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.

Kitchen Remodel Survival Guide

If you are about to undergo a kitchen remodel, there is already a lot to think about. You probably have an idea of how long the work will take. So what do you do in the meantime while you’re waiting for your new granite counters in your Minneapolis home? How can you manage to still have some of the conveniences of having a kitchen when your kitchen is being remodeled? Here are a few suggestions.

• Make a temporary kitchen in another room. Set up a few small appliances, like your coffee pot, crock pot and toaster, and make sure you have mugs, sugar, coffee, paper plates, napkins, etc. nearby too. That way, you can still enjoy your morning cup of coffee, plus you can make some meals in your crock pot so you’re not living off of pizza and fast food while your kitchen is being renovated.
• Set some snacks aside too. You will probably want to be able to munch on some things while you’re on the go or watching your new granite be installed.
• Don’t forget your grill! If your new granite is being installed and the weather outside is nice, why not spend some time enjoying the great outdoors? Grill up some tasty meals and spend some quality time with your family.
• When you do order take-out or delivery, why not take the opportunity to try a new restaurant in your town? It could be one that just opened or a type of food you haven’t tried yet. Not having a kitchen for a short period of time doesn’t mean you can’t eat well and keep your stomach happy!

Do you want more information about granite in Minneapolis? Call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or you can contact us for a Free Quote.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Granite Countertops

You just had new granite countertops installed, and now you’re wondering how to keep them looking great. We install granite countertops in Burnsville, and we have a few suggestions for you on how to keep them looking as good as new.

Make Sure They’re Sealed

When Minneapolis Granite installs your new granite countertops, we will make sure they are properly sealed. Granite is very durable, but it is also porous, so it can absorb stains, oils and spills. And that can lead to permanent damage to your granite countertops. If you aren’t sure if your counters should be sealed, put a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads, you’re good to go. If the water is absorbed into the countertops, then it’s time to look into resealing them.

Make Sure You Clean Them Every Day

Using a soft cloth (microfiber is the best), warm water and a mild dish soap, give your granite countertops a little bit of TLC every day. Just be sure you don’t use cleaners that are abrasive or acidic because you could damage your counters. Wipe them down thoroughly and make sure you wipe up all of the soap you use. That can dull the finish sometimes.

Make Sure You Disinfect Sometimes

Yes, granite countertops are bacteria-resistant, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t use some disinfecting every once in a blue moon. Bacteria-resistant does not mean the same as “bacteria-proof.” There are special granite disinfectants you can buy or you can make some on your own. Just mix together equal parts water and 91% isopropyl alcohol and put it into a spray bottle. This mix won’t just disinfect your granite countertops. It will also help to restore your granite’s natural shine and luster.

For more information on granite countertops in Burnsville, call Minneapolis Granite at 612-822-3135 or contact us for a Free Estimate.

What to Look for When Selecting Granite Countertops

Selecting new granite countertops can be an exciting process, but it can also get a bit confusing and overwhelming if it is your first time having them installed. You have plenty of options for granite countertops in Eden Prairie, but when you hire Universal Stone, you will get plenty of help and guidance along the way. We can turn a sometimes-confusing process into a fun and interesting one.

Visit a Showroom

Always make sure you take the time to visit our showroom when you are selecting your new granite countertops. You want to be sure you see all of your options, and you will want to see something tangible. So going through the slab selection at our showroom gives you the chance to look at a wide variety of granite colors and patterns. This will help you make an informed decision during the selection process.

Bring Pictures or Samples

It’s a good idea to bring paint swatches or samples of your cabinetry along with you when you are selecting your granite countertops. That way, it’ll be easy for you to see if your new granite will match the cabinets you’ve already selected or the paint color you’ve already got your heart set on. It’ll help you avoid clashing colors or patterns and you can be sure your entire kitchen or bathroom will have a nice and cohesive look to it.

Ask Questions

Don’t ever be afraid to ask us questions about your granite countertops! That is why we are here, and we know a lot about the subject. We can teach you all about granite countertops and the fabrication and installation process. Remember: new granite countertops are a big investment, so it’s important you understand every aspect of the process.

Ready to learn more about granite countertops in Eden Prairie? Call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or Request a Free Quote.