Marble Care and Maintenance

Marble is a natural stone that is characterized by its beautiful vein-like patterning and wide range of colors.  It has been a favorite among builders for thousands of years and is still popular in homes today.  One of the best ways to keep your marble looking great is to properly care for it and maintain it correctly.

While certainly beautiful and sophisticated, marble is softer and more porous than granite.  This means that homeowners must take special care to ensure that their marble surfaces remain in top condition.  There are some things that homeowners can do to ensure that their marble stays attractive.

  • •  Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent damage to your marble surface
  • •  Use coasters under glasses
  • •  Use pads under hot dishes and cookware
  • •  Never use abrasive cleaners because they will scratch the surface
  • •  Use cleaners especially formulated for marble
  • •  Always dry marble to prevent water spots

When cared for properly, a marble countertop or surface will last for many years to come.  It is highly resistant to scratches, cracks, and breakage.  Because marble is available in so many colors, it is easily incorporated into any kitchen or bathroom design.  Marble instantly adds elegance and high-end appeal to any room in your home.

At Affordable Surface Products in Greensboro, NC, we provide high quality, custom-made marble countertops for any room in your home.  We guarantee that all of our countertops will be installed properly and accurately.  Visit our showroom to discover all of the beautiful marble products we offer for the home.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Granite

With so many options for countertops, bathroom vanities and tiling for the home, it can be difficult to choose the right material for your family.  There is so much information and misinformation available about granite and natural stone that we have compiled some frequently asked questions to help you in your search.

Does granite burn?

No–You can place a hot pot or pan directly on your granite countertop without worry.

Does granite stain?

No—Because granite is not very porous, it will generally not stain.  Sealed granite is virtually impossible to stain.

How do I know if my granite needs to be resealed?

One method to check if your granite needs to be sealed is to sprinkle some water on the countertop.  If the water does not bead up and soaks into the stone, you know it is time to reseal.

Will my granite chip or scratch?

Granite is very durable and dense.  Under normal conditions, your countertop will not chip or scratch.  Should damage occur, Affordable Surface Products will repair or diminish the look of the damaged areas.

What is the best way to care for granite?

You can usually clean your granite with warm, soapy water.  If you need something stronger, make sure you use cleaners specifically formulated to be safe for granite.

How long will my granite countertop last?

With very little maintenance and care, your granite countertops should last a lifetime.

Where does granite come from?

Granite is a natural stone that makes up 70-80% of the Earth’s crust.  It is quarried all over the world.  We get the majority of our granite from Italy, Brazil, India, Spain, France, China, and the USA.

Can I use granite outdoors?

Yes—Granite will look great no matter where it is used.  It can withstand extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather situations.

Should I be worried about radon?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that granite countertops pose no significant health risk.   Find out more at http://www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/index.html#construction.

Affordable Surface Products of Greensboro, NC offers large array granite countertops, vanities, and tiles to match any décor.  Visit our showroom, conveniently located to serve Winston-Salem, High Point, and Kernersville.

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Selecting a Stone Color for Your Home

Natural stone is available in many shades and colors.  Selecting the perfect color for your home can be a daunting task. Keep in mind that stone countertops and tiles are long lasting and will not need to be replaced often.  Therefore, it is important that homeowners choose stone colors that they will love for many years to come.

Colors play a dramatic role in the overall look of the room.  In rooms that receive a lot of light, you might decide to use a dark stone.  A dark countertop surrounded by slightly lighter cabinets is a popular and traditional look.  Cool colors, like blue and green, tend to make a room feel more spacious.  Warm colors, like brown, yellow, and red, give a cozy feel to your room.

Often, homeowners will choose stone colors that match their existing color scheme and paint colors.  While this approach may work, keep in mind that paint colors can be easily changed should you find a stone that appeals to you but does not match your current room.

The best plan is to select the stone color that you love.  Try not to focus on how it will match your existing room, just choose the color that you think is most beautiful.  You will be more satisfied and excited about your new stone if you choose a color that you absolutely adore rather than one that you think will match.

Once you choose a stone, you can then paint your walls a complimentary shade.  Keep in mind that even the smallest sample of natural stone contains a wide range of colors.  It is a good idea to paint a spot on your wall to decide if the color you choose blends well with your stone surface.

Let the design experts at Affordable Surface Products In Greensboro, NC help you choose the stone slab or tile in a color that will compliment the style of your home.  Fill out our online contact form for a free quote or visit our showroom.  We are conveniently located to serve homeowners in Kernersville, High Point, Winston-Salem, Burlington, and all areas in the Piedmont Triad.

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Transform Your Bathroom with Marble Tile and Vanities

Nothing evokes the feeling of elegance and classic beauty like marble.  It gives your bathroom a spa-like and luxurious feel that emits sensations of serenity and comfort.  Marble tiles and vanities will make your bathroom look upscale and elegant while increasing the functionality of the room.

Marble is an ideal material for the bathroom because it can withstand changes in temperature and humidity without being harmed.  When professionally polished, marble vanities are easy to take care of.  It is also a very sanitary substance that will not allow for the formation of mold and mildew.

One characteristic that homeowners tend to appreciate it that marble is very easy to clean.  Generally, it requires no more than a damp towel.  A gentle cleanser may be used for more stubborn spills.  The resilience of marble makes it a long-lasting product that will look beautiful for years to come.  Marble countertops and tiles should last the lifetime of your home if well cared for.

Because of the wide swirling patterns and colors available, no two marble bathrooms will look the same.  Each piece of marble has its own unique beauty that cannot be replicated in man-made materials.  Because there are so many options available, consumers are able to create bathrooms that reflect the individual style of their home.  Each room becomes a work of art that is both sophisticated and functional for the user.

Despite the initial cost of marble tile and vanities, the addition of marble in your bathroom can add untold value to your home.  Its perceived value by potential homebuyers makes it an ideal choice for a bathroom-remodeling project.  Not to mention, the joy it will give homeowners each time they walk into that room.

Affordable Surface Products provides high quality and affordable marble tiles and countertops.  Conveniently located in Greensboro, NC, we help homeowners in High Point, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and surrounding areas will natural stone products for their home.  Contact us at (336) 375-5672 or visit our showroom today.

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Marble Flooring Adds Style and Sophistication to Your Home

If you would like to give your home an upscale and sophisticated look, consider marble flooring. Whether it is used in a bathroom, kitchen, or hallway, marble offers a classic and timeless style that will last a lifetime.  The unique characteristics of this stone make it an ideal choice for flooring in any home.

Marble is available in a large variety of colors and designs, guaranteed to match the style of your residence.  This broad range allows consumers to choose a stone that will blend with the existing furniture and color palettes of their home.  Whether you desire a neutral or bold shade, you will have no trouble finding beautiful tiles that will complement your décor.

History has shown that marble is an extremely durable material that is ideal for flooring.  Proper maintenance ensures that it will last the lifetime of your home.  Even high traffic areas will remain in excellent condition for years to come.

Marble is moisture resistant when sealed.  This makes it a good choice for bathrooms where humidity tends to be high.  Naturally hypoallergenic, it resists mold and bacteria as well.

Cleaning your marble flooring is simple.  Mild soap and water will take care of most spills.  While it is stain-resistant, spills should be cleaned up quickly to prevent discoloration and damage.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways are the most popular areas that we see this type of flooring, but it can be used in any room in the home.  It is especially popular in warmer climates because it stays cool in hot temperatures.

Because marble is heavy and needs to be installed professionally, the initial cost may be more than other materials.  This may be the reason that some homeowners choose to use these tiles in smaller areas like bathrooms and entryways.

If you are interested in learning more about marble flooring, contact Affordable Surface Products of Greensboro, NC.  Our specialty is delivering high quality stone products to our customers in Winston-Salem, High Point, Kernersville, and beyond.

 

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Remodel Your Bathroom With Natural Stone

Remodeling a bathroom with natural stone tiles and countertops adds value and style to any home.  Stone is one of the best materials to use in a bathroom because of its durability and stain-resistance.  With a variety of colors and textures available, stone products will compliment any design scheme or color palette.

Because bathrooms tend to be areas of high moisture and humidity, some synthetic materials may bubble or warp over the years.  Natural stone like marble or granite will remain beautiful and functional for a lifetime.  Using stone in a bathroom remodel ensures that your vanity and tiling will look great for years to come.

Natural stone is easily incorporated into the design and style of a bathroom. With a large range of colors and textures to choose from, homeowners are certain to find tiles or a countertop that will compliment the fixtures and cabinetry of their bathroom.   From almost white and light tan to deep blues and blacks, there are stones available in almost any color you can imagine.

There is a timeless beauty about natural products.  The unique qualities of each piece of tile add interest and classic appeal to any bathroom.  Used in building since the beginning of time, stone certainly is not a fad that will soon go out of style.  You will enjoy the sophistication and functionality that your stone tiles and vanity give your bathroom for years to come.

With so many beautiful choices at a variety of price ranges, it is no wonder that homeowners are choosing to incorporate natural stone into their bathrooms.  Affordable Surface Products of Greensboro, NC offers a large selection of natural stone tiles and vanities to compliment the design of your bathroom remodel.  Contact us today to find out more about our products or for a free quote!

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