Company News Archives - Page 2 of 43 - Granite Craft Direct UK

How Can You Tell if your Stone is Stained?

If you take a look at your natural stone surfaces and notice a mark that should not be there, your first thought might be that the area is stained. Not all marks, however, are stains. There could be a number of other reasons behind the difference in colour. Here are some common causes. Etching If your polished marble surface comes into contact with acidic substances, etching can easily occur. Examples of acidic substances include lemons, orange juice, wine, vinegar and several foods such as tomatoes. The acid from the food or beverage will come in contact with the calcium in the stone and cause the unsightly etched appearance. In order to remove the etching, you will need to re-polish the surface. Moisture marks If your stone surface is porous and you spill water, it can easily be mistaken for a stain. The best thing to do is to allow the

Why Quartz is Great for Commercial Settings

Commercial settings need to look their best in order for business owners to create the right impression. With quartz, you can do just that. Here is why you should choose quartz for your business. Both large and small businesses can benefit from this investment. Easy to maintain Quartz is known for being scratch, stain and impact-resistant. It is non-porous which means that it does not need to be sealed. The resin used in the process of manufacturing this type of stone mean that it cannot be penetrated by water or any other substances. This makes it easy to clean and one of the easiest types of stone to care for. Great variety If you are looking for stone to suit your style, quartz will cater to your needs and preferences. Take your pick from white or black marbled, pearl-finished, glossy or flat black as well as solid or variegated colours.

Why Marble is Great for your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace that could use some sprucing up, you should consider using marble. Here are some of the main reasons why marble is the perfect stone to dress up your fireplace and make it a true highlight in the room. Durability Marble is a natural stone and stone is known for being tough. Marble has been used in the presence of fire and fireplaces for many years. Just take a moment to consider ancient Greek and Roman fireplaces for example. You can rest assured that this stone will hold up very well even with regular roaring fires. Always looks great If you are looking for a versatile type of stone for your home, marble is it! This type of stone is perfect for every home. Whether you want to create a modern or traditional atmosphere, you can rest assured that marble will look good no matter your

Main Factors for Choosing Granite Worktops

When shopping for granite worktops, there are a number of decisions you will need to make. Here are some of the top choices you will need to make when selecting the perfect granite surfaces for your home. Colour Granite worktops are commonly found in beige, brown, pink and grey. These are also lovely additions to kitchens depending on the existing or intended colour scheme. Other less common options include blue, red and green. They are excellent for making a bold statement and they certainly are unique in their beauty. Veining Since granite is a natural stone, you can expect different slabs to have different veining patterns. Solid-coloured granite slabs are extremely rare and they usually have marbled or speckled veining patterns. These veining patterns add visual interest and a unique style to the room. Finish The finish of your granite worktops will dramatically affect its appearance as well as its

Quartz Worktop Care Tips You Need to Know

If you have quartz worktops in your home, it’s important that you know how to care for them. Proper care will keep these surfaces looking great for as long as possible. In the short term, proper care will help ensure that you enjoy the use of your worktops. In the long term, these surfaces will add value to your home if you choose to sell in the future. Regular cleaning An essential part of care involves proper cleaning. To keep your quartz worktops clean, you should wipe away spills right away. While the surface is not porous, it doesn’t hurt to wipe away acidic substances in particular. Sticky substances can be more difficult to clean once they harden. So, make sure that you wipe them up sooner rather than later. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. Prevent damage Always place cups, glasses, dishes and pots on mats, trivets and

Protect Your Worktops During a Dinner Party

If you are planning on hosting a dinner party during the holidays, it is important that you make sure your granite worktops are properly protected. Here are some essential tips to ensure that your worktops don’t suffer any damage in the process. Sealing Before the holidays, it is certainly worth cleaning and sealing your granite worktops. Make sure that the surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before applying a quality sealant. This will help prevent liquids from penetrating the surface of the stone. Quick clean up Keep cloths and towels on hand so that you are prepared in the event of a spill. The last thing you want is to waste valuable time hunting for a cloth to use to absorb a spill. Hot pads Use hot pads towels to protect your worktops from prolonged exposure to heat. If you plan on serving food along a buffet-type setting, you should make sure

What You Need to Know about Quartz

When selecting worktops for your kitchen or bathroom, it is important to make sure that you know as much as possible about this type of stone before you have it installed. Here are some of the most important facts regarding quartz. Durable and man-made Quartz is known and loved for its durable nature. While most types of natural stone are praised for being tough, quartz takes it to a whole new level. Unlike natural stone, quartz is man-made by combining natural quartz with a resin. This resin makes for a strong bond and it also means that they are not porous. So, there is no need to worry about stains. No sealing required As previously mentioned, the resin component of these stone slabs mean that they are not porous. You will need to seal other types of natural stone and re-seal them regularly. Quartz never needs to be sealed which

Limestone Worktops – A Classic Look for your Home

If you, like many homeowners, are looking for the ideal stone worktops, you should consider limestone. You may have heard of granite, marble and quartz, but many people don’t know exactly what limestone has to offer. Elegance The main reason why we want to install new worktops in our homes is because they look so much better than other types of surfaces. Limestone is a beautiful type of natural stone and it will certainly add elegance to the room. Affordable If you are looking for stone worktops that are not too expensive, limestone could be just what you need. They are typically cheaper than other types of stone, including marble and granite. So, if you want stone surfaces at a lower price, ask about limestone. Long-lasting Like other types of stone, you can depend on limestone worktops to stand the test of time. If you’re not all that sure, just

Factors to Help You Choose the Right Type of Stone Worktops

When choosing stone worktops for your home, there are a few important questions that you will need to ask. Here are the main factors that will help you determine what type of stone is right for you and your budget. Appearance and style Colour, pattern and finish are important in this regard. Some types of stone are available in more colours than others. Most stones are available in different veining patterns. Quartz is a man-made stone which means that you can match more precisely. If you want something with a truly unique look, you might like granite or marble more. As for the finish, you will need to choose between smooth, glossy, matte or textured finishes. Maintenance All times of stone need to be maintained and each type of stone will require somewhat different care. This care routine includes sealing, cleaning and staining. The more porous the stone, the more

Stone versus Ceramic Tile

When choosing the flooring for your home, you will come across several options. Many homeowners find it difficult to decide between stone and ceramic tile. There is no right or wrong answer. However, it is important to understand what each of these options will offer you and your home. Maintenance Natural stone is usually more porous than glazed ceramic tiles. Unglazed ceramic tiles are just as porous as natural stone so there is no real comparison there. Natural stone can be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water from penetrating the surface and stains from taking hold. Cleaning Glazed ceramic tiles can be cleaned using just about any type of cleaning substance since you do not need to worry about the chemicals penetrating and damaging the tile. Natural stone can suffer damage if acidic solutions are used as well as abrasives. Special stone cleaning solutions should be used to