Recent study gathers good information about marble and granite countertops
Ferguson, MO - Consumers who have read the recent report released by Bob Gasiorowski, owner of Rock Tops Granite in St. Louis, are making informed decisions as to the choice of material for their new kitchen countertop. The report compares marble to granite, explains the pros and cons of each, and covers other details.
The report begins with facts common to both products; both are high quality, natural stone materials that add beauty and elegance to any home. Both are available in a wide variety of colors and can be finished with various techniques for different looks. Natural stone countertops are easy to maintain with cleaners and sealers designed for use on these products.
The report goes on to cover pros and cons of each product; beginning this section is a description of the composition of marble and how it is formed in the earth. Though marble is a durable product, it can also be porous and become damaged by staining or heat. Marble is an elegant countertop material; however, extra care and maintenance is required to maintain its looks. The report suggested marble as being most ideal for low traffic areas.
The next section covers granite, its composition and how it is formed. It states that granite is less porous than marble and it is a harder stone; the quartz contained in the stone provides the hardness and durability, unlike that of the softer marble. Granite holds up well in high traffic areas, is more stain and heat resistant than marble and is much less likely to scratch, chip or crack.
The only drawback to granite that was suggested in the report is the fact that it is very heavy, therefore requiring reinforcement of some existing cabinets. Granite kitchen countertops are expensive compared to synthetic materials such as Corian or Formica, but they will most likely outlast your home. Visit Rock Tops Blog to read the complete report on Marble vs Granite for Kitchen Countertops.
Contact:
Jack Feasel, Field Measurer
11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300
Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Phone: 314-993-8300
Email: jackf@rocktopsgranite.com
Rock Tops Granite owner, Bob Gasiorowski speaks at a workshop about kitchen remodeling
Chesterfield, MO - Home remodeling contractors in Chesterfield gathered for a local workshop event to network and share tips on various remodeling projects. One of the special guests invited to demonstrate a kitchen remodeling tip was Bob Gasiorowski, owner of Rock Tops Granite, a natural stone kitchen countertop fabricating company.
Bob's remodeling tip was regarding the sink that goes with a granite kitchen countertop. Bob said, "The under mount sink is perfect with a granite or natural stone countertop. They are very popular with their sleek appeal and clean look. Because they fit under the countertop, you can easily wipe crumbs right into the sink without them becoming caught under the lip of the sink. The older style sink with the caulked edge becomes discolored and dirty over time as crumbs and debris builds up and accumulates."
Everyone shared tips according to their specialty. One guy talked about new kitchen cabinets with mesh or glass doors, that can be seen through. He showed everyone how to hide the screws and fasteners with this type of cabinet. He also shared ideas for the person on a tight budget, explaining how to just replace the doors or re-face the existing cabinets to save money.
He really liked the idea of the under mount sink, so he asked Bob about using this style sink with a laminate or Formica countertop. Bob said, "The ideal countertop for an undermount sink is granite, marble or another natural stone or solid material. Countertops of laminate can eventually delaminate and bubble up over time, so an undermount sink is not recommended for this type of surface."
There were painting and drywall contractors, flooring specialists, kitchen and bath remodeling crews, and interior decorators at the workshop event. All had some great tips for builders, contractors, real estate investors and homeowners for sprucing up and remodeling homes, even on a tight budget.
Rock Tops Granite is the leading expert in granite and marble countertops fabrication and installation. With their use of the latest technology for cutting, shaping and finishing the stone to perfection, they produce the highest quality custom countertops at the lowest price of their competitors. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom in your area to learn more about natural stone kitchen countertops.
Contact:
Charlie Thiede
17411 23 Mile Road
Macomb, MI 48042
Phone: 586-263-6621
Toll Free: 1-877-ROCKTOP
This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC
Rock Tops Granite has been acknowledged as one of the nation's fastest growing companies, thanks to the latest technology in stone processing equipment
St. Louis, MO - Charlie Thiede, president of Rock Tops Granite, was recently interviewed. When asked about how his company was able to grow so rapidly in today's economy, Charlie explained, "We use the latest in high-tech equipment for cutting and shaping the stone to fabricate a custom kitchen countertop with a perfectly finished edge. Because the equipment is very expensive, other companies are still using hand routers and grinders to work the edge of the stone. This procedure is very slow and even the most experienced, diligent of workers cannot achieve perfection; one is often left with imperfect and wavy edges, bad seams and a poor final finish."
Charlie went on to explain, "The cost of each CNC machine is $200,000 to $350,000; however, the investment pays for itself by eliminating the many hours of labor expended with the use of hand tools. CNC stands for computer numerically controlled. This advanced technology allows us to keep our cost of labor down, a savings we pass on to our customers. We can produce the highest quality custom kitchen countertops for the lowest price of most of our competitors."
Though technology was one of the major contributors to the growing success of Rock Tops, they can also credit their growth to a new marketing plan which was implemented in 2003. Originally a supplier to large home-improvement stores, Rock Tops shifted its focus to the retail market. Robert Gasiorowski joined Rock Tops as a partner in 2002, when he began crafting the plan to shift the marketing focus from retailers to homeowners. In addition to investing in the advanced stone-processing and measuring equipment, referrals to Rock Tops, from over 10,000 customers, have made the company an industry leader in production and quality.
Rock Tops Granite fabricates and professionally installs over 9,000 countertops per year. They recently opened a showroom in Maryland Heights, where people can take a tour to learn more about this natural stone product and how it is harvested, cut, polished and installed to form countertops and tile. Visit their website at http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more.
Contact:
Charlie Thiede
17411 23 Mile Road
Macomb, MI 48042
586-263-6621
Toll Free: 1-877-ROCKTOP
The group was impressed as they viewed over 1,200 unique slabs of granite and marble in the spacious showroom
St. Louis, MO - Members of a local real estate investors association recently toured the new Rock Tops Granite showroom in Missouri. They were looking for kitchen remodeling tips to be used for some of their investment property. One of the group said, "We need to be diverse in selecting materials for remodeling, depending on the neighborhoods the properties are located in. The finished job should be comparable to other homes in the area. "
The investors were amazed at the many different slabs of granite and marble they viewed. Bob explained, "Unlike synthetic products, granite and marble are products of nature; therefore, each slab is created unique. This product cannot easily be duplicated with any synthetic like corian or silestone."
Bob also showed the group stone processing equipment, explaining, "We use the latest in technology, computer numerically controlled, for perfect measuring and cutting and a perfect polished edge. These machines are very expensive, but they save a lot of labor hours, without leaving imperfect, wavy edges, bad seams and a poor finish."
Bob explained the advantages of granite or marble countertops, including strength, durability and resistance to heat and scratching. "If someone should place a hot pan directly onto the surface, it shouldn't do any damage," said Bob. "However, I don't recommend making this a habit; granite is very durable and resistant under normal use."
The group was surprised that there was so much to be said about natural stone countertops. They learned about the wide variety available and how to properly care for and maintain the stone. One investor shook Bob's hand as he thanked him for the tour, "I'm sure I'll be back; I have a kitchen to remodel and I got some pretty good ideas here this afternoon."
Rock Tops Granite specializes in fabricating and installing granite and marble countertops. They have installed over 10,000 countertops in 2008 alone, and are expanding their business and plan to open several new locations in the US during the next year. Their use of modern technology combined with old world stone craftsmanship is what sets them apart from other granite and marble fabricating companies. Charlie encourages people to visit a showroom to see over 1,200 full slabs of granite and other products available and to learn more about the technology of cutting and polishing the stone to perfection. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to learn more and to locate a showroom in your area.
Jack Feasel, Field Measurer
11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300
Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Phone: 314-993-8300
Email: jackf@rocktopsgranite.com
Answers to commonly asked questions about granite, marble and other natural stone countertop material, will be posted to a new blog
St. Louis, MO - Bob Gasiorowski, owner of Rock Tops Granite, recently led one of the tours in the Maryland Heights showroom. They lead tours to inform the public about natural stone countertops, their durability and great looks. Bob showed the customers a wide variety of stone slabs in various colors and containing different grain patterns. Bob said, "Notice the uniqueness of each slab of granite, made by nature; no two will be exactly alike. If you choose a granite kitchen countertop, it is guaranteed that no one else will have one just like yours."
Bob also explained the process of cleaning and maintaining granite and natural stone countertops, "Natural stone countertops should be dusted regularly and washed with products that are specifically designed for your countertop. Never use multi-purpose household cleaners as they contain harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia, which can cause some damage to the surface over time." Bob also discussed sealing the surface because natural stone is by nature porous. Sealer should be applied at the time of fabrication and once a year after installation for maintenance.
In addition to providing valuable information during showroom tours, Rock Tops has also set up a blog where articles and tips will be posted regularly for the public to learn more. So, tour a showroom and visit Rock Tops Blog to learn all about natural stone countertops.
Contact:
Jack Feasel, Field Measurer
11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300
Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Phone: 314-993-8300
Email: jackf@rocktopsgranite.com
This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC
Rock Tops Granite artfully merges the latest technology with old world stone craftsmanship to create quality products adding beauty and elegance to any home or commercial building.
Rock Tops Granite's goal is to artfully merge the latest technology and old world stone craftsmanship in creating quality products, professionally installed. At Rock Tops, with over three million dollars of the most up to date computer controlled cutting equipment, we deliver an unmatched polished edge and a perfect cut and outline every time.
At Rock Tops Granite your satisfaction is set in stone.
Due to the escalating prices for artificial hard surfaces you can enjoy the natural beauty and durability of granite and other natural stone for almost the same price. At Rock Tops we have a huge selection of full slabs. Many of our customers have described the viewing of the stone in our showroom "like going to a fine art gallery."
So if you're ready for the most perfect countertops at the best possible price, or if you simply enjoy looking at beautiful things, stop by Rock Tops brand new showroom and manufacturing facility.
Bring Mother Nature's Art Gallery into your home.
No other granite and marble fabricator can beat the experience of Rock Tops. The owners of Rock Tops and its management team have over 100+ years of combined /specialized experience.
Owners
Charlie Thiede
Bob Gasiorowski
Management Team
Jeff Rogers - General Manager (Michigan Home Operations)
Gary Wiley - General Manager (Out-state Operations)
Scott Smith - Installation Manager
Don Ott - Master Fabricator/Installer
Sales Team
Sal Delacasa - Macomb, MI - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley - Wixom, MI - Sales Manager
Mike Eubanks - Saline, MI - Sales Manager
John Baird - Holly, MI - Sales Manager
John Caterina - Grand Rapids, MI - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley- Noblesville, IN - Sales Manager
Gary Wiley- Columbus, OH - Sales Manager
Computer Controlled Cutting Technology
At Rock Tops we have invested over one million dollars of the most up to date computer controlled cutting equipment. We deliver a superior polished edge, and a perfect cut and outline every time. The use of computer numerically controlled stone cutting and shaping equipment delivers unmatched accuracy, quality cuts and a superior polished edge - over and over again. Then our skilled stone craftsmen hone our products even further to deliver superior customer satisfaction.
This system also expedites the field measuring process, and it is especially attractive for remodels because the technology allows for detailed measurements to be taken, and accurate data to be collected, without having to remove the existing counter tops. Now you don't have to live without use of your kitchen while your replacement counter tops are being fabricated. It also helps to map uneven wall surfaces for an accurate fit and finish. Again, our skilled stone craftsmen finish the job to your complete satisfaction.
Natural stone, and granite in particular, provide organic beauty, indisputable strength and ultra durability. Granite is one of the oldest and most respected building materials. Traditionally, it is the ideal material chosen by architects and engineers when permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are paramount.
Granite can be used indoors and outdoors. Both eye-catching and ageless, Granite is available in a slew of striking colors, textures and finishes that will complement any dècor. Granite is the ultimate material for interior design on countertops and bath vanities, reception desks, conference tables, fireplaces, pedestals and bistro tables.
As an architectural stone, granite can be installed on stairs and copings, window sills and moldings, columns, interior and exterior cladding panels. Granite can hold up in the most demanding situations, such as commercial kitchens in restaurants and institutions. Its inherent strength makes it highly resistant to wear and tear on interior flooring applications.
When used outdoors, granite's mineralogical composition can endure freeze and thaw cycles. The diamond-like hardness of granite makes it impervious to extreme heat, ultraviolet light, acids, and abrasions. However, it is somewhat porous and requires a penetrating sealer to deter stains. Elite sells the stone care products for household use to carry out this annual maintenance procedure.
Product Variety
Our expertise allows us to offer a large variety of products - from kitchen island tops and corporate conference tables, to hotel counters and building exteriors.
Finishes
Granite surfaces may be finished in a number of ways. In general, smooth finishes tend to emphasize color and veining, whereas rough finishes tend to subdue the veining or markings. Typical finishes are:
Polished - A glossy surface that brings out the full color and character of the granite.
Honed - A satin smooth surface with little or no gloss.
Fine Rubbed - Smooth and free from scratches, no sheen.
Rubbed - Smooth, flat, non-reflective surface, with occasional light trails or scratches.
Sawn - A comparatively rough surface.
Thermal (flamed) - Rough surface produced by application of high temperature flame to the surface.
Other finishes such as shot ground, sand blasted, and bush hammered are available. Some stone finishes can affect strength and durability. Examples are bush-hammered and thermal finishes which initially reduce a stone's thickness and also make it more vulnerable to weakening from exposure to freeze and thaw cycles. The type of finish desired bears some relationship to final cost.
Natural Color Variations
Granite is a natural product, with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. The samples you see will not be the same when compared to the slabs you receive. A sample is a piece from the slab, and since granite is a product of nature they ought to differ.
Granites such as absolute black, black galaxy, and a few more are similar through out having no or very little variation. It is always wise to see the slab and not judge by the sample.
Click here for color samples.
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