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    Category: Marble

    Marble: What You Should Know

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    A marble bathroom vanity, fireplace surround or kitchen countertop is a big purchase for any homeowner. Deciding that marble is right for your home may be easy because of its classic good looks and timeless qualities. After all, it is one of the most beautiful materials out there! But before you head to the stone yard to pick your slab, here are a few things you should know before your decision is ‘set in stone.’ ​

    Marble Requires Sealing
    ​The maintenance and upkeep of marble is sometimes off putting to homeowners. But small steps can help ensure that your stone looks great for a very long time. If you have decided on marble for your kitchen countertops or bathroom vanity, remember that it is a porous stone, which means that it requires annual sealing so that it will not become water damaged. Also, marble is more susceptible to staining, so be sure to wipe up any spills immediately.

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    Marble Has Finish Options
    You know that marble comes in many colors and veining patterns, making each stone uniquely different. But, did you know that you can make your marble even more unique with the type of finish you choose for your countertop? Popular options include: Honed or Matte – the marble is sanded to be smooth, and it has almost a soft feel. A matte finish will mute the color somewhat while helping to hide any scratches that may be made on the surface. Polished – the marble surface is grinded and buffed to create a sparkle-like finish. A polished finish really brings out the color and natural veining but is more susceptible to scratches. Leather – this marble finish is often preferred on darker stones as it textures the surface to conceal fingerprints and scratches – while still offering some shine.

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    Marble is Quite Durable
    ​Marble is a natural stone, not manmade, which means it’s more resistant to breaking, cracking and scratching. Although, it is not quite as durable as granite. This means that if you are using marble for your kitchen countertops, you want to treat it with a little more care than other popular surface options like granite and quartz. Marble is heat-resistant, making it perfect for fireplace surrounds because it can withstand the heat and won’t yellow.

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    Marble is Worth Every Penny
    Although marble may be more expensive, and require more work than other materials, it really is worth every penny! It is more than just a beautiful surface or accent piece, it is an investment that can be beneficial to any future sale of your home!

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    Are you considering using marble in your new home or home remodel? Contact the professionals at C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the marble stone of your dreams! Our experienced fabricators will create the perfect countertops, vanity top or fireplace surround for your space. Contact us today!

    The Best Countertops for Outdoor Kitchens

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    Outdoor kitchens are great for summer barbecues and cookouts on game days. With the mild weather we have here in eastern North Carolina, outdoor kitchens are especially great because they can be used almost all year around. When you’re designing your outdoor kitchen area, one very important thing shouldn’t be overlooked. No, it isn’t the grill (even though that is important too). It’s your countertop choice! You should keep in mind that not only will the counters have to withstand the same conditions as those in your home, but also the conditions outside like sunlight, temperature changes and weather. Here is a little more about a few options to help you determine the best countertops for your outdoor oasis.

    1. Quartz is a very durable material and comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, which may have you adding quartz to the top of your list for the best countertop option for your outdoor kitchen. But, while quartz countertops may handle the outdoors fine, the resins used in their construction may not be able to stand up to prolonged sun exposure without suffering damage. You will notice that the material will start to yellow over time.

    2. Marble: It may be hard for you to imagine that polished marble countertops wouldn’t be a good choice for your outdoor kitchen. But in reality, they can easily be damaged by outdoor elements. Porous stones, like marble, may look great at first but can be easily stained and your outdoor countertops could be left marked by grease. If you do decide to use marble for your outdoor kitchen countertops, we recommend a honed finish since rain, wind, snow and weather in general will wear away a shiny, polished finish.

    3. Granite countertops are hard to beat for all-around ease-of-use, durability and maintenance. That is why granite is at the top of our list for the best countertops for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is good at withstanding wear and tear, as well as hot, cold and wet conditions. With simple care and minimal maintenance, your granite countertops can stay looking great. However, some lighter color granites, like whites and light greys, have natural iron deposits in them. Because we have acid rain the iron deposits will begin to rust. So, you need to be mindful when choosing the color for your outside granite. Especially for outdoor countertops, C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC recommends sealing your countertops. This is a great idea no matter where they are used because sealing prevents stains.

    There you have it, a little more about some of your options for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is your safest bet, but it isn’t your only option. Contact the experts at C and C Stoneworks today .

    We can help you find the perfect material, color and style to make your outdoor space come alive. We’ll consider your outdoor kitchen structure, availability of shade, climate, and the amount of time and effort you’re willing to spend on maintenance. Our expert countertop installers will help you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Get ready to fire up the grill!