Choosing the right marble or granite slab for your project can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the different types of stone available. At Marble Granite Connection, we have years of experience working with natural stone and can guide you through the process of selecting the perfect slab for your project.

Type of Project

The first step in choosing a marble or granite slab is to determine the type of project you are undertaking. Are you looking to install countertops, flooring, or a backsplash? Each of these applications requires a different type of stone, so it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your project’s requirements before making a selection.

Color & Pattern

Once you have identified the type of project, the next step is to consider the color and pattern of the stone. Marble and granite come in a wide range of colors, from pure white to deep black and everything in between. Some stones feature bold veining or dramatic patterns, while others have a more subtle, understated appearance.

The color and pattern of the stone you choose should complement the overall design aesthetic of your space. If you are installing countertops in a kitchen with dark cabinets and stainless steel appliances, for example, a light-colored marble with subtle veining may provide a beautiful contrast. On the other hand, if you are installing a backsplash in a bathroom with white fixtures, darker granite with bold patterns may add visual interest and depth to the space.

Durability

Another important factor to consider when choosing a marble or granite slab is the durability of the stone. Both marble and granite are highly durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear, but they differ in terms of their susceptibility to scratching, staining, and etching.

Marble is a porous material that can absorb liquids and be susceptible to staining if not properly sealed. It is also relatively soft and can scratch or etch if exposed to acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar. Granite, on the other hand, is much harder and more resistant to scratching and etching. It is also less porous than marble and less likely to stain if properly sealed.

Maintenance

The level of maintenance required for your marble or granite slab will depend on the stone you choose and the application for which it is used. For high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops, it’s important to choose a durable stone that can withstand daily use without showing signs of wear and tear. For low-traffic areas like a bathroom backsplash, a more delicate stone may be appropriate.

At Marble Granite Connection, we offer a wide range of natural stone options, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Our experienced team can help guide you through the selection process and ensure that you choose the perfect marble or granite slab for your project.

It’s important to work with a reputable and experienced fabricator to ensure that your slab is properly cut and installed. At Marble Granite Connection, we have a team of skilled craftsmen who can fabricate your stone to the exact specifications and install it with precision and care.

Choosing the right marble or granite slab for your project requires careful consideration of factors like color, pattern, durability, and maintenance requirements. By working with a knowledgeable and experienced natural stone supplier like Marble Granite Connection, you can ensure that you choose the perfect slab for your project and enjoy a beautiful, durable, and long-lasting finished product.

What Areas of Your Home Benefit From Granite Countertops?

Granite countertops have been a popular choice for home renovation projects for a long time now and for good reason. The beauty and durability of granite make it an ideal material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. The kitchen and bathrooms aren’t the only areas that can experience the beauty of granite countertops. 

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, there are several other areas in your home that benefit from having granite in place. Marble Granite Connection has been helping South Florida homeowners find and install the perfect granite countertops for their homes for years, so we know the perfect places to install these wonderful countertops. Let’s take a look at some of these areas and how granite can add value and functionality to your home.

Kitchen Countertops

The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in any home, making it the perfect place to install granite countertops. Not only do they add a touch of elegance to your kitchen, but they also offer several functional benefits. For one, granite is highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. This means that you can chop, dice, and prepare food directly on the countertop without having to worry about damaging it.

Another benefit of granite kitchen countertops is their low maintenance requirements. Simply wiping down the surface with a damp cloth is usually enough to keep them looking their best. If you do manage to scratch or stain your countertop, it’s often possible to repair it with a simple polishing process.

Bathroom Vanity Tops

Granite is not just limited to the kitchen. It’s also a great choice for bathroom vanity tops. The beauty and durability of granite can give your bathroom a sophisticated, spa-like feel. Plus, granite is also resistant to water damage, making it an ideal material for bathroom surfaces that are constantly exposed to moisture. Just ensure that your granite countertops are properly sealed as water can easily make its way under your countertops without it. 

Fireplace Surrounds

Fireplaces are often the focal point of any room, so why not make them even more impressive with a granite surround? The natural beauty of granite will add warmth and elegance to your fireplace, while its durability will ensure that it lasts for years to come. And, since granite is heat resistant, you don’t have to worry about it becoming damaged by the heat from your fireplace.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Granite is not just limited to indoor spaces. It can also be a great choice for outdoor kitchens. The durability and resistance to heat, moisture, and stains make it an ideal material for outdoor countertops. Plus, its beauty and elegance will add to the overall look of your outdoor living space.

Bar Tops

If you have a home bar, why not add a touch of sophistication to it with a granite bar top? Not only will it look great, but it’s also a practical choice. Granite is resistant to spills, stains, and scratches, making it a great material for a surface that is frequently used for entertaining.

Window Sills

Window sills are often overlooked when it comes to home renovation projects, but they can add a lot of character to a room. By installing granite window sills, you’ll not only add beauty to your home but also durability. Granite is resistant to the elements, so it won’t warp or rot over time

Table Tops

Granite table tops are not just beautiful, they’re also highly durable. Whether you’re using your table for dining, working, or just as a surface to display your decor, a granite table top will last for years to come. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for any home.

Granite countertops are a popular choice for home renovation projects for good reason. They’re beautiful, durable, and functional, making them the perfect material for a variety of surfaces in your home. From kitchen countertops to window sills, granite can add value and functionality to any space in your home.

At Marble & Granite Connection, we have an impressive selection of different granite countertops to choose from so you can find one that works best for your home. If you want new granite countertops installed in your home, contact us today so we can get started!

Tips For Keeping Your Countertops Clean

As a homeowner, one of the biggest investments you make is in your kitchen countertops. Whether you have chosen marble, granite, quartz, or another material, your countertops are likely a prominent feature in your kitchen and a space that gets a lot of use. With all of that use, it’s important to keep your countertops clean and in good condition. Doing so will keep your home looking its best and the value of your home as high as it can be. Here at Marble Granite Connection, we’re experts in all things countertops, so we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you keep your countertops clean and looking your best. If you’re looking for countertop restoration assistance, we can help!

Wipe Down With a Cloth

First and foremost, it’s important to regularly wipe down your countertops with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any dirt, crumbs, or spills that may have accumulated on the surface. For a more thorough clean, you can use a mild soap or countertop cleaner to remove any tougher stains or stuck-on food. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaner you choose, as some materials may be more sensitive to certain products.

Use a Cutting Board, Not the Countertops

It’s also a good idea to use a cutting board whenever you’re preparing food on your countertops. This will help to protect the surface from scratches and other damage caused by knives and other sharp utensils. If you do happen to scratch your countertops, there are a few things you can try to minimize the appearance of the scratch. For granite or marble countertops, you can try using a polishing compound or a granite repair kit. For quartz countertops, you can try using a resin-based repair kit. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using any of these products.

Watch Hot Objects

Another way to keep your countertops looking their best is to avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface. While most countertop materials are resistant to heat, it’s still a good idea to use trivets or hot pads to protect your countertops from extreme temperatures. Granite is known for its amazing heat resistance, but if the item is hot enough it could still leave a mark. This will help to prevent any discoloration or warping of the material.

Bacteria on Countertops

One of the biggest culprits when it comes to dirty countertops is bacteria. To help keep your countertops clean and free of bacteria, it’s important to regularly disinfect the surface. This is especially important if you’re preparing raw meat, poultry, or seafood on your countertops. You can use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean the surface, or you can make your own disinfectant solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Just be sure to let the solution sit on the countertops for at least a minute before wiping it off to allow it to properly disinfect the surface.

Staining and Sealing

In addition to regular cleaning and disinfecting, it’s also important to protect your countertops from stains. This can be as simple as wiping up spills as soon as they happen, or using coasters or placemats to protect the surface from spills or stains caused by beverages or foods. For tougher stains, such as red wine or coffee, you can try using a poultice or a stain remover specifically designed for your countertop material. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the product in a small, inconspicuous area before using it on the entire surface.

It’s also a good idea to have your countertops professionally sealed every few years to help protect them from stains and keep them looking their best. This is especially important for natural stone countertops, such as granite and marble, which are more prone to staining and scratching. A professional sealing treatment can help to fill in any microscopic pores in the surface, making it less susceptible to stains and easier to clean. Marble Granite Connection can help keep your countertops sealed at all times. 

Keeping your countertops clean is easy but it’s something that you always need to keep track of and not forget. Forgetting to keep your countertops clean can lead to a number of damages and can lead to a less aesthetically pleasing home. If you need help bringing your countertops back to life, contact us today. Marble Granite Connection has been helping South Florida residents restore and repair their countertops for years. 

Matte vs. Gloss Countertops and Which is Best?

No matter where you are in the world, countertops are a dominant piece of the kitchen – in terms of both function and aesthetics – and choosing the best option for your space is more of a serious decision than you may think at first. Besides all of the different natural stone options available, you also have to decide what type of sheen – also known as the degree of shininess is present on the countertops. 

Typically, the sheen on a countertop is described as either glossy – shiny to a degree and reflects light – or matte, in which the surface isn’t as shiny and reflects light in a softer manner that doesn’t create glares. Matte finishes that diffuse reflected light is also known as brushed or honed when applied to granite, concrete, or leather finishes on quartz countertops. 

Marble Granite Connection wants to help make this massive decision easier. Below, we break down the different pros and cons of choosing glossy or matter countertop finishes. 

Major Differences Between Glossy and Matte Countertops

Almost all countertop materials come available in both sheens – glossy and matter – and each finish sheen has its own unique pros and cons. No matter if you choose granite, quartz, ceramic tile, or laminate, each material comes available with both glossy and matte finishes. 

Glossy Countertops

• Light reflects with bright highlights
• Stains and smudges easily
• Commonly found on granite, marble, and engineered stones
• More affordable for some materials

Matte Countertops

• The reflected light is diffused
• Stain and smudge resistant
• Commonly found on laminate countertops
• More expensive on certain materials

Overall Appearance

The most noticeable difference between glossy and matte countertops comes with reflectiveness.

Glossy Countertops

Glossy countertops will be very reflective so if your kitchen has a good amount of direct sunlight, you can expect a good amount of glare. Carefully designed lighting schemes can take advantage of this reflective nature to create a beautifully lit kitchen, but others can find this unpleasant and often times blinding. 

While these countertops can look amazing when taken care of, they will show scratches and smudges easier than matte. They may not be the best choice for households that have high usage. 

Matte Countertops

Matte is far less reflective than glossy countertops and many people will often prefer this less reflective material. Matte also hides scratches and nicks much better than glossy. 

If you’re interested in matte countertops, the best choices include laminate, solid surface, or tile. Granite, stainless steel, and engineered stones can also come in matte, but the choices will be limited and the price will be higher. 

Water and Heat Resistance

There is no difference between glossy and matte finishes when it comes to resistance to water and heat damage. This will depend on the actual material of the countertop. 

Care and Cleaning

There aren’t many differences when it comes to cleaning countertops based on the sheen, but there are slight changes. 

Glossy Countertops

Since glossy countertops show fingerprints, scratches, and crumbs better, it means you will need to clean more in order to remove all of these blemishes. 

Matte Countertops

Matte has a less reflective glare so food stains and other blemishes are harder to spot. This can be a great advantage when it comes to the appearance of your kitchen. 

Get New Countertops in South Florida

No matter what type of countertops you decide to go with, Marble Granite Connection can help you find the perfect countertops for your South Florida home. We have a large selection of both glossy and matte countertops using different engineered and natural stones. Visit our contact page today if you’re interested in having new countertops installed today. 

How To Seal Your Granite Countertops

If you had new granite countertops installed, the first thing you need to do is ensured that they are sealed. Sealing your granite countertops is the only way you’ll know they will shine like new and have a long life span. Homeowners across the country will consider the different maintenance needs when considering what countertop material to install. Granite doesn’t require major amounts of maintenance and can add value and beauty to your home. 

Granite countertops are made of different natural materials and quartzite. The different styles that granite comes in make it a perfect choice for all sorts of different environments. Granite is also very resistant to stains and other common damages. Ensuring that your granite countertops look good at all times can take more than just the occasional wipe-down. That is why sealing your granite countertops is so important. 

Marble Granite Connection has been dealing with countertop installation for years now and we want to help you know the correct way to seal your countertops. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our incredible team. 

Is Granite a Porous Material?

Many homeowners wonder if granite is considered a porous material. Granite is a porous material which is why you need to ensure they are sealed correctly. Not sealing your granite means liquids will penetrate your countertops and leave large stains and discolorations. The best way to know if you need to reseal your granite countertops is by doing a water test. 

The Granite Countertop Water Test

If you are wondering if it’s time to reseal your granite countertops, then perform this easy test to find out. Follow these steps:

• Pour ¼ cup of water on our granite countertops
• Time how long it takes for the water to be absorbed into the granite
• If the water is not absorbed and remains on the countertop, then you don’t need to reseal
• If the water is gone and there is now a dark spot instead, this means you need to reseal your countertops. 

Granite Water Absorption

• Water absorbed instantly means you need to apply a few layers of sealant
• 4 to 5 minutes means you’ll need multiple layers of sealant and you should reapply every 3 to 5 years
• 10 minutes means you’ll only need one to two layers of sealant and should reapply after many years have passed.
• 30 minutes or more means you don’t need to seal and won’t need to for some time. 

Sealing Your Granite Countertops

Once you’ve performed the water test, now it’s time to apply sealer. No sealer will make your granite 100% safe from liquids, but they give you plenty of time to wipe the liquid away before it’s too late. 

• Step 1: Find a quality granite sealer. Safe and proven options include MORE surface care and Stone + Quartz cleaner. 
• Step 2: Carefully read through the sealer instructions. Each sealer will most likely have different steps 
• Step 3: Make sure your granite countertops are completely cleaned and wiped down. 
• Step 4: Apply the sealer evenly across the countertops
• Step 5: Wipe off the sealer after the recommended amount of time. You may want to apply one or more layers of sealant depending on what the water test produced. 

Need Help Sealing Your Granite Countertops

Sealing your granite countertops is an important step to ensuring they last as long as possible and look good in the process. If you need help maintaining and sealing your granite countertops, Marble Granite Connection is here to help. Our team has been dealing with every natural stone countertop and we know what it takes to make them shine once more. Visit our contact page if you need assistance with the countertops found in your home.