Academy Blog

How to Effectively Clean and Disinfect Countertops during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

| May 28, 2020

How to disinfect countertopsHow to appropriately clean and disinfect natural and engineered stone countertops have always been a common question from homeowners. However, given the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners have grown increasingly more concerned about how to disinfect surfaces in order to help minimize the risk of infectious disease spread.

First, we do not recommend cleaning your countertops with bleach or abrasive cleansers. The gritty texture of abrasive cleaners are made of small particles, minerals, or fine steel wool, copper, or metal particles, and these particles can damage the stone surface. Even a natural option like vinegar can cause harm as frequent uses of acidic substances can dull appearances and weaken the sealant.

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Porcelain vs. Granite Countertops

| March 10, 2020

Porcelain vs. Granite CountertopsIf you’re searching for a durable yet visually appealing countertop surface for your next upgrade or project, there are many natural and engineered surfaces to consider, including porcelain and granite countertops.

You’ll find that options like porcelain and granite both offer incredible resilience, which you’re sure to appreciate from a practical standpoint. But, what are the advantages of porcelain countertops vs. granite for your home?  Considering they have similar price points, you’ll simply have to consider the function they offer, as well as your preferred design aesthetic. Here are a few things you need to know when choosing between porcelain vs. granite countertops.

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Is Taj Mahal Quartzite or Granite?

| March 2, 2020

Is Taj Mahal Quartzite or Granite?There are so many options to consider when it comes to selecting the right natural stone countertop surface for your home or project. With beautiful varieties of marble, granite, quartzite, you can quickly become overwhelmed.

However, when you’re looking for distinctive beauty, why not capture the splendor of the famed Taj Mahal? This iconic mausoleum in the city of Agra, in India, was built in the 17th century by the emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, as well as his own tomb. It’s generally considered among the most impressive examples of architectural mastery in the world.

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Silestone vs. Granite: 5 Differences You Need to Know

| February 28, 2020

Silestone vs. Granite: 5 Differences You Need to KnowDesigning your ideal kitchen or bath can be both a fun and daunting process. With so many options on the market, including natural vs. engineered stone, the surfaces for you to consider are endless.

The difficulty, as with any home upgrade or addition, is selecting the materials that best suit your needs. When it comes to choosing, Silestone quartz and granite, both resilient, stunning countertop surfaces in their own right, are two surfaces worth comparing. While one is a natural stone (granite) and the other, an engineered stone (quartz), the two are often compared due to their durability, aesthetic and versatility. Sometimes, it can even be difficult to tell the difference between the two stones, especially with Silestone options that look so similar to granite. 

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White Granite Countertop Design Tips for Your Kitchen

| February 5, 2020

White granite countertop design ideasWhite, pristine countertops are a highly coveted interior design choice. This aesthetic can create a space that appears larger, offers a clean look and does not go out of style. When choosing the right countertop material to complement this look, granite is often a go-to selection. Granite, a natural stone full of flecks, color variations and veins, can add depth and dimension to an otherwise tame space.

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Porcelain Countertops vs. Quartz: Which Engineered Surface is Right for Your Home?

| January 28, 2020

Porcelain Countertops vs. QuartzChoosing the right countertop surface that’s ideal for your home can seem like an overwhelming task. With an array of materials to choose from, which one will be the most suitable for your home? You may have previous experience with some tried-and-true options, such as granite, marble and quartzite, but what about engineered stone surfaces, like quartz and porcelain, that are quickly growing in popularity? Continue reading to learn the difference between porcelain countertops vs. quartz. 

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5 Unexpected Kitchen Color Trends to Incorporate in Your Next Renovation

| January 14, 2020

5 unexpected kitchen color trendsWe’ve entered a new decade, which is an opportune time to practice “out with the old and in with the new” if you’re considering a kitchen redesign.

If your kitchen is relatively new, an update could be as easy as changing out some colors, such as painting the walls or cabinets. This is especially true if you already have timeless countertops installed and want to complement your existing investment in marble, granite, quartzite, or engineered stone options such as quartz or porcelain.  Of course, a truly outdated or inefficient kitchen space may require significantly greater renovation.

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Color Scheme Series: 6 Countertop Colors for Kitchens with Dark Cabinets

| January 6, 2020

White Vermont Quartzite Bar Top, Armonk, NY

White cabinetry is a popular color choice in kitchens as of late, where many homeowners may tend to prefer a bright, clean and airy aesthetic. However, pairing countertops to kitchens with dark cabinets can warm up your space and create a bold look. Dark cabinetry can definitely impact your selection of natural stone for your countertops. But, which hues are likely to work best with dark cabinets? 

Here are several color schemes that will be sure to help you achieve your preferred look and ambiance when your kitchen features dark cabinetry.

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