Marble and granite are the most popular stone countertop materials today. Installing marble or granite stone countertops in our kitchens and bathrooms reminds us of the Earth’s history every time we use them. When used on countertops, marble and granite will add an element of luxury and sophistication to any kitchen or bathroom.
Although they are both natural stone products, marble and granite each have unique characteristics that make them ideal for different applications. And, no two pieces of stone are the same, meaning your home will have a one-of-a-kind look.
Sample stones will give you an accurate representation of the quarry’s product. However, your stone countertop will be uniquely yours. That’s because the quarried material will differ slightly in color and veining. Even a single marble or granite slab will have color variations from one end to another. Interior designers and architects see this as an advantage of natural stone.
Slight irregularities can be pleasing, introducing a natural feel to the design. Thanks to their durability and beauty, natural stone countertops are one of the most popular choices for homeowners and remodelers.
The marble and granite stone countertops from Atlanta Stone Creations are built to last, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them anytime soon. When you invest in natural stone, you make a timeless investment in your home.
Granite is an igneous rock that forms when hot molten magma is cooled deep within the Earth. This stone is composed of interlocking grains of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals. Granite is one of the hardest stone materials on Earth, making it an ideal choice for stone countertops.
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when heat and pressure transform limestone or dolomite. Marble countertops are composed of calcium carbonate. While not as hard as granite, marble is still a durable stone that can withstand years of use.
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and the overall look you are trying to achieve in your kitchen.
Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops because it is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. Granite is also available in a wide range of colors, so you will surely find a stone that compliments your kitchen’s décor.
Marble is also a popular choice for kitchen countertops. Marble is heat resistant and has a unique veining pattern that adds elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. Marble is often used to create beautiful custom countertops because it is easy to cut and shape.
No matter which stone you choose for your kitchen countertop, when you partner with Atlanta Stone Creations, you e sure to end up with a beautiful and unique kitchen that you will enjoy for years to come.
Yes. All stone countertops, including marble and granite, should be sealed to protect them from staining. Stone countertops are a beautiful and durable addition to any kitchen. But like all natural materials, stone is porous and can absorb spills and stains. That’s why it’s essential to seal stone surfaces to help protect them from damage.
A quality sealer will penetrate deep below the surface, creating an invisible barrier that resists stains, spills, and everyday wear and tear. As a result, your stone countertops will stay looking beautiful for years to come. We will seal your new marble or granite countertop at Atlanta Stone Creations twice before installation.
Over time and through regular usage, the sealer on your countertop will naturally wear out. That’s why we recommend sealing once a year or upgrading to a sealer with a 10-15 year lifespan. By sealing your stone surfaces, you are ensuring that your countertops will look as beautiful as the day they were installed for years to come.
When you buy stone countertops from a fabricator, you generally only pay for the square footage used. The fabricator buys the raw material and sells a completed installation, including transportation costs, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, bringing the pieces to your job site, and fitting them into place. The fabricator takes time to lay out your job to minimize the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty of veining and pattern. So when you choose stone countertops for your kitchen renovation, you can feel good about supporting your local economy and getting a truly one-of-a-kind product.
The best way to keep your stone countertops clean is to wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Use a soft cloth or sponge and warm water to clean stone surfaces. For tougher stains, you can use a mild soap or stone cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on stone surfaces, as they can damage the stone. When cleaning stone countertops, always wipe in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the surface.
Marble is a popular choice for high-traffic home areas such as entryways, hallways, and kitchens because it is highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. For centuries, marble has been prized for its beauty and durability. From the stunning floors of the Taj Mahal to the intricately carved statues of Michelangelo, this natural stone has been used to create some of the most iconic works of art in history. Today, marble continues to be loved for its unique aesthetic, and it can be found in homes all over the world. Whether used for floors, countertops, or fireplaces, marble brings a touch of luxury to any space. And because it is so durable, it can easily withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. In a constantly changing world, marble is a timeless material that will always be in style.
When choosing a countertop material, you must consider the amount of unsupported overhang you desire. Marble can support an overhang of up to 10″, granite can accommodate 12″, and quartz can take 14″. Any overhang beyond these measurements will require additional support. Discuss the details with your cabinet fabricator or contractor to ensure that your countertop is installed correctly.
Granite is a very strong and durable stone; however, it can be damaged without the proper care. To avoid damaging your granite countertops, always use a cutting board when preparing food, and avoid putting hot pots or pans directly on the granite surface. Like all stone countertops, granite is sealed to protect it from staining. Be sure to wipe up spills as soon as they happen, and clean the countertops regularly with a mild soap or stone cleaner. You can enjoy their beauty for many years by taking proper care of your granite countertops. If you experience a stain, your stone supplier can help you remove it. With good care, your granite countertop will last many years. Oh, and it might sound like obvious advice but don’t sit or stand on your stone countertops!
Granite is a very strong stone. When it comes to everyday use, granite countertops are virtually indestructible. It’s during the transportation and installation process when there is a greater chance for cracking to occur. That’s why it’s essential to choose an experienced stone fabricator with the knowledge and expertise to handle properly, transport, and install your granite countertops. Once your granite countertops are installed, they will be a beautiful and durable addition to your home for many years.
You can place hot pots and pans on stone countertops. However, it’s best to use a trivet or hot pad to protect the stone from extreme temperatures. Over time, exposure to extreme heat can damage stone countertops.
The sample images on our website are scanned and saved as digital images. We have taken every step to make these sample representations as accurate as possible. We do not recommend relying on website images to make your final selection. We encourage you to visit our showroom where we have slabs in stock. Nothing can compare to viewing and selecting your slab in person to ensure that the color, veining, and other characteristics of any specific material are to your satisfaction.
In general, no. All stone, however, is porous to some extent, but granite has very little porosity. Most colors will never show any moisture. A few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter for 30 minutes for some colors (significantly lighter) may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. This spot will then dry up, and no evidence will show.
Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earth’s crust. It cannot be affected by heat from a cooktop or frying pan. A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.
The cut-outs for your stove and sink are made using a process called templating. A stone fabricator will take precise measurements of your stove and sink and create a template to cut the stone countertop. The template is then used to cut the stone to the exact dimensions of your stove and sink. This ensures that your stone countertop will fit perfectly in your kitchen.
This gemstone-like natural stone offers a variety of colors and patterns, making quartz countertops a popular choice for many homeowners. Durable, low maintenance, and available in various colors and patterns, quartz countertops are also non-porous and resist stains and bacteria. One downside of quartz countertops is that they can be damaged by heat. Always use a trivet or hot pad when placing hot pots and pans on a quartz countertop.
Quartz and quartzite are two different types of stone countertops. Quartzite is a natural stone that is composed of sandstone and quartz. Quartzite countertops are solid and durable. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms when rocks are placed under high pressure and temperatures below the Earth’s surface. This process makes quartzite resistant to heat and scratches, making it an exceptionally durable material for countertops.
Not only are quartzite countertops more cost-effective than marble, but they also rival marble in appearance. Many people often can’t tell the difference between the two.
Porcelain countertops are the latest development in kitchen countertops and are here to stay. Made from a high-tech process that fuses clay, minerals, and pigments, porcelain countertops are strong, durable, and heat resistant. Porcelain countertops are also non-porous, so they resist stains and bacteria.
As an eco-friendly option made from recycled materials, they offer homeowners a sustainable choice. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder porcelain countertops are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking for a stylish, strong, and sustainable option for their kitchen.
Soapstone is a natural stone used for centuries in various applications. It is commonly believed that soapstone is too soft to be used on countertops, but this is not the case. The type of soapstone used in countertops is known as architectural soapstone, a hard stone resistant to heat and scratches.
Soapstone countertops are non-porous, so they do not require sealing. They are also heat resistant, so that you can place hot pots and pans on them without worry. Soapstone is a beautiful stone that will add a touch of timeless elegance to any kitchen.