Countertops

Sep 30 2024

9 Granite Countertop Myths Debunked

Granite countertops have long been a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, thanks to their durability and natural beauty. However, many misconceptions still surround this material. To help your clients make an informed decision, here are nine common myths about granite countertops debunked.

1. Granite Is Prone To Cracking

One of the most persistent myths about granite is that it’s easily cracked or chipped. In reality, granite is one of the hardest natural stones available, making it highly resistant to damage. Under normal use, granite countertops are unlikely to crack or chip. As long as proper care is taken during installation and everyday use, granite countertops will remain durable for years.

2. Granite Is Too Expensive

While granite may have been seen as a luxury material in the past, it’s now available in a wide range of prices, making it accessible for many homeowners. The cost of granite depends on factors like the stone’s origin, color, and rarity, but there are plenty of affordable options that still provide the stunning look and durability granite is known for. Plus, the long-lasting nature of granite makes it a smart investment for your home.

3. Granite Is Hard To Maintain

Some people believe that granite requires constant maintenance to keep it looking its best. However, granite is relatively low-maintenance compared to other countertop materials. Sealing your countertops periodically is usually enough to keep them protected from stains and spills. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water is all that’s needed for daily upkeep.

4. Granite Stains Easily

Another common myth is that granite countertops stain easily. While it’s true that granite is a porous material, when properly sealed, it is highly resistant to stains. Most spills, when wiped up quickly, won’t leave any lasting marks on your countertops. Even substances like wine, coffee, or oil can be easily cleaned from a sealed granite surface.

5. Granite Is Too Heavy For Your Cabinets

It’s often assumed that granite countertops are so heavy that they can’t be safely installed on standard kitchen cabinets. While granite is indeed a dense and heavy material, most standard cabinets are built to support the weight of granite countertops without issue. Professional installers will ensure the proper support is in place so that your countertops are securely installed.

6. Granite Harbors Bacteria

There’s a misconception that granite countertops are unhygienic and can harbor bacteria. When sealed properly, granite is highly resistant to bacterial growth, making it a safe and sanitary option for your kitchen.

7. Granite Will Go Out Of Style

Granite has been used for centuries, and its timeless appeal ensures that it won’t go out of style anytime soon. The wide range of colors and patterns available means you can find granite that compliments any kitchen or bathroom design.

8. Granite Requires Harsh Cleaners

Some believe that you need specialized, harsh cleaners to properly clean granite countertops. This isn’t true. In fact, harsh chemicals like bleach or acidic cleaners can damage the surface of your granite. Instead, mild soap and warm water are all you need for everyday cleaning.

9. All Granite Looks The Same

Many assume that all granite countertops look alike, but granite is a natural stone, which means each slab is unique. With a wide range of colors, veining patterns, and textures, granite can vary significantly from one piece to the next. This uniqueness allows homeowners to choose a slab that fits their individual taste and complements their overall design.

Granite countertops remain a popular and reliable choice for homeowners, thanks to their strength, beauty, and long-lasting durability. By debunking these common myths, it’s clear that granite is a fantastic material for countertops that requires minimal maintenance and offers timeless style. For more information or to explore granite options for your construction projects, contact Everest Stone and set up a showroom appointment!

Sep 16 2024

10 Unexpected Places to Use Marble Countertops in Your Home

Countertop fabricators install marble countertops in kitchens every day– but have you ever installed a marble countertop in one of these less-expected places? Here at Everest Stone, we import and sell directly to fabricators like you, and we know how particular clients can be. Here are ten unexpected places you might find yourself installing marble countertops!

1. Home Office Desk

A marble countertop in your home office can provide a sleek, stylish surface that elevates the entire room. The smooth surface of marble is perfect for writing, working on a computer, or setting up your daily workspace. It also brings a sense of sophistication and professionalism to your office environment, creating a calming and productive atmosphere.

2. Laundry Room Counter

The laundry room is often overlooked when it comes to design, but it’s a space where durable, beautiful countertops can make a big difference. A marble countertop in your laundry room provides a stylish, easy-to-clean surface for folding clothes, organizing supplies, or even placing delicate items to air dry.

3. Fireplace Mantel

Marble’s natural heat resistance makes it an ideal material for a fireplace mantel. Whether you’re aiming for a modern or traditional look, a marble countertop on your mantel can create a stunning focal point in your living room.

4. Dining Room Buffet

A marble buffet countertop in your dining room can serve both functional and decorative purposes. Use it to display food, drinks, or decorative items during dinner parties or special occasions. Its natural beauty and timeless elegance can elevate the overall atmosphere of your dining space, while its durability ensures it stands up to frequent use.

5. Outdoor Kitchen

While marble is often thought of as an indoor material, it can be used outdoors with the right care and protection. An outdoor kitchen with marble countertops offers a sophisticated and durable surface for meal prep and entertaining. Just be sure to seal it regularly to maintain its integrity.

6. Home Bar

A marble countertop can transform your home bar into a luxurious gathering space. Whether you have a wet bar in your basement or a small cocktail station in your living room, marble adds elegance and durability to this area. The natural stone’s cool surface is perfect for mixing drinks, and its unique veining ensures your bar looks stylish and inviting.

7. Closet Vanity

If you have a walk-in closet or dressing room, consider adding a marble countertop for a vanity space. It’s a perfect surface for organizing accessories, applying makeup, or storing beauty products. The luxurious look of marble enhances the room’s ambiance and makes your closet feel like a high-end dressing area.

8. Bedroom Nightstands

For a truly unique look, you can install small marble countertops on your bedroom nightstands. Marble adds a touch of elegance to these often-overlooked pieces of furniture, making them both functional and visually appealing. The smooth, easy-to-clean surface is ideal for holding lamps, books, and personal items without worrying about wear and tear.

9. Bathroom Shelving

While marble is commonly used for bathroom countertops, it can also be used for floating shelves or built-in storage areas. Marble shelving in the bathroom provides a high-end look and practical function for storing towels, toiletries, and other essentials.

10. Entryway Table

A marble countertop on an entryway table sets an elegant tone the moment you step into your home. Whether used as a display area for decorative items or a place to drop your keys and mail, a marble surface makes a striking first impression. Its durability ensures it can handle daily use while maintaining its polished appearance.

Marble’s versatility extends far beyond the kitchen and bathroom, offering endless possibilities for enhancing a home’s aesthetic. By incorporating marble countertops in unexpected places, you can create a cohesive, elegant look that flows throughout the entire home. If you or your clients dream of marble’s luxury, contact Everest Stone today to schedule a showroom appointment and see the slabs we have in stock!

Aug 30 2024

10 Unexpected Ways to Use Countertop Remnants in Home Décor

Are remnants taking up space in your warehouse? Put them to use! As a fabricator, your bread and butter are stone countertops, but there’s more that you can do with the stone that’s left over.

Don’t think of remnants as waste; instead, think of them as an additional opportunity to introduce extra value and aesthetic elevation to your clients’ homes. And if you’re a homeowner, ask your fabricator about using the leftovers from your countertop project to improve the cohesion of your home’s design.

From backsplashes to bookends, here are 10 creative and unexpected ways to use these remnants in home décor.

1. Backsplashes

Using stone remnants for backsplashes is a great way to add a touch of elegance and cohesion to a kitchen or bathroom.

The smaller pieces can be easily arranged to create stunning, unique patterns that complement the main countertops, enhancing the overall design of the space.

2. Bathroom Vanity Tops

Transform your bathroom by using countertop remnants as vanity tops. These smaller surfaces are perfect for remnants and can make your bathroom look luxurious and cohesive with other stone elements in your home.

3. Fireplace Surrounds

Enhance the focal point of any living room by using stone remnants to create a beautiful fireplace surround.

The natural beauty and durability of stone make it an ideal choice for framing your fireplace, adding warmth and sophistication to the room.

4. Coffee Tables

Create a unique and stylish coffee table by mounting a stone remnant on a sturdy base. This custom piece of furniture will serve as a conversation starter and add a touch of elegance to your living room. The natural patterns and colors of the stone will make each table one of a kind.

5. Cutting Boards

Stone remnants can be transformed into high-end cutting boards. These durable and attractive boards not only serve a practical purpose in the kitchen but also add a touch of luxury to food preparation. They are easy to clean and can be tailored to various shapes and sizes.

6. Shelving

Add a sophisticated touch to your home by using stone remnants as shelves. Mounted on strong brackets, these shelves can hold decorative items or be used for practical storage in kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms.

The natural stone adds an elegant and timeless quality to any space.

7. Garden Pathways

Incorporate stone remnants into your garden design by using them as stepping stones or creating intricate pathways. The durability of natural stone makes it an excellent choice for outdoor use, and the remnants can add charm and character to your garden.

8. Bookends

Turn small stone remnants into elegant bookends. These heavy, durable pieces can keep your books neatly organized while adding a touch of sophistication to your bookshelves. Custom-made stone bookends make excellent gifts or personal accents in your home library.

9. Window Sills

Enhance your home’s windows by using stone remnants as window sills. The natural stone adds a luxurious touch and ties together other stone elements in your home. Stone window sills are not only beautiful but also highly durable and easy to maintain.

10. Accent Pieces

Use smaller stone remnants as decorative accent pieces throughout your home. From candle holders to small sculptures, these remnants can be crafted into unique items that add a personal and artistic touch to your décor.

Transform Your Home with Everest Stone

Countertop remnants provide endless opportunities to enhance home décor in creative and unexpected ways.

From functional pieces to decorative accents, the versatility and beauty of natural stone remnants can add significant value to any space.

If your clients are inspired to incorporate these ideas into your home, contact Everest Stone to schedule a slab yard or showroom appointment today!

Aug 13 2024

7 Stunning Quartzite Countertop Colors to Transform Your Space

Quartzite countertops are renowned for their beauty, durability, and unique patterns. At Everest Stone, we provide fabricators with a variety of stunning quartzite colors that can transform any space, adding elegance and functionality.

Here are seven breathtaking quartzite countertop colors that can elevate your clients’ homes.

1. White Quartzite

White quartzite offers a clean, classic look that can brighten any space. This color is perfect for creating a serene, airy feel in kitchens or bathrooms.

The subtle veining in white quartzite adds texture and depth without overwhelming the space, making it a versatile choice that complements various design styles.

2. Gray Quartzite

Gray quartzite provides a sophisticated, contemporary look that works well in modern and traditional settings alike. The range of shades, from light gray to deeper charcoal, offers flexibility in design.

The natural veining and patterns in gray quartzite add a touch of elegance and can serve as a beautiful focal point in any room.

3. Black Quartzite

For a bold, dramatic statement, black quartzite is an excellent choice. This striking color adds a sense of luxury and sophistication to any space.

The rich, dark tones of black quartzite can create a stunning contrast with lighter cabinetry and fixtures, making it a popular choice for contemporary designs.

4. Blue Quartzite

Blue quartzite brings a unique and vibrant touch to interior spaces. The various shades of blue, ranging from soft pastels to deep, rich hues, can create a calming and serene environment.

This color is perfect for adding a pop of color to kitchens or bathrooms while maintaining a natural, elegant look.

5. Green Quartzite

Green quartzite offers an earthy, organic feel that can enhance the natural beauty of any space. The various shades of green, from subtle sage to deep emerald, provide a refreshing and unique look.

Green quartzite is perfect for clients who want to bring a touch of nature indoors and create a tranquil, inviting atmosphere.

6. Gold Quartzite

Gold quartzite exudes warmth and sophistication, making it a perfect choice for luxurious kitchen and bathroom designs.

The rich, golden tones can create an inviting atmosphere and add a touch of opulence to any space. Gold quartzite pairs beautifully with both light and dark cabinetry, offering versatility in design.

7. Pink Quartzite

For a touch of elegance and uniqueness, pink quartzite is an excellent option. The soft, blush tones of pink quartzite can add warmth and sophistication to any space.

This color is perfect for creating a romantic and charming atmosphere, whether used in a kitchen, bathroom, or accent wall.

Why Choose Everest Stone for Quartzite Countertops

At Everest Stone, we understand the importance of providing fabricators with high-quality materials that meet contemporary design trends.

Our selection of quartzite colors offers something for every taste and style, ensuring that you can meet your clients’ diverse needs. Our team provides fabricators with the support and expertise needed to select the perfect quartzite slabs for their projects.

Our quartzite is sourced from the finest quarries, ensuring exceptional quality and durability. This natural stone is resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, making it a practical choice for busy households.

Each slab of quartzite is unique, featuring distinct patterns and veining that add character and charm to any space. Our wide range of colors allows fabricators to offer customized solutions for their clients.

If you’re a fabricator looking for the best quartzite options to transform your clients’ spaces, look no further than Everest Stone.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our slab yard or showroom. Let us help you find the perfect quartzite colors to elevate your projects and impress your clients with stunning, high-quality countertops.

Jul 30 2024

5 Must-Know Tips for Choosing the Perfect Marble Countertop

Marble countertops bring a timeless elegance and sophistication to any kitchen or bathroom. Choosing the perfect marble countertop requires careful consideration to ensure it meets your aesthetic and functional needs.

Here are five must-know tips to help you select the ideal marble countertop for your home. Keep these in mind as you talk with your fabricator about your dream countertop!

1. Understand the Types of Marble

Marble comes in various types, each with unique characteristics and appearances. Understanding the differences between these types will help you choose the one that best fits your design vision and budget. Your fabricator can help you choose the perfect marble for your home.

From the ever-popular Carrara marble and Calacatta marble to more exotic marble like Fantasy Blue and Fantasy Brown, the type of marble you use is an important part of your choice.

2. Assess the Quality of the Marble

Not all marble is created equal, so it’s important to assess the quality before making a purchase. Look for marble with fewer natural imperfections such as cracks, pits, and discolorations. While some imperfections can add character, excessive flaws can affect the durability and appearance of the countertop.

Check the polish and finish of the marble. High-quality marble will have a consistent, glossy finish without dull spots. The edges should be smooth and well-finished. Asking for a sample piece to examine closely can give you a better idea of the marble’s quality.

3. Consider the Maintenance Requirements

Marble is a porous stone, meaning it can absorb liquids and stain easily if not properly maintained. Understanding the maintenance requirements of marble countertops is crucial before making your decision. Marble countertops need to be sealed regularly to protect against stains and etching.

A pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for natural stone can safely clean your marble countertops. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface. The good news is that if you’re willing to commit to regular maintenance, marble will remain beautiful and durable for decades… or longer!

4. Choose the Right Finish

Marble countertops come in various finishes, each offering a different look and feel. Choose a finish that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle needs. Common finishes include:

Polished: A polished finish is glossy and reflective, enhancing the marble’s natural colors and veining. It is more resistant to stains but can show scratches more easily.
Honed: A honed finish is matte and smooth, offering a more subtle and contemporary look. It is less likely to show scratches but can be more susceptible to staining.
Leathered: This finish has a textured, slightly rough surface that is both durable and stylish. It hides fingerprints and smudges well but might be harder to clean.

5. Understand the Installation Process

Professional installation is crucial for ensuring your marble countertop looks great and lasts a long time. During the installation process, several factors need careful consideration. First, fabricators will create a precise template of your countertop area to ensure a perfect fit, avoiding any gaps or misalignments.

Seam placement is also important, as well-planned seams can make the countertop appear seamless and more attractive. Given the weight of marble, additional support may be necessary, especially for larger overhangs.

Discussing these support needs with your installer can help prevent potential issues. Working with experienced professionals ensures a smooth installation process and a stunning final result.

Ready to Choose Your Perfect Marble Countertop?

Selecting the perfect marble countertop involves understanding the different types of marble, assessing quality, considering maintenance requirements, choosing the right finish, and ensuring proper installation. By following these tips, you can make an informed decision that adds timeless beauty to your home.

At Everest Stone, we make it possible for fabricators to help their clients with their countertop projects. Check out our inventory, and make an appointment to stop by the slab yard to see what we can offer your clients!