The natural stones have been the premium building material of choice since the beginning of time. Marble and granite, two of the most popular stones among homeowners, are quarried in the form of huge blocks. These blocks are cut into slabs, generally 3/4" or 1 1/4" thick, and the faces polished to a specified sheen. Natural Stones offer unparalleled beauty, permanence, and uniqueness.
Excellent choice for kitchen countertops, floors, and other heavily used surfaces
The stone business has seen the evolution of granite from being a commercial building material to a component which has won the hearts and minds of consumers around the world. Today's new sources of suppllies, combined with new technology, have made granite highly competitive.
The technology which enables stone quarries to extract granite from the ground is faster and less expensive than ever. With computer-driven equipment, fabrication is quicker and more precise.
At Universal Stones, we are able to import a wide array of stones directly from Brazil, China, India, etc. The colors listed below contain different levels of stone from different countries. Whether your choice is one of the basics or an exotic, you can be assured one thing: No one else in the world will have the same exact coloration and pattern, which is one of the major allures of granite.
Along with beauty, granite is also durable, easy to maintain, and safe for handling all types of food products. Because of its exceptional strength, granite is well suited for exterior applications such as cladding, paving, and curbing.
Ideal for foyers, bathrooms, floors and hearths
Marble is found in the mountainous regions of Canada, Italy, Germany, Spain, China, and many other countries. Because of its beauty and elegance, marble is a popular choice for floors, foyers, fireplace facings and hearths, walls, and windowsills.
An interesting trend is developing in the stone business and it signals the interest of Marble. More and more homeowners are calling for white marble countertops. Many stone fabricators are hesitant to recommend marble in kitchen applications because of the fact that marble has the reputation for staining easily. This is because marble is a calcium based stone. Proper care and maintenance can also add viability in kitchen applications. Regular cleaning with a pH-neutral natural-stone cleaner along with the use of a water-based impregnator once a year can dramatically decrease the risk of staining. If staining does occur, there are a number of poultice solutions that will draw out any markings including red wine.
White marble has been used in kitchen applications for centuries. Not only does it maintain its natural beauty, but it also reinvents itself, eventually reaching the legendary Italian patina finish. Marble was and still is among the top choices for kitchen countertops.