2011年12月30日星期五

Kitchen island with granite top

Whether your kitchen is large or small, you can build a kitchen island will suit your area and the purpose to serve your intentions read on to learn how to build a kitchen island.How to build kitchen island with granite top?What do you want to determine the size of the island from 24 to build islands inches long, and as long as you want the island is the standard of 24 to 48 feet deep standard height for an island is 34 1/2 inches tall.Choose the counter you want to put on your island with wax complete solid maple is a very good choice, because the maple leaves food prepared to offer a solid surface cut in many of the color or plastic mesa plastic solid surface material.Put your face plate the front of your cabinet if you want to the door and the back of the drawer, repeat your island ark face the front panel plate usually 1 1/2 inches wide.Choose a door style for your island in this example, we use the 3/4 inch plywood reduced by 1 inch wide door of opportunity than you this gives you a 1/2 inches reveal all aspects of consideration.You should go through the 2-by 6- -by 30-inch plate type 1 from the ends of the earth on both ends of the 26-inch board screw should be parallel with the grain of the 26-inch plate.
Emperor dark marble tile wall
Absolute black granite dark but shines

Emperor dark marble tile wall

The humanity will make the earliest stone implement, to explain the ancient Egyptian writing basis the Luo Saita stele, Roman Empire emperor dark marble tile wall head picture and so on more than 270 the biggest comprehensive museum British Museum's collection valuable thing to land for the first time from the world.This displays middle age generation of most remote exhibit article, is also one which of national treasures British Museum collects,emperor dark marble tile wall is "the time immemorial" in the unit one looked that cannot resemble the eye "the stone", this is in the world the known earliest humanity makes the African Tanzania Austria Dewey canyon unearthed more than 200 ten thousand year ago chopping tool hits the system stone implement. In the time immemorial the part, has altogether displayed British Museum's 7 collectors.Inscribed by the history miracle,the artistics wrote on emperor dark marble tile wall these engraved inscriptions to break the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics secret.This wall digged out when 18 century's end Napoleon commands the army expedites Egypt, stationed in the Alexander nearby small village soldier when erecting fortifications.
Monopoly On Marble Factory Export Slammed
Absolute black granite dark but shines

Absolute black granite dark but shines

Black could possibly be probably the most luxurious amid all colors. This color implies great taste and elegance in all applications, for example dark vehicles will be the only kinds regarded as presentable. With absolute black granite will research stylish and unique.Absolute dark is Indian granite, and Volga Blue is from Ukraine. The color of preliminary stone is pretty rich.Stone resembles the appear of grand river Volga all through the evening several hours the consuming water is deep and dim but shines. the two stones are instead beautiful. do not overlook that Granite is in actuality a instead difficult stone, which permits you to definitely minimize on it or set up the warm pans. Granite can be instead fast to clean. Granite countertop can be an purchase in lasting natural beauty and comfort that will provide you with instead a few many years of wear.Nowadays making utilization of dark color in residence pattern is instead popular.Some home owners favor to coordinate their granite countertops with their cabinets, and other people favor a contrast. New granite countertop will be the principal element of your kitchen, however it should match up with kitchen area design. remember that true elegance is within your harmony of stone and kitchen area design.
Lovely granite kitchen counter top
Granite tile countertop edge

Lovely granite kitchen counter top

Granite kitchen counter top is needed for a kitchen, though, there are certain items that are really necessary and without them, it is not possible to carry on work in a kitchen.A countertop produced of granite is really useful since it is really sturdy and will last as a terrific offer as many years, although, they need specific care. The countertops Orlando make the kitchen area look amazing as well. They are accessible in different shapes and sizes to be sure that just one can choose according toward requirement. just one can purchase a readymade just one once the measurement belonging toward home suits with it or else just one can give purchase in accordance with one’s qualification as well as just one would obtain the custom-made product shipped right at her or his countertops. There are lots of designs to select from and one can give one’s own ideas to make the thing.The furniture using the kitchen area needs to develop to be selected cautiously as they are subjected to heat, water, and dirt most using the time. just one is required to uncover the factors that are specifically designed for kitchens. They need extraordinary upkeep as well. just one tends to make specific that just one collects each of the required details away from your store about getting treatment of them within a right way.
Natural Stone Tiles
Decorative Stone Tile

Granite tile countertop edge

When a granite tile countertop edge is as well high priced or hard to procure, a granite tile countertop may be considered a terrific alternative. When tiling a countertop, the edge, or face, in the counter calls for distinctive thought to create a finished bodily appearance and completely include the substance under the tile.Since granite tiles are not offered in v-tiles or conventional counter edges, home owners should create a option in how they'd want to borders their granite tile countertop.Install the best from the granite countertop toward the borders from the materials below it. determine the thickness from the counter and reduce additional granite tiles to strips that are exactly the exact same width since the tiles build concerning the best from the counter along using the height from the top from the counter.Change the blade of the tile wet saw to some bullnose blade. collection up just one borders using the precut granite pieces to make certain the fact that borders will meet to the groove for the element using the bullnosing blade. Push the tile to the blade and proceed it back again and forth to make certain the fact that bullnosing blade will remove the bulk using the tile's borders and round it over.
The Origin Of Granite Stone
Building Granite

2011年12月29日星期四

Monopoly On Marble Factory Export Slammed

All Pakistan Marble Mining Processing Industry and Exporters Association (APMMPIEA) has rejected the monopoly of one marble factory on the export of the commodity to Afghanistan.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, president APMMPIEA, Mohammad Haroon said Afghanistan is a free trade centre and they are also favouring free trade. He said the selection of only one marble factory from more than 2000 marble factories and establishing of its monopoly on the export is injustice. Haroon demanded the government to cancel the license granted to White Zone Marble Factory.
He said Pakistan export marble worth $3 million to Afghanistan and about 100,000 workers mostly Afghans are working in the marble factories that have been threatened by the decision of the government of Afghanistan.
Decorative Stone Tile

Decorative Stone Tile

Decorative stone tile should be distinguished from mosaic granite, where forms are made of great numbers of tiny irregularly positioned tesserae in a single colour, usually of glass or sometimes ceramic.
The earliest evidence of stone tile is the discovery of stone tile in the Elamite Temple at Chogha Zanbil, dated to the 13th century BCE. Stone tile was used to make low reliefs in Ancient Mesopotamia, most famously the Ishtar Gate of Babylon (ca. 575 BCE), now partly reconstructed in Berlin, with sections elsewhere. Mesopotamian craftsmen were imported for the palaces of the Persian Empire such as Persepolis.
Natural Stone Tiles

Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles can be beautiful but as a natural product they are less uniform in color and pattern, and require more planning for use and installation. Mass produced stone tiles are uniform in width and length. Granite or marble tiles are sawn on both sides and then polished or finished on the facing up side, so that they have a uniform thickness. Other natural stone tiles such as slate are typically "riven" (split) on the facing up side so that the thickness of the tile varies slightly from one spot on the tile to another and from one tile to another. Variations in tile thickness can be handled by adjusting the amount of mortar under each part of the tile, by using wide grout lines that "ramp" between different thicknesses, or by using a cold chisel to knock off high spots.
Building Granite
The Origin Of Granite Stone

Building Granite

Building granite has been extensively used as a dimension stone and as flooring tiles in public and commercial buildings and monuments. Because of its abundance, granite was commonly used to build foundations for homes in New England. The building granite Railway, America's first railroad, was built to haul granite from the quarries in Quincy, Massachusetts, to the Neponset River in the 1820s. With increasing amounts of acid rain in parts of the world, building granite has begun to supplant marble as a monument material, since it is much more durable. Polished granite is also a popular choice for kitchen countertops due to its high durability and aesthetic qualities. In building and for countertops, the term "granite" is often applied to all igneous rocks with large crystals, and not specifically to those with a building granitite composition.

The Origin Of Granite Stone

Granite stone is a common and widely occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock. Granite stone usually has a medium to coarse grained texture. Occasionally some individual crystals (phenocrysts) are larger than the groundmass in which case the texture is known as porphyritic. A granitic rock with a porphyritic texture is sometimes known as a porphyry. Granite stone can be pink to gray in color, depending on their chemistry and mineralogy. By definition, granite stone has a color index (i.e. the percentage of the rock made up of dark minerals) of less than 25%. Outcrops of granite tend to form tors, and rounded massifs. Granite stone sometimes occur in circular depressions surrounded by a range of hills, formed by the metamorphic aureole or hornfels.
Granite stone is nearly always massive (lacking internal structures), hard and tough, and therefore it has gained widespread use as a construction stone. The average density of granite stone is located between 2.65 and 2.75 g/cm3, its compressive strength usually lies above 200 GPa and its viscosity at standard temperature and pressure is ~4.5 • 1019 Pa·s.
The word granite stone comes from the Latin granum, a grain, in reference to the coarse-grained stone structure of such a crystalline rock.

2011年12月28日星期三

How to clean natural stone tiling

The natural stone tiling will be what you want to continue several years to look like next a brand-new great investment and one. Your stone tile proper care and clean will help to preserve its beauty.Avoid the harsh chemical product and first absorbs the cleaning overflow is you may pause is damaging the crown and prevents to grasp the mark and the stain two ways. The change mineral constitution creates the stone tile color from the vital tree shade scope to the soil texture color. When the stone tile is durable, they are the extreme porous, and may accumulate the soap dross and the contamination pellet. The natural stone tile frequent maintains their appearance cleanly, and prevents the damage abrasion dunghill. And certain clean explanation protection natural stone tiling  is longer for them before. You could find these cleaner in as the stone cleaner or the potential of hydrogen balanced cleaner your five goldsmith shops which marked. Scrubs the stain and the tenacious spot with the hand. And the rinse rag wipes from the stone floor's explanation. Dry swab your floor. Because they create grasp,most harmful throws the stone to the floor the finely ground particles. So long as vacuum good shape, and will not grasp the floor, the use vacuum will cancel the dust. Usually scratches with the cotton material has the dust swab's floor to cancel the dust.Apply cleaner to your floor regions. The use cotton material swab, the friction cleaner enters the floor. Rinses the region with the clear water. Frequently it can change wash water. Wipes all stagnant water and the clean towel immediately. 
Granite countertops vanities and fireplaces
Granite tile countertops cheaper finding

Granite countertops vanities and fireplaces

Whether you are building a new home or renovating the old one granite may be a big attraction and will last for a very long time.The granite design is not as changeable as Granite countertops vanities and fireplaces .Its edge shape has the limit, but it will mount other materials to increase the ugly joint. The granite mainly assumes the color which sinks darkly, the tinted choice are very few.The granite tone and texture change frequently, the goods color possible with the sample which elects to be different. Under the solid stone plate available stage the trough seamless splicing law and the water trough unify, the semblance is suitable slides, has not joined, also does not have nearby the plate the concave position to hide the dirt. At the same time, the arc rear bumper water design, the absolution cleans up with difficulty joint. The granite work floor may also use under the stage the trough splicing law to install the water trough, but middle will leave behind the crevice, easy to have the moisture content and the dirt; Moreover the granite will not have the arc rear bumper water design generally, because will need an obvious joint at least.
Artificial polished granite siding
Choose and buy kitchen ceramic tile material

Artificial polished granite siding

Artificial polished granite siding  is an amazing add-on to some home, however the really most effective induce to take advantage of stone siding is on account of the reality of its durability. on account of the reality organic and natural stone is element of nature, it is in a placement to withstand much even more abuse away from your outside components than produced products.Artificial polished granite siding requires a little time, but not call for special tools or hiring a professional.Pour one cup of oxygen bleach right into a half-gallon spray bottle. include 5 cups of awesome consuming water using the bleach and shake the bottle to combine the contents.Spray the bleach cleaner straight onto mold and mildewed spots for the stone and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.Pour one cup of dishwashing fluid right into a gallon bucket and fill the remainder using the bucket 3/4 entire with awesome water. Stir the contents to blend the dishwashing liquid. Scrub the stone producing utilization of the dishwashing cleaner as well as a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse the dishwashing fluid within of the stone producing utilization of the consuming water hose.
Granite tile countertops cheaper finding
You need to pick glass tile backsplash kitchen

Granite tile countertops cheaper finding

Are you seeking for granite tile countertops cheaper than it on the outside market?The granite is one material renowned and has the fame type. Is different in other work floor, the discovery granite work floor by the small advantage price is quite difficult. If you on-line study, you may discover that the promise provides you the granite work floor by unbelievably cheaper rate massive sellers. Perhaps however, mostly the store is sells the imitation item or the false granite work floor looks like likely the primitive granite deception. When buys when kitchen work floor you perhaps easily, otherwise is deceived you to be enough intelligent.The granite expense basis absorbs likely, density, pressure resistance intensity, wear resistance, hard, bending strength some technical aspect change. If you in the estimate granite's authentic knowledge, you have not been able possibly to adopt to test the material the pure specialized help. Buying granite tile countertops cheaper from is proven for the quality products the store work floor which irons records is that best way buys the pure granite work floor. However, is ironed the store which records to sell frequently the granite work floor by the unusual high price.
Choose and buy kitchen ceramic tile material
Marble tile installation instructions

Choose and buy kitchen ceramic tile material

Elegant in the people in the repair to the material request, some people to achieve the indoor material the unification, has also used the granite, the marble in the kitchen and so on kitchen ceramic tile material. The expert pointed out that although these stone materials firm durable, magnificent artistic, but the natural stone material waterproofing, the long time will not have the water drop to splash down in ground will deepen the stone material the color, will turn the painted face. If after the big area moistens, will be quite slippery, easy to tumble. Therefore, the moist kitchen ground suggested that best little uses or does not use the natural stone material. other, the solid wood floor, strengthens the floor, although the craft has been improving, but the most fatal weakness is afraid of water and meets the tide distortion. At present uses many materials or the skid resistant ceramic tile quite in the kitchen or all over the body the brick, both the economy and is practical. The expert reminds, when repairs the kitchen selects and purchases the material must consider the moisture-proof function fully.
Mosaic art backsplash layout
Landscaping with stone

2011年12月27日星期二

Marble tile installation instructions

Marble tile installation is elegant and can be used inside or outside the home marble is a metamorphic rocks, mainly by the limestone marble tile also can be in a technol ogy wide range of colors shapes and sizes.Marble tile installation instructions process is quite simple, you can decide the pavers it professional installation or you can do it yourself.It is very important to choose the level of the pavers installation or you must be installed marble floor tile a layer of plywood, average surface.Wet saw and then use cutting marble floor tile when the pavers size.Cement is set in the selected place.Marble pavers ceramic tile need to keep the specified position, avoid to put the pavers from sliding then use of evenly spaced each paver space once gaskets of marble floor tile place are left to dry the pavers 24 hours.Spacer is then removed for making a sponge and then spread with cement in area, fill the gap between laying the pavers.Leave the cement waiting for 10 minutes, and then wash the pavers marble tile with warm water and left to dry for, and how to further 24 hours.Sealants and gloss applied to keep the marble floor tile besmirch and scratches from left to dry, pavers sealants and how to further 24 hours.Avoid high traffic areas in your home if the main entrance or kitchen, because it is highly susceptible to acid, such as vinegar and citrus acid special marble floor tile paver sealants can be applied when the program is complete installation.
Landscaping with stone
How to make marble sink durability

How to make marble sink durability

Marble sinks are recognized for its durability longevity exquisite appearance marble is a kind of natural stone since, this is very porous, vulnerable to pollution damage surface.How to make marble sink durability? Exposure to mineral deposits soap and abrasive dirt particles mar marble sinks, makes them appear sloppy and lose their natural shine appropriate cleaning and maintenance marble sinks retained their natural color and light.Restores luster and marble pool must apply specific solutions.Keep warm water in a clean plastic bowl thorough mixing solutions.In a clean cloth abate soap water,it wipes down the pool the wet cloth to remove dirt and dirt often rinse the cloth with fresh water to prevent reapplying abrasive particles of marble.Rinse rinse off with warm water tank of soap solution.Check the sinking soap and hard water deposit if besmirch, except they insisted on come acidic soap remove follow the manufacturer's directions on the product label.Rinse with warm water wash sink soap remove thoroughly dry marble with clean towel.Apply to another clean microfiber polishing marble cloth follow the instructions on the bottle label friction cloth in circular motion from the marble until dissolved Poland.
Landscaping with stone
You need to pick glass tile backsplash kitchen

Landscaping with stone

Landscaping with stone provides a really all natural element that evokes solidness as well as a impression protection for the home and garden.Landscaping stone can appear in different unique sizes, shapes and styles. not just is there a gratifying choice of colours of landscaping rock there may be also numerous different types of stone to select from.Different landscaping designs will require different landscaping rock .If you would like landscaping rock to take advantage of getting a cover-up using the dirt and in area of mulch – you will locate a plethora of selections in the nursery and landscape yards.They can inform you how a great offer you will contact for centered in your measurements. this kind of rock arrives in lots of colors, sizes and textures, moreover to the choice about which one to take advantage of within your property could possibly be painful!
Mosaic art backsplash layout
How to take care of granite kitchen countertops

Mosaic art backsplash layout

The best way to arrange mosaic art backsplash layout is to do layout of your mosaic backsplash onto pieces of fiberglass mesh.Divide the backsplash into a grid of squares no bigger than one foot each. Number the square to cut into pieces.Cut squares of fiberglass mesh to some comparable dimension as your design and design squares. Lay a designed square flat on the surface area and area a rectangular of fiberglass mesh on top. Stick in your mosaic tiles developing utilization of mosaic adhesive, pursuing the layout below the mesh, and ensuring a gap of roughly 1/8 of an inch among the every individual tile.Place the tile on the grid if they are very small.Unlike standard tiles, mosaic tiles are held in area largely by grout, so the adhesive is employed to arranged the layout.Repeat to do it so that the layout of splash has completed.Remove the design and sketch from at the rear of the fiberglass mesh to make certain that it does not get stuck there, and area it lightly on best inside the mosaic to make certain that you simply know the square’s sequence within your design.
Rainforest marble fireplace cleaning
You need to pick glass tile backsplash kitchen

You need to pick glass tile backsplash kitchen

You may set aside major chunks of time and money for decorating your kitchen.Glass tile backsplash kitchen  is regarded to acquire one of the most effective assortment.Most glass tiles are durable and effective for that wall place in between the sink as well as the cupboard. this could be genuinely a superb way in stopping the place from getting dirty and harm because of make contact with with spills and sprays of consuming water collectively with other liquids always. You need to pick glass tile backsplash kitchen.The glass tile kitchen backsplash is a well liked design element for those that wish to make their kitchen more and more additional conventional colours of tiles for example bright and beige for getting overly boring. You can actually go internet for extra information and facts. On their internet site, you may nicely see all sorts of designs. The extended things of goblet all through the sample give it slightly a complete whole lot a complete lot more modern start looking and feel. It really is perfect exercise to not possess the countertop and backsplash wanting chaotic. if you actually use goblet tiles within a backsplash it is very best to possess a typically appear color countertop.
Residential landscape design should carefully plan
Sandstone Sculptures Carving Skills

2011年12月26日星期一

How to protect sandstone countertop?

The frequent use will cause sandstone countertop wearing. Improper clean also do harm to sandstone countertop. How to keep sandstone countertop durable? Here are some good cleaning tips for your reference.
If you want to keep sandstone's beautiful appearance, luster, texture and practicability, then you must take special care measures.
Many people think that the sandstone is hard stone, they don't need maintenance and nursing. That is not the case. Each stone have its own weaknesses, but a weakness of sandstone is porous. The porous structure makes water easily suck in. Once the sandstone absorbed moisture will cause discoloration and chemical coloring. These spots will become an inseparable part of sandstone. Therefore, sandstone needs special care.
Do not use any type of detergent or cleaning technology. Improper use of cleaner can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, in use, check the label on the cleaner before test. If you find some adverse reactions, immediately stop using it.
If the sandstone has been sealed, take some easy cleaning methods to protect it. Seal is a very important step. One seal can last for many years. In use of sandstone countertop should be especially careful.
Clean the spill in time. Don't let them stay on the sandstone countertop for long. Choose neutral detergent or colorless, odorless detergent when cleaning sandstone countertop. You can also choose to use mild dishwashing liquid.
Do not use acidic detergent. This kind of cleaner will erode sandstone's polish surfaces.
Often flush sandstone countertop and grouting. Don't put the cleaner on sandstone countertop. If you don't have a clean in advance, you can use banister brush to brush residue. If stains can not be brushed, don't scrape them. Repeat cleaning.
Do deep cleaning occasionally. Deep cleaning also needs neutral detergent. You can buy the specially designed cleaning tools for the deep cleaning. Don't wipe the cleaner after spray immediately. At last, flush the sandstone countertop thoroughly, this is important.
Pay attention to the following suggestions:
1. Sandstone cleaner must be neutral.
2. Detergent can not contain acid or citrus acid. These elements will damage the luster of the surface of sandstone.
3. Be careful when using the vacuum cleaner with metal accessories. These accessories may scratch sandstone surface.
4. Don't try scrub powder or scrubbing paste, these products contain abrasive will scratch sandstone surface.
5. To avoid using tray under glasses.
6. Don't directly place high temperature vessels on sandstone countertop, had better put on a mat.

Slate countertop's cleaning & maintenance

Slate countertop description:
Slate is a magnificent countertop material. It has beautiful texture and is blue and green usually.
Slate countertop's advantages:
The surface of slate countertop has strong heat resistance. It has less pore than granite and marble, which making it can resist stains and corrosion.
Slate countertop's disadvantages:
Slate is more expensive. It is not as hard as granite and marble. It is easier to have crack than other stones. Don't use abrasive cleansers or oily spray to clean it.
Slate countertop's cleaning:
Use superfine fiber cloth to dust every week. Use wet cloth and neutral stone cleanser to clean.
Slate countertop's maintenance:
Even slate countertop has good dirt resistance, suggest you to seal the slate countertop. When water on the surface won't form the droplet, you should reseal it.

Main factors affecting stone processing

1. Hardness
Generally, the harder the stone is, the more difficult the stone processing. And the wear to tool is also bigger. Because the harder of stone, the stronger abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance, and bigger cutting resistance.
 
2. Mineral composition and chemical composition
The components of stone include mineral composition and chemical composition. Different mineral composition and chemical composition have different workability. For example, the main rock-forming minerals of marble are calcite, dolomite. Their Mohs harnesses are 3 and 3.5-4, lower than granite, and stone processing is easier. The main rock-forming minerals of granite are quartz, orthoclase, plagioclase, their Mohs harnesses are 6.5-7. Its workability is largely depends on the content of quartz and feldspar, the more the harder. In chemical components, the more content of SiO2, the more difficult to stone processing.
3. The structure of rock
Generally speaking, the uniform grain is easier to process than uneven grain. Fine grain has better quality than platy after polished. Dense stone has high glossiness than loose ones. If the mineral crystallized have good degree, direction arrangement and same bearing of optical axis will greatly improve the glossiness after stone processing.

How to choose decorative stone?

Stone has natural pattern and beautiful color, providing wide elements for indoor stylists. In home decoration, more and more people hope to use natural decorative stone in part to increase clumsy sense. Compared to other materials, the selection of decorative stone is exquisite.
The quality of natural decorative stone depends on the material quality itself and processing technology. The surface of high quality decorative stone won't contain too much parti-color, it has uniform color. While bad quality decorative stone will have many defects after processing. So, the color and pattern of stone surface is an important index to evaluate the quality. If the processing technology is unqualified, the products after processed will have warping, hollow, color spot, stain, missing corner and many other problems. This kind of decorative stone, of course, can not be said into top grade. High Quality natural decorative stone should slab's cutting edge neat and without edge damage, smooth surface, high brightness, no rough feel with the hand.
Use stone as floor decoration, don't make the home dark all round. You should choose the light color stone as floor decoration materials, which can give people warm and quite feelings, also has the area extend effect. From the varieties, should try to choose marble and granite that has abrasive and acid-alkali resistance. From the price, light color granite is cheaper as large output. So common income families can choose and it is easy to be replaced when having damaged parts. From the slab specification, floor usage should choose granite thin slab (8-12mm). This is mainly considered the floor strength and house weight bearing.

All kinds of furniture top made of stone should consider pollution problem. So choose dark color stone, such as green, blue, red marble, granite. Marble with big pattern has good decorative effect. Kitchen countertop should choose 25 mm thick slab, and granite is better, as granite so should choose color depth of stone, like some green, blue and red series of marble, granite, marble of those with great varieties of decorative pattern, adornment effect will be better. The operation needs such as kitchen mesa, should choose the stone slabs of 25 mm, had better use of granite. Because of granite is durable and kept luster in the acid and alkali kitchen, and has relatively high strength.

2011年12月25日星期日

How to select granite kitchen color?

Granite kitchen color is the first ting that gets noticed. As its toughness, durability, less maintenance and can be polished in many ways, kitchen granite is more and more popular. As a natural stone, granite has various colors for choice. House owners can take their time to decide the granite kitchen color. When house owners want to build their new kitchen or remodeling it, some things need to be considered.
First of all, find a good granite ware house with many collections. The material which you are going to select will have a big difference in the look of your kitchen. To find out what suits your kitchen, you should keep in mind how much you are going to need and how much is your budget. While seeing the color you should be able to see the full granite slab to have a better idea.
For smaller kitchens, you should select light color kitchen countertops because it reflects the light in kitchen and gives a bigger feeling than its actual size and makes it look brighter.
House owners having larger kitchen are not bounded with any constraints of colors for choosing kitchen countertop slab. The two most common granite kitchen colors in big kitchen are red and black.
When you are going to choose the kitchen counterpane color, remember to bring the cabinet so that you can hold the sample of the granite and choose from them.
You should select the flooring color after granite selection if you are a new home maker.
If you are renovating the house and working with the old flooring then do bring your floor sample so that you can match it with the granite. The color should be such that they should be complementary to one another.
Once you are done with the color selection of your kitchen counter tops then make sure that it is looking well and you are fully satisfied with the color combination .This would be the definite element of your kitchen and you have to live with it throughout your life.
At last when you are done with the final selection of the granite kitchen color, ask the person of ware house to take 5-6 slabs of the same color. Now you have to see very carefully whether any light or dark spots or any kind of pattern that you can see in the slabs. You should choose your granite slab and request them to come to your place so that you can have a better vision of how your kitchen is going to look. As granite countertop is a big investment, it must be done after all the available selection and getting the best.

Granite slabs' installation and maintenance

Granite slabs are some of the most beautiful and functional kitchen countertops. Selecting granite slabs is not only a fashionable decision, but it is also an intelligent choice.  Granite countertops are tough, durable, and resistant to heat and will last for long. When comes to design, granite slabs are also very versatile as they naturally have so many different colors and pattern. Granite countertops are a sizeable investment, but homeowners should put a lot of thought into their choice.
The forming process of granite slabs takes millions of years, it is a huge waste to damage or destroy granite countertops when installing. There are few things that homeowners should and shouldn't do in order to protect this valuable investment that will add great equity to the home. Without proper installation and maintenance of granite countertop, the investment will lose value before it's even been used.
Before the installation of granite countertop, homeowners should consider the area they intend to install the granite slabs. Factors like moisture levels and usage should be carefully considered. It's also important to read all the warranty information for the product before installing granite countertop, to prevent any irreversible damage that will not be covered by the warranty.
It may be tempting to try a do-it-yourself project to save money, but it had better to ask professionals to install granite countertop. Most homeowners do not have the expertise to ensure that the job will be done properly, which may cost more money in the end. The preliminary work like removing the old kitchen countertops and preparing the workspace can be done ahead of time, but the work with the granite slabs themselves should be left to the professionals.
When the professionals arrive with the granite slabs, homeowners should also inspect the whole batch before beginning installing. There could possibly be breakage and other issues with the granite countertops. By finding these issues ahead of time, homeowners can consult the terms and conditions of the warranty in regards to compensation for damaged materials.
Some mistakes should be avoided at any cost to ensure proper granite countertop installation and maintenance. Granite slabs should never be installed on an uneven, dirty or wet space. Once they are in, homeowners should never leave spills to sit on their granite countertops. This can affect the finish over time and take away from the natural beauty of the granite slabs.
Since it's harmful to leave spills and dirt on the granite countertops, they should be cleaned properly. Homeowners should not use acid-based cleaners or other agents on the granite slabs, should also never forget to thoroughly rinse their granite countertops once they've used a recommended cleaner. Also never use scouring powders, steel wool, or other abrasive materials to remove stains.
To ask the professionals for advice is the best way to ensure proper maintenance of granite slabs in kitchen. When buying granite slabs, homeowners can easily ask their salespeople and skilled installers how to maintain granite products. Granite countertops are a great kitchen remodeling choice, and with the proper care they can use for long.

Natural countertop vs. artificial countertop

Cabinet is one of main furniture in home life nowadays. And cabinet countertop has a close contact with food. So, the durability and antibacterial property of countertop directly affect people's daily life. More and more consumers concern about the environmental protection and hygiene issues of countertop. The main countertop materials now are natural stone (marble or granite) and artificial stone. Both of them can be used. Natural stone is harder while artificial stone is softer. Imported artificial stone can use sandpaper to deal with the scratch, while domestic artificial stone goes worse if polishing.
Introduce the advantages and disadvantages of some common countertop materials for reference.
 
1. Marble countertop
Advantages: rich in color, soft grain, natural and various textures, easy to cut and carve.
Disadvantages: as formed by nature, it is easy to be damaged in the tiny cracked places. As it is porous material, it is difficult to clean if having stains or dirt when producing, transporting or installing. In daily cleaning, some dirt may filter into crack, and become the breeding ground for bacteria.
As its long forming processes in nature, natural stone contains some heavy metals, which more or less has certain radiativ. May be it will cause effect to body, but more is to psychology.
2. Granite countertop
Advantages: granite is dense and hard. And the surface is durable. It is one of most use materials in home decoration. Compared to natural marble countertop, the anti-bacterial ability of granite is better.
Disadvantages: as the length of natural stone is not long. So there will be seam, which easy to hide dirt.
If you really like natural materials, granite is a perfect selection. Pay attention to seam.
3. Artificial countertop
Artificial stone has widely used in home decoration, especially in cabinet countertop.
Advantages: artificial stone is rich in texture and color, can compare favorably with stone. It has no radiativ and is easy to clean and seamless. It belongs to economical environmentally-friendly material.
Disadvantages: artificial stone belongs to processing industry, not high technology is required. So inferior products flood the market and do harm to interests of consumers. Some low and medium-grade products has fading, color changing, low ageing resistance, oily and other problems.

2011年12月22日星期四

Travertine cleaning

Once you know about the characteristics and qualities of travertine, travertine cleaning can be easy. With proper cleaning, it will look fabulous for long terms.
Travertine is delicate, warm and beautiful with its unique pattern and color, which complements almost any design.
Travertine is a stone but not as dense and hard as granite. It can be wear well and last forever but it can be etched easily as marble and limestone as it is sensitive to acidic items.
Sealing can prevent staining. Travertine can stain when honed or tumbled, while polished travertine is nearly stain-proof and usually doesn't need sealing.
As the etching problem, travertine is not recommended for kitchen countertop or heavily used bathroom. However travertine floor tile will be just fine in any room. Travertine's best use is for powder baths, table tops, tub surrounds, showers, floor tile and stone fireplace surrounds.
These Do's and Don'ts listed below will help to avoid bad habits and establish a safe method for travertine cleaning.
Do's and Don'ts
Do: If needed, test and seal travertine.
Do: Dry up spills immediately.
Do: Clean surfaces with a sponge or soft cloth.
Do: Use cup mats for all glasses, bottles and cans.
Do: Use a tray under toiletry products in the bathroom.
Do: Regularly dust mop travertine floor tile.
Do: Use door mats inside and out along with runners and area rugs.
Don't: Use generic, store-bought travertine cleaning products.
Don't: Use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange for travertine cleaning.
Don't: Use generic bathroom, tub & tile or grout cleaners for travertine cleaning.
Don't: Sit or stand on the travertine countertops.
Don't: Put toiletry products on countertop surface directly.

Marble floor cleaning

It is no doubt that marble floor cleaning is hard work. You need to know how to clean marble floor, how to maintain its look if you have installed marble floor in your house. Marble floor cleaning should be done effectively.
The most important tip is not to use acid or vinegar products on marble floor. It should be cleaned by neutral, gentle cleaners. Acid or vinegar products will actually dissolve the finish and permanently etch the surface.
Why marble floor cleaning is hard?
Why marble floor cleaning is hard is because the marble surface is not hard enough. It is very porous and therefore it likes to soak in the items that are spilled on it. If you use acid products to clean the marble floor, it will etch the surface. If the polish is marred with scratches, the marble quality is diminished significantly. So how to clean marble floor effectively is the question.
Take Care with Marble
Fist of all, do proper marble floor cleaning. Don't put glasses on it directly. If spill something on it, wipe dry it in time. One of the best methods for marble floor cleaning is wet it with warm water with mild detergent. Then always use dry paper towels or a dry terry cloth to dry and shine the marble floor to avoid the liquid from getting into the marble itself.
Etched marble
• Etched or dull marble, you can use tin oxide products to clean them.
• Use a terry cloth to rub them.
• Buff with an electric polisher which can be found in home improvement store.
• If you can not find them, call on a professional company to buff and restore the finish of marble.
Food stains
• Wipe up any kind of stain in time.
• Wet a terry cloth with 20% peroxide plus a teaspoon of ammonia.
• Use to the area and stay several minutes.
• The stain will be cleaned. If not, repeat.
Oil stains
• After wiping the debris off, cover the area with corn starch.
• Remove the powder layer and reapply after one hour. To stay for additional 24 hours.
• Brush off.
• Wash with mild cleanser and warm water. You can also use a brush to help but make sure that it won't damage the marble.
• Ensure to wash off with warm water and clean terry cloth. Then, shine to dry.

Cleaning marble furniture

Care
As a porous stone, marble is easy to be stained. You should wipe off anything spilled on marble furniture immediately. Put cup mats under beverage glasses to avoid moisture rings.
Regular cleaning
Sometimes wash marble furniture surfaces with warm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Wiping marble furniture surface with a damp chamois will not leave streaks. Every one or two years, depending on soil, wash with a mild cleanser solution (hand dishwashing cleanser and warm water), rinse and wipe dry.
A light coat of wax will protect the surface of marble furniture, but this is not considered essential. Use colorless wax. Don't wax white marble as it may make it yellow. A marble sealer can be applied to clean marble which will protect from staining and allow soil to be wiped off with a damp cloth.
Special cleaning
Dulled marble furniture can be resumed by using a commercial marble cleaner and polish. Buy from a company that sells marble. Companies generally sell imported polish-cleaners, which are used on softer foreign marbles and hence safe for the harder U.S. marble. They work faster and easier than the old "marble care kits" which used to be distributed by marble companies.
Dulled or etched surfaces can be polished by putty powder, rubbing on with a damp cloth, folding and refolding to clean damp areas, and preferably using an electric polisher for buffing. However it's very hard to find. Scratched, etched and other severely damaged surfaces can be polished by professional.

Granite countertop cleaning

If you want to improve the home decoration level with durable and easy maintenance, people always choose granite countertop. Granite is hardest in stone, just less than diamond. It can withstand high temperature as it comes from lava. The hard surface makes it suitable for making cakes on it. Granite countertop is really durable and easy maintenance, but can't be damage.
proper installation of granite countertop can be enjoyable whole life. Granite countertop is expensive as it is the expensive material and the installation different granite should have differential treatments as they are made of different various minerals.
Proper maintenance will lengthen the life of granite countertop. And the easiest methods are polishing, regular care and seal.
To maintain the polished surface, you should pay attention to the items putting on it. Granite countertop is hard and high temperature resistance, but polished surface is weak. So don't cut things directly on it. You had better put on a chopping board. Avoid acidic food such as lemon juice or vinegar stays on it too long, they will erode granite countertop. When cleaning, don't use coarse or abrasive cleanser. Litter warm water and neutral cleanser will be ok.
Granite is hard, but some compositive minerals may be soft. They will make granite easy to be scratched. To maintain the surface of granite countertop, advise you to put and get pots and pans gently.

seal should be done every year. Regular polish will make your granite countertop glisten.
If the damages are slight, you can repair by yourself. If the gray or black mark left by pot or pan, use iron wire. If glues materials, scrape off by credit card or razor blade. If gape or rupture, ask professional to deal with.

2011年12月21日星期三

Natural stone products application overview

With the continuous development of Chinese economy, the public pursuit of architectural decorative effect is rising in recent years. Natural stone products have become the decorative preferred materials for high-grade concourse such as office buildings, hotels, and go into millions of household increasingly. However, due to the natural stone products themselves and the particularity and high specialty of processing, when people contact with them, they usually are slabs which have been processed. Usually people choose the natural stone products according to their color, texture and quality and ignore the applicability of natural stone products. As the natural stone products come from quarry, from the nature, so the material strength, the acid and alkali resistance, anti-aging and homogenization are quite different. So pay attention to the applicability of natural stone products when selecting. Are they suitable for wall or floor, for indoor or outdoor?
Also have to consider the installation method when selecting. To use bonding method or dry-hang method is important to the security of the project. In recent years, as the improper materials selection or improper installation method selection in early in some projects, it will increase huge difficulty to the later projects, cause waste and form security risks.
Remodel granite kitchen counter
Artificial stone surface introduction

Remodel granite kitchen counter

With your use of granite kitchen counter decoration, you can almost put anything on it, its scratch, heat, and stain and wear resistances are long-lasting, so that is why granite kitchen counter popular. You can pay more attention to the utilization rate of granite kitchen counter in kitchen decoration design. It has become a habit to choose granite kitchen counter as the preferred materials and high purchase rate.
One fact can not ignore is that each granite kitchen counter installation process is a novel artistic creation process, from the colors, designs, tones and natural stone. A structured plan is mandatory, when a remodeling guide may be able to come in handy. But there are some other things you need to consider, such as functionality can not be ignored, because the kitchen is the place you cook and storage areas.
Usually, owners are not very satisfied with their remodeling kitchens, unless they choose the right materials and colors of granite kitchen counter. There are many kitchen counter tops for choosing from market. You can choose granite, laminate, ceramic tile, cut-to-size, bloodstone, stainless steel or even wood. But granite kitchen counter and tile counter seem to be the most popular choices, marble kitchen counter is not bad. But each kind has their own advantages and disadvantages, find out them will help you make the best choice. According to your intentions and desires, you can conceive the image of the counter after remolding in your mind.
Artificial stone countertops'advantages and disadvantages
Six advantages of granite kitchen

Six advantages of granite kitchen countertops

1. Value
Granite kitchen countertops can add value. This makes it has investment value. It can add elegance to kitchens, increasing the whole value of the house in sale. If you have decoration money, install granite kitchen countertops is very wise.
2. Aesthetic value
Granite is natural material. It has a century of history, but for home decoration is only the last 40 years. Compared with other materials, it may be more expensive, but it is a good home investment. If you have some money, this is a good home decoration program.
3. Nature's unique design
Subtle color changes on the granite can not be copied by man-made products. It will make your home decoration become personalized and add features to the kitchen. You may have noticed, with the room light changes, granite colors also change. Granite colors, spots and other styles run through the whole stone, unlike general man-made granite only on surface. Different stones have different characteristics.
It has amazing color combinations. Because of this material all over the world, varieties are wide and colors are changing. Stone in various regions have theirs unique quality, texture from simple to complex, enthusiastic, deep. Granite kitchen countertops can match with any sink and accessories, such as ceramic, brass, stainless steel and so on. This is not just a trend. It can be said that it won the people's favorite, and has a solid track record.
4. Bactericidal
Because of its texture, it is very hygienic kitchen materials. Because it is not a porous material, so it is not easy to harbor bacteria and other dirt. Mold will not breed here. Of course, if you use the thin granite thin slab, filling line will cause mildew and staining.

5. Easy to clean
If you have some basic common information, clean or maintenance will be very easy. Daily cleaning just use a soft cloth or just a number of tissues and ordinary soap. As the dense texture, this stone's pores are not very many, so the stain is not a big problem. Once it is sealed or polished, it can prevent moisture. Re-seal every 1-3 years.
6. Family-friendly kitchen
From all aspects, if the home with children, this is a good choice. No matter what they do, basically will not damage your granite kitchen countertops. Maybe you just need to tell them not to hang the fragile corner of the granite kitchen countertops, because in the long run, this can cause troubles.
What is the best way to clean marble tiles?
Marble cleaning care and repair

What is the best way to clean marble tiles?

Nowadays, more and more people are using marble tiles in their kitchens, bathrooms and entryways, the demand for products to clean marble tiles is growing. With proper maintenance and upkeep, it's not difficult to clean marble tiles at all.
To keep your marble sparkling, be sure to keep it free from routine dust and dirt. Clean marble tiles by sweeping the floor often with a soft bristled broom or vacuuming to pick up any loose dirt. If this can't be done every day, settle for two or three times a week.
Be aware that loose dirt can easily be ground in as people walk across the floor. If family and friends have been walking around in dirt or mud, you might ask them to remove their shoes before walking on your marble tiles. Sand, dirt and other debris left on the bottom of the shoe is abrasive. First, it will scratch the marble, and then it will grind the dirt into the scratches.
Many times, all that's needed to clean marble tiles is a warm, damp mop or cloth, especially if there are spill prone kids – and adults – in the house. Fortunately, as the tiles gain in popularity, so do products formulated to clean marble tiles. It's best to have some on hand in case of accidental spillage or for regular weekly or monthly cleanings. Be sure to read the label and follow the instructions exactly.
While vinegar is touted as a great household cleaner, it's not recommended to clean marble tiles. The acid in vinegar can damage the surface. Soaps, even mild detergents, aren't recommended either. If you're not using a special marble cleaner, use warm water only.
It's not always best to let your tiles air dry. Get a nice fluffy towel, and use it to dry the floor thoroughly. It's important to dry up after you clean marble tiles, as they tend to spot and stain if they remain wet.
Every few months, it's a good idea to seal and polish the tiles. The polish will help your floor to shine, while the sealant will protect the floors from everyday dirt and grime and make it easier for you to clean marble tiles on a regular basis. Your local home improvement emporium is sure to have plenty of options for marble tile cleaners, sealants and polishing agents. If you're not sure which product is best, contact the manufacturer or the person who installed your tiles. Either one is sure to have some good recommendations.

Marble cleaning care and repair

Marble is the kind of stone which generally polished and used in fine building work, furniture, or decorative art. It may be white or colored. It is porous, and easily stained. Marble is etched by acids. Wipe off anything spilled on marble immediately, as you would on a wood surface. Avoid setting beverage glasses directly on marble as they leave rings.
Marble Furniture - Care and Cleaning
Marble may be stone, but it is porous and stains easily. Wipe off anything spilled on marble immediately, just as you would from a wood surface. Use coasters under beverage glasses to avoid moisture rings.
Regular Cleaning
Occasionally wash marble surfaces with lukewarm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Wiping surface with a damp chamois will not leave streaks. Once or twice a year, depending on soil, wash with a mild detergent solution (hand dish-washing detergent and warm water), rinse and wipe dry.
A light coat of wax will protect the surface of marble but is not considered essential. Use colorless wax. Don't wax white marble as it may tend to yellow it. A marble sealer can be applied to clean marble, which will protect from staining and allow soil to be wiped off with a damp cloth.
Special Cleaning
Marble which has become dull can be livened up by using a commercial marble cleaner and polish. Buy from a company that sells marble. Companies generally carry imported polish-cleaners, which are used on softer imported marbles and hence safe for the harder U.S. marble. They work faster and easier than the old "marble care kits" which used to be distributed by marble companies.
Putty powder (tin oxide) can be used to polish dulled or etched surfaces, rubbing on with a damp cloth, folding and refolding to clean damp areas, and preferably using an electric polisher for buffing. However it's very hard to find. Severely damaged surfaces, scratched or etched, can be polished by a business making and selling tombstones or other marble products.
Stain Removal
Make a poultice from white absorbent material such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue, dampened with the chemical recommended below to dissolve that stain; or mix whiting with that chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain. The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 hour up to 48 hours, depending on the age and depth of the stain. Plastic wrap, held in place by masking tape, can be put over the poultice to keep it damp; otherwise it will have to be re-dampened with the chemical periodically. Mix only enough poultice for immediate use; mix a second batch later if another application is needed.
Organic Stains: Tea, coffee, colors bleached from paper, textiles or soft drinks. Make poultice soaked with 20 percent peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia.
Oil Stains: Oil stains may include butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible, spread surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or even corn starch. After short time brush to remove and reapply more powder. Let stand 24 hours. To remove: Scrub with hot, sudsy (detergent) solution and stiff brush. Or wipe with ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, then rinse and wipe dry. If these alkaline solutions don't remove all the oil, you can try a solvent. Make a poultice dampened with acetone or amyl acetate (available at drug stores), or with home dry cleaning fluid. Use good ventilation with windows open to remove fumes, do not use near spark or flame, and do not leave on too long.
Rust Stains: Usually the result of metal items such as a lamp, metal container in which plant is placed etc. Use a commercial rust stain remover. Follow directions exactly and do not leave on surface very long as acid in many rust removers can etch the surface.
Acids Fruit juice, carbonated beverages or other acids will etch (remove shiny surface) if allowed to remain on marble. Wipe up acid spill immediately, and wipe surface with wet cloth. If surfaced is etched, polishing may be required.

2011年12月20日星期二

Dos and don'ts in stone maintenance

Stone Maintenance Dos:
To wipe dry the wet places with clean towel.
Usually use soft dust pusher or mop to sweep the dust. Minimize the chance of filth and dust accumulation.
Usually use neutral cleaner or special stone cleaner to clean stains.
Lay dustproof, sand-proof and water-retaining carpet on the entrance, prevent sand and soil into building. Long carpet is better, to let walkers have larger space to remove the mud and dust.
Suck the stayed mud and soil away from the dustproof, sand-proof and water-retaining carpet termly.
Lay cotton rug in kitchen.
Use cup mat under glass, especially glasses for wine and juice.
Stone Maintenance Don'ts:
Don't use the same mop in different such as kitchen, bathroom, restroom, lobby.
Don't directly put hot things on it.
Don't use furniture polishing agent to stone surface.
Don't use bleaching water, ammonia water, vinegar or other all-purpose cleaners.
Don't use highly acid or alkaline cleaners.
Don't use cleaning powder, disinfectant.
Don't use abrasive nylon to clean floor, avoid cause scratch.
Don't mix using the chemicals, unless according to the direction or let professional stone maintenance suppliers know.

Basic stone maintenance

Daily stone maintenance:
Use dust pusher or mop to clean.
Use neutral cleaner to clean the stone surface.
Use stone stain remover to clean serious blots or sands.
Weekly, semimonthly or monthly stone maintenance:
Work out how often to maintain according to stone situation, mode of stream of people, visitors flowrate.
Use abrasive blasting or high quality stone rubbing paste to improve the luster of stone surface.
Quarterly or half-yearly stone maintenance:
Use marble or granite abrasive polishing powder to polish. These products' hardness is counted by Moh's hardness, just less than diamond. It is easy operation. After polishing, stone surface will produce high natural brilliance. Another character of these products is they can remove tiny mark and polish dark stone surface again, making the stone floors in building entrances and high pedestrian activity area renew luster. Abrasive polishing powder can even remove old crystal hardened horizon.
Yearly or longer stone maintenance:
Have an annual surface polishing as necessary. To determine whether it is need to have surface polishing, whole polishing, or part polishing after the examination and evaluation of reputable stone maintenance experts. Suggest that re-seal to re-defend stone maintenance, perfect stone floor. It can play dirt-proof role in long term.

How to choose stone protective agent correctly?

The selected stone protective agent must have better protection effect. You must consider the protection and decoration effects produced by different stone surface conditions. One important principle when selecting is that whatever the grade of the protective agent, having a test on part before large construction area. Make sure the effect then use in large area. It can avoid the bad maintenance effect caused by the mismatching and incompatibility of stone quality and protective agent. Detailed selecting methods can be categorized simply as follows:
1. Stone with smooth face can choose the kind of stone protective agent that can add the glossiness to stone.
2. If the decorative effect requires deepening the stone color, choose the brightening stone protective agent.
3. To keep the original appearance of stone should choose primary color stone protective agent.
4. Adopt wet combining installation, the underside of stone should choose the kind of stone protective agent that won't affect the adherence fastness between stone and cement mortar.
5. In considering the environmental protection, when working in the confined space, choose the aquosity protective agent or protective agent without volatile organic solvent.
6. The surface of stone or the dry-hang stone surface, choose waterproof protective agent or water-repellent protective agent.
7. Always contact with oil, choose oil-repellent protective agent.
8. When ambient air temperature is too low, aquosity protective agent can not be used as it will frost. At this time should choose oil protective agent. Pay attention to fire prevention when carry out construction.

10 benefits of using granite countertop in kitchen

Granite kitchen countertop either in tile or slab both offers a unique and long-term home decoration project. On market, it still is one of the hardest and finest natural stones. The most important is that there are not two pieces of same granite. Therefore you can creative a unique, luxurious kitchen. What is certain is that the beautiful appearance of granite kitchen countertop won't fade as time goes on if you take good care.
What are the benefits of granite kitchen countertop? What make it so popular?
1. Value added
Granite kitchen countertop can add the value of the house, which making it a good invest. It can add elegance to kitchen. If you want to sell your house, granite kitchen countertop can make a lot of value. If you have money, install a granite kitchen countertop is a very sensible.
2. Beauty
Granite is a natural material, spread all over the world with hundred years' history.  But it is used in home decoration just near 40 years. Compared to other products, maybe it is more expensive, but it is one of the best invests. Its durability will make it the best choice. For the kitchen cabinet, it is practical and beautiful.
3. Unique design of nature
Granite has subtle color changing. It can't be imitated by artificial products. It cans creative a personalized home style and make kitchen has its own character. There is a wide range of color for choosing.

4. Resist bacteria
As its texture, granite becomes one of most hygienic kitchen countertop materials. It is not easy to breed bacteria or other kitchen dirt because it has no hole. Mycete will not exist. Of course, if you use granite tile, there may be the mycete problem and dye in the slurry gap.
5. Easy to clean
The maintenance of granite kitchen countertop is quite easy. Just need to hold some knowledge. Daily clean and rapid clean with soft cloth or paper towel is the same. Use ordinary suds. Dye is not the main problem as its dense grain, low porosity. Once sealed, granite can resist moisture. To re-sealed every 1-3 years.
6. Family-friendly kitchen
Stay in kitchen with children is a good communication mode in every way. They won't damage your cabinet. Just ask them to not to hang on the flimsy edge, because it may cause problem in the long term.

7. Repairable
Another reason that granite is so popular is that it is repairable. Don't do it yourself. You can explain the situation to the supplier and ask for their opinions.
8. Hardness
Its hard surface won't be scratch unless other granite or diamond. This is its practicability.
9. Heat-resistant
The surface of granite is good heat dissipation. It can resist the high temperature of frying pan and won't leave a mark. But even so, put on cushions still have theirs advantage.
10. Improve kitchen environment
Kitcheners like to work on granite kitchen countertop. You can even cut things on it. It also is suitable for processing cakes. Once install granite kitchen countertop, you will find everyone loves cooking.

Maintenance of marble furniture

Stone furniture is high-grade furniture and is very popular. Marble is widely manufactured into furniture recent years. Marble furniture is the favorite of consumers as its advantages such as glittering luster, gentle texture, beautiful pattern, dirty fearless and hot fearless.
Marble is porous material. So it is easy be polluted. When cleaning, water should just a little. Periodically, wipe with a slight moist cloth with mild detergent, then dry and brush up it with a clean and soft cloth. Serious wear marble furniture is hard to deal with. You can use wipe with steel wool, then use electric finishing sander to polish to make it resume luster. Or carefully clean with liquid abrasive cleaner. Lemon juice or vinegar is also available in cleaning stain. But the time lemon juice stays on it had better less than 1-2 minutes. This operation can be repeated when necessary, then clean and dry. For slight scratch, you can use professional marble cleanser and nurse agent.
For antiquated or valued marble furniture should ask professional to deal with.  Painted marble furniture should use paintcoat release agent according to the product description. Maybe need to paint several times. After all paint is removed, wipe with steel wool, then use electric finishing sander to polish. For the cosmetic, tea and tobacco stains, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Let it stays for 2 hours then clean and dry. For oil stains, you can use ethanol, acetone or lighter oil to wipe, then clean and dry.
How to clean stone sink correctly?
Maintenance knowledge of marble thin slab

2011年12月19日星期一

Main reasons that granite price comparison far different

When selecting granite countertop, you may ask why some granite price comparison with others is much higher. Even you will find they are the same in color, sharp and size.
It is because that the granite price comparison is not only decided by color, sharp and size. The final granite price comparison is linked with many factors. To know these factors, you must know how granite countertops come first.
First of all, to say about the miners, also called mine workers. Their job is to dig granite underground. Granite is located around mountains over the world. The most abundant mineral resources of granite are China, South America, Europe and other countries.
The mine workers have to dig out the granite. Just this work is very tedious. Blasting is impossible, because blasting will make granite broken and make it lose value. On the contrary, mine workers use special tools to peel chunks of granite. These blocks are very heavy and the weight of just 1 block is equivalent to the weight of 20 vehicles.
Once the granite stripped down from the mines, they will be transported to processing plants. Then these blocks will be processed into smooth, shiny slabs which are more familiar to people. This process involves a lot of machinery and equipment such as cutting and polishing.
Process is not simple. In fact, to process a rough large blocks into a smooth granite slab takes about a week. All these processing costs are counted into the cost of the granite countertop.
This is the main reason that granite price comparison is far different. The cost of granite countertops, including transportation costs and processing costs of granite.
In addition, the stone patterns will also affect the final granite price comparison. Experts will tell you what patterns are relatively rare. Naturally the price would much higher than the normal pattern. So does the color of the stone. Some rare and unique colors will enhance the price of granite.

What are the Advantages of Quartz Countertops?

Uniformity of color is one of the primary advantages of quartz countertops. When the slabs of quartz are manufactured, the appearance is consistent throughout. This makes it easier for consumers to know what they're getting, and ensures that all the countertops will match one another perfectly, with no discoloration between sections.
Quartz countertops are also virtually maintenance-free. They are easy to clean, requiring nothing more than warm, soapy water. Once the counters have been installed, there is no sealing or polishing needed. The non-porous nature of the stone makes the counters resistant to stains from food, juices, wine, coffee, tea, and even nail polish.
Versatility is another of the most appealing advantages of quartz countertops. They can be used for many different applications during a kitchen renovation. Countertops, islands, wet bars, tabletops, desktops, and backsplashes are just some of the uses for quartz countertops. They can also be used as fireplace surrounds, tub and shower surrounds, floors, and vanities.
Quartz countertops are scratch- and scorch-resistant. There are only three other minerals on earth that are harder to scratch or burn than quartz. Although excessive force with a sharp edge, or prolonged exposure to heat, may cause slight damage, the occasional kitchen mishap will not leave a mark on quartz.
The strength and durability of quartz countertops are also prominent advantages. The added epoxy resin makes them more durable than natural stone. They have a rating of 7 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, a test used to grade the scratch resistance of minerals. As an example, talc gets a rating of 1 on the scale, and diamond has a rating of 10. This hardness makes the countertops immune to the scratches and chips that are common during installation of other stone counters.
Hygiene is another important advantage of quartz countertops. Because the surface is non-porous, there is no where for bacteria to live or grow. This can be a problem with other types of counters, such as wood. Quartz countertops, on the other hand, provide easy clean-up while preventing moisture and bacteria from penetrating the surface. They do not require sealing to be food safe, and many manufacturers certify their quartz counters to meet international standards of safe food preparation and hygiene.

Cleaning and Caring for Granite Countertops

Granite Countertop Description:
Granite is a super tough stone that is formed from volcanic magma. Granite has earned a reputation as a great building stone. It ranges in color, but is known for how beautiful it is, expecially as a countertop.
Granite Countertop Pros:
Granite countertops are beautiful. Each piece is like a unique work of art. Because granite is available in so many colors, homeowneres have many options to chooose from. Granite is also very durable and resists heat. This makes it great for kneading dough, making roll out cookies, and other tasks that need a cool countertop.
Granite Countertop Cons:
Granite requires regular maintenance. Besides just cleaning your countertops, you'll need to make sure the granite countertops are sealed periodically. Stains on granite can be difficult to remove, but not impossible. Granite countertops can also crack.
Cleaning Granite Countertops:
To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off countertop surfaces. Wipe down the granite countertops daily and as needed using water. Once a week wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone.
Regular Maintenance of Granite Countertops:
Reseal the countertops when water splashed on the surface no longer beads up. If there are stains or damage, contact a stone-care professional for repair.