If you have ever been interested in countertops, you must have already heard about Cambria® stone. It is one of the most popular quartz stone brands on the market. Even if you are not planning to get a quartz countertop at all, this beautiful countertop stone could sway you to quartz stones.

But what makes Cambria in quartz stones so special? Why are they so popular? In this blog post, you will find decent answers to these and many other fundamental questions about Cambria stones.

What is Cambria Stone?

Cambria is a luxurious quartz stone brand. Though quartz stones are already luxurious and generally expensive, Cambria is even a higher-end brand with regard to its beautiful look and incredibly durable composition. The use of Cambria quartz is not limited to countertops. You can see it on many other surfaces like floor tiles, backsplashes, vanity tops…etc.

What is Cambria Stone Made Of?

Cambria stones consist of natural, pure quartz with the addition of binders and pigments. Quartz is a very hard natural material, and it is a very common mineral on the Earth. Therefore, some patterns and colors on the quartz surfaces can look naturally like granite or marble stone. Such visual effects are possible with quartz during the manufacturing process. So, you can see various natural or abstract patterns and color schemes on Cambria quartz surfaces.

Is Cambria a Natural Stone?

Actually, it is an engineered stone. About 90% of Cambria quartz stone is composed of natural quartz. In order to bind quartz minerals together, they use special binders. Also, in order to give the stone different colors and patterns, they make use of various pigments during the manufacturing steps. 

High-quality additives and natural quartz minerals are combined in the Cambria processing facility, and the product at the end of the procedure is a very hard, durable, nonporous, non-absorbent, and strong stone.

Where is Cambria Stone Used?

A wide range of use areas is another factor leading Cambria to be one of the most demanded products on the market. Although it is highly popular as a countertop option, you can see Cambria quartz as bathroom surrounds, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, wet bar areas, or even windowsills. To make a long story short, wherever you need a durable, aesthetic, and nonporous surface, you can see Cambria.

Why Should You Choose Cambria Stone?

When it comes to stone surfaces, apparently there are numerous alternatives. Many people choose quartz among various alternatives, and among different quartz brands, they choose Cambria quartz. But why? The thing is there are certain advantages of Cambria quartz over other surface stone alternatives.

Beauty

Cambria quartz is available in 200+ design alternatives. You can find unique Cambria stone colors and patterns among a wide range of models as well as the classical designs looking like natural granite or marble stones. Since it is an engineered stone, you can be sure you will find the “beauty” among Cambria models.

Strong

Another advantage of being an engineered stone is that quartz stones are harder than even granite or marble. Cambria quartz is one of the best examples of it. The hardness of these stones will remind you of that of a diamond.

Non-Absorbent

Cambria surfaces are NSF 51 certified, which means they don’t do harm to the food it contacts. In addition, its nonabsorbent surface doesn’t allow bacteria to settle on your countertops or backsplashes. The nonporous and nonabsorbent structure of Cambria quartz will keep you and your loved ones safe.

Maintenance Free

Unlike granite or marble stones, you don’t have to seal or polish the quartz stones due to their nonporous surfaces. It also brings along the advantage of easy cleaning. You can simply clean the Cambria surface with a little bit of warm water.

Stain Resistant

As mentioned above, a Cambria countertop is nonporous and nonabsorbent, which means no stain can leak beneath the stone surface. Thus, if you spill coffee, tea, or any other liquid, the stain will stay on the surface rather than penetrate into the stone.

Guaranteed

Cambria offers you a lifetime warranty against any defect or damage. You can easily submit a claim by calling them. Though it is rare to see any defect or damage, it feels much better to enjoy your quartz stone with confidence anyway.

How Much Does Cambria Stone Cost?

Many homeowners prefer Cambria because of its high quality and lifetime warranty. Therefore, Cambria stone price usually becomes of secondary importance for the home owners. However, you can take $60 -$130 per square foot to have an idea of the price. Of course, the price range is big since the color, pattern, and thickness can have a factor in pricing.  

Cambria Stone Showrooms in Virginia

Whether Cambria stone is a good choice for you would be clearer if you went to see and touch it. If you are located in Virginia and interested in visiting a Cambria stone showroom in Virginia, we have a bunch of alternatives for you.

Landmark Surfaces is one of the best stores where you can take a closer look at different Cambria stone samples. You can find Landmark showrooms in Chantilly, Alexandria, and Fredericksburg. 

When you visit one of the showrooms, you can also see granite countertops and marble countertops in addition to Cambria quartz stones. Therefore, it would be a good opportunity for you to compare different stone options at once.

Bottom Line

As one of the most demanded products on the market, Cambria stone countertops are really beautiful and functional. In addition, they come in hundreds of different colors and patterns, which can make your stone unique easily. So, you can make sure you will not see the same stone in your friends’ homes.Due to their engineered properties, they offer homeowners outstanding hardness, aesthetic beauty, and incredible durability. Buying a Cambria stone could be one of the best investments you can make in your house. You can find Cambria stones in many showrooms in your town.

Blue quartz countertops are getting more popular among those who want to go bolder in their kitchen or bathroom. So, you can see blue quartz as bathroom vanity tops, kitchen countertops, and some other surfaces more frequently these days.

Why is blue quartz so popular? What makes them so special and popular? How does blue quartz form? In this blog post, you will find clear answers to these questions and much more about blue quartz.

What Is Blue Quartz?

Blue quartz is a rare natural crystal used for different purposes such as interior surfaces or physical and mental well-being.

What Are The Uses Of Blue Quartz?

As mentioned above, blue quartz has different uses, although it has rare distribution on the Earth. Therefore, it is a very precious crystal. Here are some uses of this glamorous gem.

Jewelry

Blue quartz is unique with its amazing hue that can impress everyone. When you wear an earring or bracelet with blue quartz, it shines perfectly and reminds you and the people around the summer. Sunny blue sea and sky on a calm day are what come to your mind naturally. Moreover, blue quartz pieces can be mixed with some other minerals, and be part of a breathtaking accessory. A wide range of accessories can be designed using a piece of lovely blue quartz.

Healing

Blue quartz rocks have been used for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for a long time. Putting the quartz directly on the muscles can help you relieve the pain in addition to reducing the tension around the neck, shoulder, and jaw area. Blue quartz is also effective in regulating hormones and easing the menstrual period. 

Blue quartz also has some emotional and spiritual effects on people. Due to its calming effect, keeping a piece of blue quartz during times of anxiety, communication problems in the family, and any time you need concentration and peace. In holistic therapies, it is advised to use these lovely blue quartz crystals to soften the energies circulating in the environment.

Indoor Surfaces

Another wide use of blue quartz is in the construction industry. Homeowners want to have stylish, durable, and affordable surfaces in their homes, especially kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops. Blue quartz is a perfect choice for many homeowners with the amazing hues and easy maintenance it offers.

However, since quartz countertops are manufactured by adding additive resin and minerals, we cannot say that blue quartz countertops are purely natural. You should also bear in mind that additive doesn’t necessarily mean quartz countertops are of low quality. In fact, it is just the opposite. Thanks to the addition of special pigments and resins, quartz countertops become incredibly durable and extremely hard.

How Does Blue Quartz Form?

Blue quartz is formed no differently than any other quartz technically. In short, it is the end form of the hydrothermal process involving SiO₂ under pressure and high temperature. But what about natural blue quartz? How can they look blue?

Blue quartz might look blue due to the mineral inclusion in them. Tiny blue inclusion creates the Rayleigh effect, and it makes us think that the whole stone is blue. Also, minerals, natural or added, can play a role in making the quartz look blue. Especially, tourmaline and fibrous magnesioriebeckite or crocidolite are typical minerals found in blue quartz.

Where Does Blue Quartz Come From?

Though quartz is a common mineral that you can find in many parts of the world, blue quartz rock crystals are much rarer. There is blue quartz in Brazil and Spain. Some are darker blue, while others are light and translucent.

Blue Quartz Countertops

Blue quartz countertops are one of the most popular surface options that you can consider using for your kitchen and bathroom. Crushed quartz is mixed with blue pigments and binder to make a perfect countertop slab.

Since fully natural blue stones are so rare in nature, blue quartz is the most feasible alternative for those in love with blue tones. Depending on the shades and patterns on blue quartz countertops, colors express various feelings and statements.

Creating a coastal decor in the kitchen or bathroom, for example, is pretty easy, thanks to blue quartz countertops. If your dream is to get the most elegant ambiance, darker shades of blue will make your place look incredibly awesome. There are many color alternatives to blue quartz countertops. They are easy to access, unlike entirely natural stones like marble or granite. Moreover, the cost of blue quartz countertops is usually lower than other natural blue stones.

Bottom Line

Blue quartz is a pretty functional stone granted by nature. It helps us with a wide range of aspects of our lives. Also, blue quartz is used for jewelry, well-being, and interior design. A blue quartz countertop is a pretty smart choice for homeowners as a stylish interior design element. Besides being more accessible, blue quartz countertops come in various tones and patterns at relatively affordable prices.

Quartz is one of the most durable and aesthetic materials for house interior design. You can see quartz kitchen countertops or quartz bathroom vanity tops in many houses today. You are already familiar with the common use of quartz, but have you ever wondered, “where does quartz come from for your countertops?”

In this post, you will find answers to some important questions about quartz and quartz countertops. If you are planning to have a kitchen remodeling or other interior design upgrade, you should read through this article.

Key Questions About Quartz

With their eye-catching colors and patterns, quartz countertops have always been in demand among homeowners. They offer wide selections of color, pattern, style, and size. In addition, it is usually easy to access regardless of the time of the year.

Here are some valuable Q&As about quartz.

What’s Quartz?

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. It is composed of one silicon and two oxygen atoms. Additionally, quartz minerals are sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Also, it is highly resistant to chemical and mechanical weathering. Due to its high durability and hardness, it is used in different fields of industry.

How Is Quartz Formed?

If you have ever asked, “how is quartz made?”, we can say that it is not made but given. Quartz is silicon dioxide in crystallized form. This silicon dioxide (SiO2) is highly abundant in the Earth’s crust. There are two chiral forms of quartz, α-quartz and β-quartz. α-quartz can transform into β-quartz at 573 °C. Some varieties of quartz are among the popular gemstones. They are used to make jewelry or do some carving work.

If you ask about the quartz countertop manufacturing process, then it is a different story.

Where Do Quartz Countertops Come From?

Although quartz slabs are not purely natural stones, manufacturing quartz countertops is not very complicated, indeed. Firstly, pure quartz is mined in quarries around the world. Then high quality pure white pieces are selected. Those selected quartz pieces are ground into smaller sizes. Next, very small quartz pieces are mixed with additives, including the resin. 

Typically, the additive ratio is less than 10% of the total mixture. Then, the mixture is vibrated and vacuumed so that the air between the pieces goes away. When there is no air in the mixture, the quartz blended with additives is pressed, considering the slab size desired for the countertop production. Finally, the pressed slabs are heated at very high degrees. Hence, quartz slabs become very hard and non-porous. They get even harder than granite countertops.

The slabs are shipped to dealers or stores worldwide. The quartz industry is among the major branches of the construction market. There are millions of people making their living out of this sector. When we look at the global picture of the quartz industry, we see that China, Turkey, and India are the biggest quartz exporters, according to OEC data of 2019.

Where Does Quartz Come From In The U.S?

The U.S is rich in quartz crystals, and there is some good quartz manufacturing in Arkansas, New York, Colorado, North Carolina…etc. For example, Cambria, one of the best quartz brands globally, is manufactured in Minnesota. Of course, there are other American brands, too. However, the U.S is still the biggest quartz importing country.

Why Are Quartz Surfaces Popular?

Quartz surfaces have gained immense popularity due to the exceptional benefits they offer. Getting a quartz surface, you can be sure that it is resistant to mildew, stains, and, most importantly, bacteria. This means a lot to those people who are concerned about the cleaning and maintenance.

Also, unlike other natural stones, there are more color and pattern options in quartz countertops. That makes it easier for you to find a surface matching your existing house design. Even custom-made surfaces are possible in quartz.

What Colors Does Quartz Come In?

Under normal conditions, quartz is found colorless or white. However, it is very common to find various colors of quartz crystals in different parts of the world due to chemical impurities. Depending on the chemical characteristics of the quartz, you can see aventurine, tiger’s eye, or citrine types of quartz. They show a great deal of variety in color. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons why people prefer quartz surfaces over other natural alternatives like marble or granite.

Where Does Cambria Quartz Come From?

Cambria is a popular quartz brand. There are many quartz countertop manufacturers around, but Cambria is a truly American manufacturer. The factory is located in Le Sueur, Minnesota, and they have some other facilities in the U.S and Canada. They offer high-quality with a lifetime warranty and exceptional service and support. In this family-owned company, they produce quartz surfaces that are incredibly durable and nonabsorbent.

Bottom Line

Quartz is an amazing detail under the Earth’s surface. Thanks to its wide range of use, quartz is an unusual gem. Furthermıre, quartz countertops are one of the best examples of blending nature and engineering. Looking at a well-manufactured quartz countertop, you can witness the perfect combination of nature and humans.

You can see granite countertops everywhere. But have you ever thought, “where does granite come from?” 

Nature is full of wonders, and granite is one of the most amazing things that nature offers us.  In this post, you will learn where granite comes from and how it comes to your home. Also, the formation and various uses of granite might surprise you. Read on!

How is Granite Formed?

Granite is composed of organic minerals such as quartz, feldspar…etc. Of course, they were not solid stones touching each other many years ago but were lava under the Earth’s surface. So the minerals have crystallized slowly and become hard –but very hard- stones in various colors. 

Color is another astounding detail about granite. The minerals give the granite stones mesmerizing colors. While red, pink, grey, and white are more usual, there are some rare colors like blue, green, gold, or black. 

Does Granite Come In White?

Not necessarily. Although there are many tones of white granite, granite comes in various natural colors including, black, brown, white, blue…etc. Actually, finding pure white granite is almost impossible, but there are white granites with black, gray, or brown shades on a white surface. You can find white ice granite, moon white granite, or white ice granite of this kind.

Where Does Granite Come From?

As explained above, granite was melted rock or magma once upon a time. Today, people can mine granite in different parts of the world after millions of years, along with upheavals like tectonic movements and earthquakes. 

Brazil, China, Italy, and India are some of the countries where granite quarries are located.  Therefore, the granite countertop you buy for your home must be coming from one of these countries. Since each country has different geographical features, the color and some other characteristics of granites vary across the quarries in those countries. 

For example, blue-colored granites that are mined in Brazil are the most expensive ones. There are also white and black granites in nature. While the white ones are more expensive, black granites are relatively affordable. In fact, their availability in the quarries and demand at certain times of the year can factor in the prices of different granites.

Where Does Granite Come From In The United States?

The granite doesn’t always come from other countries. In the U.S, there are big quarries in some states like Texas, Massachusetts, Indiana, Georgia, and Wisconsin. If you ask, “where does black granite come from?” then the answer will be mostly other countries like India, Angola, or Scandinavia.

How Does Granite Come To Your Home?

Now that we have answered the question “where do granite countertops come from” we can talk about the journey of the granite slabs until they come to your house. 

Mining the granite is just the beginning. They have a long journey before being one of the most beautiful pieces of art in your house. 

First, a large block of granite is cut out of the quarry, and it is controlled to make sure there are no major fissures, cracks, or similar imperfections. If the stone is thoroughly solid and flawless, it is cut into slabs on gang saws. The period of cutting is generally slow since granite is a very hard material. 

Once the bulk of stone is completely slabbed, the slabs are coated with resin fills and then put into big industrial ovens. Hence, the minor fissures or imperfections on the surface can be filled properly. Then, the slabs are polished.

After polishing, the slabs are shipped to distributors in different places. Most granite stores buy their stones from one of those distributors. They usually prefer the one closer to their location so that they pay less for shipping. 

The distributors or stores check the quality and perfection of the slabs and do some polishing to make them look shinier. They cut samples and/or take photos of the slabs in different colors and patterns to show to the customers. 

When you go to the store, they show you the granite countertop colors and patterns that you can use in your kitchen or bathroom. The team goes to your place, and they measure the room and the area where you need the granite. 

According to your needs and expectations, they work on the project to get your confirmation. Then, using the CNC router, they cut down the big slabs into smaller sizes, and desired finishing is applied according to the project. Now your granite is ready to install.

What Is Granite Used For?

Granite is a natural construction, decoration, and architectural material. Though granite is widely used as kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops, there are some other uses of it. For example, some monuments are made of granite. Also, you can see granite at luxurious places as paving stones or building veneers.

Bottom Line

Granite is one of the most stunning gifts of nature. It takes a long way for a granite countertop to reach your home. The journey is long, but it is absolutely worth it.

Marble serves to the human as one of the most common decorations and structural materials for ages. But have you ever thought, “where does marble come from?” 

Homeowners all around the world prefer marble countertops for their elegance and easy access. Marble brightens up the dim bathrooms, adds a sophisticated look to the ordinary kitchens, and upgrades many other places with its strong nature and aesthetic beauty.

Some Practical Questions About Marble

You might be wondering about the marble when it is still under the Earth’s surface or its journey to our houses. In this post, you will learn about marble, including how it comes to our homes. As you read through the article, you will understand how marble can survive the test of time. Enjoy!

What is Marble?

Being a metamorphic rock, marble is a very common natural stone that has been in use for ages. Though many people are familiar with this stone from the marble countertops in their houses, marble has been the essential material for constructions, graves, decoration, sculpture, and various decorative works. Additionally, marbles can vary in colors and patterns like white, gray, cream, black…etc.

How is Marble Formed?

Marble is a natural stone that comes into being through a metamorphosis under the Earth’s surface. The extreme heat and pressure cause the carbon minerals in the rock to recrystallize. This crystallization also affects the minerals in the rock and fossilized minerals in the limestone, and they turn into calcite. As the heat increases towards the hot igneous rock, the amount of interlocking crystal mosaics of carbonate increases and makes bigger marble stones.

In different parts of the Earth, there are convergent plate margins that supply the marble to the world. The marble reserves are usually hundreds of meters thick, and they range under huge geographical regions.

Where Does Marble Come From?

Marble can be found in different parts of the world. However, some countries have ample amounts of quarries, and they have bigger fame in the marble industry.  For example, Turkey, Italy, Spain, China, and India supply half of the world’s marble. Some other countries export marble to the world, such as the United States, Greece, Belgium…etc.

Where Does Marble Come From In The United States?

There are marble quarries in different parts of the U.S., like Vermont, Texas, and Georgia. Especially, the one in Vermont is the biggest quarry in the U.S.

According to stonenews.eu, the U.S. imports a great deal of marble from Turkey, China, Mexico and Italy to supply the demand in the country.

Why are Marble Surfaces Popular?

Marble surfaces are highly popular all around the world. You can see marble in various places ranging from ancient Greece to the Washington Monument in the U.S. It is also one of the most popular countertop materials indoors. The same material has been used for ages, and they are still standing soundly, so we can understand that durability is the key here.

When it comes to countertop and other indoor uses of marble, easy maintenance, elegant look, and easy access are some of the factors that make marble surfaces so popular.

What Colors Does Marble Come In

Composed of limestone, the marble should be a light-colored stone-like white or cream. However, some minerals that the majority of the marble rocks involve add second or third colors or patterns to the marble. Therefore, we can see black, yellow, gray, or pink colors in marbles due to the clay minerals or iron oxides.

How Durable is Marble?

Marble is a highly durable material. You can use it for a lifetime. Once it is installed properly, you can be sure that your countertop is heat resistant, easy to clean, and incredibly beautiful. If you are concerned about the scratches, you should seal them frequently since the marble surface is less resistant to scratches or cracks compared to other natural stones like granite or quartzite.

Where Does Calacatta Marble Come From?

Although marble is classy and beautiful in all sorts, some marble types are quite more valuable than others. Calacatta marble is one of a kind marble with exceptionally intricate veins. The background is so white, and the veins are much more clear than other marble stones.

Calacatta marble is quarried in the Carrara region in Italy. Since the supply is very limited due to the more challenging quarrying conditions, it is rare, and the price of a Calacatta marble is higher than others.

Bottom Line

Marble is one of the most functional materials that human beings hold. It is part of our history, our present, and most probably our future. We know many things about it, yet there are still things to know about this amazing natural stone.

Strengthened with resins, pigments, and polymers, quartz countertops are super strong and have excellent durability. Moreover, unlike other natural stones, they offer more color and design options. Therefore, quartz countertops are very popular among those seeking robustness and aesthetics at the same time.

Actually, for some people, quartz countertops mean more than the advantages stated above. The easy maintenance that quartz countertops offer is of great importance for many homeowners. However, not many homeowners know how to clean quartz countertops properly.

In this guide, you will learn about how to clean quartz countertops. Under this frame, you will also learn some caring quartz countertops hacks, which will help you a lot with the quartz countertops in your kitchen or bathroom.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops Daily?

“How to clean quartz countertops daily” doesn’t mean that you should clean them every day. Of course, it depends on your frequency of use and how well you care for your countertops. For example, after a great dinner, there may be spills or leaks of drinks or sauces, or your tooth brushing can end up with a mess on the bathroom countertop. In these or similar cases, it is important for you to take care of the spills or stains as soon as possible.

Steps of Cleaning Quartz Countertops

Although quartz is resistant against stains of many liquids, acidic or alcoholic contents can still be risky if you let them dry on the surface. So, you should immediately clean wine, vinegar, soda, lemon, and other juices before they get dried. Try wiping the surface with a soft wet cloth first. If it doesn’t help, use a little bit of dishwashing detergent and gently rub the surface.

If the spill or stain has already dried, a nonabrasive sponge can help you to scrape off the stain. Make sure that the sponge is a soft one like the ones for nonstick pans. If the stain goes away, it is fine. However, some stains might be tough as they have stayed on the surface for a long time. It may be hard to deal with them, but we can still advise you of the following steps:

Step-1 Scraping Off

If there is a hard dried stain on your quartz countertop, the first thing you should do is to scrape off the stain peel on the surface. It will ease your job for the following steps. However, this scrapping should be executed gently; otherwise, you might scratch your countertop. 

In order to do it gently without damaging the countertop surface, you need an adhesive remover. You can apply the cleaner to the stain and wait for a few minutes. Then you can wipe the surface with some warm water and a soft cloth.

Step-2 Cleaning The Leftover

Once you get rid of the hard layer on the stain, the next thing is to clean the leftover on the surface. To this end, you can use isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a rag to rub the surface. This will make your surface clean and shiny again, but you should remember that the alcohol on the surface can damage your quartz countertop, so you should rinse the surface with some warm water after all.

Step-3 Deep Cleaning

Step-1 and step-2 are normally enough for you to bring your quartz countertop to its former state. However, if this sort of stain happens to your countertop frequently, you might want to do a deep cleaning when possible. To this intent, you can use special quartz cleaners or glass cleaners. Let the cleaner sit on the surface for a few minutes, and then wipe it with a soft wet cloth. That’s it!

By the way, some companies don’t advise using glass cleaners as an alternative to special quartz cleaners, while some others do. You can ask your countertop company for the best way to clean quartz countertops in your house.

Dos of Cleaning Quartz Countertops 

Now you have learned how to clean your quartz countertops. Let’s take a look at some dos and don’ts about quartz countertop maintenance.

Clean Up Immediately

As you have read above, instant stains are not an issue once you go for instant care. Cleaning up a spill or any stain may seem difficult considering the busy lifestyles of today, but if you clean up immediately, you will save more time for the future since the stains need more effort to be wiped away when they get dried on the surface.

Clean Regularly

In addition to immediate cleaning, you should also clean your quartz countertop on a regular basis, like weekly or monthly, to ensure a clean and bright surface for a longer time. This will remove the visible and invisible mess on your countertop surface.

Use A Cutting Board

Quartz is a hard material, and scratching it is not easy. However, slicing or chopping on the surface will still create tiny scratches, which will provide enough space for bacteria to settle. Also, your knives will get dull as you do your slicing or chopping on the countertop surface directly.

Don’ts of Cleaning Quartz Countertops

There are some things that you should avoid if you want to use your quartz countertops for long years.

Don’t Use Abrasive Brushes/Pads

We understand you want your countertop cleaner and cleaner, but doing it harshly will do more harm than good. It will scratch the surface, and then bacteria will be able to sit there and survive there more easily. Also, abrasive brushes or pads can take brightness away from your countertop in the long term.

Don’t Put Hot Items On The Stone Directly

Actually, quartz countertops are highly resistant to heat. However, if the heat is so much, it might damage the resin or polymers within your countertop. This might end up with discoloration on the countertop surface. Unfortunately, it is not something that you can fix later. Therefore, always use pads or trivets before putting something hot on the countertop.

Don’t Use Metals To Scrape The Hard Stains

As mentioned above, adhesive cleaners will help you to get rid of the hard dried stains on the surface. Rubbing gently with soft materials might be needed at times, but metal knives or other hard objects will do great damage to your stone.

Best Cleaner For Quartz Countertops 

Finally, it would be good to know some of the best cleaners for your quartz countertops. So here is a shortlist of some good products to clean quartz countertops. 

TriNova Granite Cleaner

TriNova Granite Cleaner is an effective cleaning product with no residue left behind. Though the name of the product suggests it is for granite countertops, you can use it for your quartz countertops as well. The product is easy to use, and the scent is lovely.

Black Diamond Sealer

Black Diamond Sealer is particularly remarkable with its safe content and money-back guarantee. The cleaning effect lasts longer, and your countertop gets brighter. In addition, it is one of the most cost-effective products you can find on the market.

Granite Gold All

Granite Gold All is a versatile product that you can use on various surfaces as well as quartz countertops. If you have different surfaces like marble countertops in your kitchen, bathroom vanity tops, or any other part of your house, this one-size-fits-all product is the best choice for you.

Bottom Line

Cleaning quartz countertops are perfect products if you are concerned about the cleaning. However, you should still follow some cleaning routines. You should follow the above mentioned steps for immediate spills or stains. You should also remember there are critical dos and don’ts in quartz countertop cleaning. Finally, you have been introduced to three popular quartz cleaners and you can easily find them at Amazon or Walmart.

The people who love granite countertops care a lot about functionality, appearance, and maintenance. These are the primary reasons that granite is so popular among homeowners all around the world. 

Among many advantages of granite countertops, easy maintenance is really important for the busy modern lifestyle of the age. However, though “easy maintenance” is a big clear plus, it doesn’t mean “no maintenance” either. 

There is an advised granite countertop care routine on a daily to yearly basis. Also, there are some dos and don’ts that you should know if you have a granite countertop. Following these simple routines, you will not need any countertop restoration for a long time.

In this guide, you will read about the maintenance routine and some valuable advice about granite countertops care procedures.

Maintenance of Granite Countertops 

Granite countertops need care on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. Caring for granite might sound overwhelming at first, but it is just what you need if you want to see your granite countertops shine bright like a diamond after long years of use. 

Daily Maintenance Routine of Granite Countertops Care

There are special granite spray cleaners on the market. The sprays can provide you with a gentle and effective cleaning for daily use. However, you can also give good daily maintenance to your granite countertop with a little bit of hot water and a soft sponge against spills or crumbs. 

Weekly Maintenance Routine of Granite Countertops Care

The idea of a weekly granite cleaning is to get rid of bacteria, dust, and debris that could manage to stay there on your countertop, and more possibly, in the corners and edges. So, first of all, you should remove all the clutter on your countertop. Then you apply granite cleaner on the surface of the countertop thoroughly.

Monthly Maintenance Routine of Granite Countertops Care

As for monthly care of granite countertops, the idea is to maintain the shiny look on the stone. Granite polishing products can help you keep the bright look of your countertop for a longer time. Additionally, you should also examine your countertop closely so that you can notice the cracks or chips if there are any. If you see any problem, you should focus on that rather than polishing or cleaning granite countertops.

Yearly Maintenance Routine of Granite Countertops Care

Many homeowners think that they should seal their countertop on a yearly basis. In fact, it depends on the quality of your existing seal. In order to understand whether your granite countertop needs resealing or not, you can apply water drop tests and lemon juice tests. If your countertop doesn’t absorb the liquids, then you don’t need to reseal your countertop. So, instead of resealing for no reason, you can test the countertop surface yearly and take action accordingly.

Granite Countertops Care

Although granite is a highly resistant stone to stain, you should still take care of spills, splashes, and other problems. You should remember that easy maintenance doesn’t mean “no maintenance”. Here are some important points you should consider for the health of your granite countertops.

Do: Blot Spills Immediately

Unlike some other products, granite countertops are resistant to penetration of many liquids, including acidic ones like fizzy drinks, wine, coffee, or some kinds of sauce. However, if they stay on the surface for a long time, they can still leave a stain, especially when they are hot. For example, a drop of cooking oil splashed from the pan can leave a stain if you don’t clean it shortly after. Blotting is an effective way of cleaning that you put a piece of cloth on the liquid stains and try to take it out gently rather than rubbing it harshly.

Do: Use A Soft Cloth And A Granite Cleaning Spray

One thing you should always keep in your mind is that granite countertops’ care aims to protect the sealer on the surface. Therefore, you should avoid using abrasive products to clean the surface. However, if the stain doesn’t go away with the spray and a soft cloth, you can use some hot water to ease the job.

Do: Use Coasters

Coasters are small platforms that you can put your glasses, plates, bottles…etc. on the kitchen countertop; or soap, hair gel, perfumes…etc. on the bathroom countertop. Using these small but functional tools, you can protect your granite countertop from potential stains. 

Do: Be Careful About Hot Pots and Pans

Normally, granite countertops allow you to put hot pots or pans. The surface is resilient to this kind of stress. However, if there are cracks under the surface, they might get larger, and new cracks might appear due to the thermal shock. Although it is a small possibility, you should still consider that if you want to enjoy your kitchen countertops for many years.

Do: Use A Cutting Board

If you use your granite countertop as a cutting platform, there are two risks. First, your knife will get dull as it contacts directly to the hard granite surface, and second, your granite surface might get lighter and be more vulnerable to the upcoming stress, especially the area closer to the kitchen sink. Simply using a cutting board can save you from both of these troubles.

Don’t : Use Abrasive Cleaners

Many of the household cleaners contain acidic and or other hard chemical content that may damage your granite countertop. In fact, such abrasive cleaners clean the granite surface very well, but they degrade the sealer on the surface. It means your countertop becomes more vulnerable to stains. 

Also, some people think that using natural ingredients will not damage the countertop surfaces. However, lemon, vinegar, orange..etc.. can damage your granite surface as much as other abrasive cleaners. Therefore, you are strongly advised to use recommended granite cleaners for cleaning.

Don’t: Put Much Weight On The Countertop

Granite stones are very sturdy, and it is hard to break them. However, since countertops are large surfaces, it loses its resistance especially when it is not supported by a plywood backing. Therefore, you shouldn’t put heavy things on your countertop. Especially, sitting or standing on a countertop is highly risky for you since you might hurt yourself seriously, which is much worse than breaking the countertop.

Don’t: Keep Your Toiletries On The Bathroom Countertops

Creams, lotions, colognes, perfumes, or potions usually leak after you use them. The leak can easily reach the ground surface on your bathroom vanity tops, and the chemicals can damage your granite surface in the long term. They can damage countertop colors even. Therefore, you should keep such products on shelves after use. If your storage is not enough or good for them, you can find pretty nice decorative trays or coasters on the market.

Marble countertops are popular among homeowners since they are natural and classy. Although some people avoid marble since it requires a bit more maintenance than granite or quartz, it is still a highly durable material. In addition, many historical buildings and landmarks are made of marble, and we can still go and see them safe and sound. Aside from being strong and durable, marble countertops are also perfect for many cooking works like pastry or chocolate. Although white marble countertops are more common, you can also consider black marble countertops to speak of dark elegance and uniqueness.

As for the bathroom, marble countertops are again one of the top choices of many people. Marble gives the sense of luxury and relaxation perfectly. Unique patterns and veins on the marble surface make your bathroom an elegant part of your house.

What To Ask Before Buying A Marble Countertop?

Though marble is a high-quality natural material and many people’s first choice in their home as kitchen/bathroom countertops or bathroom vanity tops, buying a marble countertop needs delicate research. Since marble countertops are big investments for many people, homeowners are primarily interested in how much marble countertops cost. 

Still, the buyers should consider some points as well before buying a marble countertop. In this post, you will learn some critical questions to reconsider or ask your installer before you sign a contract.

1. How Well Do The Samples Match The Finished Product?

When you go to the stores, they will show you the samples of the stones they have in their stocks or that they can order for you. Considering that marble is a fully natural stone, you should bear in mind that it is hardly possible to find two marble patterns exactly the same. Therefore, if you take a sample piece of a marble countertop home, try to take one of those that are already in their stocks and also try to take a bigger sample so that you can see the patterns more holistically. 

If you pick a marble stone to be ordered for you (not in their stocks), you should be prepared to find some difference between the one you see in the catalog or on the computer screen and the real product coming to you. However, it is also possible that after the countertop installation, the finished product supplied for you might be even better than the one you chose before. Who knows?

2. What Is The Ideal Thickness For Marble countertops?

Marble countertops are normally produced with a thickness of 0,75” to 1,25”. Although these are industry standards, there is an increasing interest in the thicker slabs in both kitchens and bathrooms. Since thicker marble countertops are more resilient and sturdier, many people tend to choose marble countertops that are 2” or more in thickness. Also, thicker marble countertops can be installed with no need for plywood support, which reduces the installation time and looks better.

On the other hand, thinner marble countertops are cheaper and lighter. Being a more affordable option, thinner marble countertops can also be used as backsplashes or vertical wall covers to save some more horizontal space besides serving as your countertops. Also, since they are not as heavy as the thicker slabs, transportation and installation are easier; if your kitchen or bathroom ground cannot carry more weight for some reason, the lighter one can be a better option for you.

3. Does The Slab Have Any Fissures or Cracks?

Marble countertops are made of natural stones under the Earth. Therefore, they may contain some fissures, which look like cracks. Actually, cracks are the real problems that weaken the stone and make it more vulnerable. Cracks are generally man-made, and they can happen during transportation or installation. On the other hand, fissures are geological formations in the stone, and they are natural; thus, they are not serious threats to your marble countertop. On the contrary, they add a more natural statement to the marble countertops, and some people really love it.

However, though rarely, some fissures can turn into real cracks if they are not repaired. Therefore, you should always be careful about fissures and cracks. You should ask the supplier about the details and try to understand the difference between a fissure and a crack. If you really like a marble stone with a crack or fissure, you should ask the supplier or installer to fix it before buying it.

4. Will The Marble Countertop Fit Your Lifestyle?

Marble has long been used as a construction and decoration material. Today, it is widely used for countertops or some other decorative purposes. So, there is no doubt that it is a strong and elegant material that nature grants us—however, your lifestyle matters when it comes to marble countertops at home.

Although marble is a strong hard stone, it is more porous compared to granite or quartz. Thus, you should be taking care of your marble countertop both in the kitchen and in the bathroom. Withstanding the test of time is not a big deal for a marble countertop as long as you take care of the stains immediately. Otherwise, the stains might penetrate into the marble and be permanent there. If you think you or other family members could be lazy to do that, you can wend your way to the other alternatives. If naturality is not your first concern, you can consider cultured marble, which is more resistant to stains due to its non-porous surface.

You should ask about all the details about the maintenance and cleaning of the marble countertops. A few questions and decent answers might save you from countertop disasters.

5. How About Sealing?

Marble countertops don’t have a shiny surface normally. The surface is sealed before you start using your countertop. The sealing provides you with a shinier and less porous surface, which brings in aesthetic and functional advantages to marble countertops. Aesthetically, the stone looks shiny and more elegant. Functionally, the stone becomes more resilient to the stains going deeper and staying there permanently. Also, sealing gives certain sanitation to your countertop surface as bacteria cannot survive on non-porous surfaces.

Although sealing has certain benefits, you should still bear in mind that some seals can change the surface color, and the marble countertop you picked in the store might look different in your home. Therefore, you should ask for both sealed and unsealed samples of the same marble stone to better envision the countertop.

6. Honed or Polished Finish?

Once you have chosen stone among many marble countertops, it is time to decide on a finished style. Typically, there are honed and polished finishes on the market. 

Honed finishes are matte in look, and they look much more natural. Although it is easy to scratch a honed edge, the scratches are almost impossible to be seen. You shouldn’t let this edge stay wet for a long while, especially with colored liquids, as the matte surface cannot push away the liquid or stain but absorb it. 

On the other hand, polished and finished look shiny and are more resistant to stains and spills. However, you are still advised to clean it with mild detergent gently. Furthermore, polished edges are more prone to scratches; therefore, you should be more careful in this regard.

Aside from these edge surfaces, there are also some artistic details in the edging. Therefore, you should ask and learn as many details as possible about them before buying a marble countertop.

7. How Are The Warranty Issues Dealt?

Both marble kitchen countertops and marble bathroom countertops are big investments for many homeowners, and thus warranty is one of the main issues that you should be concerned about. Many companies offer one year warranty for marble countertops. You can also transfer the warranty to the next homeowner if you happen to sell your house within the first year of installation. However, the companies usually tell you the details about care and maintenance upon installation. If your improper care and maintenance cause your problem with the countertops, they don’t regard it under warranty conditions. 

Although these are typical warranty facts, there may be some minor differences among the companies, and you should ask for all the details in this critical issue. 

What Else?

We have just listed 7 questions to ask before buying marble countertops. Obviously, the questions are not limited to the ones listed above. Most probably, you will have more specific questions considering your local area and the existing conditions in your home. Such questions might help you even better than the general questions listed here. Moreover, you should ask your contractor to inform you about anything that might be good for you to know. His/her explanations can bear new questions in your mind, which might be highly critical later.

Improving or repairing your home by yourself is a great pride, and you are one of the blessed people in Virginia. However, you should remember that not all the repairs or improvements are possible with the DIY methodology. In addition, tackling some more arduous home renovations needs higher-level skills, tools, and experience.

As suggested by the Porch report, some home renovation tools pose serious risks for homeowners. For example, countertop installation is one of those harder home renovations, starting from transportation to fine-tuning at the end of the countertop installation. Thus, insisting on the DIY route may result in irreversible problems.

In this post, you will read about the advantages of professional countertop installation in Virginia and the cons of DIY and popular home improvement retailers with short explanations. Then, you will see what we offer in Virginia for you.

Why Should You Get Professional Service For Countertop Installation?

Getting a professional installation service is of great importance in countertop installation, especially heavier and more expensive stones like granite countertop installation. The benefits of a professional service start from the time you pick the stone among many options. Then, in each step afterward, you feel the comfort and safety of countertop installation by professionals.

Professionals Help You Choose The Best Countertop

There are a lot of countertop options for homeowners on the market today. Granite, quartz, and marble are some material options that you can find. Aside from the material, you should also consider the countertops’ color and pattern that can go with your overall home design and color. All these steps need a designer’s perspective at the beginning. 

If you still prefer the DIY route, you can easily find online stores and pick a granite countertop with a few clicks. Although the rest of the job is still there as the bottom of the iceberg, even the tip is still a big deal for many DIYers. The images on the internet might be different from what you get. Also, many homeowners miss the point that they need to get a designer’s look before starting a home renovation project so that your home renovation does not end up with a big disappointment. 

On the other hand, a professional countertop company can help you pick the right material, color, and patterns for your house; inform you about the stones, maintenance, and so on. Knowing all these details make you feel more knowledgeable, and you buy a stone more comfortably.

Professionals Do The Transportation

Transportation is an underestimated stage between countertop selection and countertop installation. In fact, transportation is a real burden for clients. Most of the time, natural stones like granite countertops are very large, and maneuvering is hardly possible when carrying them. In fact, even lifting it needs more than one person. Loading to the vehicle and transferring it to the kitchen or bathroom needs the utmost care. Otherwise, you can accidentally damage your stone.

Natural stone countertops are very expensive, and if you damage your granite slab, it may not work for you anymore. It means you need to buy a new one, which is a very painful way of wasting your money. Therefore, loading the vehicle and transferring it to the kitchen or bathroom requires the utmost care. Even if the professionals damage the stone on the way, the company will replace it with a new one for free.

Professionals Use The Right Tools

Today many DIYers are able to find handy tools for various home renovations. There are also many how-to videos on the internet that help them fix many problems at home. However, countertop installation is not a straightforward job that you can complete with the tools that you buy from a houseware market. Though it might look like simply getting the slab on the cabinet top and sticking it there, a countertop installation involves highly complicated tools and skills. Consider the cut-out parts, the space allocated for the sink or sinks even, let alone intricate shapes and angles on the surface and underneath. 

Aside from the tools needed for all these highly complex tasks, keeping the single piece of slab up in the balance considering the incline for water disposal needs a great deal of manpower with the ability to use necessary tools. 

A high-quality countertop installation involves dexterous use of drills, caulk guns, plywood sheets, epoxy resin, jaws, and so on. Moreover, some countertop installation works might require previous electric or plumbing work to set or reset the appliances like dishwasher or fridge.

Professionals Do The Job Smoothly

If you have experience, skills, tools, and you are lucky enough, you can still do your countertop installation yourself, not much smoothly, though. However, you should keep in mind that there are obvious advantages of hiring an expert considering the quality of work, the time you spend, and the risk of injuring yourself.

First, professionals do the job decently to ensure high-quality work. Since they have already faced potential problems in your countertop installation before, they know what to do and how to do it beforehand. They hardly stress out about the problems. Even if they make a mistake in countertop installation, the company guarantees you the countertop restoration or replacement. 

Secondly, professionals don’t waste your time. They finish the job in the shortest time possible since they also must move to the next project after you. It means you and your family will not have to live in a construction area for several days. You and your family can focus on your work or study in a very short time. The countertop installation period might take many days or weeks if you insist on a DIY methodology.

Thirdly, professionals know the potential threats during the job, and they take care of themselves and you. Therefore, the countertop installation procedure is safe. A DIYer’s way of countertop installation can be dangerous especially since the procedure is not a straightforward one. The slab may drop on the feet or slide and scratch your hand in addition to serious back pains.

Professionals Do It With Minimum Trouble

As stated above, DIYers like to do their own countertop installation, but it might be dangerous and a waste of time and money for them. Another downside of being a DIYer is that they don’t prefer asking for help until things go really wrong. When they ask for help, it is usually a hard time for themselves and the helping person. Although they can have the necessary hand skill and tools for the installation, they need to do or organize pieces of workaround, which might interrupt the peace at home or in the neighborhood. Nobody wants to have an unpleasant atmosphere in his/her home just because of a countertop installation. Thus, hiring professionals can help you maintain peace among family members.

Professionals Answers Your Questions

Today, it is easier to find answers to your questions about anything, including countertop installation on the internet. However, it is always better to learn answers to your questions when your countertop is in front of you physically. You can see and touch it at the same time, and you can ask any question popping up right there. Also, when your installation is done, you can ask further questions about the care and maintenance of your countertop. 

Professionals Offer Guaranteed Work

Any countertop installation involves the risk of injury as many other renovations. The installation companies generally execute safe installations with no injury. However, the professional installation team is all insured, and the insurance covers any injury that might happen during the installation. 

Another dimension is the issue of guarantee. The countertop installation companies listen to your expectations and offer you the best option possible for your kitchen and bathroom countertops. They sign a contract for the final project, and they start the work. Once the countertop installation is over, you can compare the project details to the work done in front of you. 

If you think something is wrong, you can ask them to revise it. Also, if you experience any problem with your countertop after the installation, you can again ask them to review the issue, and they might replace your countertop with the new one when needed.

Where To Find Countertop Installer In Virginia?

A quick web search about countertop installation in VA can bring you to the big chain stores like Ikea, Home Depot, or Lowe’s. Although they offer a wide range of products, countertop installation is not their expertise. Working out deals, they get your installation done by other countertop installers around and try to make a profit out of this process. It means you cannot directly contact the real experts. Therefore, you should visit local countertop installers, meet the experts in person and touch the slabs before you make up your mind.

Landmark Surfaces offers you high-quality countertops in three locations in Virginia. If you are looking for countertop installation in Chantilly VA, you can visit the store on Pleasant Valley Road. Additionally, countertop installation in Alexandria VA is also very convenient thanks to Landmark’s store in Alexandria, VA. Finally, they have another store in Fredericksburg, VA on 15 Sage Ln. if you want to get a countertop installation in Fredericksburg VA.

Many homeowners in Virginia prefer granite countertops to other alternatives since they offer them elegance, durability, and easy maintenance.