Five Myths about Installing Granite Countertops

We have helped many homeowners by installing granite countertops in their Plymouth homes. By being in the business, we also hear many different myths and rumors about granite. So, we want to set a few of these myths to rest. Here are a few that we hear most often.

Myth #1: Granite is too expensive for most homeowners

Truth: Installing granite countertops is actually quite affordable for most homeowners. In recent years, the cost of granite has dropped some, which makes it even more accessible. Plus, we can work with you to ensure you get a lovely slab of granite for a reasonable price. We’ll even provide a free estimate so you know how much you can expect to pay.

Myth #2: Granite needs to be resealed on a yearly basis

Truth: Granite countertops do not have to be resealed on a yearly basis. In fact, there are several different types of granite that will never need to be resealed. Every piece of granite we fabricate is sealed before it is installed. If you are concerned about your granite countertop, there is a simple test you can do to see if it needs resealed. Pour a small amount of water on your countertops. If the water beads up, then your countertops are fine. If the water is absorbed into the countertop, then you should look into having it resealed.

Myth #3: Granite care is difficult

Truth: Granite is incredibly easy to maintain. All you need to do is wipe the counters down on a daily basis and be sure you clean up any spills immediately after they happen.

Myth #4 Installing granite countertops is a lengthy process

Truth: Normally, installing granite countertops takes only a few hours. We usually tell our clients to expect four to six hours for the installation process, depending on the scope of the project. The fabrication process takes about two weeks, again depending on the size of the project.

Myth #5: Granite contains high levels of radon

Truth: Although radon is a naturally occurring gas found just about everywhere in the world, granite is not known to harbor dangerous levels of radon.

We hope this helped counter some of the myths about granite. If you would like more information about installing granite countertops in Plymouth or any of the surrounding areas, please call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or you can contact us to learn how to get a Free Quote.

How to Care for Natural Stone Countertops

If you just had natural stone countertops installed in your Plymouth home, you might be wondering what you should do first in order to keep them looking their very best. The professionals at Universal Stone have a few suggestions on what steps you need to take to help them stay looking great.

You should always wipe up spills as soon as possible after they happen. Never allow any liquids to sit on your natural stone countertops for too long, especially dark liquids like red wine and coffee. While most natural stone countertops are stain resistant, that cannot guarantee that nothing will ever stain them. It is better to err on the side of caution. Use water and a soft and dry cloth to mop up any spills.

On a regular basis, about once a day or every other day, depending on how often you use your natural stone countertops, be sure to wipe them up with warm water and a specially formulated cleaner. The type of cleaner you get will depend on the specific stone you have. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when you use it.

Finally, have some basic rules about your natural stone countertops and what they can be used for. Do not allow anyone to paint on them, and do not allow anyone to use glue or to make crafts on them. You might think your natural stone coutnertops will be safe if you lay down a protective layer, like newspaper, but it is still not a good idea. Again, it is better to err on the side of caution.

If you suspect that your natural stone countertops need to be resealed at any point, just be sure to use a drop of water to test them. Drop some water onto your countertops and watch how it behaves. If the water beads up, then your counters are fine. If the water is absorbed into the natural stone, then the counters need to be resealed. Universal Stone can help with that!

With a little bit of maintenance and care on your part, your new natural stone countertops could last you a lifetime!

Would you like more information on natural stone countertops in Plymouth or any of the surrounding areas? Call us at Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or you can contact us to learn how to get a Free Quote.

Preparing for Granite Countertop Installation

Now that you have scheduled your appointment for granite countertop installation at your Minnetonka home, you might be wondering what you should do to prepare. Here are a few suggestions from the professionals at Universal Stone.

You should make sure that you or another adult decision maker is at your home during the entire installation appointment. That way, if we have a question or if there is a last-minute decision to make, someone is there to answer our questions. We want to make sure your granite countertop installation appointment goes smoothly, so we will need to have some questions answered while we are there.

Make sure you remove all wall hangings, pictures and any other fragile items. That way, there is no chance that they are accidentally damaged while we are there doing the granite countertop installation work.

Be sure all items that are in your cabinets are also removed. Again, this is a precaution to make sure nothing is lost or damaged during our work there. We always take the utmost care to ensure we do not damage anything while working, but it is always better to err on the side of caution!

To make things easier for our crew, please make sure there is a clear path between where we will park our work truck and where we will be doing the granite countertop installation work. This will make it easier for our team members to carry their materials in and out of your home.

We will probably be installing the sink during the granite countertop installation process. Please make sure the sink is there and ready to go. We cannot handle the plumbing aspect of the job, but we will definitely make sure it is properly installed in your new granite countertops.

You should inform any other contractors who will be at your home during this time that we will be there working too. This helps avoid “traffic jams” or scheduling conflicts.

Finally, please make sure your kitchen is well ventilated for everyone's safety. Please have a fan running or some windows open if possible. Epoxy and some of the other materials we use can give off harmful fumes, so some air moving through the room is beneficial to everyone.

If you are interested in learning more about granite countertop installation in Minnetonka, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or you can contact us to get a Free Quote.

Frequently Asked Questions about Granite Remnants

Granite is an incredibly versatile stone that can be used for many different purposes. While it comes in slab form, the smaller pieces are known as remnants. And there are plenty of uses for remnants, from table tops and small bathroom vanities to fireplace surrounds and mantles. We sell granite remnants near Bloomington, so we thought we'd take the time to answer some of the questions we hear the most frequently about them.

Q: What are some of the benefits of granite remnants?

A: Granite remnants are a cost-effective way to get the beauty and durability of granite for your next home improvement project. You can use granite remnants to make table tops or fireplace surrounds, or we can turn them into a small bathroom vanity. They are also great for outdoor kitchens. You get the beauty and luxury of granite at a reasonable price

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Q: Where do you get granite remnants?

A: When we fabricate granite slabs, sometimes there are pieces left over. These are what are known as granite remnants. Rather than throw them aside and waste them, we offer them for sale to customers who want them for smaller projects. And artists can use them for art projects and sculptures.

Q: What are some ideas for granite remnants?

A: Your imagination is the limit with granite remnants. But we can give you plenty of ideas! You can use them for bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds and mantles, table tops, tiles, artwork, kitchen backsplashes and much more.

Q: Why should I buy granite remnants from you?

A: At Universal Stone, we sell high quality granite at reasonable prices. We have a great selection of granite remnants, and you are sure to find the exact one you need for your project.

For more information about granite remnants in Bloomington, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or you can contact us to Request a Free Quote.

How to Care for Granite Countertops

Universal Stone specializes in granite countertop installation in Bloomington and the surrounding areas, and we have a few suggestions for you on how to best care for them after they've been installed. 

1. After your granite countertop installation job is complete, make sure you keep them clean using three things: a mild soap (which is optional), warm water and a soft dry cloth. Wipe them down on a daily basis, and be sure to wipe up spills right after they happen. That is all you have to do to keep them looking good!

2. Granite does not always need to be resealed on a regular basis. Part of what we do for every granite countertop installation job is seal the granite before it's installed. Chances are, your granite will not need to be resealed ever again after that. It usually just depends on the type of granite you choose. A great way to see if your granite needs to be resealed is by testing it with a drop of water. If the water beads up on the countertop, the seal is fine. If the water is absorbed into the countertop, then it's time to get the granite resealed.

3. Granite counters do not need to be disinfected. They are naturally bacteria resistant. You should not use harsh or abrasive cleaners on them either, especially cleaners that have any sort of acid in them. Just make sure you dry off your granite counters after you wipe them down.

4. Granite counters are heat and burn resistant, but we still recommend that you set a hot pad down underneath any hot sauce pans or hot dishes, just to be on the safe side.

5. We also recommend that you use a cutting board when you want to cut anything on your counters after your granite countertop installation project is done. Not because you could damage your new counters, but because you could damage your knives!

If you would like more information on granite countertop installation in Bloomington and the surrounding areas, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or you can contact us and set up your Free Quote.