Designing Tile Showers: Benefits of Stone over Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles

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Image of a stone tile design.

Add value and timeless beauty to your bathroom remodeling project. Design a bathroom shower with a natural stone tile shower.

The benefits of designing and installing a natural stone shower, when compared to porcelain or ceramic tile are overwhelming. Bathroom remodeling is becoming an extremely popular way to increase the value of a home, as well as to update the space so that it is more visually pleasing.

More and more homeowners are not only requesting updated bathrooms, but are also interested in designing a spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom. This luxury has become more affordable in recent years. Since the price of natural stone has recently become very competitive with a man-made ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone it is now accessible to many homeowners. In some cases, ceramic and porcelain tiles are even more expensive than real stone.

Popular stones like marble, granite, travertine, are said to account for nearly 40 percent of all current bathroom and kitchen remodels. This indicates that natural products are an affordable option for many homeowners. Many consumers are still under the impression that updating kitchens and bathrooms with marble, granite or travertine, is completely out of their price range. Since the cost of natural stone has gone down, it only makes sense to design and remodel with natural products.

Stone showers in the bath look timeless and travertine is a durable stone that will stand the test of time. Since it is so dense, it is extremely hard to crack, but this is not unheard of. Herein lies a huge benefit of a natural stone shower over a ceramic tile or fiberglass shower:If tiles made from marble, granite or travertine get damaged, it is much easier to repair than any glazed ceramic or porcelain tile. If a natural stone happens to get etched or cracked, it can be buffed and repaired with a somewhat painless process.

The look of the natural stone remains the same throughout the entire body of the stone, unlike porcelain or ceramic tiles made to represent a natural stone tile. This means that if a thin top layer is shaved off, the stone will look the same. With a man-made ceramic and porcelain tile, only the top coat or the glaze, is made to look like a natural stone. If the glaze of a tile gets damaged, it cannot be sanded or buffed, because once the top layer is removed, it is simply a white tile. Because of this, the entire tile has to be removed in a time consuming process so as to not damage the surrounding tiles. If the tiles around the damaged tile are cracked during the removal, the problem becomes a lot larger and a lot more costly. If a cultured marble shower gets a cracked or begins peeling, it is common for the whole thing to be replaced. With proper care and maintenance, a natural stone shower will only look better with time and will end up saving the homeowner money in the long run.

Learn the best way to clean and care for your marble, granite or travertine stone shower by visiting www.supremesurfacecleaner.com. Marble, granite and travertine showers are durable and beautiful. Use the best stone cleaner and keep your tile shower looking timeless.

 

Learn How To Clean Granite Countertops Properly

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The internet is filled hundreds of different methods of cleaning granite and natural stone countertops.  There are many opinions on subjects ranging from what the best granite cleaners are, to how often natural stone needs to be sealed.  Admittedly, there is a small grey area in regards to these topics, but there are also objective facts that can create a consumer’s guideline to maintaining natural stone.  Perhaps the most important factor in how to clean granite counters, is finding a cleaner that has the following characteristics: Learn “How To Clean Granite Countertops“.

For the complete article visit www.howtocleangranitecountertops.com

 

How Often Should Granite Be Sealed

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When searching how often granite should be sealed, keep in mind that there is a lot of misinformation and little consistency available on the internet. A good rule of thumb is that a standard over the counter penetrating sealer, will last upwards of 10-15 years. The lighter the granite the softer the stone and the darker the granite the denser the stone. So, not all granite colors are equal in durability before they are sealed, so they will vary. Even with that being said, over- sealing your granite countertops will actually dull the polished surface of your natural stone. When too much sealer is used, it cannot be absorbed by the stone, leaving it to sit on top and dry into a blurry residue. This could alarm the owner into thinking they are not properly cleaning granite countertops, which in turn prompts them to use more granite cleaner. If you are using a good granite countertop cleaner on properly sealed stone, you should only need one product to cleanse and condition your natural stone countertops. Save money where you can! Purchase one great natural stone cleaner that addresses all of your marble, granite, quartz, cleaning needs.

Warranty For Quartz Engineered Stone Countertops A Must Read

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As a consumer I’ve often purchased items and have never read the warranty. I want to also mention that Supreme Surface did not do the original installation of the quartz countertops. We believe that engineered stones are durable but not appropriate for every counter top application. I also believe that when considering granite or quartz counters you should always read the warranty. Here is a note that one of our customers sent to me.


I had Cambria (Engineered Stone or Quartz Countertops) installed about ten years ago and learned the hard way that I should of read the warranty. When I was at a home show in Indianapolis a countertop representative discussed how Cambria and other solid surface products were designed to be more durable than granite countertops. Well, they didn’t mention that it could also stain and would fade when in direct sunlight, nor was it resistant to the heat of a cookie sheet when taken out of the oven and placed onto the quartz countertop.. Yes, quartz countertops do stain and will fade when placed in front of my kitchen window! I give an “A” to the marketing departments of the quartz countertop industry, but a “C’ to the overall performance and aesthetic value.

I’ve since replace my quartz countertops with one of the most popular granite colors “Uba Tuba” in my kitchen and “Geriba” granite” for my bar. I’ve had them for about five years and haven’t had to do a thing as far as the maintenance. I took the Cambria out of my kitchen and recut to size by a local stone company and had even bigger issues. I say before you believe what your told just read the warranty that “ALL” the engineered stone and quartz countertop brands have. You’ll be surprised at what the warranty says and DOESN’T cover.

Thank you Cambria for telling me to read the warranty and NOT doing anything to to help. Thank you Supreme Surface for replacing my kitchen and explaining the differences between granite and engineered stones. I have now made a great choice!

Best Granite Cleaners For Daily Use

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The best granite cleaners won't harm your stone countertops.

The best granite cleaners will both clean and condition your stone counters

If your looking for the “Best Granite Cleaner”, Supreme Surface has been diligently working to formulate a revolutionary cleaning product for granite surfaces. As a company that works towards offering the best in high quality stone fabrication, installation and design,  we wanted to develop the best granite cleaner on the market for countertops. In order to be considered one of the top granite cleaners, we firstly decided that it must be:

  • Safe for use on granite, quartz, granite composite sinks and marble.
  • Condition natural stone leaving a smoother surface without leaving build-up or residue in a no rinse formula.
  • Will not dull or etch any natural stone.
  • Safe around children, pets, and food preparation areas.
  • No harsh or abrasive chemicals.
  • Streak free shine
  • non-toxic
  • biodegradable
  • 100% organic

Recently, we have been offering free 6 ounce samples of the cleaner for free to customers located in the USA. All you need to do is visit www.supremesurfacecleaner.com and click the free sample.  This revolutionary granite cleaner will be available for sale towards the end of March or April.

 

For more information on the Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner visit www.supremesurfacecleaner.com. Or visit their cleaning blog at http://www.supremesurfacecleaner.com/blog.

Granite Cleaner: Testimonial

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6oz bottle of granite cleaner by Supreme Surface

Visit www.supremesurfacecleaner.com and get a free sample of granite cleaner today!

Christine, a customer who recently experienced our new pH neutral granite cleaner and conditioner, was pleasantly surprised with the results, when compared to cleaning product she had previously been using for her granite countertops. Skeptical, she decided to try a side-by-side comparison in order to view the results simultaneously. To do this, she cleared the space and sprayed half with the cleaning product she was currently using, and half with Supreme Surface’s granite counter top cleaner. The first thing she noticed was an instant difference in shine and luster. Not only did the Supreme Surface side look much brighter, but when she ran her hands over both areas it felt noticeably smoother. Since she had the bias of knowing which side had what granite cleaner, she called her sister in to give an objective opinion. Her sister immediately chose the Supreme Surface side, noticing the distinct mirror-like reflection and cleanliness. They circled the island to judge the granite from different points of lighting, and from all angles, the Supreme Surface granite cleaner was outstanding. Order Supreme Surface Granite Countertop and Natural Stone Cleaner and Conditioner.

For more information on the Supreme Surface Granite Cleaner visit www.supremesurfacecleaner.com. Or visit their blog at http://www.supremesurfacecleaner.com/blog.

Granite Colors: Popular and Available In A Wide Range Of Colors

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Photo of a popular granite color used as an island in a kitchen.

This kitchen island is made from one of the most popular exotic granite colors called Geriba. Fabrication and installation was done by Supreme Surface, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana.

Poto of granite slabs

Photo taken of granite slabs at Supreme Surface, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana.

Popular granite colors such at Uba Tuba, New Venetian Gold and Opalescence, are among the best selling granite colors. These natural stones offer beautiful shades of black, cream, gold, yellow, brown and more. Many of the most popular colors of granite are available in tiles and slabs. Having the granite colors available in tiles and slabs allows the stones to be used on floors, walls, countertops or maybe even as a backsplash. Natural granite is available in a wide range of finishes such as polished, honed, flamed and leather finishes.  If your considering natural stone for kitchen countertops, you may want to be looking at slabs vs tiles. The average size of a granite slab is 113″ x 68″.  Depending on the layout and configuration of your countertops, you may or may not have to have a seam. The average kitchen is about 62 square feet and will have at least one seam in the granite.  Some people prefer slabs that are consistent in color with a low degree of variation and veining. Others are looking for granite colors that have a wide range colors within the slab and have lots of natural variation and veining. One thing’s for sure, granite colors can cover all ends of the spectrum. Each slab of granite has it’s own individual beauty and no two pieces are exactly the same. Your granite will be unique to itself and unlike any other piece of granite in your neighborhood. Take care of your natural stone countertops and they will continue to look new for the life of the stone.

 

For more information about popular granite colors visit www.supremesurface.com. For information and free sample of  the best granite cleaner visit www.supremesurfacecleaner.com.

Quartz And Granite: The Best Value

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Quartz and granite countertops offer the greatest value in your home over other countertop surfaces.

Maximize your investment with your next kitchen or bathroom remodel. Granite and quartz counter top surfaces offer the greatest return on investment.

Get the best value when remodeling your kitchen and bathroom. Natural stone showers, quartz and granite countertops, along with marble vanity tops, offer a unique value and higher yield on investment. See what industry experts are saying about using natural stones like marble and granite for showers, floors and counters, along with quartz countertops:

Natural stones such as marble, granite and even quartz countertops, are a key part of two of the top 10 elements of home design, that are resonating with today’s buyers: the desire for low-maintenance or no-maintenance materials like quartz or  the use of natural materials like granite, marble and travertine inside the home and outside the home too.

— Builder Magazine/National Association of Home Builders

Homeowners who remodel recover the following percentages of their remodeling costs at resale (note: upscale projects include stone):

Bathroom remodel-upscale: 92.6%
Bathroom addition-upscale: 84.3%
Kitchen remodel-upscale: 79.6%

— 2003 Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling Magazine

In a study of materials for kitchen countertops, granite had the highest number of “excellent” ratings of any surface.

— Consumer Reports

Shop Granite And Make Selections In Your Own Home

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Photo of a designer shopping for granite countertops

Shopping for granite countertops at home is easy and convenient.

Many homeowners now prefer selecting natural stone samples in the comfort, convenance and lighting of their own home. View large current samples of the most popular granite colors, complimented with beautiful tile backsplash ideas and combinations. Do all this in the comfort, convenience and lighting of your own home. The Supreme Surface “Shop At Home Service”, allows you to make a confident and informed decision without ever leaving your home.

Granite Remnants: The Biggest Bang For Your Buck

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Affordable granite remnants can offer the biggest bang for your buck. Over the last several years, granite remnants have become one of the most popular options for bathroom vanity tops and other small granite projects in your home.

When a granite slab is cut into a kitchen countertop, the left over pieces are considered granite remnants. These left over pieces of granite are not large enough to be used for the average kitchen countertop. However, it really depends on the size and lay-out of the kitchen counters. They are in fact an excellent choice for smaller projects like bathroom vanity tops, tables and more.

photo of a granite remnant fabricated into a bathroom vanity top.

Granite remnants are an excellent choice for smaller projects like bathroom vanity tops.

Discount granite remnants are available in the most popular standard and base level granite colors including black, brown, taupe, beige, tan, gold and many more, including exotic granites. Exotic stones offer some of the most interesting patterns. In some cases, a natural stone fabricator might have a selection of left over exotic granite pieces too. Although exotic granites are very popular, they tend to be more expensive. So finding an exotic stone as a remnant can be a real treasure.

Most granite remnants have a polished surface. Granite pieces with a polished surface offer the most depth and clarity. In fact, some marble and granite fabricators even offer honed and flamed surface finishes for an additional charge. Remnant pieces of granite  offer depth, clarity, durability and a great return on investment.

More information about discount granite remnants.

For more information and a free sample of the best granite cleaner,  visit www.supremesurfacecleaner.com