

by | Apr 4, 2019

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.