NATURAL STONE - A STATEMENT OF LUXURY

Granite Countertops FAQ’s

Granite Countertops FAQ’s

by | Jan 20, 2015 | Natural Stone

Granite is one of the most versatile stones and widely used in both interior and exterior design. It comes in variety of colors and patterns and is very hard and durable stone, which makes it appropriate to be used for kitchen and bathroom tops, wall applications and flooring. In this article we will address the usual questions regarding the use and inherent qualities of granite, particularly as it refers to granite tops. QUESTION: Where does granite come from? ANSWER: Granite is quarried from the earth with specialized equipment and machinery. It is found all over the world. A few parts of the world where granite is quarried: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, India, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Ukraine, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe. QUESTION: What is the difference between granite & marble countertops? ANSWER: The look first and foremost. The maintenance and care of the stones will also vary. Marble is softer and more porous and it will etch and stain easier. Marble is more delicate natural stone when compared to granite. QUESTION: How strong is granite? ANSWER: Granite is a very strong and durable natural stone. The actual strength of a specific piece of granite will vary depending on the stone and where it was quarried from. QUESTION: Can granite break? ANSWER: Yes, with heavy abuse. With normal every day wear and tear, no. QUESTION: Do I need to seal my granite countertop? ANSWER: This depends on the granite you choose. Most granites need to be sealed, although the rule of thumb is that, “The lighter stones need to be sealed and...
New Natural Stone Products at MGSI in December

New Natural Stone Products at MGSI in December

by | Dec 30, 2014 | New Arrivals

Dear Customers, Please, take a look at the new additions to the MGSI natural stone inventory in December! Please browse through the NEW PRODUCT section of our website to see our new arrivals in natural stone slabs or click on an image below to see more information. More products:    ...
REPAIRING NATURAL STONE SURFACES

REPAIRING NATURAL STONE SURFACES

by | Nov 17, 2014 | Care & Maintenance

All Natural Stones can scratch. BUT, Granite is far more resistant to scratching than Soapstone and Marble because it is a harder Natural Stone. Usually, the harder the stone is, the harder it is to scratch, and the harder it is to remove the scratch. What Scratches Natural Stone? Something harder than the actual stone would need to scratch it. For example, a piece of Granite or Marble would scratch a piece of Soapstone. But, Soapstone would not scratch your Marble or your Granite. A copper penny with a hardness of 3.5 on MOH’s scale of relative hardness will scratch Soapstone, may scratch Marble, but it won’t scratch Granite. A Few More Examples… Softer stones can be scratched from foot traffic. Dirt, sand, and grit from your shoes are an abrasive to stone flooring. This is why it is recommended to use rugs or mats near entry ways and to dust mop frequently. Sanded grouts are capable of scratching softer Natural Stones. Dragging furniture across your floor may scratch it. Try to lift, not drag your furniture. Softer stone countertop materials such as Marble and Soapstone may be scratched from toys, cutting on them, or tossing your keys across them. Granite is a much harder stone and therefore more resistant to scratching. It does not scratch easily. According to Frederick Hueston, a prominent stone expert and consultant, “The only thing that could possibly scratch granite would be if a person would turn their diamond ring around and scratch the stone surface with it.” Granite can also be scratched by another piece of granite rubbing against it. You will notice...
Budget Considerations for Your Kitchen Project

Budget Considerations for Your Kitchen Project

by | Oct 28, 2014 | Design Trends & Ideas

Budgeting for a new kitchen or bath, even a modest-size one, is no small feat. It pays to approach the task armed with dollars and sense. Updating your kitchen has long-term financial benefits. Experts say you can recoup 80 percent or more of the project’s cost when you sell your home. Yet, even if you’re not planning on moving a kitchen improvement can do much to improve your lifestyle. If you’d like to make your space look and live better without spending more than you can afford, some cost-control basics are a good starting point as you plan your kitchen (or bath) project. Define the Scope of Your Project How big is the project? Cosmetic changes will not fix old appliances, outdated cabinets, out-of-style surfaces, and design flaws. Yet, often a home’s structure and site make adding on, bumping out, or knocking down walls impractical or cost-prohibitive. If you don’t really need more square footage, it is usually possible to gut the room and work within its dimensions. Also, by limiting structural costs, you may choose to put more money into the items that will make your kitchen stand out. Budget Just as sticker shock afflicts new-car buyers, new-kitchen outfitters are at risk of appliance apoplexy and cabinetry coronaries. If the actual products are not very expensive enough, wait until you figure in labor, installation, and design costs. For some items, such as cabinetry, flooring, tile, and plumbing fixtures, labor costs can equal or exceed the costs of the products or materials. It is also wise to allow a 10-20 percent cushion in the budget for unforeseen expenses. So,...
Look at the new products at MGSI in May

Look at the new products at MGSI in May

by | May 23, 2014 | Natural Stone

Marble & Granite Supply of Illinois Inc. (MGSI) is one of the leading natural stone suppliers in Illinois. MGSI offers wide range of quality stone products at competitive pricing, and outstanding customer service. Please take a look at the six new additions to our stone inventory this month and browse through the NEW PRODUCT section of our website to see our new arrivals in natural stone slabs.          ...
See April’s New Natural Stone Products at MGSI

See April’s New Natural Stone Products at MGSI

by | Apr 23, 2014 | Natural Stone

At MGSI our goal is to continually discover the very best of what’s new, what’s different and what’s next. Here, you willl find our latest unique stone offerings, creative finishes and tile collections. All our new introductions and updates, representing innovative movements in color, form & design MGSI travels the world to discover new stone and find solution to contemporary design roadblocks. We listen to you and your needs and bring products that will enhance your project and augment your creativity and design. Please take a look at the six new additions to our stone inventory this month and browse through the NEW PRODUCT section of our website to see our new arrivals in natural stone slabs.            ...