More on Countertop Surfaces

February 8, 2010 by eralls  
Filed under Design Ideas

What’s most attractive about quartz countertops? “The polished elegant look that is attainable with color and pattern consistency,” according to Residential Design & Build magazine. Unlike granite or marble, quartz does not have variations in color, saving homeowners from having to meticulously match slabs in their kitchens.

Most granite selections, on the other hand, are “made at the stone yard, allowing the client to reserve their stone slabs for a project underway.” Granite will have variations from slab to slab, “because of mineral content and veining, which adds to the character of the natural stone.”

When compared to marble, granite is “not as subject to staining as marble because of an extremely low absorption rate.” It’s also less prone to scratching, and its coarse grain makes it more slip-resistant.

Manufacturers, however, claim that quartz composites are more resilient than granite. Bottom line: make your decisions based on the style of your project and the surfaces that will best align with your lifestyle.

Marble or Granite? You Decide.

February 1, 2010 by eralls  
Filed under Design Ideas

When selecting natural stone surfaces for your next project, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the style of the room in which the stone will take center stage. Today we bring you some visuals as we explore the difference between granite or marble applications.

Calcutta Gold. Photo by Erica George Dines.

Calcutta Gold Marble Countertops complement the bright-white space. Photo by Erica George Dines.

"Tiles in the shower are cut from the same Alabama white marble used for the bathroom countertops; their large size and brick-pattern layout demonstrate a clever way to bring in a different texture without introducing a new material." Photo by Lance Davies.

"Tiles in the shower are cut from the same Alabama white marble used for the bathroom countertops; their large size and brick-pattern layout demonstrate a clever way to bring in a different texture without introducing a new material." Photo by Lance Davies.

Marble in the Powder Room

Marble adds a show-stopping touch in a hallway powder room. Photo by Erica George Dines.

And now, let’s take into consideration some beautiful uses of granite!

Flamed black granite countertops provide hard-working, easy-care surfaces in the kitchen. Their dark hue anchors the pale blue color of the cabinetry. Photo by Erica George Dines.

Flamed black granite countertops provide hard-working, easy-care surfaces in the kitchen. Their dark hue anchors the pale blue color of the cabinetry. Photo by Erica George Dines.

Hard-working granite countertops were chosen for on a working kitchen island. Photo by Erica George Dines.

Hard-working granite countertops were chosen for on a working kitchen island. Photo by Erica George Dines.

Granite countertops lend this sleek, dark and modern kitchen a classic feel.

Granite countertops lend this sleek, dark and modern kitchen a classic feel.

Which will you choose for your next project?