There's nothing quite like that mirror-like finish on a freshly installed slab of granite, marble or other natural stone. Whether your countertops used to look like something off the cover of a home improvement magazine and have lost their shine, or you want to maintain the finish you have now, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. We see a lot of well-meaning DIY and life-hack sites throw around tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining natural stone, but more often than not these end up being counterproductive. From mistakes like polishing with cooking oil to cleaning with vineg ..read more

Curb appeal is essential if you plan to sell your home, as it creates a positive first impression and encourages potential buyers to step inside. Your home's curb appeal is also important even if you have no plans to sell. Enhancing your home's exterior can boost the home’s value, create a welcoming environment to return to after work, and make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Natural stone is an easy way to add elegance and style to the outside of your home, and natural-stone care is easy to manage as long as you know how to care for it properly. Here are some tips to boost your curb a ..read more

The last thing you probably want to hear this spring is the dreaded hacking cough of someone with a nasty cold or flu. But did you know cold and flu season actually lasts until late May? As exciting as the warming months ahead can be, no one has time to be stuck in bed with a virus. Our proactive plan below will keep your home as germ-free as possible so you can step into spring healthy and worry-free. These 10 tips serve as a first line of defense to stay healthy through cold and flu season and beyond. 1. Scrub Those Hands Proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one ..read more

As a natural stone and construction material, granite comes in a variety of colors that are defined by geological occurrences. Granite comes from igneous rocks that have been cut, formed, and treated for use in flooring and countertops. Granite can either be natural or engineered as artificial slabs or tiles that mimic the properties and appearance of igneous stones. In some cases, engineered granite made from quartz crystals is more durable than natural granite. With this in mind, here is a list of 7 granite colors that are very popular options for countertops, brought to you by the Stone Car ..read more

Sealing granite countertops regularly protects the granite from stains, etches, and other damage. The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone. Here are some steps you should take before, during and after sealing granite countertops. 1. Know When to Seal It's important to recognize when your countertops need to be sealed again. You can check the integrity of your seal with a simple water test. Pour a ..read more

With the cold and flu season in full swing, keeping a regular disinfecting routine will go a long way of keeping those straggling colds at bay. With three children in the house, our kitchen is a magnet for germs. I stop at nothing to ward off those nasty bugs for as long as possible because in our home, when one person gets ill, we all fall like dominos. Because we live in our kitchen for most of the day, our kitchen is a magnet for every germ we bring into the house, making it the one room in the house that I protect like Fort Knox. What Products Keep Kitchens Healthy? In my HealthyKitchenLiv ..read more

Oil and grease stains on granite countertops are unmistakably dark. In some cases, they may also feature some coloring that corresponds to the natural or synthetic pigments of the staining substance. For example, in the kitchen, you could be using saffron and pepper oil for a spicy Vietnamese recipe that will leave a colorful orange stain on your granite counters. In the bathroom, expensive lip balms can quickly stain granite surfaces. The good news is these stains can not only be removed but also be prevented in the first place. Here’s what you need to know about oil stains on granite and oth ..read more

Sealing and maintaining natural stone surfaces like granite countertops is important to prevent stains and damage. In this blog post, we'll explore foolproof techniques for sealing and caring for granite and other stone surfaces. We'll also highlight Granite Gold's high-quality sealing and cleaning products specifically designed for granite, marble, and other stones. Choose The Right Products Sealing and maintaining natural stone surfaces like granite countertops is crucial to prevent stains, etching, and damage over time. Using high-quality products specifically designed for granite and other ..read more

In recent years, quartzite has surged in popularity, captivating discerning homeowners and innovative interior designers. This surge in preference can be attributed to quartzite's unique blend of durability, aesthetic charm, and versatility. As more and more households seek a harmonious blend of functionality and elegance in their kitchens, quartzite emerges as the go-to choice, redefining the standards for luxury countertops.  Let's delve into the compelling reasons behind the growing trend of homeowners choosing quartzite as the cornerstone of their culinary spaces. This natural stone m ..read more

You might not use your outdoor terrace or yard throughout the year, but it’s important to pay it a regular visit. Left unattended, your outdoor chairs, benches, tables, grill and gazebo can accumulate rust surprisingly fast. That can mean unsightly stains and even hazardous cracks when BBQ season resumes. Below, we break down how to prevent rusty metal on your outdoor furniture.   What Causes Rusty Metal? Rust has an insatiable appetite for any metal that contains iron, and it can start to develop in just a few hours if fed with sufficient oxygen (air) and water. In the presence of t ..read more