How To Seal Your Granite Countertops

If you had new granite countertops installed, the first thing you need to do is ensured that they are sealed. Sealing your granite countertops is the only way you’ll know they will shine like new and have a long life span. Homeowners across the country will consider the different maintenance needs when considering what countertop material to install. Granite doesn’t require major amounts of maintenance and can add value and beauty to your home. 

Granite countertops are made of different natural materials and quartzite. The different styles that granite comes in make it a perfect choice for all sorts of different environments. Granite is also very resistant to stains and other common damages. Ensuring that your granite countertops look good at all times can take more than just the occasional wipe-down. That is why sealing your granite countertops is so important. 

Marble Granite Connection has been dealing with countertop installation for years now and we want to help you know the correct way to seal your countertops. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our incredible team. 

Is Granite a Porous Material?

Many homeowners wonder if granite is considered a porous material. Granite is a porous material which is why you need to ensure they are sealed correctly. Not sealing your granite means liquids will penetrate your countertops and leave large stains and discolorations. The best way to know if you need to reseal your granite countertops is by doing a water test. 

The Granite Countertop Water Test

If you are wondering if it’s time to reseal your granite countertops, then perform this easy test to find out. Follow these steps:

• Pour ¼ cup of water on our granite countertops
• Time how long it takes for the water to be absorbed into the granite
• If the water is not absorbed and remains on the countertop, then you don’t need to reseal
• If the water is gone and there is now a dark spot instead, this means you need to reseal your countertops. 

Granite Water Absorption

• Water absorbed instantly means you need to apply a few layers of sealant
• 4 to 5 minutes means you’ll need multiple layers of sealant and you should reapply every 3 to 5 years
• 10 minutes means you’ll only need one to two layers of sealant and should reapply after many years have passed.
• 30 minutes or more means you don’t need to seal and won’t need to for some time. 

Sealing Your Granite Countertops

Once you’ve performed the water test, now it’s time to apply sealer. No sealer will make your granite 100% safe from liquids, but they give you plenty of time to wipe the liquid away before it’s too late. 

• Step 1: Find a quality granite sealer. Safe and proven options include MORE surface care and Stone + Quartz cleaner. 
• Step 2: Carefully read through the sealer instructions. Each sealer will most likely have different steps 
• Step 3: Make sure your granite countertops are completely cleaned and wiped down. 
• Step 4: Apply the sealer evenly across the countertops
• Step 5: Wipe off the sealer after the recommended amount of time. You may want to apply one or more layers of sealant depending on what the water test produced. 

Need Help Sealing Your Granite Countertops

Sealing your granite countertops is an important step to ensuring they last as long as possible and look good in the process. If you need help maintaining and sealing your granite countertops, Marble Granite Connection is here to help. Our team has been dealing with every natural stone countertop and we know what it takes to make them shine once more. Visit our contact page if you need assistance with the countertops found in your home. 

We all want our home to look as best as it can. This includes the bathrooms found in your house. One of the main aspects that make your bathroom stand out is the countertops found here. There are a number of different natural stones that can be used for countertops, but which one works the best for your bathroom? Each countertop material comes with a number of different benefits that can make them the best choice for your bathroom. 

What works best for your kitchen may not work as well for your bathroom. Rather than food and beverages being found on the countertop, in the bathroom, you’ll find lipstick and hair products. It’s important to test how these products work with bathroom countertops. Through different testing, we want to help you find the best countertops for your bathroom. 

There are some countertop materials that will scratch or stain too easily. These include stone, marble, and limestone. Instead of buying these, here are four countertop materials that we think work perfectly for your bathrooms. 

Granite

You can never go wrong with the king of countertop materials. Granite is a natural stone which means each slab is unique. You’ll find granite in a number of different colors and patterns which makes it unique to you and your home.  Granite is a durable material that does a great job of resisting abrasions and heat damage. It also does an incredible job of resisting stains and scoring. Compared to other natural stones, Granite will need more maintenance than others. It will also need to be resealed occasionally to ensure no stains occur. A good way to test this is to see if water sinks into the countertop rather than floats on top. 

Laminate

Laminate countertops have come a long way from when they first appeared. Laminate countertops today now look almost indistinguishable from granite, marble, wood, and even leather countertops. Laminate is made from layers of plastic and bound to a particleboard core. Since it’s a man-made material, it’s price-efficient and extremely resistant to stains, heat, and chips. It is easier to scratch compared to other choices. 

Quartz

This is another man-made material that makes it more affordable. This is a mix of quartz and other resins and pigments to create a variety of different styles that look like natural stone. Unlike other stone slabs, quartz countertops are more durable and require half the maintenance. They also don’t need to be sealed. Quartz is incredibly durable and resistant to abrasions, heat damage, and stains.

Ultracompact

Ultracompact countertops, commonly known as Dekton, are a combination of Quartz, porcelain, and glass. These countertops come in a number of different patterns and pigments that make them look like stone or concrete. Through different tests, this countertop material was able to resist abrasions, heat, and stains. The only test it failed was the “high drop” test. When an object was dropped from more than 2 feet, it would result in a crack. It is, however, unlikely that an object heavy enough would fall from this height. 

Get New Bathroom Countertops

If you want to make your bathroom look better than ever, Marble Granite Connection has the countertops for you. We have a large inventory of natural stone and man-made countertops that come in a number of different styles and patterns. Contact us today if you’re ready to re-invent your bathroom countertops. 

It’s something that every homeowner battles with; wanting a kitchen that looks amazing but isn’t full of different germs and doesn’t require a ton of maintenance to take care of. Is there such material out there? Well, believe it or not, there are a few countertop materials that match these exact requirements. 

Remodeling requires a lot of different decisions, especially when it comes to the kitchen. What cabinets should I get? Do I want classic or modern? How should I utilize the space? Among all these different questions is an important one. What kitchen countertops should I get? 

Kitchen countertops could be looked at as the anchor of the entire kitchen. If they don’t look good, it could ruin the entire look of the kitchen. It’s also one of the most used places in the entire home. Each day, they are touched, used to prepare food, and even sat on. This means it should be crucial there aren’t any germs around the kitchen. Marble Granite Connection wants to recommend a few kitchen countertop materials that will minimize germs in the kitchen. 

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are a great choice for people who spend lots of time in the kitchen and don’t like to clean up right away. Quartz, which is a human-engineered stone, is extremely durable and requires little maintenance. It’s non-porous, which means it doesn’t absorb water and other liquids that would normally create breeding grounds for bacteria. You only need warm water, soap, and a rag to keep it clean. Quartz also comes in a number of different styles, matching your kitchen’s aesthetic perfectly. 

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface is a more recent entry into countertop materials, and like quartz, it is also man-made and non-porous. These countertops are easy to clean and can be easily repaired to scratched or dented. Since they are non-porous, they won’t absorb liquids which reduces the number of present germs. They are also easy to maintain only needing warm soapy water and a cloth. This material can also be used for sinks and backsplashes with no presence seems. Solid surface comes in a number of different styles and colors.

Laminate Kitchen Countertops

If you’ve been hunting for a countertop material that is affordable but also easy to clean, you’ll probably be interested in laminate countertops. Laminate is a cost-effective material that is easy to clean. It’s also stain-resistant and has antimicrobial properties that prevent the build-up of bacteria. Laminate countertops used to look cheap and flimsy, but today, it looks like any other high-end countertop material. Laminate comes in a number of different colors and patterns so it can easily fit in any kitchen setup.

There are a lot of different factors when it comes to choosing the best countertop material. Countertops see a lot of different users each day, so it’s best to pick one that you know you’ll love. If you need more assistance finding the best kitchen countertop material, head over to our contact page and we’ll be happy to help.

The Best Kitchen Countertop Material in 2022

The world of kitchen countertop materials is one that goes deeper than one would first expect. With so many different colors, materials, and design elements, finding the right kitchen material can be a difficult task. To further add to the challenge, there are kitchen trends that come in and out of style, so you need to find the one that works best for you and your home. Each kitchen countertop material is different and comes with different upkeep demands, making them all unique. 

To help you make sense of all the different kitchen countertop materials out there, we put together a list of all the different countertop materials and what makes them stand out from the crowd. 

Marble

Marble is the classic natural stone material that has been used in kitchens, restaurants, and workspaces for centuries. Its natural beauty is something that can’t be replicated but the laundry list of upkeep demands is something that homeowners have to be wary of. Many homeowners will accept these demands due to how amazing of a material it is. Marble is always an incredible choice that goes amazing with other elements found in the home.

Granite

Granite has been one of the most popular choices for homeowners for many years now and there’s good reason for it. Granite comes in plenty of different colors and patterns, and with a more than fair price tag attached to it, it’s hard to say no to granite. Not only does it look great, but it’s one of the most durable kitchen countertop materials, being able to withstand heat, stains, and most cuts and scratches. 

Quartzite

Quartzite is the sweet spot for those who want the look of marble countertops but the durability of granite countertops. This kitchen countertop material is generally found in lighter colors such as white, grey, and tan, but can also be seen in light shades of red and blue. This is a natural stone, unlike quartz, and it does come with some imperfections that homeowners often enjoy as it makes them unique to their home.

Quartz

Quartz is the only man-made material on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less desirable or loved. Being man-made makes quartz affordable and easy to acquire. It also comes in a number of different patterns and it will keep its amazing shine with little to no upkeep. 

Get The Kitchen Countertop Material Of Your Dreams

Marble Granite Connection wants to supply you with the kitchen countertop material of your dreams. We fabricate our own natural stones right here in South Florida. Let us make you fall in love with your kitchen all over again. Visit our contact page if you are ready to get started. 

Being a homeowner, there are a lot of questions and design choices that you have to make in order to make your home exactly how you envisioned it. What color should the countertops be? Should they match the cabinets? Should they contrast them? If you’re looking to make a home that blends together, Marble & Granite Connection recommends going with the first option. White is always a safe color to go with since it can go with any color that you choose. There are plenty of ways that your countertops can go with your white kitchen cabinets.

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, let us help you pair your white kitchen cabinets with your countertops.

Pros of a White Kitchen

If there’s one thing that white kitchens do successfully, it would be that they give off the feeling of cleanness. When a white kitchen is perfectly clean, it looks like a beautiful blank canvas. The beautiful white color of your cabinets makes your kitchen feel open, clean, and airy. 

When you pair these cabinets with white countertops, the look is amplified even more than before. You may think that an all-white kitchen can be boring, but if done right, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

Change Shades of White

White comes in a variety of different shades. Choosing a few different shades of white in your kitchen can help give a strong look without looking too sterile. Choose three or four different shades for your kitchen and see how it looks. Try going for a white that gives off more of an off-white color. 

If your kitchen still feels too empty, consider throwing in some pops of color.

Cabinet Choices

When deciding on what kitchen cabinets to get, we always recommend going with the shaker style. White shaker cabinets offer a clean and modern look that is built to last. 

Best Countertop Material

When trying to style white cabinets with your countertops, we recommend the following countertop materials.

• Laminate Countertops: These are the perfect choice for a tight budget. These countertops are bright and light and will not break the bank. Laminate is easy to care for but can scratch and scuff easily.

• Granite Countertops: These countertops can be found almost anywhere and for good reason. Granite countertops each come with their own natural appeal since no two pieces are the same. This is also a durable natural stone that will not break or scratch easily. 

• White Marble: This is seen as one of the more luxurious stones, but it is also one of the most beautiful. White marble will sign brighter and look cleaner than any other natural stone out there. Just be careful of the price tag and the increased maintenance that comes with it. 

Get Beautiful White Countertops Today

When it comes to creating a white kitchen, your options can go on forever. Mixing different shades of white as well as some pops of color will make your kitchen into something incredible. If you need help making your dream kitchen come to life, contact the MGC experts today!