Marble Archives

How To Deep Clean Granite Benchtops

November 19, 2016/in Maintenance /by keatings

Granite benchtops are a no-brainer when it comes to renovating or designing a new kitchen. Granite is durable, resistant to daily life and easily cleaned – but this does not mean it doesn’t require a little bit of love. Granite needs to be thoroughly cleaned every once in a while, in order to maintain that perfect just-installed appearance. It’s important to know how to treat your granite. We found this article which nicely explains the dos and don’ts of granite care.

WHAT TO AVOID

No two granite benchtops are the same. Some come from the factory with a resin treatment. Others require a sealant to be applied from every year to every few years. You should consult the manufacturer of your countertop for the recommended treatment.

Since granite is porous, a sealer is there to protect the granite from potentially harmful materials that can affect the appearance and lifespan of the granite.

Regardless of the type of granite or seal, what doesn’t vary is what you should not be cleaning your granite countertops with. You should avoid using acid-based cleaners — lemon, orange, vinegar or bleach-based — on granite. The acids contained in these cleaners will degrade the sealant and can leave unsightly stains on the countertop.

That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite’s seal.

HOW TO DEEP CLEAN GRANITE

Daily cleaning of granite is actually quite simple. All you need is a wash cloth, warm water, a small amount of dish soap and a hand towel for drying.

Use the warm, soapy dish cloth to wipe up spills or other grime immediately. Follow up with a quick towel dry to get rid of excess water and avoid streaks.

It’s also good practice to do this any time your cook in your kitchen, if not daily.

If you want to disinfect your granite, simply mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray the countertop and allow the solution to sit for 2 to 3 minutes. Wipe down with a wash cloth. This should also restore your granite’s brilliant shine.

REMOVING STAINS

If you have a particularly stubborn stain, such as spilled cooking oil, baking soda may be all you need.

Maid Brigade suggests creating a paste with baking soda and water for oil-based stains or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for water-based stains. Slather the paste over the stain and allow it to sit on the surface for several hours, covered.

When you’re ready to clean it up, wipe away the paste, and clean with a warm wash cloth and a small amount of dish soap.

Is Carrara Marble Infinite?

October 19, 2016/in Marble, Uncategorized /by keatings

The team from GBC just got back from a trip around Italy. We spent a day driving through the vast, undulating mountains and quarries of Carrara. The Carrara region is famous for it’s most beautiful white marbles – since it’s discovery there has always been a huge demand for it around the world. These quarries have produced marble for 2000 years and will (we hope) for 2000 more.

As marble is a natural resource, it’s common to wonder when it will run out or if there is enough to go around. The amount of cut blocks, slabs and installations around the world really suggests an infinite supply. Although due to it’s natural foundations, marbles are precisely finite, there is plenty of evidence that the marble beds in this region are so plentiful we may as well consider them infinite. Beds of premium grade Carrara Marble are speculated to exist over 5000 feet above sea level, as well as far below. The amount of high-quality material yet to be cut from the quarry is so vast that despite lengthy efforts, experts are not able to determine it.

We also need to consider it’s history, the quarries in Carrara have produced the most marble in the entire world. Carrara marble has been quarried and used for art and architecture since the days of Ancient Rome. The famous Pantheon Temple was built with marble blocks, which dates between A.D 118 and 125. It is known that at one time the marble quarries in Carrara were under the ownership of the Bishop of Luni, the chief Roman city as far back as 1183. From this time and throughout modern history, it remains to be one of the best materials available for sculpture and buildings alike.

So we’re lucky! Carrara and all it’s lovely marble is here to stay.

Marble or Granite? A Comparison

July 12, 2016/in Granite, Maintenance, Marble, Uncategorized /by keatings

Choosing the right stone for your project is a big deal! If you’re building or renovating your kitchen or bathroom, granite and marble are likely options you are considering. The choice can be daunting, but the good news is both types of stones boast their own qualities, and each is absolutely stunning.

Granite

A natural stone with a speckled appearance, available in a range of colours and dynamic variations in colour and pattern
More cost effective
Lower-budget options
Less maintenence
Stronger and harder than marble
Less prone to scratches, stains, acid and heat
Available in a range of finishes

Marble

A natural stone with an unique aesthetic, typically light creamy coloured with dark veins throughout.
Luminous and luxurious look
More expensive
More maintenance
More prone to scratches, stains, acid and heat.
Softer than granite and more absorbent
Sensitive to acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon, tomatoes, wine, some cleaners, mildew removers and other materials commonly found in the kitchen or bathroom.
Finished is dulled easier
Limited colour availability

Here at the Granite Benchtop Company, we recommend granite for any application in the kitchen area. This is because most spills occur in these areas, especially with acidic products. Marble is an excellent and beautiful choice for those who don’t mind a little extra care and maintenance! Marble can be a superb stone to use in home areas than are used less, such as the bathroom or laundry. Often the chemicals we use in these areas are less harsh than those in the kitchen.

If you have any inquiries about granite or marble, just get in touch.

5 Stunning Marble Look-Alike Stones

June 27, 2016/in Kitchens, Uncategorized /by keatings

Marble is one of the most sought after natural stones in the world. White marbles have stood the test of time, reaching the top of design trends for domestic and commercial applications alike for decades. Due to high demand and limited availability, some marbles such as the Italian Calacatta can also get very pricey.

It’s classic, sophisticated and definitive appearance and clean-cut aesthetic is always in hot-demand, you’d think it was unbeatable. Unfortunately due to its properties, marble is not always the most suitable material for certain applications. Generally, marble is unsuitable in areas that have a high-usage, such as a kitchen benchtop. All buyers of marble should be made aware of the following points

* Marble is considered a soft stone that can be easily scratched or damaged.
* Most marbles have high porosity and are susceptible to food and beverage stains.
* Direct contact with substances of high acidity such as lemon juice may cause a chemical reaction and etch the marble.
* Marble require maintenace and should be periodically sealed with water and oil repellants.

If you’re certain you won’t get a pinot noir stain on your prized benchtop – the risk may be worth it. For those of us who can’t be so sure, there are many stones available that mimic the look of popular marbles, but boast more practical and friendly properties that are accommodating to the daily thrills and spills of home life.

There’s something for everyone that’s after the beautiful look of white marble.

Quartzites

Quartzite is the hardest natural stone available for benchtops. It is etch proof, has low porosity, and therefore requires minimal maintenance. The Calacatta and Calacatta Ouro quartzites have similar appearance to Carrara and Calacatta marble. Quartzites are generally at the more expensive end, so there is little savings in price here. If within your budget, these quartzites are highly recommended. It fills in all the qualities that marble lacks and is a really sensible, practical and beautiful choice.

Trendstone Quartz. Carrara, Venatino, Gioia and Calacatta.

Trendstone Quartz is a man made stone and more affordable. It has been engineered from quartz to be extremely resilient. The Trendstone Venatino and Gioia mimic the iconic carrara marble and are a fantastic choice. Trendstone Calacatta Quartz mimics the very rare Calacatta and Statuario marbles. It’s veining is darker than carrara.

Super White Dolomite-Quartzite

Super White is a dolomite marble with high concentrations of quartzite that provide strength and durability, Although not as durable as its granite or quartzite counterparts, it is certainly considered suitable for benchtops. It is a popular and rare Brazilian stone that is sought after all over the world due to its carrara-like appearance, yet much more durable. Dolomite does etch when in contact with acidic substances so this stone requires periodic sealing.

Porcelain

Recently introduced are Porcelain slabs that have the perfect look of the most beautiful marble at a much lower cost. They are heat and stain resistant, and are perfect for kitchen applications. Porcelain slabs are thinner and lighter than natural stone, making it a perfect material for vertical applications such as splash backs or an island show back. The only negative with Porcelain slabs is that they are difficult to work with to produce benchtops. Only the most skilled and equipped stone fabricators are recommended for working with porcelain slabs.

To view these stones and more on our website click view range.

Marble Quarrying in Italian Alps: Video

June 7, 2016/in Uncategorized /by keatings

We found this amazing short video by Yuri Ancarani of an artistic look inside a marble quarry in the Italian Alps. To see the inner mechanics and workings of the quarry is super informative and reminds us of the sheer hard work and processes it takes to get these amazing natural stone slabs all around the world. Seeing marble in its basic, natural state is really striking. Watching this makes us feel lucky that we can offer and share these pieces of nature in New Zealand and admire their beauty in our factory from half way around the world.

“Marble quarries are places so unbelievable and striking, they almost feel like they are big theaters or sets,” says Yuri Ancarani, the filmmaker behind today’s excerpt from the documentary, Il Capo (The Chief), which follows a quarry boss as he guides his men through the extraction process, using a silent language of gesture and sign.

Ancarani was captivated by the otherworldly landscapes of the quarry. He spent nearly a year filming on Monte Bettolgi, in the Carrara region of the Apuan Alps, in Northwest Italy, eventually deciding to focus his film on the hypnotic, and rather dramatic moment when the monumental marble blocks are freed from the mountainside, and fall to the ground with an earth-shattering thud.

10 Unique Stone Applications

May 28, 2016/in Design /by keatings

Granite, marble, quartz and quartzite can be used for much more than benchtops. Natural stone, wherever put in the home creates a peaceful yet strong environment for you and your loved ones. Both Natural stones and man-made quartz surfaces can be used in various applications, from wall to floor, splash back, a chopping board or coaster.

If budget is a concern, opt for a smaller item and still experience the luxuries that granite, marble and quartz can bring to your special space.

Check out the examples below:

Caring For Your Granite Benchtop

May 28, 2016/in Kitchens, Uncategorized /by keatings

One of the major perks of having granite surfaces in your home, is that they require very little maintenance. Granite is one of the hardest minerals on earth, so is by nature extremely strong and durable. It is also heat and stain resistant. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a little bit of loving, with a good routine using basic equipment and product, your granite benchtop will serve you well for many years. The Granite Benchtop Company recommends this fail-safe method for caring for your granite benchtop, to make sure it stays looking as good as the day it was installed.

The method we advise to our clients here at GBC is really basic – a 30:70 mix of Methylated Spirits and water. Inexpensive and easy!

First you’ll need to do a surface clean of the benchtop to remove any loose grime. You can do this simply with a paper towel.
Once the surface is clear, mix together a 30:70 mix of Methylated Spirits and water.
Apply the solution to a cloth and wipe down the stone areas.
Once your done, use a paper towel to pat the excess water off of the surface.
To finish, we highly recommend using a micro-fibre cloth to remove any excess dust or left over solution. This will ensure your benchtop is clean, safe for use and super shiny!

If you have any questions regarding caring for your benchtop you can contact us.

*** It’s important to watch what you use on the granite, over time some harsh acidic kitchen chemicals can take their toll on the surface. Chemicals with acidic properties are the one thing that can corrode the sealing of granite, so do not use any product using vinegar or lemon. ***

*** Soap or detergent is okay to use periodically, however long term use will result in a build up on the surface***

Natural stone home furniture, ‘River and Stream’ by Kreoo

May 16, 2016/in Design /by keatings

We found this article showcasing beautiful interior natural stone furniture by Kreoo. We love the natural organic form of the furniture, it is very aesthetically pleasing. Stone can be a very flexible medium, it is not reserved for flat benchtops or vanity tops. You can make sink bowls, furniture, scultpures or use it as a wall covering. Use your imagination!

“River” and “Stream” represents Kreoo’s official brand offering to the American market. On the anniversary of Kreoo’s debut at Salone del Mobile in Milan 2010, designer Enzo Berti re-interprets and re-designs Pavè, the seating system for indoor and outdoor that has become the brand’s icon.

The new seating “River” and “Stream” are comprised of marble seats set on natural wood bases and offer two unique designs. Smooth, sculptural and with a dash of whimsy, River and Stream are the new seating for indoor and outdoor featuring layered marble and wood bases in two complimentary designs. The first is streamlined and stretched with an extremely elegant effect. The second, a simple drop shape, perfectly rounded and graceful. The contrast of the marble’s intensity and the wood’s playful air provide a graceful and fluid aesthetic.

The two new models are independent, but have been designed to integrate with one another. Rivers’ elongated design compliments Stream’s rounded corner, working together to create a natural modular system with many seats. As in the entire Pavè Stone collection, River and Stream are inspired by the effect of natural river water gliding over the stones of the river bed: water flows, smoothes and polishes, forming nature’s great artwork.

The introduction of the new models offers new opportunities for designers to combine the welcoming stools that are perfect both for contract and home. Through alternate material options the Pavè Stone collection can be used both indoors and outdoors; seamlessly blending with nature or bringing its essence to an indoor space.

Source

Check Out These Surreal Marble & Resin Tables By Alexandre Chapelin

April 9, 2016/in Design /by keatings

A table can pack the beauty of a pristine waterfront beach house—that is, if it’s made by Caribbean-based designer Alexandre Chapelin. His marble and resin furniture is sculptural in nature, as evidenced by the stunning new offerings he’s just added to his ongoing Lagoon table series. By combining the sandy rock with a gradient of deep blue resins, he echoes the deepening azure of the ocean itself.

No two of Chapelin’s creations will ever look the same. “I refuse to make a manufactured product,” he tells The Creators Prpject. “Each model is unique, and I cannot produce two identical tables, so neither will two people own the same table of my creation. I’ve always respected the difference between people, their personalities and characters, and I believe this should reflect in the interior design of their own homes. Therefore our concept is for no two people to ever own the same table.”

His latest work is Lagoon 55, a series of two coffee tables that look like an exotic Caribbean coastline meeting an aquifer, or underwater cave system. You can order your own bespoke version of the tables, created exactly to the measurements that make sense for your home,on his website.

(Source, thisiscolossal.com, thecreatorsproject.vice.com)

Kora Bathtub cut from one single block of marble

April 9, 2016/in Design /by keatings

Designed by Kreeo the ‘Kora’, is an elegant ellipsoidal marble bathtub, that gives uniformity and elegance to the bathroom ambiance, evoking the ancient Tibetan bells. Born as a complement to the gong washbasin, Kora also has a reference to a traditional musical instrument of West Africa, characterized by an elliptical shape. The reference to the music, and specifically to the sound of water, with its quiet and silent impetuosity, is the soundtrack of a new way of experiencing the bathroom of contemporary people, and the Kora is its main protagonist.

The Kora is cut from one single solid block, carved with a meticulous and fine technique, achieved by digging the stone, firstly with specialized technology and then handcrafted for details and finishes. the tub rests on an iron tripod that supports its volume, giving stability and elegance. suspended from the floor, despite the strength of the material, the water finds in ‘kora’ a new lightness. marble is free from its weight and floats in the air. The Kora bathtub is presented in the version bianco estremoz but available in other colors such as bianco carrara, black marquina and grey st.marie.

Posts

WHAT TO AVOID

HOW TO DEEP CLEAN GRANITE

REMOVING STAINS

(Source, thisiscolossal.com, thecreatorsproject.vice.com)