One of the best things about natural stone countertops is that they come straight from the earth. These natural materials are taken from the ground and then crafted into something that looks amazing in your home or garden. But, have you ever wondered how this process works?

We’ll take you through this process to help you understand how granite and other types of stone go from the earth to your kitchen. Since we’ve got such impressive granite quarries right here in North Carolina, let’s focus on how granite goes from quarry to countertop.

Mining granite from quarries

Granite is found close to the earth’s surface in locations called quarries. The stone is extracted or mined from these locations using drills and explosives. These techniques break large chunks of granite away from the quarry so that it can be transported and used in a number of ways. Cranes and other machinery will be used to lift the granite and move it onto a truck so that it can be transported.

Processing the granite

The granite extracted from quarries is extremely unrefined, pretty far removed from what you ultimately get for your kitchen countertops. The chunks of rock must be transported to a factory or other facility where it can be processed and fabricated. Specialized machinery is required to cut the granite into smaller slabs. Diamond blades are the most effective equipment for performing this job.

Once cut, the granite slabs are polished to give them a nicer finish, as it will have come from the quarry with an extremely rough finish. Large machinery using polish pads complete this process. The finished slabs are then ready for distribution. Some providers will fabricate the granite in-house while others will have it shipped to them after fabrication is complete.

Natural stone sellers can place these slabs in their showrooms for customers to browse and buy, but the process isn’t over yet. When someone buys granite, one of the slabs will be measured and cut to the right size and shape for the countertops needed. Different finishes can also be applied to the granite slab, such as a polished, honed, or matte finish.

An edge will also be applied to the stone, such as a square or beveled countertop edge to give it the perfect finishing touch. These granite countertops can then be installed in your kitchen or bathroom for the final result. The countertop may also be sealed to protect it after installation.

So, there you have it. A piece of natural stone from the ground meticulously finished to produce the perfect surface for your kitchen or bathroom countertops. You can visit our Kernersville showroom to view our granite slabs or get in touch to find out more about our natural stone and countertop installation.

Granite countertops are a valuable investment for your home, whether you’re planning to sell or live in it for years to come. So, you want that investment to last as long as possible. One of the great things about granite is that it is so long-lasting. Unlike cheaper materials, it won’t lose its shine and quality quickly.

If you want the grand aesthetics of your granite countertops to last longer, here are some tips for taking good care of them.

Seal your countertops

There are often questions about whether granite does or does not require sealing. Granite is fairly non-porous compared to other natural stone countertops, so most granite countertops can get by without sealant. However, granite will still absorb liquid if it is left to stand. Since sealant is used to protect the stone, it can help your countertops to maintain top condition over the years. This will help to extend their life in your home.

Clean them regularly

Cleaning your countertops regularly and cleaning them in the right way will make sure they don’t become dull or stained over time. A quick wipe down of your countertops each day will help to keep them in good condition. Wet a soft-fiber cloth and then wring out the excess water. Wipe the surface down with this alone or combine it with a mild dish soap.

Make sure to avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and anything acidic. If you have granite tile countertops, then make sure you also clean the grout lines between the tiles. You can read more tips for cleaning granite, here.

Avoid doing things that could damage granite countertops

Granite countertops are known for being tough and durable. They are impressively resistant to scratches and heat. But this doesn’t mean you should be cutting directly on them and placing hot pans down all the time. Over time, these habits may cause damage, so it’s better to be cautious around your countertops. Use cutting boards and keep direct heat away from their surfaces. You should also clean up any spills as soon as they happen, as your countertop surface could stain if it absorbs the liquid.

Revitalize your countertops

If your countertops start to lose their shine after a while, there are a few things you can do to revitalize them. Simply resealing them from time to time will help to boost their condition. If they need more work than that, then you can have them refinished. Any chips or scratches that occur could also be filled in and repaired. Read more about these processes here.

Whether you’re looking for new granite countertops for your home or want to keep your current ones in good shape, Amanzi Granite can help. Get in touch for all your natural stone needs around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.

How do you choose a countertop edge when there are so many different options? They all bring a different character to the room and to your countertops, so it’s important that you choose carefully. Rather than going through each edge profile individually, we’re going to start by helping you decide between an edge with a simple design and one with a more detailed and intricate profile.

Simple edge profiles

Simple edge profiles for countertops are those that don’t feature a lot of detail. They might be flat like a square edge or feature a single change in shape such as the bevel or a half bullnose countertop edge. Or they could be rounded as with the full bullnose or double bevel.

Simple edges are more commonly seen in modern kitchens as they produce a more minimalistic look. They pair well with minimalist, monochromatic kitchens. These types of edges aren’t designed to steal the show. While your kitchen countertops will look great, you don’t always want them to be the first element that catches the eye. If you want something other than your countertops to be the main focus of the room, then simple edges are a good choice.

Detailed edge profiles

The more detailed edge profiles are a bit more complex and intricate in appearance. They may feature multiple steps or changes in height and direction. These include edge profiles like the Dupont or Ogee countertop edge. There are also increasingly intricate variations like the double Ogee or triple pencil edge.

Unlike simple edges, these more detailed edges really draw focus. They are perfect if you want your countertops to be the focal point. If you use intricate edges, you should try to pare back on other elements that draw focus, as the room can end up looking too busy and visually unappealing. These types of edges give more of a traditional and sophisticated appearance compared to simple edges.

If you have a focal point like an island in the center of the room, then you might choose a more intricate edge for the island, like an Ogee countertop, while the surrounding countertops retain a simpler finish like a square or bullnose edge. This creates a good balance, ensuring the island is a focal point without having too much going on visually.

Come into our Kernersville showroom to see samples of different edges. This will help you visualize how each edge profile will look on your kitchen or bathroom countertops. You can also try our countertop edge visualizer tool to get a preview online. Get in touch if you have more questions or if you’re looking for natural stone countertops around Kernersville, Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point.

Natural stone is a beautiful addition to your home, but it’s not the cheapest material to use for your kitchen countertops or other features. That doesn’t mean you can’t afford it, though. Like with most things, prices can vary greatly depending on the choices you make. So, if you’re dreaming of natural stone countertops but don’t think you have the budget, here are some tips to help make this dream more affordable.

Opt for tiles

Most people prefer the look of a granite slab countertop compared to tiles, but tiles can be the significantly cheaper option. According to Home Guide, granite tile can cost up to 80% less than granite slab, but this will vary depending on things like the quality, style, and the supplier.

Or remnants

Another option is to buy remnants of stone slabs that have been leftover after cutting a countertop down to size, for example. These are especially good for small features like backsplashes, but they could also be combined to create a kitchen or bathroom countertop. Read more about buying and using remnants here.

A thinner slab

If you’re dead set on using a slab, you can still save some money on your countertops by reducing their thickness. Kitchen countertops are typically cut to one-and-a-quarter-inch, but they can be cut thicker or thinner than this. Buying a three-quarter-inch slab will be cheaper, as will the labor and transportation costs associated with it. Bear in mind, though, that the durability of your countertop will also be lower with a thinner slab.

Lower the complexity

The design, edge profile, and finish you choose for your countertops can all ramp up the price if you’re not careful. If you want to save money, think simple. A basic square or round edge profile can look great and will be simpler and cheaper than the more intricate edges. The same goes for if you need a detailed design rather than a simple rectangular slab.

Shop around

Not everyone is going to give you the same price for buying the stone and installing your countertops. Compare your options to get the best balance of quality and affordability. Shopping local can help you save some money on transportation costs, as can looking for stone of a US origin. You can also save money by choosing a supplier that can take care of the whole process for you, rather than buying from one supplier and hiring another company for installation.

As you can see, small decisions when designing and buying your countertops can make big differences to the price. If you’re looking for a countertop supplier and installer local to Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville, then get in touch with us at Amanzi Granite.

We’re always talking about the wonders of stone countertops in your kitchen and bathroom, from granite to marble and even manmade quartz. But why stop there? Natural stone is so versatile, so there are lots of other ways you could make use of it. This blog will give you some ideas on how to use natural stone outside of countertops and why you should consider it.

The versatility of natural stone

What makes natural stone so great and suited to a range of uses? First of all, it’s highly durable. This means it will last long and stay in good condition, even in hard-wearing areas like outside or interior floors. Natural stone is also easy to clean, so you can keep it looking fresh with minimal effort, wherever in the house you place it.

And speaking of looking good, this is one of the main reasons why people choose natural stone for design focal points. It produces an unrivaled aesthetic compared to engineered materials like laminate. Each slab of natural stone is unique from the next one, and different types of stone can display completely different colors and patterns.

Where to use natural stone in your home

So, as well as your kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity, here are three great places where natural stone could feature prominently in your home.

Backsplash

Maybe you want natural stone to feature in your kitchen, but don’t have the budget for entire stone countertops. Or maybe you’re looking for a different type of stone to complement your countertops. A stone backsplash adds beauty to your kitchen with a relatively confined element. It’s great for drawing the eye and your backsplash will be easy to clean after a messy cooking session.

Feature wall

A feature wall can be added to pretty much any room in the house. It’s a way to break up the plain décor of your walls without making the room too “in your face.” Say the room is plainly painted in a neutral color, a natural stone feature wall behind your bed, behind the TV, or against the shower wall creates a dynamic focal point for the room. With natural stone coming in so many vibrant colors and patterns, you can find something to suit any design tastes.

Tiled flooring

The durability of natural stone makes it suitable for foot traffic, so it’s a popular flooring choice. Tiled flooring is ideal in the bathroom, kitchen, entryways, and outdoor areas like the patio or around the pool. It looks attractive and doesn’t suffer too much wear and tear, and a non-slip finish can be applied to keep you safe in the bathroom or around the pool.

Do you want to liven up your décor with natural stone? Whether it’s for kitchen and bathroom countertops or any of the ideas listed here, then contact Amanzi Granite or visit our showroom in Kernersville to make stone a feature of your North Carolina home.

There are lots of reasons for choosing granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom. People choose them for their appearance, durability, and potential resale value, among other things. But how do you know if they’re the right choice for you? There are many other great choices when it comes to natural stone countertops.

To help you make a decision, let’s look at the main pros and cons of choosing granite countertops.

Pros

Extremely durable – Granite kitchen countertops can last decades as the stone is one of the toughest there is. This means that you won’t need to replace your countertops anytime soon. You’re more likely to move out of or sell your house before you need new countertops. It also means they’re incredibly scratch-resistant, so they’re not prone to damage.

Resistant to heat – As well as being scratch-resistant, granite is also incredibly heat-resistant. This means you don’t have to worry if you accidentally put a hot pan down on your kitchen countertop, there should not be any damage as a result of this. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures isn’t recommended, but everyday activity shouldn’t damage your countertops.

Low maintenance – Part of this is mentioned above, since granite doesn’t damage easily it won’t need a lot of attention and repairs. Also, granite surfaces are nice and easy to clean, especially if you have your countertops sealed. Simply wiping down your surfaces regularly will keep your granite countertops shining.

Wide range of styles – One of the main reasons for choosing granite is the way it looks in your home. But its popularity certainly doesn’t mean your countertops will be unoriginal. Granite comes in a range of colors and patterns, so you can choose a slab that suits your tastes and the style of your home.

Cons

Porous – A downside to granite’s porosity is that it readily absorbs liquids spilled on the surface, which can lead to stains. However, having your granite countertops sealed will help to counteract this and prevent stains.

Are you ready to install granite kitchen bathroom countertops? Visit our showroom in Kernersville to choose your stone, or get in touch with us for more advice and services. We’re here to help customers in Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, and beyond.

Adding natural stone to your home? There are lots of great options to choose from, whether it’s for your kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, or somewhere completely different in your home. One option that’s becoming more and more popular is quartz. Read on for some of the great reasons for choosing quartz for your home.

Aesthetic appeal

Like most stone countertop options, quartz looks great in any home, no matter what style you’re going for. Although quartz is an engineered material, it imitates natural stones like granite and marble very well, producing an appealing look in your kitchen or elsewhere. This also means that it’s appealing to buyers if you’re looking to sell, which could make it easier to sell or even drive up the price slightly.

Diverse styles

Another benefit of quartz being manmade is that it comes in a huge range of colors, patterns, and styles. Some natural stones, like granite, are already pretty diverse, but quartz goes a step further in this respect because it can be made in pretty much any hue possible. So, you can brighten up your kitchen or bathroom with interesting colors and patterns to suit your design style.

Durability

You might wonder if the manmade quartz can live up to the durability of true natural stone. Since quartz is mostly made up of natural stone, it has many of the properties of stone, making it tough and durable. The resin that is added to quartz during the engineering process, actually adds to it’s durability.

If quartz is the material for you or if you’d like more advice when choosing natural stone for your home and countertops, then get in touch with Amanzi Granite for our support. Or you can visit our showroom in Kernersville to see your options up close.

One of the best things about granite is that it comes in so many different colors. This means you can choose a granite countertop that suits your home, no matter the style. Black is a popular color for granite kitchen and bathroom countertops that provide a striking appearance. But black granite countertops also differ slightly when it comes to cleaning and maintaining them. Let’s look at some guidelines for cleaning and sealing your black granite countertops.

Do black granite countertops need sealing?

Sealing your countertops is a great way to defend against stains and scratches, adding an extra layer of protection and reducing the porosity of the granite. However, black granite is typically denser than other styles of granite, meaning it is naturally less porous. As a result, it does not absorb liquids as readily and is, therefore, less likely to stain.

Plus, since it is less porous, black granite also doesn’t take up sealant as readily as other granite, making sealing your countertops more difficult, particularly if they have a polished finish.

So, black granite countertops are less likely to need sealing than others, but each slab is different. The best way to determine whether or not your kitchen countertops need sealing is to pour a few drops of water on it and see how quickly it is absorbed. You can also perform this test with lemon juice or cooking oil to see if a stain is left behind, but it is better to test this on a sample of the granite before installing your countertops.

How to clean black granite countertops

Because black granite countertops are less porous, this also typically makes them easier to clean and maintain. Any spills are more likely to stay on the surface without leaving a stain behind, but you should still soak up the liquid as quickly as you can with a paper towel or a dry cloth. Then, wipe down the surface with a soft, damp cloth to remove any residue.

Even when there aren’t spills, you should wipe down your granite surfaces at least a few times a week to keep them in top condition. As with all granite, you should avoid using harshly acidic or chemical cleaning solutions. Dish soap mixed with warm water is usually all you need to keep your black granite countertops clean. Or you can buy a specialized granite cleaning solution.

If you need help maintaining your granite countertops, then get in touch with us for support around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.

When you think of granite countertops, your mind probably goes immediately to the kitchen. While granite makes a great material for kitchen countertops, this isn’t your only option. If you love the look and feel of granite and want it in more areas of your home, then here are a few ideas of where to place granite countertops.

Bathroom vanity

We talk a lot about bathroom countertops here at Amanzi as well as your traditional granite kitchen countertops. That’s because they’re timeless and they work! Adding a granite countertop to your bathroom vanity is a great way to add class and visual appeal to the room without spending too much. It even works for small bathrooms.

A granite bar

A bar makes a stylish and practical addition to your living room or dining room. You can use it for pouring your own drinks, serving drinks when entertaining guests, and for placing plates of food when there’s not enough space on the dining table. Granite is a resilient surface material to suit these purposes. Since it’s available in a variety of colors and styles, you can also choose granite to suit the design of the room.

Outdoor entertainment spaces

If you have an outdoor kitchen or other entertainment space, then granite countertops provide a great area for preparing and serving food and drinks. Granite is durable enough to resist the elements when used outdoors, especially if you properly seal the surface. Granite countertops will really elevate this outdoor space.

Tabletops

Whether it’s your dining table, coffee table, or smaller end tables, a granite surface not only looks good but also helps you resist stains from spills and people forgetting to use a coaster for their drink. You won’t have to constantly worry about rings being left on the surface like you do with wooden tabletops. Seal your granite tables to make them even more resistant and help them last longer.

Office desk

If you often work or study from home, then you want to create a space that you enjoy spending time in. With a granite-topped desk or counter, you can add extra appeal and comfort to your home office or study space.

Where would you place granite countertops in your home? If this article has given you some inspiration, then get in touch with Amanzi Granite or visit our showroom for help with picking out and installing your granite counters.

Granite comes in so many different colors and patterns that each countertop is unique. But this isn’t the only way to make your granite countertops stand out from the crowd. The edge you choose for your countertops also makes a big difference. If you’re confused about edges and how to choose the right one for your countertops, read on for more information.

How edges change the look of your granite countertops

The countertop edge profile you choose can really change the style of your countertops and the room they’re in. Are you after a simplistic or minimalistic design or something a little more detailed? Take a straight edge vs an ogee, for example. The more intricate ogee edge will draw more attention to your countertop edge and add a fancier detail to the design of the room, compared to the more simplistic straight edge.

Certain edges also suit modern vs traditional styles. While the basic square edge works well with both, it tends to be the simpler styles that bring a more modern look to a room, while the more detailed edges can bring a more traditional appeal. Waterfall edges are one great option for more modern kitchens.

As well as the look of your granite countertops, safety may also come into consideration when choosing an edge profile. Rounded edges are a little softer and less harsh, which can be important in households with young children who might bump their heads on countertop edges.

Popular granite edges to choose from

All of the different terminologies can get confusing when researching different edge styles for your granite countertops. Here’s a list of some of the more popular edge profiles for you to consider:

• Square
• Eased
• Bullnose
• Bevel
• Waterfall
• Ogee
• Pencil
• Radius

Within these categories, there may be additional styles. For example, a bullnose edge is fully rounded, but you can also have a half bullnose which is rounded at the top and straight at the bottom. You can also find combined edges, like the bevel bullnose and Dupont bullnose. Check out our countertop edge visualizer to see what some of these edges look like and get a better idea of how they might look in your home.

If you need more help choosing the right edge for your countertops, get in touch with Amanzi Granite for our help, or visit our showroom in Kernersville.