The type of material you choose to upgrade your kitchen with can either make or break your remodeling project. Most homemakers face the major challenge of choosing between natural and engineered stones. 

Natural Stones

Natural stones are created through a mixture of molten lava rocks and multiple minerals. They’re fused for a certain period, giving every stone a different pattern and texture. Moreover, the color of the natural stone is dependent on where they were quarried. 

Types of Natural Stone

Here’s a list of the most popular natural stones that are used for bathroom and kitchen countertops:

• Granite
• Marble
• Limestone
• Slate
• Serpentine

Pros and Cons of Installing Natural Stones

Pros

• Natural stones outlive other materials like wood and laminate
• They can be cut in whatever shape you like
• They complement almost every theme and color
• They’re easy to clean and maintain

Cons

• They’re porous, making them susceptible to discoloration
• It’s hard to repair chipped stone
• It’s nearly impossible to match them 
• They’re relatively pricey

Engineered Stones

Engineered stones are a man-made alternative to natural stones. They’re composed of both natural stones and adhesive elements. 

Types of Engineered Stones

Here are some of the most famous types of engineered stones:

• Quartz 
• Engineered Marble
• Caesarstone
• Concetto

Pros and Cons of Installing Engineered Stones

Pros

• They’re customizable 
• They’re available in various colors and designs
• They’re easily available in the market
• They’re easy to clean 

Cons

• They’re not easily shaped into bends and curves
• They don’t have distinctive features

Confused Which One to Install in Your Kitchen? Get In Touch With Professional Kitchen Slab Installation Services in Concord, CA

If you’re still confused about whether you should get engineered or natural stones for your kitchen, it’s best to contact our team right away. G.M. Marble & Granite offers professional slab fabrication and installation services in Concord, CA. We have experience of more than 30 years in the fabrication industry and can get the job done for you in no time. Moreover, we provide a wide range of slab installation and fabrication services including, marble slab installation, granite installation, quartz installation Bay Area, and more. 

For further information, visit our website or reach out to us.

Here are some marble facts your probably did not know of!

The kitchen is the heart of the home. The functional design of your kitchen might make a significant difference in your day-to-day life. Moreover, it can help increase the value of your home along with your quality of life. 

However, you don’t need to spend a fortune on your kitchen renovation. Just follow these creative yet inexpensive kitchen upgrade tips and revamp your kitchen. 

1. Update the Lighting

A simple change in lighting can upgrade the feel and look of your kitchen, making it lively and more open. When choosing the perfect lighting for your kitchen, always opt for modern yet inexpensive options. Moreover, you can also:

• Add pendants
• Add a gooseneck sconce over the sink
• Add tiny lights underneath the cabinets 

2. Give Your Walls Some Space

Cabinet removal can completely change the look of your kitchen. It won’t just feel lighter but will also give your kitchen a more functional and modern look. After all, open shelving is more convenient in daily life for grabbing dishes. 

3. Add a Backsplash 

You can amp up your kitchen’s personality by adding a backsplash. It gives a modern look even if you have old cabinets. Moreover, you can also choose ceramic tiles, wainscoting panels, or shiplap to make a significant impact on your kitchen’s overall look.

4. Change the Hardware of Your Kitchen

You can revamp your kitchen by changing faucets and cabinet hardware. Sleek, polished chrome, black, or even mixed metal can give a modern feel to your kitchen. 

5. Add a Touch of Elegance

You can simply add elegance by giving unexpected elegant touches like putting a lamp on the counter, or a piece of art, an antique mirror, or even a copper pot. 

6. Paint the Kitchen Cabinets

Yep, it’s always on standby. If you’ve got good, sturdy cabinets, paint them. It’ll give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank. 

Premium Slab Installation  Services in Concord, CA

If you’re looking for professional marble installation services to revamp or remodel your kitchen, we can help you out. G.M. Marble provides comprehensive fabrication and installation services, like granite installation, marble slab installation, sealing stone installation Bay Area, and more. We’re a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience. 

To give your kitchen a new look, get in touch with us today!

Here are some pros of granite countertops!

With a rampant rise in social media and an increased usage of Instagram and Pinterest, design inspirations have been in our reach like never before. As people stayed indoors due to the global pandemic, many chose to renovate their houses. Kitchen upgrades have been at the forefront because they’re one of the best ways to add to the resale value and aesthetic appeal of a home. 

Hot Kitchen Trends

At the start of 2020, we saw gravity-defying kitchen islands, Calcutta marble, and bold dark tones rule kitchen design trends. Minimalism rose to the forefront with monochromatic shades and smart storage solutions to reduce clutter. Rose gold also rules the kitchen appliance industry due to its muted look and glam appeal. Here are some kitchen trends you can follow in 2021. 

Waterfall Countertop

Waterfall countertops offer a touch of modernity and a dash of sleek design to your kitchen workspace. These countertops extend right down to the floor, making it look like granite or a marble waterfall. While waterfall countertops have been trending for years, they’ve been ultra-popular in 2021.

Indoor Plants

When we log into Instagram or Pinterest, we’re bound to come across interior design posts with indoor plants. House plants have ruled the interior décor industry since 2020 and they’ve garnered applaud in 2021 as they enter the kitchen space. 

Plants can liven up your kitchen, making it an idyllic area to relax while you work. From Monstera Deliciosa to different types of Ferns and Orchids, each plant can add to your kitchen’s personality. 

Open Shelving

In 2021, we’re somewhat pushing minimalism away and bringing the open shelving back in trend. Open shelving allows all your kitchen appliances and cutlery on display. It’s perfect for your kitchen if you like to collect plates, pots, and pans from different areas of the world.

Open shelving also allows your guests to locate where every item is so that they don’t have to look for things in cabinets during a party. Open shelving looks amazing in a traditional kitchen because it can add a rustic, colorful, and mismatched theme to your cooking space. 

Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen’s look with granite installation in Bay Area? GM Marble and Granite offers an easy 4-step process to upgrade the look of your home. Check out our gallery and get in touch with us today to add pizzaz to your kitchen. 

Granite countertops are one of the most likable amenities in the kitchen. This natural stone looks glamorous in different patterns and colors suiting everyone’s aesthetic needs. Granite is durable and tough, but accidents can happen in the kitchen. 

The best part about granite is that it’s easy to maintain. Here are some ways to remove common types of stains from granite countertops. 

Oil-Based Stains

Oil-based stains can darken the granite surface and are hard to remove as oil doesn’t evaporate easily. This stain may be caused by cooking oil, grease, peanut butter, milk, or cream. The best way to remove it is to draw oil from the countertop.

You can clean the stain with a liquid cleanser by mixing a few drops of acetone or ammonia. If that doesn’t work, you can apply poultice for a few days. 

Organic Stains

Organic stains like food, coffee, wine, team, etc., are brown to pink in color and are very easy to remove compared to oil-based ones. 

You can spot clean the area with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. However, be careful to not discolor the dark tones of the granite, because hydrogen peroxide tends to do that. After cleaning the area, you can dry it completely. 

In case the stain doesn’t go away, you can apply a poultice.

Ink And Paint Stains

Paint and ink stains from pens and markers can be taken off using a lacquer thinner or hydrogen peroxide. While the former is better for dark tones, the latter is best for lighter tones (whites and off-whites). Please note that these are strong chemicals. So only use them to clean small spots to prevent discoloring your granite countertop.

You can also try to scrape the paint stain off the countertop using a razor blade. 

Rust Stains

Rust stains are colored like copper and are relatively easy to identify. You can often be hidden under the metallic items placed on the countertop. Therefore, the moment people notice these stains, it’s too late. 

Unfortunately, rust stains are difficult to remove. In some instances, they may be permanent. The best way to go about it is to apply the poultice solution. 

Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen’s look granite fabrication in Bay Area? GM Marble and Granite offers an easy 4-step process to upgrade the look of your home. Check out our gallery and get in touch with us today to add pizzaz to your kitchen. 

Read on to find out about the fabrication process of countertops.

The kitchen is probably the most important space in any house. It is where you spend time as a family while having meals, and an appealing kitchen can make your time with family more enjoyable.

Marble and granite are aesthetically pleasing and can add elegance to a kitchen when used as material for countertops. They are both natural and extracted from the earth. 

Both of these stones are among the most sought-after materials used in the surfacing of kitchen countertops.

 However, they are quite different from each other, and each has its pros and cons.

Keep reading as we walk you through the differences between marble and granite so you can make an informed choice for your kitchen.

Type Of Stone:

There are two broad categories of natural stone siliceous stone and calcareous stone.

Granite comes under the umbrella of siliceous stones that contains quartz-like particles.

Marble falls under the category of calcareous stone and is composed mainly of calcium carbonate.

Level of Porosity:

Marble is softer and has a higher level of porosity which means that it can absorb liquid and has a higher chance of getting stained

Granite is not that porous compared to marble and can prevent staining and abrasion.

Pattern:

Granite countertops mostly have a speckled pattern; however, there are instances where the design may have swirls or veins. It also has a grainy appearance.

 Granite is available in various colors.

Marble has a softer and veiny look. This more washed-out look is because marble is mainly composed of calcite which is a more delicate mineral.

The veiny pattern and the softness in the marble give it a more elegant and sophisticated feel than granite countertops.

Maintenance:

Marble is a porous material; therefore, it is more prone to scratches and stains and requires more maintenance. Hot pots and pans on marble can also damage it

It’s suitable for places with less chance of getting damaged, such as fireplace mantles and bathroom vanities but will require high maintenance and care if used in a kitchen.

Granite is a highly dense material which makes it resistant to staining. It can also withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for a kitchen without much maintenance.

Contact G.M. Marble For Marble And Granite Slab Installation In Bay Area:

If you are looking to get marble or granite countertop installed in the Bay Area, specifically Napa, Concord, or San Ramon, reach out to G.M. Marble.

We are a family-run business and have 30 years of experience in the field. 

Contact us today to know more about the services we offer.

Are you still confused about which material to choose for your new kitchen countertop? Granite could be a good option. We’ve gathered all the reasons why: 

1. Granite is Resistant to Scratches: 

Granite is a highly durable material. You could even cut directly on the countertop, and it won’t get any marks. In fact, the only material strong enough to scratch granite is diamond. 

2. It is Heat-Resistant: 

Granite is one of the most heat-resistant materials, hence best suited for kitchen countertops. When exposed to extreme temperatures, granite doesn’t break or lose color. You can even place your hot pans or pots directly onto the surface. However, it is still recommended to use a dishcloth or trivet when placing hot pans for longer periods.

3. It is Resistant to Chemicals:

You can use chemicals on your granite countertop, and they won’t be damaged. Granite is resistant to a wide range of acids and bases. However, don’t overdo the chemicals as that may make the granite lose its luster. 

4. Granite is Natural: 

Avoiding chemicals and using 100% natural products has been proven to be beneficial for one’s health on multiple occasions. Granite used as your countertops is entirely natural. This means that it retains all of the chemical properties that it had when it was in the ground. 

5. It is Durable:

Granite is highly resistant to wear and tear. It does not break or chip easily. And with proper maintenance, granite countertops can last for years on end. Hence, granite is a smart investment if you don’t plan on revamping your kitchen every year. 

6. It’s Aesthetically Pleasing: 

Yeah, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but the majority of the beholders have repeatedly mentioned that granite adds a beautiful and elegant tone to your kitchen. You can choose from a wide range of options. And since it is naturally occurring, no two slabs are the same. Hence, you get a unique product each time. 

If you want to go one step further, there are some exotic kinds of granite that you can look into. They are rarely available and are an expensive alternative. 

7. They’re Easy to Maintain: 

Granites do not require you to take extreme steps to maintain their shine. Yes, over time, they may lose their polish, but you can always get them resurfaced. The cost of granite resurfacing is low. Usually, you can go without such treatments for about ten years. 

Get Granite Installed Today! 

If you’re in the Bay Area, especially in Concord, Napa, or San Ramon, we can get your granite fabrication done. We are a family-run business and have 30 years of experience in the field. We can make customized designs for your kitchen countertop needs. 

With the summer season just around the corner, most of us have started making significant changes in our lives. Whether it’s our wardrobe, hair, body, and just about anything else we can transform. 

However, it’s remodels and renovations seasons! Whether it’s the interior or exterior, home decoration ideas are being incorporated in every homeowner’s vision and execution of a remodel to create a living space they dream of. Here are some ways to spruce up your home this summer:

Upgrade Your Outdoor Patio

This summer, spend time outdoors and soak up in the sun with your loved ones. An outdoor patio renovation can change the entire look of your residence and make it much more appealing. Furthermore, you can add some chairs and tables to create a lovely sitting area outside. 

Not to forget, hammocks and swings will make your outdoor patio look much more amazing.

Get a Fireplace

With so many different types of fireplaces to choose from, the options are almost endless. The best part is you can now choose a fireplace which enhances your interior and brings out the elements within. You can opt for traditional, modern, and even contemporary fireplace styles to increase the value of your house. Also, hang an art piece or TV on top to make it more eye-catching. 

Add Some Greenery

Natural greenery and plants enhance the aura of any living space. Beautify your home with some plants to add a natural element. Plants can also improve the airflow and help keep the air fresh, enhance your mood, and brighten up any area.

Enhance Natural Sources of Light

Although there is an abundance of lights you can have installed inside your home, there is something much more different about natural sunlight. Getting some vitamin D can help boost your mood and is known to increase serotonin in the brain. Enhance and improve the presence of natural light in your house by installing big windows or even opting for a skylight in your home.

Step up Your Stone Game

Nothing says perfect home interior like some professional sealing stone installation in the Bay Area. Install premium marble or granite stone surface to make your living space stand out and look as stylish and practical as ever.

Looking for marble slab or granite installation in the Bay Area? You’ve come to the perfect place.

At G.M. Marble, we offer a range of stone fabrication and installation services. Our team of professionals is adept at marble fabrication and granite fabrication services in San Ramon. We also provide granite fabrication in Concord and quartz installation in Napa.