Granny Clampett may not have known it, but she probably whipped up a possum and collard greens on granite countertops. Granite countertops and other stone are fixtures of mansions like the one featured in "The Beverly Hillbillies." Once granite countertops were only found in high-end homes. Granite countertops are now becoming more popular in everyday homes as well, despite its cost. Many homeowners will settle for less expensive carpet or paint just to have granite countertops in their kitchen or bathroom.

Why do people like granite countertops? Many homeowners are attracted to their looks. Granite is a natural substance that looks natural as well. You can find granite countertops to match almost any decor for the kitchen or bathroom. But since granite countertops are made of natural materials, you are limited in your color choices to those found in nature.

Granite countertops come in several different finishes. These can be polished or matte look. Tumbled looks have more rounded edges. The granite can be honed for a smoother look. A flamed granite countertop is torched to give a textured look. No two pieces of granite are alike so don't be surprised if the granite countertops installed in your home are different from the samples you chose. Only if you ask the contractor to see the exact granite they will use for your kitchen or bathroom can you be assured of the look of your granite countertops. A contractor or other home improvement professional can explain any differences.

Granite countertops can take almost any type of abuse heaped on them by busy housewives or careless children. Unlike laminate countertops, you can place a hot pot or pan directly on granite countertops and it won't damage them. You don't need a cutting board if you are chopping vegetables on a granite countertop since it is impossible for even the sharpest knife to penetrate the stone surface. Southern housewives love to roll out their biscuit dough right onto their granite countertops without having to worry about damage.

Cleaning granite countertops is simple. Mild detergent or soap will keep your granite countertops looking like new. You will want to avoid abrasive cleaners and those that are very acidic. Use a soft cleaning cloth on the granite countertops and avoid using scouring pads.

Granite countertops are expensive. To cover a typical kitchen island, the price can range from $70 to $100 per square foot. To cut these costs, you may want to use granite countertops in an area that is more visible to visitors and use a cheaper form of laminate countertops in other areas. The fact that granite countertops need to be resealed each year adds to the cost. It is good idea to use a professional contractor to install and reseal the granite countertops. You don't want to spend more money trying to repair damage because you tried to do it yourself. Most home improvement stores sell granite countertops. Several online stores also sell granite countertops. Both retailers and online stores sometimes offer deals that will help cut the costs of your granite countertops.

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Most stone will stain because it is porous. This allows fluids to enter and become embedded below the surface. The longer a stain remains, the deeper it penetrates and becomes more permanent; therefore, it is important to remove a stain as soon as it occurs. This applies to any stone used in the construction of your sink.

Granite is a very durable, resilient stone. For regular cleaning, use a soapy nylon brush in a circular motion and rinse thoroughly. Cleaning on a regular basis will help prevent the development of hard water deposits. If you develop persistent stains, try a non-abrasive cleaner such as dishwasher soap, a bleach solution, or Soft Scrub®. Be sure to avoid strong alkalis such as ammonia and drain unblocking chemicals that involve filling the sink with water. If you encounter a rust stain, usually caused by iron particles from water, cookware, etc., use a cleaner containing oxalic acid. Do not use bleach directly on granite!

Marble has a shiny, elegant finish. Maintaining this look can be difficult due to the porosity of the stone. Sealing helps keep the stone from absorbing fluids, but acidic liquids, such as orange juice, lemons, soft drinks, various foods, and common household cleaners, will cause a dull etched spot. . For this reason, do not use acidic cleaners on your marble. Wet glasses containing slightly acidic liquids can cause hard water spots. To avoid water spots, rinse and dry your sink after each use. The only way to remove etching and water spots is by refinishing and re-polishing by a professional. For regular care, use a soft, liquid cleanser with bleach or a common household detergent.

Limestone is known for the seashells and fossils embedded into it. Some Limestone is "soft", so you should be careful about scratching or nicking the surface when using sharp objects. Limestone should be periodically treated with a penetrating sealant to protect against staining, especially when working with acidic materials. Possible sealants include Safecoat MexeSeal®, Seal & Go "S"®, and Seal & Go "Enhancer"®.

Soapstone has a smooth, silky finish. It is extremely dense so it repels stains well. This stone is the least porous of the stones used in kitchen or bathroom sinks and vessels. To clean, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild cleanser. Your soapstone sink should be treated monthly with mineral oil.

Stain Removal

For removing difficult stains on all stone types try the following steps before consulting an expert.

1) Clean the area using a stone cleaner with a neutral pH. If this does not help, try a more aggressive cleaner. Keep in mind what types of stones are sensitive to certain chemicals, as stated above.

2) Wet your surface with distilled water. This will keep the chemical from drying too fast, allowing it to stay in contact with the stain longer.

3) Prepare a poultice. This will be used to absorb the stain out of the stone. An easy poultice to create at home requires mixing one cup of flour and a few tablespoons of liquid dish detergent. Mix the two together until you have the consistency of peanut butter. You can purchase chemical poultices if you prefer. For stains with red wine, replace the detergent with hydrogen peroxide.

4) Thickly cover the stain in the poultice you have created and cover with saran wrap and tape the edges down with masking tape (won't create a permanent residue), then let sit overnight.

5) After 24 hours, remove the plastic. Let sit uncovered until poultice is dry. This step is important because the drying is what pulls the stain out of the stone. You can then remove the poultice by scraping it off with a razor blade or putty knife. Clean off the residue with water and a neutral cleaner. Granite is more porous than other stones so it will retain moisture longer. If the stain appears to be gone, but the stone is a slightly darker color, give it a week or more to dry before reattempting the poultice method.

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If you love stone flooring, then you may want to consider slate kitchen flooring. These beautiful stone tiles can help to turn your kitchen into a showpiece. This beautiful and unique stone flooring can give your kitchen character and will instantly become an asset to your home. Slate kitchen flooring is also timeless, so it will go with many different decorating styles and tastes. This is great for you because it will last for a very long time as well with proper care and cleaning.

Slate kitchen flooring is durable and able to withstand the harsh treatment that floors receive in the kitchen. The kitchen is a much used room in most homes, and it is very important to have flooring that makes everyone feel welcome. You also want the flooring to be durable, easy to clean, and beautiful. Slate flooring is also stain resistant when sealed, which is wonderful considering how many items get spilled or dropped on kitchen floors each week. The naturally non-slip tiles make slate an excellent choice for rooms that are moist like the kitchen and bathroom.

The color variations in slate flooring allow you to change your decorating styles around without having to change the flooring. Slate flooring is a beautiful choice that comes in all different color variations from black slate tiles for kitchen flooring to white tiles, and every color in between. You can even mix and match colors to make your flooring more interesting and visually appealing. Use your creativity to design a kitchen slate floor that you will love. The different shapes like rectangles, squares, and various odd shapes can also help to give your slate kitchen flooring more interest and make it more fun to look at.

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Slate flooring is also easy to keep clean. With regular sweeping and mopping, you can keep the slate tiles clean and shiny. Sealing slate tile flooring is also needed about twice a year to keep the tiles bright and it makes the slate tiles easier to clean. When selecting a sealant, you can select one that will increase the non-slip aspect of the stones, or is a matte finish, or shiny.

Matching your kitchen floors and countertops will help give the entire kitchen a sophisticated and put together feel. The flow of your kitchen will be greatly increased and you will love the look of your kitchen. In addition, you will not have to worry about how your kitchen floors look with your countertops if you choose the same material.

Slate tile can be installed over your radiant heat system too. This will help keep your feet warm and toasty during the winter months no matter if your feet are bare or in socks. Your children can play on the floor too without you having to worry about them being cold.

Slate kitchen flooring is a great choice for many homes and any decorating tastes. Whether you choose black slate tiles for kitchen flooring or one of the many other colors, you are sure to have a beautiful kitchen floor that you will enjoy for many years.

Renovating a kitchen begins with an idea or design theme and involves choosing those materials that will further the design. Of course, it is most effective to choose those elements that will maximize design dollars. Countertop materials come in all varieties and within all budgets; and choosing the material that makes the most sense comes down to the type of lifestyle that you live and the tone that you want to set in your home.

While granite and ceramic tile continue to be popular choices when it comes to countertops, the soapstone countertop is another viable and effective option for outfitting your home with the best in form and function.

Soapstone - much like marble or granite - is harvested from quarries; it is considered a satellite stone and is made up of mostly magnesite, dolomite, chlorite, and talc. Soapstone has enjoyed a long life on this planet; its origins date back three to four hundred years ago. Its properties have lent it to a variety of uses throughout the generations; and for many of the same reasons it is still commonly used today.

As its name suggests, soapstone is soft to the touch and resembles the smooth feeling of dry soap. It is an easily pliable material that has been used in the making of everything from vases to sculptures.

Today, the soapstone countertop is another common household material that utilizes this flexible stone. The natural properties of soapstone make it the perfect material for the making of countertops. Because it is a natural stone it is durable and resilient against heat, scratches, most stains, and even impact.

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Because soapstone is inert, alkalis, as well as acids, do not affect it. This is not the case with granite, marble. or slate and for this reason the soapstone countertop has been widely used. Its longevity is another of its major advantages and experts agree that owners can support that longevity through the use of sealants.

When the countertop is first installed, therefore, it is important to seal the stone with mineral oil or a stone sealant which will bring out the dark richness to the stone's natural color and also work as a protective layer on the stone's surface.

But however resilient it is, the soapstone countertop should still be cared for meticulously in order to maintain the integrity of the material. Spills should be mopped up immediately so as not to allow any moisture to permeate the stone. And daily maintenance should include the wiping down of the countertops with only mild or natural cleanser and warm, clean water - using a soft rag to wash the surface.

Another option for taking care of the soapstone countertop is to use standard mineral oil that can be obtained from any pharmacy. Rubbing it onto the stone will darken the stone to nearly black; and even after the passage of time one may easily return the soapstone countertop to its original grayish blue color by using sandpaper.

Like other natural stone material, the soapstone countertop - when cared for properly - can offer many years of beauty and durability.

The use of marble floor tiles as a building material has had a quite long and famous career, as it has had extensive uses in the courtyards of the Roman Empire, in the palaces and estates of Renaissance Europe, and up to more recent times.

Marble floor tiles have become more and more popular, not only for residential applications, such as hallways, foyers, living rooms and in bathrooms, but also for commercial projects with similar uses. One of the best attributes marble tiles can extend to a project is the aura of artistry and old-world elegance that only marble tiles can effectively bring to homes and buildings.

Marble Serves As An Elegant Decorative Piece

The reputation of marble tile have stayed strong for centuries. One of the aspects in which marble is known is its role in the creation of exquisite fine art. Generally it is treasured for its refined, classical, decorative look.

Marble is also known for its versatility in the production of artifacts ranging from monuments to sculptures, wall tiles to floor tiles. However because of the connections most people have with this stone type, no matter what application most of us have in mind, the result is definitely going to be viewed as a major artistic statement, and one that is meant to last for years. A marble tile floor will remain as a monument to itself, as well as to good taste, with which it is also associated.

At present, these types of tiles are finding more and more and more applications, and usually range from utilizing marble tiles in bathrooms, to using marble tiles in the hallways and lobbies of commercial buildings. One may say that marble, which was the fixture of choice in the Middle ages, is itself enjoying a renaissance of its own today.

Marble Has A Unique Aesthetic Quality Not Seen In Other Stones

Marble tiles today possess a decorative natural stone flooring solution that cannot be matched aesthetically. Marble has generally been sought after by artists, artisans, and architects, and is firmly rooted in the history of architecture, art, and of the development of Eastern and Western civilizations.

These stones were used to fashion memorable and literally monumental pieces of artwork. As such, marble stands as a material with built-in associations of craft, artistry, and longevity, making it a preferred material for use in any interior. With marble tiles, a unique aesthetic quality is gained, along with a reputation for the rich historical legacy with which this stone is associated with.

Hypoallergenic Choice For Flooring

Many view the use of marble as a hypoallergenic choice for flooring, because it has a dense surface upon which antigens, and particles which cause allergic symptoms become inflamed, and are less able to reside than they would in carpets. Before, the use of marble as flooring surfaces for hospitals was common, until the use of porcelain tiles grew to its current level of popularity.

In the summer season, the cool surface of these tiles can be quite a pleasant underfoot, adding a unique comfort value to the choice of flooring. Most flooring experts see marble floor tiles as a great way to accent an interior, with the added benefits of its more practical features.

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Kitchen CounterTops
Granite Kitchen Countertops