When you are ready to start shopping for new counter tops for your kitchen, you may have thought about marble and granite countertops. These are smart thoughts as marble and granite countertops are very popular in home renovation. If you are looking to create a high-end or classy kitchen, it may be time to get even a little more focus and close in on marble.
Class
The first thing that people think about when they see marble is great art. Consider how often this Italian stone has been used to create masterpieces by great sculptors. Now you will be using this same marble in tile form to create beautiful artworks to show off your kitchen's beauty. Marble also is a report to others that you are sophisticated and know what you want and what is best.
Durability
As you may expect, marble is stone and therefore is quite durable. That is one of the reasons many people choose stone countertops for their kitchens. From hot pans to water spills, there are plenty of hazards in the kitchen that this style of natural stone countertops can stand up to.
This is not to say you can abuse the marble in your home. On the contrary, you will have to care for it, because it is a porous stone; however, it will also clean better than many other surfaces as long as you follow the cleaning instructions.
With proper care your marble countertops can be serving your family for generations.
Shine
There is nothing more beautiful than taking a look at artfully cut and polished marble. This can be what people think when they catch sight of the marble countertops after your kitchen remodeling project. Marble tile can be nothing short of stunning when polished properly.
Variety
If you think all marble looks alike, you don't know marble. The great thing about marble natural stone countertops is that they are all different. This is because the natural stone formation. All stone is unique and marble is no exception.
Additionally, marble comes in a variety of colors, with light or heavy striping, which can allow you to handpick the masterpiece that will become your new kitchen countertops.
Though granite is more durable and less porous than marble, everyone has different tastes; marble is a good choice for countertops, certainly better than a synthetic material or laminate.
This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, specializing in creating and installing custom granite and marble countertops. Rock Tops Granite recently celebrated the grand opening of a new store in Maryland Heights, Missouri, in St. Louis County. They service Kirkwood, Wildwood, Eureka and neighboring cities and communities. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more about granite kitchen countertops
If you are ready to make a change to the look of your kitchen, you may be considering changing out the countertops. Replacing your kitchen countertops is one of the quickest ways to change the overall appearance of your kitchen, as the color and design of your countertops are what bring all eyes into this space.
When considering the material to use for your countertops, granite should be considered a top choice. Here are three reasons why:
Beauty
If you have ever looked at real granite countertops, you can't question the beauty of these naturally made pieces. While you may initially think that stone is not very attractive, in this case you're wrong. All of the detail that Mother Nature has created in these pieces combined with the skill of a granite stonemason to cut that stone, exposing beautiful grains, creates nothing short of a masterpiece that can be displayed in your kitchen for decades to come.
Originality
The next benefit of choosing granite countertops for your home is that granite counter tops are unique. Since they are natural stone countertops, they are not a part of any sort of repeating pattern. The formation of the granite that will go into your countertops is different in every piece. There are a number of granite colors and grains to choose from.
If you want something extra special, you can choose granite tiles from other regions, as stone forms differently in every location. From Indian stone to Italian stone and Brazilian stone, there are plenty of different looks that can come from the same stone. If you prefer something closer to home, you can even find Michigan granite offerings so you have a touch of home in your kitchen.
Strength
The final benefit of granite that you will appreciate is its durability. As you may guess, granite tile is stone. Therefore, it is literally has hard as rock. This doesn't mean you can be intentionally abusive, but these rock tops will take a lot of use and wear and still come out shining like new.
When it comes down to it, you get what you pay for; choosing granite countertops is the best choice for beautiful, unique and long lasting kitchen of your dreams.
This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, specializing in creating and installing custom granite and marble countertops. This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, specializing in creating and installing custom granite and marble countertops. Rock Tops Granite recently celebrated the grand opening of a new store in Maryland Heights, Missouri, in St. Louis County. They service Ferguson, Overland, Ballwin and neighboring cities and communities. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more about granite kitchen countertops
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If you are in the market for granite countertops for your home, you may have noticed they can be quite costly. In many cases, the bulk of the cost of a kitchen remodeling job is the granite countertops. This has many people looking for a way to save a few dollars on the granite counter tops they want as well as the work to install them. In many cases, this can be done, but you also need to be careful that you are not the victim of a rip off. Here are some things to look for in a stone countertop company.
Look at a Portfolio
Make sure the company you are considering can do the work they say they can. Ask for pictures and references of jobs they have completed in the past. Make sure those references are real. Give them a call. See what they thought about the job that was done as well as the service.
Check their License and Insurance
Before bringing a company into your home to do a kitchen remodeling job, make sure they have the proper paperwork. You need to make sure they are both licensed to do this job and insured. If something goes wrong during the job, you need to know you are protected and will not be out all of the money you have saved up to have the job done.
Good Supplies
One common rip off that is used on unsuspecting kitchen remodeling clients is to use less than quality materials for the job. This is usually more of a problem with unlicensed workers as they will promise you one material and then pull a bait and switch rip-off where they take your money and bring you less than equal materials, or no materials at all.
Another one of the rip offs that is similar to this one is a case where the person selling you the granite sells you remnant pieces. While you may not think this is a problem up front, if they are not from the same lot, they may not match up well and you could end up with countertops in different colors that don't match.
The key to avoiding rip offs in home remodeling is to do your homework. Know what you want done, what materials are supposed to be used and how the process should work. Also do your research on the companies that are out there and then choose the one that is best suited to your needs.
This article was written by Charlie Thiede, owner of Rock Tops Granite, specializing in creating and installing custom granite and marble countertops. Rock Tops Granite recently celebrated the grand opening of a new store in Maryland Heights, Missouri, in St. Louis County. They service Florissant, St. Ann, Chesterfield, Fenton and neighboring cities and communities. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to locate a showroom and learn more about granite kitchen countertops.
Let Rock Tops Bring Mother Nature's Art Gallery into your home
Rock Tops Granite's Goal is to artfully merge the latest technology and old world stone craftsmanship to create elegant countertops and professionally install them in your home.
Rock Tops expertise allows us to offer a large variety of products including:
Rock Tops has over $3 Million dollars of the most up to date computer controlled cutting equipment to deliver an unmatched, polished edge and a perfect cut and outline every time.
At Rock Tops Granite, Your Satisfaction is Set in Stone
Visit one of Rock Tops beautiful showrooms to view over 400 unique slabs of natural stone granite; this is a completely natural product; no two slabs are alike.
Rock Tops will customize your one-of-a-kind countertop - no one else will have one exactly like yours. Rock Tops Granite's product has natural color variations which are the source of the granite's natural beauty.
Rock Tops offers a Variety of Finish Techniques:
Visit Rock Tops Granite showrooms and take a tour of our gallery of natural stone. Many customers have described Rock Tops Granite like bringing Mother Nature's art Gallery into your home. Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to learn more.
Visit us to learn more:
Rock Tops Granite
11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300
Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Toll Free: 877-762-5867
Website: http://www.rocktopsgranite.com
Email: Info@rocktopsgranite.com
Service area: St. Louis County, Maryland Heights, Florissant, Ferguson, St. Ann, Overland, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Wildwood, Fenton, Eureka and neighboring cities and communities.
Rock Tops Natural stone and granite provide organic beauty, indisputable strength and ultra durability. Granite is one of the oldest and most respected building materials, and the ideal material chosen by architects and engineers when permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are paramount.
Rock Tops Granite is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. 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.
Rock Tops expertise allows us to offer a large variety of products including:
Rock Tops Granite Natural Color Variations:
Rock Tops Granite is a natural product with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity and pattern. These variations are expected and are the source of Rock Tops Granite's natural beauty. The samples you see will not be the same when compared to the slabs you receive. We recommend you visit our showroom to view and choose a slab for your countertop. Rock Tops has a huge selection of full slabs.
Visit one of our Rock Tops Granite showrooms and take a tour of our gallery of natural stone. Many customers have described Rock Tops Granite showrooms "like going to a fine art gallery."
Visit http://www.rocktopsgranite.com to learn how to bring Mother Nature's Art Gallery into your home.
Visit us to learn more:
Rock Tops Granite
11550 Page Service Dr; Ste 300
Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Toll Free: 877-762-5867
Email: Info@rocktopsgranite.com
Service area: St. Louis County, Maryland Heights, Florissant, Ferguson, St. Ann, Overland, Chesterfield, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Wildwood, Fenton, Eureka and neighboring cities and communities.
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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