Academy-Marble Testimonials

Academy Blog

Santa Cecilia Granite: A Sure Bet for Most Any Kitchen Design

| August 14, 2018

Granite kitchen countertopGranite has long been a solid choice for kitchens, especially given the variety of different granite colors and slabs available. Although it is commonly used for kitchen countertops, people also love it for flooring, tiling around a fireplace, as a backsplash or even in the bathroom around the tub since granite can withstand all the elements, which even makes it an ideal option for outside use. But among all the granites, Santa Cecilia Granite has established itself as a popular choice among homebuyers and designers looking for an always satisfying, versatile natural stone surface. … MORE

Choosing Granite Countertop Finishes

| August 2, 2018

Interior kitchen countertopOne of the most appealing features of granite countertops are the variety of finishes you can choose to highlight the elements of your slab. If you’re like many homeowners, granite is a go-to option when it’s time to upgrade from an outdated counter. And, there’s a reason for that.

Granite is available in hundreds of colors, including shades of white, black, gray, green, blue, red, pink, yellow and tan. The colors can be bold or muted, patterned, speckled, dotted, veined or a combination. Because each piece of granite is made from a unique mineral makeup, each stone countertop is a unique work of art. And if that wasn’t enough, granite is more than just art. It’s a workhorse in the kitchen. The sharpest knives won’t scratch it, and a bubbling pot won’t mar it. It’s just about as close to the perfect countertop that a homeowner can select.

… MORE

Care & Maintenance for Marble, Granite and Quartzite Countertops

| July 31, 2018

Cleaning and maintenance of your stone countertopsWith all the new developments in sealers for marble, granite, and quartzite, maintenance for new stone countertops is practically non-existent if properly sealed. However, there are some things you do need to know about maintenance and caring for your countertops.

First off, you don’t need specialty cleaners. You can use them, but they’re just an extra cost to you. All of these countertops (marble, granite, and quartzite) can be cleaned with just 1-to-3 drops of dishwashing soap and a few cups of warm water, and a good rinsing.

If you do go heavy on the soap, expect to put in extra time and effort cleaning. If you don’t rinse the counter thoroughly, you’ll notice over time that the stone will look and feel oily or greasy. That oily, greasy feel is soap residue! It means you’ve been using too much soap and not rinsing well. Soap and water is a simple solution, but you must make sure you rinse the entire surface well when you do use it.

… MORE

Comparing Caesarstone vs Granite for Kitchen Countertops

| July 18, 2018

Caesarstone or natural granite countertopsCaesarstone vs Granite—which is the best countertop? The answer is, “It depends on what you’re looking for.” Both stones are very popular, and both have a range of colors, and features, pros and cons. The debate about which is “better” comes down to two qualities: Looks and durability. The cost of Caesarstone is about the same as the cost of a mid-line range of natural granite.

… MORE

How to Prepare for Countertop Installation on Delivery Day

| July 13, 2018

Installation of your kitchen or bathroom countertopDelivery and installation of your stone countertop is probably the most exciting day after selecting your stone and stone color. The arrival of delivery day means you’re only a few steps away from installation and the use of your new countertop. You want the installation to go well and so do we! The good news is we’ve done this thousands and thousands of times, so we have the procedure down to an exact science. Our installation comes complete with a step-by-step process that ensures everything goes smoothly and efficiently. We know you’re nervous and excited and wondering what to expect, so we’ve created this article.

Prior to installation, our team will work with you to set a date for the installation, and to make sure the project area is prepped properly. A properly prepped area means your installation will go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Before our installation team arrives, we will have reviewed what responsibilities are yours and which ones we will manage. Working together, we’ll make the process easier for the installers so that you can start enjoying your investment!

Depending on the size of your kitchen (bath etc.) and the complexity of the job, the installation will take from ½ to 4 hours. The average kitchen will take about 11/2.hours We ask that you not schedule anything else during that day in case there are delays. Our team will be able to give you an estimated time prior to installation. … MORE

Tips on Planning a Kitchen Renovation

| June 21, 2018

Deciding to go forward with a kitchen renovation is a big step. Maybe it’s something you’ve been thinking about for a while but are waiting for the right time or weighing your various options. When you finally make the decision to move forward, the excitement sets in!

Along with the excitement might come some feelings of uncertainty. Where do you begin? How do you prepare? These feelings are normal, but with a bit of planning, you can keep them at bay.

If you’re planning to start a kitchen remodel, grab a cup of coffee, read through this post, and begin to make a list of your own!

… MORE

Considering Marble Countertops? What You Need to Know about Etching

| June 17, 2018

Etching - Marble CountertopsMarble’s reputation precedes itself – elegantly beautiful, but higher maintenance than other natural stone surfaces. And while many people consider marble countertops for their home given it’s striking impact, it’s the maintenance consideration that often times deters them to select a seemingly more practical stone option. Specifically, it’s the concern of marble etching on kitchen countertops that concerns homeowners, but knowing how etching occurs and how to care for marble countertops can make a difference in your final stone surface decision.

What exactly is etching?

You may have heard of etching when it comes to metalwork – it’s the process of using strong acid to cut into parts of the metal surface to create a design. Cool, right? Not so much when it comes to marble.

Etching in marble countertops is caused by the same thing – acid. Because marble is a soft stone and made of calcium carbonate, it is very prone to marking and etching. When acid touches your marble surface and reacts with the calcium carbonate, a tiny bit of the surface is eaten away and dull spots (known as etches) are created.  Since etching can remove the polish or sealant from marble, the stone can become more vulnerable to scratching as well.

… MORE

Outdoor Kitchens: The Perfect Father’s Day Gift!

| June 8, 2018

Outdoor Kitchen - Granite Countertops

For the dad that has everything

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and we’re guessing that you might be looking for ideas to show just how thankful you are for the “Father” in your life. Whether this is your husband or father, coming up with something special on Father’s day is always difficult. If this dad of yours already has everything you could buy in a store or order online, you’ll have a challenge on your hands. Given that Father’s Day falls right at the beginning of Summer, perhaps you can create something special and permanent that he can enjoy all season long, and for years to come. If he loves to spend free time outside, we have the perfect gift idea for you; an outdoor kitchen.

An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate luxury to add to your outdoor space. They allow you to spend as much time as possible outside during the warmer months, as you can cook, eat and entertain in the open air. If the dad in your life loves to grill, he’ll be absolutely thrilled with an outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens can range from simple to luxurious, all depending on your personal taste and budget. If an outdoor kitchen sounds like the perfect gift idea to you, you’ll need to know where to start and what to include. Following are a few important tips to help you prepare for your new outdoor kitchen.

… MORE

Starting a Kitchen Renovation: How to Find Your Kitchen Style

| May 15, 2018

Are you modern, traditional or farmhouse?

Interior of updated kitchenStarting a kitchen renovation is a lot of fun, but with so much inspiration out there (hello, Pinterest!), things can get overwhelming fast. You probably feel that there’s just too much to choose from – how are you supposed to land on just one backsplash? And don’t even start with the countertops – it took you 2 weeks to narrow it down to 5 options!

To choose your materials, it helps to take a step backward and first define your kitchen style. Are you modern? farmhouse? Maybe you prefer a more traditional look? Once you figure out your style, you’ll find that choosing actual surface, hardware, and finishing touches are much easier.

Exactly how do you define your kitchen style?

We’ve complied four questions below that will help you find your style. Be sure to keep your answer to each question with you as you continue, so you can put them all together at the end!

… MORE

5 Kitchen Countertop and Cabinet Combinations that You Can’t Go Wrong With

| May 4, 2018

Classic white kitchen countertops and cabinetsIf you’re starting a kitchen renovation, you probably have in mind an idea of what you want. With inspiration resources like Pinterest and Houzz, it’s impossible NOT to have a giant collection of ideas and photos from which you can create your dream kitchen. Maybe there’s a certain kitchen countertop stone you want or perhaps you’re set on a specific cabinet color, but therein lies the difficult decision of which combination works best for your design aesthetic, lifestyle and budget.

To help make your decision a little bit easier, below are 5 timeless combinations of cabinet colors and countertops that, rest assured, will provide you with a winning end result you can enjoy for many years to come.

… MORE