In this age of do-it-yourself home remodeling, many people think that a quick internet tutorial is all that you need in order to do literally anything. However, when it comes to granite countertops, you should rely on a professional to do the job. Here are three reasons why:

Many hands make light work

Granite countertops are heavy. Because of this, a countertop needs the proper cabinet mounts and supports, or else it will harm the island or cabinets underneath it. These supports need to be installed before the countertop is placed on them. Due to the weight, you also need to be prepared to lift it into place, and maneuver it around your house. It may take several people to do so, while keeping in mind that dropping the countertop may damage both it and your floor. Professional installers are licensed in case of such issues.

Fit matters

A countertop needs to perfectly fit the space that it going onto. If you order one that is too small, you will not be able to use it, as it will look strange in the space. If it is too large, the granite may require some trimming, which is something that professional installers will be prepared for. Trimming a large piece of granite is not something that a homeowner should attempt, as the stone can crack or chip if this is not done correctly.

Centre of attention

A granite countertop is the centerpiece of your kitchen. When you enter the kitchen, one thing catches your eye – the countertop. Because of this, your granite countertop needs to be installed correctly, otherwise, it may catch your eye for all of the wrong reasons!

When installed correctly, a granite countertop can last for many years, and will add to the worth of your home. For this reason, the ones described above, and many others, be sure to hire a professional to overhaul your countertops. Contact the team at Stoneworks Granite &  Quartz for your next counterop installation!

Of course, ancient stones such as marble, granite and quartz have taken eons to form under the Earth’s crust. But just how long have humans been using these materials to construct and decorate our homes? Consult Stoneworks’ guide below for a crash course on the history of stone surfaces.

MARBLE

Entire buildings made of marble date back nearly three thousand years and indeed the stone has been sought after since antiquity. Many famous buildings and sculptures are testaments to marble’s beauty: the Greek Parthenon, Michaelangelo’s David and countless others. In modern times, both natural and synthesized marble is widely used in construction and décor.

GRANITE

Once cumbersome and highly regional, granite was considered extremely specialized before the 1980s. Since then, modern technology and design influences have made granite products extremely popular, diverse and accessible. Global shipping has introduced countless varieties of granite to the world market. High-tech cutting and shaping tools have also increased granite’s availability.

QUARTZ

A naturally occurring crystal, quartz is mostly unusable as a surface without the aid of humans. In the 1960s, an Italian innovator created a way to press quartz crystals with resin– resulting in a highly durable, consistent and attractive material. Since then, quartz surfaces have become extremely popular and competitive in the stone surface market.

Today, surfaces such as quartz, granite and marble are so common that we may often overlook their background. It can also be hard to differentiate natural and manmade stones. For help in this, contact or visit Stoneworks today— our helpful staff know everything there is to know about stone.

Once something gets popular, the backlash begins. From press coverage to word of mouth, there’s no shortage of negative misinformation about granite surfaces. At the height of popularity only a few short years ago, granite now suffers from a poor reputation in some circles. If you are interested in a granite surface, but you are wary of possible drawbacks– consult Stoneworks guide below to ease your mind.

MYTH #1: “Granite is radioactive!”

While some material sold as granite can be exposed to radioactive radon gas, the available information on the subject is often confusing. This is because commercial interests fund studies biased towards their own perspectives. Granite producers want nothing to do with the word “radioactive” and competitors are all too happy to point it out. The reality is that there can be many sources of radon gas throughout a property and regular radon testing should be done (whether or not you have granite surfaces).

MYTH #2: “Stainproof? Heatproof? Scratchproof? Granite sounds too good to be true.”

This myth is partially correct– no material could ever be totally invincible! The truth is granite has many different qualities, but the strongest varieties are among the most durable surfaces available. Like any product, defects can occur– which is why caution should be taken with any surface. Use best practices to ensure your granite lasts a lifetime: clean stains immediately, use trivets and potholders and avoid direct impacts.

MYTH #3: “All granite is porous, so I will have to reseal it again and again.”

This myth is a major generalization, as every kind of granite could never be put into one category. Granite surfaces range from quite dense to extremely porous, so different amounts and kinds of sealant may be recommended. If you wish to avoid constant re-sealing, ensure your granite is dense, durable and well cared for.

MYTH #4: “Granite surfaces hold more bacteria than other materials.”

A popular jab at porous stone types, but it is simply untrue. Granite surfaces are no more or less susceptible to bacteria than most other materials. As with any counter or high-traffic area, regular cleaning and disinfection is the only way to confidently remove harmful bacteria.

If you believed any of the myths above before you read the article, you should be encouraged to do more research. If you need a hand, contact or visit Stoneworks today and our granite experts can walk you through all of your options.

When it comes to marble, the layman might only ever consider it one material– but that overlooks its depth, subtlety and variety. In fact, there is a diverse range of marble styles from many regions available to Stoneworks’ customers. If you are considering marble for your next new build or renovation, consult our quick hits below to get an idea of five common marble varieties.

Italy and Spain are two dominant marble producers. The following marble styles are split up between those respective countries.

Italy

Carrara

• Classic white with subtle veins;
• Named for Italian city and province;
• Sourced from northern Tuscany;
• One of the most quarried and widely sold types of marble;
• Excels in minimal and modern designs.

Calacatta

• Ranges from classic white to dark grey;
• Bold, thick veining;
• Also quarried in Carrara region;
• Striking shapes and patterns;
• Good choice for highlighting and individualizing your space.

Statuario

• Rare, but also from Carrara region;
• High degree of quality;
• Ranges from light grey to deep gold;
• Intricate, colourful veins;
• More subtle variety known as Statuarietto.

Spain

emperador

• Wide range of brown and golden hues;
• Irregular veining;
• Sourced from three specific Spanish regions;
• Effective in high-traffic areas;
• Deeper colour adds a unique look to all designs.

CREMA MARFIL

• Widely available and priced competitively;
• Comes in shades of beige, yellow, cream and gold;
• Flat backgrounds with erratic veins;
• Works well in darker or more natural spaces;
• Commonly used for highlights, flooring or even exterior needs.

Are you choosing a marble for a project, but don’t know where to start? Are you considering other stones or materials because marble seems too stuffy or traditional? Contact or visit Stoneworks today! Our marble experts can find the right style for your needs that can fit almost any budget.

We live in a disposable age– many consumer products seem designed to wear out regularly. Even big-ticket items like appliances or furniture are available at low cost and even lower quality. Fortunately, your granite surface was meticulously created thousands of years ago! Our suppliers may have acquired the stone recently, but the formation of rock takes eons deep within the Earth’s crust. So what makes granite such a durable choice? Check out a few reasons outlined below.

FEEL THE HEAT

Most granite surfaces are extremely heat resistant– able to withstand up to 900°F (nearly 500°C). The cooling of superheated magma creates most granite, so there is very little risk of scorching or burning due to a hot pan.

ROCK SOLID

Many surfaces’ care instructions insist that no chopping or cutting be done on them, as it could gouge or scratch the material. Granite has the opposite problem! If you use knives or other blades directly on granite, they will become dinged and dull– causing no harm to your surface.

STRENGTH TEST

In quality assurance testing, granite surfaces have shown resistance to cuts and scratches from all materials except diamond edges. Additionally, a sturdy granite slab can withstand severe impacts– only a sledgehammer could do any real damage.

SEAL TRICKS

Using an appropriate (ie: food-safe) sealant on a regular basis is a great way to keep your granite surfaces in pristine shape. Granite is porous, so spills can stain quickly if your surface is not sealed.

The features above are just a summary of the benefits of granite. In addition to its durability, granite is available in many attractive finishes, sizes and styles. Granite is the perfect compliment or centrepiece for any renovation project– its timeless style and workman-like reputation make it stand out from other materials. If you are interested in a granite surface, contact or visit the experts at Stoneworks today for your detailed assessment and free quote.

The striking elegance of onyx has earned its way into the pantheon of world-class building materials. From 5-star hotels to rustic country homes, onyx’s natural beauty can be incorporated into any palette or design. If you are curious about onyx, but are unsure how it would fit into your everyday life– consult Stoneworks guide to the upkeep, cleaning and care of onyx outlined below.

DAY-TO-DAY

Onyx is not for the faint of heart — it is a soft, silica-based mineral that needs regular care and prompt clean up. Vulnerable to acid, onyx can be easily damaged by liquids such as wine, coffee, fruit juice (especially citrus), vinegar and most household cleaners. Onyx is also porous, so spills should be blotted up as soon as possible to avoid staining and permanent damage.

Stoneworks best practice: Use a soft cloth dampened with warm, filtered water to wipe down your onyx surfaces and dry immediately with a gentle, absorbent towel.

WEEKLY & SEASONAL

Whether you use natural, ph-neutral cleaning products or professional stone cleaner, there are a few universal methods for preserving the quality and finish of your onyx surfaces. It takes a careful hand and an eye for detail, but you can ensure the stone ages well and retains its natural beauty.

Stoneworks best practice: Apply your gentle dish soap or stone cleaner to a cloth, instead of directly on the onyx– saturating the porous surface can do more harm than good. Wipe away excess with a soft, damp cloth and dry immediately with an absorbent towel or chamois (‘shammy’).

OTHER TIPS:

Sealant: If necessary, Stoneworks can advise a non-toxic, food-safe sealer that can be applied regularly to increase the resiliency of onyx. Sealant does not prevent stains, but it does reduce the porous nature of onyx– giving you more time to blot it up.

High-traffic: Considering onyx for a heavily used area? Sometimes adding it as an accent instead of a centrepiece can save you some cleaning and upkeep effort over the lifetime of the stone.

Stains: If treated immediately, stains can often be lifted out with a paste of water and baking soda. Unfortunately, nothing can reverse ‘etching’ from acidic liquids.

While onyx may seem finicky to some, one look at a beautiful slab of onyx from Stoneworks can win even the most practical person over. Whether bathed in natural light or backlit, there are few stones as unique and beautiful as onyx. Don’t let the upkeep, cleaning and care deter you– our stone surface experts can help you choose and utilize onyx in the most effective way possible for your next project. Contact Stoneworks Granite & Quartz today!

Marble has endured as a building material and stylistic choice for centuries. Even today, modern and classical trends can often include marble highlights, floors and countertops. While the subtle, complex beauty of marble is always nice to have around, some may be wary to inflict their everyday lives on what seems like a delicate surface. Marble does have some properties that require caution, but if you follow Stoneworks’ tips below– your marble will age like a fine wine!

DAY-TO-DAY

If you are considering marble for your next project, think carefully about where it will be installed. Common uses are: floors, wall-claddings, tabletops, wainscoting and vanity tops– but kitchen counters, backsplashes and many other areas are also popular. If you are installing marble in a high-traffic area, it is important to take precautions when doing daily, weekly and seasonal cleaning tasks. Marble’s main vulnerability is acid, so avoid any acid-based, harsh or abrasive cleaners. Blot up spills as soon as possible and always use a soft cloth or towel for all cleaning.

Stoneworks best practice: Soak microfiber cloth in warm, filtered water; wipe down surface; immediately dry with soft towel.

WEEKLY & SEASONAL

As life goes on, our daily chores become second nature– but we can often forget or cut corners when it comes to a more thorough clean. If this sounds familiar, then marble may be just the material for you! Rigorous cleaning can actually be harmful to a natural marble, limestone or carbonate surface. While it is delicate, it means you can skip the scouring pads, hazardous cleaners and heavy-duty accessories. Keep it simple: regular, gentle treatment will ensure your marble develops a natural patina over time that adds resiliency and beauty.

Stoneworks best practice: Dilute ph-neutral dish soap in warm water; use spray bottle to gently mist mixture evenly over surface; wipe down with hot, damp washcloth (rinse it as you go); buff dry with soft, absorbent towel.

OTHER TIPS

Stains: Treat stains immediately with a paste of baking soda and warm water. Allow it to dry and it should lift out after a wipe-down.

Prevention: Invest in coasters, trivets, rugs and other items designed to limit impacts and high temperatures. Metal can leave behind rust stains on marble, so consider wood, ceramic, stone and rubber- or felt-lined containers and utensils.

Polish: Using a soft chamois (‘shammy’) to buff a clean marble surface is the most cost-effective, but there are many commercial polishes and professional services available.

Sealant or wax: Though they often require reapplication and can affect your marble’s finish, a sealant or wax can increase the durability and longevity of your surfaces. Ensure your choice is non-toxic and food-safe, if necessary.

Interested in marble for your next project? Contact or visit Stoneworks today!

A new surface or countertop in your home may look beautiful, but you know it’s begging to be used. Of course, daily use can cause wear, stains, cracks and all sorts of unsightly damage. So how do you get the best of both worlds? Read on for a handy list of habits and tips that will ensure you get a full life out of your new surface.

A STONE BY ANY OTHER NAME
Certain stone surfaces may appear similar– even identical– but they could have radically different care instructions. You should know the specific brand, material and make-up of your new countertop or surface. Stoneworks Granite & Quartz will give you detailed care instruction, but its up to the customer to clean, seal and tend to the surface as needed.

GIVE YOURSELF AN EDGE
Is regular upkeep a hassle for you or does it simply not fit into your hectic life schedule? Choose a material that is resilient and nearly care-free. Engineered quartz surfaces require no cleaners or sealants; they are also generally stain-, heat- and wear-resistant.

LIKE A FINE WINE
If you can embrace routine and appreciate a fine patina after years of use, granite and marble respond well to wear when sealed properly and regularly. Those seeking this effect should still use cutting boards and trivets to protect the stone from major cracks and damage.

BLACK & WHITE
The extremes of the colour palette– black and white — are both extremely popular choices for new countertops or surfaces. Suitable in both modern and traditional design, the dark and light spectrums of the colour palette present their own challenges. Light surfaces may seem hard to keep clean, but dark surfaces are notorious for showing fingerprints and other smudges. Consider a textured, veined or neutral-coloured stone or material for a hardy, resilient surface or countertop.

Are you unsure if your current countertop or surface has been properly cared for? Do you have your eyes on an upgrade, but wary of the cost and hassle of upkeep? Contact or visit Stoneworks Granite & Quartz today! Our specialists can walk you through all the required care for your preferred stone or material. Let us address your concerns and find the perfect fit for your space.

From style to substance, countertops are key to a stylish bathroom of any size. Bathroom surfaces need to be durable enough to handle daily wear and regular cleaning– but we still want our lavatories to live up to luxurious and lavish styling. There is a wide range of options to choose from if you are a homeowner looking to upgrade, renovate or create the perfect bathroom. Here at Stoneworks, we specialize in granite, quartz, onyx and marble surfaces. Read on for a summary of the pros and cons of using each product for your next bathroom vanity-top.

GRANITE

Selected for their granite-like properties, many hard and semi-porous igneous stones fall under the ‘granite’ label of surfaces and materials. These stone types provide a consistent product available in all prices, colours and qualities.

Pros

• Wear-, heat- and bacteria-resistant
• Thousands of colours and styles
• Rarely needs sealant

Cons

• Heavy impact can cause cracks
• Stone cleaner should be used regularly
• Prone to stains

QUARTZ

Coloured and resin-hardened quartz makes for a beautiful, durable bathroom surface. Consistency is achieved by grinding mined quartz down to crystal form, before pressing it into a custom mold.

Pros

• Wear-, stain-, bacteria- and acid-resistant
• Does not require sealant or cleaner
• Consistent, even appearance

Cons

• High-end range is extremely expensive
• Can be heavier than alternatives
• Low gloss finish

ONYX

Onyx surfaces vary wildly: each slab is unique and features dark clours, bright stripes or bands and translucence that causes light diffusion. Used as a centerpiece in any bathroom, onyx countertops offer a special individuality to any homeowner, homebuilder or contractor.

Pros

• Unique colours and patterns
• Translucence creates deep appearance and enhances light
• Less heavy and bulky than other stones

Cons

• Fragile
• Prone to wear, acid and cleaning agents
• Special cleaner and regular sealing is advised

MARBLE

Marble is usually a metamorphic rock– a combo of two existing forms of stone– that occurs in nature, but the term can encompass other crystallized minerals used in construction (ie: limestone). Regardless of a marble product’s geologic origins, when used for home surfaces it always provides a classic style and pleasant aesthetic.

Pros

• Diverse colours and styles
• Look is both natural and classical
• Heat-resistant

Cons

• Regular sealing required
• Easily scratched
• Difficult to repair
• Vulnerable to acid

THE VERDICT

No matter your preference, Stoneworks has the right stone for your next bathroom surface install or upgrade. From popular options like quartz and granite to more natural alternatives like marble and onyx, you can select a stone product that will make your bathrooms stand apart for years to come. Visit or contact us today to consult with one of our stone specialists– we will listen to your needs and customize the perfect product for you and your project.

So you’ve made the decision to install new surface in your home, business or renovation project– what comes next? Once Stoneworks’ customer service experts have guided you to the perfect material and style, the only thing left to do is prepare your space for the installation process. Follow the simple steps outlined below for a hassle-free experience next time you upgrade countertops or surfaces.

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE
The old adage rings true as ever– responsible renovators do not incur multiple, wasteful expenses caused by poor measurement or product inconsistencies. A new project is exciting, but a thorough and prepared approach will lead to long-term happiness with the final product.

Thick as a brick: Your new countertop will almost always be a different thickness than your old surface; make sure you compensate for the discrepancy when measuring and purchasing décor and accessories. Appliances, cabinets, backsplash, sinks, faucets and other countertop features can all be impacted.

Everything but the kitchen sink: Due to the wide variety of products available in-store and online, countertop upgrades often accompany a new sink and faucet assembly or new appliances. These features can affect integration and functionality of your new kitchen, bathroom or bar surface. Wait until all ordered products arrive before signing off on final measurements– they may be different than advertised and Stoneworks may need to fine-tune your order.

BLESS THIS MESS
Dust, dirt and debris– they are inevitable in any renovation. Stoneworks prides itself on respecting its customers’ spaces, but we also believe in preparing them for the realities of installing a stone surface.

Floor your information: Floor coverings will be placed in every installation. If your floors are particularly delicate, inform your Stoneworks installer and extra precaution will be taken.

Get that dirt off your shoulder: Safely blocking vents in the installation area can help reduce dust and dirt circulation during the process. Cover anything in the space that could react poorly to dust build-up. If holes have been drilled and there is coarse dust in your sink– leave it be! The installers will carefully clean this stone dust when the job is complete, disturbing it can scratch your sink’s surface.

TIPS & TRICKS

• Hold off on final touches (ie: wall treatment, cabinet hardware, etc.), they can suffer adverse wear during the installation process
• Ensure there is a decision-maker for the property available to the installer to address last-minute questions or concerns
• Acquire and apprise yourself of all the necessary cleaners, sealants and other care for your new surface before it is installed

The above is only a summary of the process and potential issues of installing a new stone surface. If you desire more information or details, contact or visit Stoneworks Granite & Quartz today. We are committed to satisfying our customers with a customized and comfortable installation, so bring us into your space today!