Blackstone Blog

Stone surfaces, from granite countertops to marble vanities, add a touch of natural elegance to any home. However, their beauty and longevity depend significantly on proper care and maintenance. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your stone surfaces looking their best for years to come. Understanding Your Stone Before diving into maintenance, it’s important to identify the type of stone you have. Natural stone can be broadly categorized into two types: calcareous stones like marble and limestone, which are sensitive to acidic substances, and siliceous stones like granite and quartzite, which are more durable and acid-resistant. Knowing your stone type will dictate the care and products you should use. Daily Cleaning Practices For All Stone Types: Wipe Spills Immediately: Whether it’s wine on marble or coffee on granite, prompt cleaning can prevent stains and etching. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot spills gently. Use Mild Detergent: Avoid harsh chemicals. A few drops of mild dish soap mixed with water are sufficient for daily cleaning. Apply with a soft sponge or cloth. Dry Thoroughly: After washing, always dry the surface with a soft cloth to prevent streaks and water spots. For Calcareous Stone: Avoid Acidic Cleaners: Vinegar, lemon juice, and other acidic cleaners can etch marble and limestone. Stick to pH-neutral substances. For Siliceous Stone: Mild Bleach Solution for Stains: For tough stains on granite or slate, you can use a solution of water and a small amount of bleach, but always rinse thoroughly and dry. Dealing with Stains and Etches For Organic Stains: Poultice Application: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and leave overnight. Remove with a soft cloth and rinse. For Oil-Based Stains: Cornstarch for Fresh Stains: Sprinkle cornstarch on fresh oil stains and leave for 10-15 minutes. Brush away and then clean with a mild detergent. For Etches on Calcareous Stone: Professional Re-polishing: DIY remedies for etches can be tricky and ineffective. It is often best to hire a professional to repolish and restore etched marble or limestone. Periodic Maintenance Sealing: Depending on the porosity of your stone, sealing may be necessary to protect against stains. Granite typically requires sealing every 1-2 years, while denser stones like quartzite may need less frequent sealing. Always use a sealant recommended for your specific stone type. Deep Cleaning: Schedule a yearly deep cleaning with a stone-safe cleaner to remove accumulated grime and sealant residue. Preventative Measures Use Trivets and Coasters: Protect your stone surfaces from heat and moisture by using trivets under hot dishes and coasters under beverages. Avoid Chopping Directly on Stone: Use cutting boards to prevent scratches and chips on your countertops. Felt Pads on Furniture: Use felt pads under furniture legs on stone flooring to prevent scratches when moving items. Following these care and cleaning tips, your stone surfaces can remain pristine and functional for years. Regular maintenance not only preserves the beauty of the stone but also protects your investment, ensuring that your home continues to showcase its natural elegance. Whether it’s your kitchen countertop or your bathroom vanity, a little attention goes a long way in maintaining the beauty of stone.

Maximizing Style and Savings: The Art of Utilizing Stone Remnants in Home Design

Quartz countertops have become a mainstay in modern kitchens and bathrooms, prized for their durability, low maintenance, and wide range of designs. However, with the proliferation of brands, choosing the right quartz can feel like navigating a dense jungle. This guide clarifies the path by comparing three of the most popular quartz brands: Cambria, MSI, and Silestone. We hope to help homeowners and designers make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs by examining their offerings. Cambria Strengths: Quality and Durability: Cambria is renowned for its durable quartz surfaces. It's made of 93% pure quartz, which makes it stronger than granite. Cambria surfaces are resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Design Variety: With over 200 design options, Cambria offers an extensive range of colors and patterns, from subtle to bold, mimicking the look of natural stone or presenting unique styles. Maintenance-Free: Cambria surfaces are non-porous, require no sealing or reconditioning, and are easy to clean with just soap and water. Warranty: Cambria provides a limited lifetime warranty, reflecting its confidence in product durability and customer satisfaction. Limitations: Price: Cambria is often at the higher end of the price spectrum, which may not fit all budgets. Availability: Being a premium product, Cambria might not be as readily available as other brands, requiring purchase through specific distributors or showrooms. MSI Strengths: Affordability: MSI offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for those looking for quality quartz surfaces on a budget. Selection: MSI boasts a vast selection of colors and patterns, including looks that replicate marble, granite, and other natural stones. Their collection is continually updated to reflect current trends and customer demands. Accessibility: MSI products are widely available through various retailers, making it easy to find and purchase quartz surfaces. Eco-Friendliness: MSI is committed to sustainability, offering products that include recycled materials and employing eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Limitations: Inconsistency: Due to the broad range of products and price points, there can be some inconsistency in the quality and appearance of MSI quartz. Warranty: The warranty coverage offered by MSI may not be as comprehensive as that of higher-end brands like Cambria.  Silestone Strengths: Hygienic Surfaces: Silestone incorporates HybriQ+ technology, making their surfaces highly resistant to bacteria. This feature is particularly appealing for kitchens and healthcare settings. Innovation: Silestone is known for its innovative designs, including surfaces with integrated sinks and textured finishes. Color and Style Range: Silestone offers a wide range of colors and styles, including collections designed in collaboration with leading designers. Warranty: Silestone provides a 25-year warranty, showcasing their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Limitations: Price Variation: While Silestone offers a range of products, the more innovative and unique designs come with a higher price tag. Sensitivity to Heat: Although durable, Silestone surfaces can be more sensitive to heat than some competitors, requiring trivets and hot pads to prevent damage. Conclusion When it comes to choosing the right quartz brand for your project, consider your priorities: Are you looking for unparalleled quality and design variety, or are affordability and accessibility more critical? Cambria stands out for its premium quality and extensive design options but is cheaper. MSI offers a budget-friendly choice with a wide selection of styles, though it may vary in consistency. Meanwhile, Silestone excels in innovative designs and hygienic surfaces, balancing aesthetics and functionality. Ultimately, the best quartz brand for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and style preferences. By understanding the unique offerings and limitations of Cambria, MSI, and Silestone, homeowners and designers can make informed decisions, ensuring the chosen quartz surface meets their expectations in both form and function. Choosing Blackstone Stone & Marble as Your Professional Stone Provider When embarking on a renovation or new construction project that involves quartz or other stone materials, selecting the right supplier is just as crucial as choosing the brand of the material itself. Blackstone Stone & Marble emerges as a distinguished provider in this space, offering unique advantages to homeowners and designers alike Contact Blackstone today to get started.