Types of Sinks to Accompany Natural Stone Countertops

You are performing an overhaul on your bathroom, kitchen or both in Victoria. Opting for natural stone countertops, you will be forced with a relatively unrelated choice — what type of sink do you go with? A few different factors come in to play, amongst your considerations will be material, size and cost.

Frequently used materials that are fit in as sinks in natural stone countertops include cast iron, composite, porcelain, concrete or stainless steel. With prices ranging anywhere from $150 to $1,600, many different elements blend into what can drive up the cost in your sink choice. Once your sink is in place, it is more-or-less there for good. So, you’ll want to spend some time pondering the pros and cons before making your sink decision for your natural stone countertops.

Five Most Common Types of Sinks:

Single Bowl:

Containing one basin, a huge benefit of this option is that single bowls exist in condensed sizes or large ones. They are a worthy choice for spots where space is a big consideration. The cost, obviously, tends to be lower relative to other types.

Double Bowl:

Double implying two bowls, the ultimate size depends on your choosing. Should you opt for this choice in the kitchen, be sure that your basins are deep enough to allow for efficient dishwashing and the like.

Top Mount:  

A top mount type of sink rests atop your counter. Highly stylized, the lip of the sink is visible the whole way around, fitting often into the fabricated hole of your natural stone countertops. This option is often less expensive as a result of this set-up.

Under mount:

The most commonly used sink type, these are mounted underneath your counter. Their look is modern and you will not see the lip of the sink. With less exposure, there is less to clean, and it’s easier to wipe water from the countertop directly into the sink. More expensive than their top mounted counterparts, they do require more work to install.

Integral:

These sinks are produced of the same material from which your natural stone countertops are made. The most popular incarnations are usually granite or soapstone varieties. Creating an overall look of continuity, they are easy to maintain and clean.

Would you like to learn more about natural stone countertops in Victoria? Call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or you can Contact Us to request a Free Quote.

Choosing the Best Granite Fabricators

Granite is one of the best investments you can make when you're in the process of renovating your home. They add classic beauty but they are also incredibly durable and long-lasting, so they are practical too. As granite fabricators in Minneapolis, we have a few suggestions on what to look for when you're in the process of choosing granite fabricators.

Make sure the granite fabricators are a one-stop shop. That means the granite fabricators should also install your granite countertops too. A company like Universal Stone fabricates and installs granite, and working with the same company from start to finish can simplify the entire process, and it could save you a few bucks too.

Your granite fabricators should also have a showroom you can visit where you personally select the granite slab you want. There is nothing like seeing your granite in person. Plus, that way you can bring in samples of your cabinetry, paint and flooring to make sure the granite you're thinking of purchasing matches the other parts of your new kitchen or bathroom. You don't want to have your granite fabricators begin their work only to find out that your granite slab doesn't match the rest of the room's décor!

You should also be able to get testimonials or references from your granite fabricators. Hearing firsthand from previous satisfied customers can really help you decide on which granite fabricators to hire. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a great way to find granite fabricators, so you can also ask friends and family about which granite fabricators they worked with and what they liked and disliked about them.

Finally, make sure you get a written estimate from your granite fabricators. That way, you know exactly how much you will be spending on your granite.

Are you interested in learning more about granite fabricators in Minneapolis? Call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or you can contact us and get a Free Quote.

Advantages of Quartz Bathroom Vanities

There are several different reasons you should look into quartz vanities if you are remodeling your bathroom. As a company that fabricates and installs quartz bathroom vanities in the Twin Cities, we are often asked about quartz and why it is such a popular choice for bathroom vanities. 

With quartz bathroom vanities, you can find just about any color or pattern. Quartz is a manufactured stone, so your imagination is pretty much the limit when it comes to finding the perfect choice for your new bathroom. And in this day and age, the colors and styles are very contemporary and luxurious. You can get an elegant look and feel to your bathroom with quartz bathroom vanities!

No matter how big or small your family is, quartz bathroom vanities are a good choice because of their durability. They do not chip or crack very easily, and they are more long-lasting than some other stones and materials on the market these days.

Quartz bathroom vanities will not stain easily either. Quartz is a non-porous stone, so that also means you don’t have to worry about having it sealed like you do with some types of granite. So if something is spilled on quartz bathroom vanities, it probably will not stain. Just be sure to wipe up the spill as soon as possible after it happens.

They are also a great choice for bathrooms because they are bacteria-resistant. While this will not keep you and your family from getting sick 100% of the time, it can help in fighting the spread of germs, bacteria and illnesses.

Cleaning quartz bathroom vanities is easy! Simply wipe them down with a soft cloth and mild soap. You do not have to buy any special cleaners. They are pretty much maintenance-free, so that makes your life easier in the long run when it comes to cleaning the bathroom.

Do you want to learn more about quartz bathroom vanities in the Twin Cities? Call us here at Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or get a Free Quote.

Caring for Marble Bathroom Countertops

If you want to keep your new marble bathroom countertops in your Plymouth home looking as good as the day they were installed, we have a few suggestions for you and how to care for them. Marble bathroom countertops are easy to care for, so follow these tips to keep them looking great.

For everyday cleaning and care of your marble bathroom countertops, all you need is a soft and clean cloth and warm water. Use another soft and clean cloth to dry them after you are done wiping them down. Do not use vinegar or other acidic cleaners on your marble bathroom countertops. This can dull the surface.

Marble bathroom countertops occasionally need a deeper cleaning. You can do this with a cleaner that is specially made for marble. Just make sure the cleaner is not abrasive in any way. Clean your marble bathroom countertops per the instructions on the cleaner, and make sure you completely dry the surface after you are done cleaning it. If you have any doubt about what kind to buy, just give us a call and we can help you out. 

Some day-to-day maintenance is also needed to keep your marble bathroom countertops looking good. You should wipe up any spills right after they happen. You can get special marble stain removers if you want to buy them. Or you can make your own using a combination of baking soda and water or rubbing alcohol if the stain is oil-based or a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide or acetone if the stain is water-based. Just wet the stain with some clean water, put the mix on it and then cover it up with plastic wrap. Let the mixture sit for about a day and then rinse it thoroughly. 

Taking the time to do some regular maintenance and cleaning can help keep your marble bathroom countertops looking great for years to come!

For more information on marble bathroom countertops in Plymouth, call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690 or Request a Free Quote.

Marble for Your Home: Fusing it into Your Décor

Marble is a great way to add elegance and class to just about any room in your home. One of the best ways to do this is with a marble bathroom vanity. St Paul residents love these types of bathroom vanities because it’s a great way to add a feeling of luxury to your home without overdoing it. Here are a few ways to choose a great marble bathroom vanity for your home.

Think about your bathroom and its color scheme. Make sure that, when you are choosing the stone you want your marble bathroom vanity made out of, that the color or pattern of the marble matches with the rest of your bathroom. Take a look at the marble’s veining and try to match that with one or two colors you are already using in your bathroom. This will help give it a more cohesive look and feel. A neutral shade like black or white marble would go great with more vibrant shades on your wall. 

You can further enhance the look of your new marble bathroom vanity by selecting accessories that will bring out the marble’s colors and patterns. A new faucet for your marble bathroom vanity can help complete the overall luxurious look and feel if you choose one that has smooth lines and is a brushed stainless steel or even bronze.

Other accessories could be everything from new towel racks to a new toothbrush holder. Make sure they match the marble bathroom vanity and faucet. Try to stick with the same metal throughout too. Instead of going with the standard square mirror, try an oval mirror. An oval mirror is a great way to complement your new marble bathroom vanity and accessories. It’s a great way to think outside of the box when it comes to decorating your bathroom, but it’s not so over the top that it will detract from your new bathroom’s look.

Be sure you hire a professional, like the ones here at Universal Stone, to install your new marble bathroom vanity. This is definitely not a do-it-yourself project! Marble is a beautiful stone and it takes a lot of skill and know-how to make sure it is properly installed.

Are you interested in learning more about how to have a new marble bathroom vanity installed in your St Paul home? Call Universal Stone at 952-746-4690, or you can contact us for a Free Quote.

Minneapolis Soapstone Countertops: What Do You Know?

What do Minneapolis residents know about soapstone? Universal Stone wants to test your knowledge! We proudly serve Minneapolis; soapstone countertops are just one of the many different types of stone we fabricate and install in and around this area. Take our quiz and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two about this beautiful stone.

     1.       True or false: Soapstone can retain heat and cold without breaking.

     2.       In India and China, what was soapstone used for?

     3.       True or false: You can safely use soapstone in your oven.

     4.       Why are soapstone countertops a good investment for your Minneapolis kitchen?

     5.       True or false: soapstone countertops are a natural and non-stick surface.

     6.       Images and amulets of gods were made out of soapstone in which country?

     7.       Where is soapstone usually quarried for soapstone countertops and other items?

     8.       Nowadays, besides soapstone countertops, what other main use does soapstone have?

     9.       How do you darken the color of soapstone countertops?

     10.   Typically, soapstone is honed to a ______ grit finish.

How do you think you did on this quiz? Check your answers and find out!

     1.       True

     2.       Ornaments and domestic utensils

     3.       True

     4.       Soapstone countertops are not slippery when they get wet, and they are a natural and non-stick surface.

     5.       True

     6.       Finland

     7.       Open pit mines

     8.       Decorative items

     9.       Increase the hone level

     10.   320

Hopefully, you learned a thing or two about soapstone and you can find out even more by following this link. We here at Universal Stone just love to talk about this subject, and we’re always happy to answer any questions about soapstone countertops and installing them in your Minneapolis home.

Why not give us a call at (952) 746-4690 or request a free quote online? Before you know it, we could be installing soapstone countertops in your Minneapolis home!