What is Etching?
Etching only occurs in calcium based stones such as Marble, Limestone, or Travertine. GRANITE IS NOT a calcium based stone, therefore under normal circumstances it will not etch.
Marble is a softer stone than granite...therefore etching occurs when the calcium carbonate makeup of the stone is eaten away at from acidic substances leaving dull spots known as "ETCHES". It is a chemical reaction that will happen with Marble.
What is Staining?
Stains, unfortunately, can occur in ALL countertop materials regardless of what manufacturers or countertop sales people tell you. With that being said, some materials are much more resistant to stains than others. Granite and Quartz for example are much more resistant to staining than a more porous based stone such as Marble.
Thankfully, most stains are relatively easy to remove by a trained stone fabricator. At Huntsville Granite & Marble our staff is trained and certified annually by a "Dry-Treat" sealing product expert. Dry-Treat is widely considered to be the premier hard surface sealing product on the market today and we apply this product as recommended by the manufacturer to help prevent staining.
Staining is NOT a common occurrence we face on counter tops we install, however, they can happen. We always recommend cleaning with mild soap and water and to clean up spills when they happen. Feel free to call or visit us anytime with questions!
So, you have decided to upgrade your home and purchase new counter tops...perhaps the most important decision you will make during this process will be choosing a fabricator. Whether you choose a natural stone such as granite or a man-made material such as quartz, the quality of the fabrication and installation could be the difference between a beautiful kitchen or nightmare experience.
Today we will discuss seams. What are seams? Seams are where two pieces of counter top material are joined together. Most slabs are no longer than 10 feet, therefore, in most kitchens a seam will be inevitable. At Huntsville Granite & Marble, we do our best to minimize the number of seams as well as make the seam as inconspicuous as possible.
Quality seams require precision craftsmanship and skill. Good seams should be flat, smooth, less than 1/16 of an inch wide, and maintain pattern flow/direction. At Huntsville Granite & Marble, our seams are some of the best in the industry. Check out our gallery page and look at some examples of our seams, if you can find them!
1.) The basics of a quality seam: As mentioned above, the seam should be flat, smooth, inconspicuous, and not noticeable.
2.) Getting a quality seam in a stone that has unique veining: Many of our customers are drawn to unique looking slabs. The uniqueness and veining in natural stones such as granite is what makes it so beautiful, so our objective is to minimize any disruptions.
3.) Seams that maintain pattern flow: As mentioned above, some stones have a directional flow with the pattern or veins. Once again, the failure of your fabricator to not maintain that directional pattern flow throughout your kitchen (or other area) will have a bad result.
As you can see, choosing a fabricator is an extremely important decision. At Huntsville Granite & Marble, we will keep you well informed and educated throughout the entire process. Do not hesitate to call us with any questions at 256-489-3890.
DEKTON is a long-term product for those looking to turn their kitchen into a unique space. It allows greater potential for installation in one piece with no cuts, no joints and no limits. It has the appeal of a completely uniform surface, which fits seamlessly into very different design styles.
DEKTON combines the qualities expected by the chef in all of us. It is a clean surface that is nice to touch and resistant to all the daily grind that takes place in a kitchen over years of use. It is an ultra-sophisticated material for busy everyday life, capable of creating spaces that make the day to day preparation of food a pleasant experience that precedes the pleasure of sharing a meal with friends or family.
Cooking is definitely a pleasurable experience and doing it outdoors usually results in a small social event, such as everyday celebrations that we can enjoy in company around a grill. DEKTON, due to its ultra-compact structure, is particularly suitable for installations for outdoor kitchens and barbecues.
DEKTON provides strength and style to these spaces, it gives them an undeniable personality and unlimited practicality. Stains, bumps, utensils and high temperatures... DEKTON will resist demanding use over time while maintaining its unchanging beauty.
We were the only local company chosen by DEKTON to be trained to fabricate this unique product and we are proud of that!
