Granite

Mar 12 2021

Tips For Fireplace Maintenance

When it comes to fireplace maintenance, many people don’t know much about what they need to do to have a stunning-looking and long-lasting fireplace.

However, natural stone needs a bit of work to keep it looking its best. Whether it’s a granite slab or another type of stone, our team at GranitePro can offer some insight into how to keep your fireplace not just operational but looking beautiful.

Key Fireplace Maintenance for the Inside

It’s important to focus a lot of attention on the interior of your fireplace. That’s because this is where creosote and other materials can build up if you are using your fireplace. If you don’t keep this area clean and inspected, it can lead to a house fire. However, it’s easy to maintain in most cases.

Have it professionally inspected at least one time a year
Keep as much of the debris and ash from the fire out of the fireplace after it cools down
Be sure your chimney is inspected as well as the cap each year

If you have not used the fireplace in some time, be sure all components are working well. If it has a blower, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning it and maintaining its efficiency.

You also want to be sure that the vents on the fireplace are operational and working reliably. These are all services your local technician can help you with most of the time.

Keeping the Natural Stone Looking Its Best

Whether or not you use the actual fireplace, there are a few things to consider about the exterior. The natural stone is durable, and it can handle the elements. However, it does need some basic care to keep it looking it’s very best.

Cleaning the Surface: To clean away dust and debris, don’t use chemical products that can stain or cause damage to the material itself. Instead, opt for a simple solution of hot water and trisodium phosphate (TSP). A small amount of this with a hand brush can help you to keep all of the stone clean.

Enzyme Cleaners: If you have surfaces with some staining or hard-to-remove debris, consider an enzyme cleaner. Follow the instructions for using these.

Know What the Manufacturer Recommends: When it comes to fireplace maintenance, be sure to ask the manufacturer of the fireplace materials how to properly clean it and seal it if needed. Some products have a special seal on them to lock out stains and damage. You don’t want to use chemicals on these that could cause damage.

Most importantly, if you have problems with damage to it, make sure to turn to professional fireplace services to help you get it back to looking its best. This can be an easy way to get the results you want while also ensuring your fireplace is still functional and useable.

Need Fireplace Services? Considering Other Natural Stone Uses?

At GranitePro, we work closely with our clients to ensure you have access to the very best natural stone solutions for your home. Whether you need to spend time improving your existing fireplace or want a brand new one added, we encourage you to reach out to us today.

We do all of the work you need, including:

Need Help? Call GranitePro Today

Whether you need advice on fireplace maintenance or you are considering a natural stone fireplace, our team at GranitePro is here to help you. Our fireplace services can help to add value to your home. Take the time to learn more about the range of services we offer. Call us at 410.875.7579 or connect with our team online now.

Jan 08 2021

Caring for Hard Marble, Quartz, & Granite Countertops

Hard marble, quartz, and granite countertops are beautiful additions to your kitchen. Caring for your countertops is not difficult or time-consuming, and it can help keep your countertops in great shape for years to come.

Read on to find out what to use (and what not to use) to keep your counters looking great! Read on to find out how to deal with stubborn stains and general maintenance. If you have countertop questions, call our Maryland countertop depot at 410.875.7579.

Taking Care of Hard Marble

Hard marble countertops are timeless, durable, and easy to care for. Making a few adjustments to your cleaning practices will help your counters stay looking new and bright.

Hard Marble: Daily Cleaning

Hard Marble countertops are easy to clean. For regular cleaning, use oil-free dish soap, a rag, and warm water. Wipe away excess soap bubbles with a paper towel.

Hard Marble: Weekly Cleaning

Once per week, you will want to use a specially formulated granite cleaner to wipe down your countertops. Granite cleaner can be purchased from any hardware or grocery store. Granite cleaners are pH-neutral, which will help you avoid discoloration over time.

Hard Marble Tips

Use soap and water for daily cleaning.
Use a cutting board during meal prep.
Avoid leaving spills to sit overnight.
Never use harsh cleaners or bleach.
Avoid leaving fruit or veggies on the counters.
Reseal your countertops every 3-5 years.
If you notice dark marks when exposed to water, it’s time to reseal.
MB Stone Care Stain Reaper Poultice Paste is an excellent choice for most hard marble stains.

Quartz Countertops: Daily Cleaning

To clean your quartz countertops, use dish soap, warm water, and a clean rag (never use brillo or abrasive sponges) to clean your quartz counters. Use a paper towel to wipe away soap residue.

Quartz Countertops: Weekly Cleaning

Use a granite cleaner to clean your quartz countertops every week. Do not use polish or dry powder cleaners). We recommend Stone Care International Granite, Quartz, and Stone Daily Cleaner spray for weekly cleaning.

Quartz Countertops: Maintenance Tips

Put hot appliances on a cutting board–they can damage quartz.
Clean up spills right away.
Only use products designated for natural stones.
Avoid putting hot, sharp, or abrasive items on your quartz countertops.
Do not slide heavy objects across your counters.
Never use harsh cleaners or bleach.
For a stubborn stain, use a small amount of Bar Keeper’s Friend “Soft Cleanser Liquid” and clean using a circular motion for 10-30 seconds.
Email a photo of the stain to info@graniteproremodeling.com and we’ll be happy to offer suggestions.

Granite Countertops: Daily Cleaning

For daily cleaning, use a clean rag, warm water, and oil-free dish soap to wipe down your counters. Do not use soaps with any kind of oil.

Granite Countertops: Weekly Cleaning

Just like with quartz and hard marble, a good way to keep your granite looking its best is to wipe it down with granite cleaner once a week. Do not use any kind of polish, bleach, ammonia, or abrasive material on your granite countertops.

Granite Care Tips

Avoid placing hot pots and pans on your granite.
Don’t walk on your countertops.
Do not use bleach, ammonia, abrasives, or harsh chemicals on your counters.
Use a cutting board when cutting food.
Avoid leaving fruit or veggies directly on the countertops.
We recommend MB Stone Care Stain Reaper Poultice Paste for stains.

GranitePro: Maryland’s Go-To Granite Emporium

If you have questions about how to care for your countertops or are interested in replacing them, the experts at GranitePro are available to help. Give us a call at 410.875.7579 to speak with a countertop expert near you!

Jan 01 2021

Understanding the Differences Between Polished and Honed Granite

The natural beauty of granite countertops is unmistakable. They add a touch of elegance to any room. You can find granite in many styles and colors that match other elements of your home décor.

Their hardness and durability make them functional when it comes to performing tasks like meal preparation. You may be trying to decide whether you want to go with the look of polished or honed granite.

Below you will find a breakdown of each surface to help you decide between polished and honed granite for your Maryland home renovation project.

Honed vs. Polished Granite

The main difference between honed and polished granite is the finishing process. Granite goes through several processes during its creation. The buffing and grinding of the stone’s surface leave it with a matte or satiny appearance.

Polished stone goes through an additional process where it gets buffed with fine polishing pads. That’s what gives polished granite its reflective, glossy appearance. Many people like the smooth appearance of polished granite because it makes the colors appear brighter and highlights the stone’s depth.

Pros and Cons of Polished and Honed Granite

Polished and honed granite offers different benefits to homeowners. Your final choice when it comes to polished and honed countertops will likely come down to your aesthetic. Think about what you want to achieve with your home remodel. Polished and honed granite countertops each come with their pros and cons.

Honed Granite

Honed granite provides a more natural look that gives off more relaxed vibes. The surface of honed granite can feel soft and velvety when touched. It’s also more resistant to scratches, making it an appealing option for granite countertops.

However, you’re not going to get the same depth of color or see all of the stone’s characteristics reflected. You can lose out on some texture and other fine details when you go with a honed granite surface. Between honed and polished granite, honed granite is more susceptible to stains from spills.

Polished Granite

Polished granite provides homeowners with a gleaming appearance that adds vibrancy to their kitchen and bathrooms. You can see details like the veins in the stone and distinctive flecks and swirls. They are also coated with a protective sealant that makes them less likely to stain. That makes it a great option if you are looking to install granite countertops

However, scratches are more visible on the surface of polished stone. Between honed and polished stone, polished stone is not always a good option to use on floors. The glossy surface can become very slippery when it gets wet. That makes it more dangerous to use in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

Deciding Between Honed and Polished Granite

Think about what you need when it comes to picking between honed and polished granite. Honed granite may be the better choice if you want something more resistant to scratches for granite countertops. Honed granite doesn’t get as slippery as polished granite, so it may be a better choice to use as flooring in high-traffic areas.

Polished granite shows off the beauty and details of your stone choice. It’s also more resistant to spills and can give your home a more luxurious feel. That makes it a popular choice among homeowners looking to install granite countertops.

Find the Perfect Granite Option at GranitePro

GranitePro has the experience and eye for beauty that helps them guide customers through the best options for installing granite anywhere in their home.

Find out more about polished and honed granite by calling GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online.

Dec 25 2020

Benefits of Natural Stone Counters

Natural stone counters are increasing in popularity by the day. While they may be more expensive than human-made options, stone counters’ benefits offset their considerably higher price tag. At GranitePro in MD, our experts can offer you these benefits through professional installation services.

Control Your Kitchen Design With Great Adaptability

Natural stone has infinite design potential. You cannot fail to find natural countertops that will be adaptable to your personal taste and kitchen style. Every piece of stone has its own story. GranitePro can help you bring that story to life.

Granite counters can fit well with both ultra-modern kitchens and traditional ones. You can pick the pattern and color depending on your interior decor. On the other hand, marble counters appeal more if you want to be elegant yet conservative. Nevertheless, some marble colors, such as black, can blend well with contemporary kitchen styles.

Besides, a natural stone combines well with various other materials, such as:

Plastic
Steel
Concrete
Wood
Synthetic materials

With natural stone counters, you can bring sophistication and liveliness into your kitchen, subject to your personal preferences.

You might need some flexibility when you want to remodel your bathroom or kitchen. If you are looking to install some custom cabinets, the contractor can cut the natural stone into your desired shapes.

Maintain Sanitary Conditions

If you are looking for a sanitary surface for preparing meals, your best option is a natural stone. Granite counters are an on-trend kitchen option. The stone is easy to clean and highly resistant to bacterial accumulation. The feature makes it sanitary enough to use in food prep. We recommend using a cutting board, but your kitchen surfaces need to be easily sanitized.

When disinfecting the stone, avoid using washing liquids that serve to clean and disinfect. Such products often leave streaks that are damaging to natural stone countertops. In its place, you can use a mixture of warm water and mild antibacterial dish soap. Apply the mixture to the surface and use a mild cleaner to remove or prevent streaks.

Natural Stone Counters Are Durable

Many dangers in the kitchen can destroy your countertops. You will not need to worry about little accidents with natural stone because the material is tough enough.

Manufactured countertops typically fail to resist the effects of liquids. It is much easier for water, for example, to warp or separate them. Moreover, they can easily chip or crack because of the dropping of items. However, natural stone is resistant to the effects of many types of fluids, and a dropped item rarely destroys stone countertops.

Typically, stone countertops require negligible maintenance, if any, to sustain their resilience, stain-resistance, and sparkle. Marble counters need some looking after, typically annually, except where the seal warranty lasts longer. Quartz counters are generally free of maintenance.

Eco-Friendly

When you go shopping for countertops, you will find many options, some of which are tempting to choose because they are relatively cheaper and easier to install. However, do not let the low price and convenience fool you. The products can be more hazardous and ineffective than you might imagine.

Manufactured countertops lack the durability and long life of natural stones. Furthermore, they contain plastics and chemicals that contribute to the destruction of the environment. You cannot recycle them easily.

Also, when you choose a professional contractor, you will protect the environment through services such as:

Contact GranitePro for the Best Stone Counters

If you want to incorporate natural stone in our kitchen, GranitePro has an array of options depending on your preferences and budget. You can reap all the benefits mentioned above by considering natural stone counters for your new or existing kitchen. Contact GranitePro at 410.875.7579 for the right stone countertops for your home.

Dec 05 2020

5 Ways to Protect Your Counter This Holiday

The holiday season comes with an increased need for baking and cooking, which will undoubtedly land on the countertops. As such, you need to put in place measures to protect your counters every time there are Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities.

Thanks to GranitePro in MD, you will get a strong and durable countertop that can serve you for several decades. Although the stone can withstand this holiday season, you might need to go the extra mile. It helps if you are sure the modern holiday season pressures cannot destroy your countertop.

Use Coasters to Protect Your Counters

You might need an extra layer of protection between your counter and the fluids in your kitchen or bathroom. The coasters can ensure that your counters last for decades, not just during this year’s holiday season, by making them water-resistant. If you are looking to start caring for granite countertops, consider coasters.

You can also seek professional help from contractors who can help you with other products for maintaining your counters. The professionals can also offer other essential services, including:

Wipe Up Spills

Your kitchen will possibly be a beehive of activity during the holidays. With so much traffic in your kitchen, it is easy to forget caring for your counters.

Most surfaces are prone to staining. Unfortunately, parties and family gatherings often do not end without spills. If you invite your family members and other loved ones over for Thanksgiving or Christmas, ensure you wipe up spills immediately.

Failure to do so can give the liquid time to penetrate the stone. If you wipe up spills as soon as you can, you will avoid stains from forming.

Use Mild Household Cleaners

Quartz counters are extra tough and resistant to stains, scratches, and scorches. Although the finishing enables them to be stain-resistant, use cleaners to protect your counters from stains, irrespective of the stone type.

Use mild household products as they will help clean your counters while at the same time, protect them from permanent damage. Do not use hard cleaners for removing stubborn holiday stains and spills. Use a sponge or a nonabrasive cleaning pad instead.

Use Hot Pads and Trivets

The easiest way to destroy countertops is to place hot pans and pots on them. While natural stone countertops can withstand relatively hot objects, they are not entirely resistant to heat. If you want to ensure that the season will not take a toll on your kitchen counters, protect them from hot objects using hot pads and trivets.

Using a trivet to create another heat-defense level is an ideal way of caring for granite countertops. If you are using quarts, trivets can still keep your countertops intact because hot pans and pots will not manage to scorch the surface.

Use Cutting Boards

When you are preparing a meal for a large family gathering or a party, it might be hard to have sufficient space in the kitchen. As such, it is common for items such as cutting boards to be in short supply.

If your cutting boards are not enough, buy more. It is a cheap option that can help maintain your countertops. Cutting boards shield counters from knife scratches when preparing meals. They can also protect your knives.

Learn More About Protecting Countertops at GranitePro LLC

If you want to learn more about ways to protect your counters, how to maintain them, and proper methods of cleaning them, get in touch with us today. We can help you get the full service from your countertops. Contact GranitePro LLC at 410.875.7579 for more information on countertops.