This cafeteria now features stunning Caesarstone Quartz countertops in Oyster — a shaded white quartz color that makes for a gorgeous surface — and Silestone Quartz in African Red — a brilliant and powerful color that contrasts nicely with natural tones. Both quality quartz surfaces, The Stone Cobblers uses Caesarstone and Silestone Quartz products for custom countertop installations that are functional and aesthetic delight.

If you simply love the way these quartz countertops look, please take a moment to request a free estimate from The Stone Cobblers. We will be delighted to help your business grow in beauty and impress all who visit your property. Learn more about what we can do for you, and take a peek at our granite, marble and quartz showroom in Worcester, Massachusetts. Or you can browse our inspiration gallery full of granite, marble and quartz installations completed by The Stone Cobblers. Enjoy your visit!

Take a look at these Namibian Gold granite kitchen countertops that The Stone Cobblers recently installed for a homeowner in Westborough, Massachusetts.

As you may have noticed, these glistening Namibian gold granite countertops are complemented by Tumbled Marble backsplash tiles. What a beautiful combination gold granite and tumble marble make! The soft yet distinct touch of a Tumbled Marble backsplash tile design helps to transform this Westborough, MA kitchen into a comforting escape.

If you love the way this gold granite kitchen looks with marble backsplash tiles, please take a moment to request a free estimate from The Stone Cobblers. We will be delighted to help you turn your home into the beautiful space that you’ve always dreamed of. Learn more about what we can do for you, or take a peek at our granite, marble and quartz showroom in Worcester, MA. Or you can browse our inspiration gallery full of granite, marble and quartz installations completed by The Stone Cobblers in Massachusetts. Enjoy!

Case in point- this custom granite kitchen with Santa Cecilia Granite countertops, cherry wood cabinetry and beautiful granite tile backsplash. We installed these custom Santa Cecilia Natural Granite countertops for a happy Massachusetts homeowner. Their beautiful new granite kitchen countertops are simply gorgeous!

The golden hues in Santa Cecilia Granite contrasts nicely with the kitchen cabinetry and coordinating accessories in the room. The lighting really brings out the rich golden and chocolate brown veins in the granite, which only amplifies the warmth and energy of this granite kitchen.

If you’re in the market for custom granite countertops, consider Santa Cecilia Granite – they’re a beautiful choice for kitchen countertops! The Stone Cobblers will do a custom granite countertop installation for you, and we’ll walk you through the whole process of granite selection and installation so you’ll be a part of your granite creation. Give us a call- we’re your custom granite countertop contractor in Massachusetts!v

These custom Dune Granite kitchen countertops were installed by The Stone Cobblers for a happy homeowner in Holden, Massachusetts. Contrasting wonderfully with the rich brown kitchen cabinetry and silver hardware, the Dune Granite countertops were nothing short of a successful project.

Along with the Dune Granite countertop installation, The Stone Cobblers went to work installing custom kitchen tile backsplash using Mushroom Morning Sun Tile. The Mushroom Morning Sun Blend incorporates whites, creams, tans and browns into its color scheme to provide the homeowner with a touch of added elegance and radiant detail like no other tile. Mushroom Morning Sun Tile is the perfect partner for Dune Granite countertops!

If you’re in the market for custom granite countertops, consider Dune Granite – they’re a beautiful choice for kitchen countertops! The Stone Cobblers will do a custom granite countertop installation for you, and we’ll walk you through the whole process of granite selection and installation so you’ll be a part of your granite creation. Give us a call- we’re your custom granite countertop contractor in Massachusetts!

For the bathroom, this happy homeowner decided to have The Stone Cobblers install a Ming Green Marble vanity top for a clean and fresh look – perfect for a bathroom! The soft, almost minty, green hue of Ming Green Marble tile is a wonderful choice. This Ming Green Marble bathroom extends the clean and elegant presentation that begins in the kitchen. Bringing in a light and fresh design to your bathroom is easy when you have Ming Green Marble vanity tops!

If you’re in the market for custom granite and marble countertops, consider Viscon White granite for the kitchen or Ming Green Marble vanity tops for the bathroom- they’re both beautiful choices for the home! The Stone Cobblers will do a custom granite and marble countertop installation for you, and we’ll walk you through the whole process of granite and marble selection and installation so you’ll be a part of your granite or marble creation. Give us a call- we’re your custom granite and marble countertop contractor in Massachusetts!

Adding a marble fireplace to a room in your home will add character and warmth to your home.

Aside from the aesthetic benefits of having a marble fireplace in your home, marble fireplaces can also help you keep your home cleaner.  Marble fireplaces, and all fireplaces for that matter, help to remove unclean air (from cooking for example) from your home, and in that sense marble fireplaces help keep your room clean. 

If you are not convinced that marble fireplaces can make your living space look special, then this article from ExpertArticlesAbout.com might just convince you.

Why Marble Fireplaces Are A Good Investment

June 11, 2011 | Author: Sally Butcher | Posted in Home & Family

There are many ways that you can add beauty and elegance to your home. One project that you can have is by adding a fireplace. Marble fireplaces or other natural stone fireplaces could do just that. It not only provides a good place to enjoy a book but it also adds class and warmth in your house.

You just have to know what you want. When you know what you want, you will know how to get it. When you decorate your home options are available according to your taste in style. Whether you have budget constraints or not, you just need to be innovative to get to your goal. Let us start with one house feature that is sure to grab attention.

A good example is the fireplace. Families consider it as a place where they could spend time and talk about anything. Some consider it as a safe haven to just relax.

When it comes to design and style, the choices are endless. You can choose wood as the primary element or maybe go for the electric type. But what sets stone fireplaces on top of others is that it goes well with different types of design styles.

Most common choices for natural stone are marble, granite and limestone. Whichever you choose, you need to get to know your material and how you should handle it.

The most durable of the three is granite. It does not scratch or stain easily. But it could get brittle. It may also absorb oils and other liquids just like limestone. Limestone is softer than granite though and is porous. Marble is also porous and could also absorb oils and liquids. But just like limestone, it is softer thus, it can easily be cut according to design. Limestone is more affordable but marble adds timeless beauty to your home.

Advantages and disadvantages will be present no matter which material you use. The trick is to know what type of treatment or seals need to be applied to extend the life of your fireplace. The treatment is also necessary to preserve the beauty of your material when you first get it installed.

You may talk to a contractor or a designer for a consultation. You may go to those who install marble fireplaces in your area to have more in-depth information. You can choose to follow your gut. Whichever path you take, you just need to weigh all factors when making a decision. Once everything is done, you could sit in front of the fireplace and sip wine or make smores. Whatever is to your liking.

If you decide that investing in a beautiful marble fireplace is right for you and your home, it is essential that you know how to properly care for and maintain your investment.  It is important that you clean the marble portion of your marble fireplace properly so that it stays looking shiny and new.  To clean your marble fireplace you should use a soft cloth along with a good quality marble cleaner.  Aside from keeping your marble fireplace facade clean, make sure you’re keeping up with other marble fireplace maintenance as well.  You should be sure to clear your chimney of ashes as well as fill your fuel tank periodically to ensure that yourmarble  fireplace is working properly.

Since fireplaces are almost always the focal point of a room, it is important that your fireplace makes a statement, and there is no better way to make a statement than to choose a bold marble fireplace.  There are a variety of styles and colors to choose from that you’re bound to find the perfect marble fireplace to fit your living space.  Good luck and enjoy your marble fireplace!

Using granite in different ways can add decor and value to your home.

Many people are now using granite for more than just their kitchen or bathroom countertops. Many homeowners use granite pieces that they have left over from a larger granite project to create a unique design within their homes.  Some ideas for using granite around the house include using granite remnants for:

• A granite bathroom vanity – it’s easy to tie a home together when the bathroom vanity matches the kitchen counter.
• A granite cutting board – using granite for a matching cutting board will not only look lovely, but help protect your new granite countertop and keep it looking new longer.
• Outdoor living spaces – using granite in the yard can create a beautiful and unique set of pathway stones.  Granite remnants can even be used as accents in a poured concrete walkway.
• A granite fireplace — the mantel and surround of a fireplace acts as the focal point of a room.  Using granite (polished or raw) can create a rich and visually interesting fireplace.
• Repairs — holding on to any granite remnants left over from your kitchen countertop is helpful if there is ever an area that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Using granite remnants from a kitchen or bathroom remodel not only offers you a variety of new design ideas, but can help save you money.  Just make sure that you will have enough granite to finish the whole project; you might not be able to find a close match to that granite again. But, of course, you can always mix and match granite colors and styles to create a unique look.

The following article from EHow.com offers three other creative ideas when it comes to using granite for your home.

Design Ideas for Granite or Marble Tile

Granite tiles are a way to increase your home’s value.

Upgrading the value of your home is easy when using luxurious granite or marble tiles. Not only do they enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your home, but granite or marble floors and countertops also are a “must have” for many people when shopping for a new home. However, the best news is that you can purchase these tiles at your local home improvement store or a flooring business and easily install them yourself; thus saving yourself a significant amount of money.

•  Exquisite Patterned Floor

When looking for a way to upgrade a small space such as a hall, foyer or floor of a powder room, consider granite and marble tiles. You can use them to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece by selecting various sizes and colors of granite and/or marble tiles that you lay in a pattern. Create the look of a beautiful rug with a solid marble or granite center and a beautiful basket weave or Greek key styled border. Or, you can either make your own or purchase a pre-made decorative floor medallion made of granite and marble tiles that serve as a stunning focal point.

If the above ideas seem to lavish for your needs, the classic checkerboard pattern of black and white granite tiles will always be popular. If you want to add some interest when installing a checkerboard pattern, installing your tile on the diagonal can make a small space look larger, according to HGTV.com

• Modern Mosaic Backsplashes

According to HGTV.com, backsplashes used to be a standard 4 inches high and were used to prevent water and grease from damaging the area behind a stove or sink. However, they are now decorative focal points in both bathrooms and kitchens.

One creative idea is to create a mosaic backsplash using random broken marble and granite tile pieces. Not only does this look deliver a high-end designer style, but it also can save you a significant amount of money. When shopping for granite and marble tiles, ask if the store has any broken or damaged tiles that you can purchase at a drastically reduced price. Many times the stores will give you a great deal as most shoppers view these tiles as not usable.

• Tile Trivet

Another innovative idea for using granite tile is to take inspiration from one of those “as seen on TV” products—a granite food warmer—and make your own handcrafted version for yourself or to give as a gift. Because granite and marble are excellent conductors of heat, you can heat it in your microwave when you need a trivet that will keep food warm. However, make certain you do not heat your tile for too long and glue on some rubber bumpers so that you do not damage your countertops or furniture. You can also use 100 percent wool felt bumpers.

And according to lumberjocks.com, this can make for great housewarming gift for a friends or family who are remodeling their kitchen. Just politely ask for a single tile, make your trivet with a beautiful wood frame, and return it to them for a trivet that will perfectly match their new countertop.

Using granite will not only add a decoritive touch and value to your home, but finding creative uses for granite will also benefit you in the long run. Granite is extremely durable. Along with durability, using granite around your house can infuse beautiful colors and patterns into your existing design; no two granite pieces are the same, and you therefore have many options when it comes to using granite creatively throughout your home.

If you are having any problems installing or laying out the granite that you choose around your house, don’t be afraid to contact The Stone Cobblers. We will be happy to help you create a beautiful home masterpiece using granite!

It's quarries like this that gather all of the beautiful granite we get to use!

Granite also comes from many different parts of the world.  Some granite is quarried domestically: in Vermont and North Carolina, light and dark gray granite is quarried; in New Hampshire, white and light pink granite is quarried; and in Oklahoma and South Dakota,  red and pink granite is quarried.  There are also several types of granite that come from quarries internationally, like Canada, India, Brazil and Finland.

There is more to granite than where it is quarried. FresnoGranite.com has gathered more information on the origins of the granite creations that find their way into our kitchens and bathrooms.

Geological Classifications

There are three basic classifications for natural stone: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.  Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of minerals from a molten or partially molten state.  Mineral gases and liquids penetrate into the stone and create crystalline formations with various colors.  Metamorphic rock is formed when heat, pressure or chemical reactions alter sedimentary or igneous rocks.  The change may be a development of a crystalline formation, a texture change or a color change.  Sedimentary rocks are formed by the solidification of organic elements such as sediment and plants through heat and pressure.

Dimension stone is a natural building stone that has been cut and finished to specifications.  The most common types of dimension stone are granite, marble, travertine, limestone and slate.

Granite

The term granite is used to cover a group of related igneous stones, all of which have their origins deep in the Earth’s molten mantle.  As this extremely hot liquid material rises, cools and solidifies it forms a crystalline, granular structure, hence the name granite.  Granite is made of minerals such as quartz (35%), feldspar (45%) and smaller amounts of mica and hornblendes, which are fused together and is a 6-7 on the Moh’s scale of hardness.

Granite is an excellent choice for interior countertops and floors, exterior cladding and pavement material.  Statistics from various sources indicate that granite quarried in Brazil, India and China comprises approximately two thirds of the granite used worldwide.

Granite has tiny pits, spaces between the various mineral crystals, and fissures, surface cracks.  All granite contain varying amounts of pits and fissures that are visible to the eye, but do not affect the strength or durability of the stone.  Granite can resist scratching from knifes, but can be chipped with enough force.  Granite is typically heat resistant up to temperatures of +/- 480 degrees Fahrenheit; direct, localized heat is still discouraged.  All stones are porous to some degree and should be sealed.  Absorption rates of granite range from 0.05% to 0.40% indicating staining is very slight.

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock found in the mountainous regions of many countries, most quarried in Italy, Spain and Turkey.  Marble is recrystallized limestone that formed when the limestone softened from heat and pressure and recrystallized into marble.  Marble ranges in color, is usually heavily veined with lots of grain; hardness of marble can range from 3-5 on the Moh’s scale of hardness.

The calcite crystal is the basic building block of true marbles and is vulnerable to damage by mild acids, including those commonly found in a kitchen.  The user, selecting marble for a kitchen, should be aware of and accept the maintenance, patina and scratching with this application.

Onyx – Onyx is often confused with marbles; onyx is sedimentary rock, formed as stalactites and stalagmites in cave interiors.  This formation results in the cryptocrystalline structure that creates translucency in the stone.

Travertine & Limestone

Travertine is a type of limestone; it is actually the terrestrial (land) formed version of limestone, as opposed to the marine based formations of many other limestone’s varieties.  It is formed through the accumulation of calcite from hot springs.  It contains holes that were formed from water flowing through the stone that are filled with resins and cements.  Travertine has a hardness of 4-5 on the Moh’s scale of hardness.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock mainly consisting of calcite containing organic matter and displaying fossils in the material.  Limestone has a smooth granular surface; dense limestone’s can be polished and varies in hardness from 2-7 on the Moh’s scale of hardness.

Travertine and Limestone, like marble, are of a calcium carbonate base, and as such, are vulnerable to damage by exposure to mild acids.  Absorption varies from <1% to >10%, acid sensitivity and high absorption limit the number of suitable applications.

Slate – Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic stone that is formed from clay, sedimentary rock shale and sometimes quartz that hardens by heat and pressure.  Slate can be processed into this sheets and still maintain serviceable strength and rigidity.  Slate can be used for roof shingles to interior flooring.

Soapstone – Soapstone is made of a variety of talc, it is a dense material and is often resist to oxide.  Soapstone is highly heat resistant and traditionally been used for laboratory in chemistry labs.

Types of Surfaces

Honed – provides a flat to low sheen gloss, different levels of gloss can be selected.  This surface is very smooth, but often porous.

Polished – a smooth, glossy surface due to polishing brick and powders used during fabrication.  The reflectivity of polished crystals brings out the brilliant colors and grains of natural stone; the shine comes from the natural reflections of the stone’s crystals, but from a coating.

Flamed – a rough surface that is created by heating the stone crystals, which begin to pop.

Sand Blasted – this surface is the result of a pressurized flow of sand and water that provides a textured surface.

Bush Hammered – a pounding action that develops a textured surface, the degree of roughness can be selected.

As you can see, there are so many granite varieties and so many colors and patterns to choose from (esspecially since no two pieces are the same!). You can narrow down your options by basing your granite choice on the overall theme and style of your room.

Now that you have all of these granite options to choose from, you will be able to select the right granite for your needs and aesthetic.  Whether you choose to go with granite kitchen countertops or a granite bathroom vanity, you will surely enjoy the beauty and functionality of granite. If you have any questions about granite or need help deciding on the right type of granite for your room, please contact us!

Simple granite cleaning can keep your granite countertops pristine!

Because of the course-grained nature of granite, stains and other deposits can sit in its pores and easily build up, making the proper granite cleaning essential to the well-being  of your granite countertops.  

Many know that granite countertops add more than just aesthetic value to your home, so why not invest in your granite cleaning?  The key to reaping the additional benefits of those beautiful granite countertops is to stay on top of your granite cleaning and granite care.  There are ways to handle certain spills along with daily granite cleaning that will have you well on your way to sparkling granite countertops.  This article on Lovetoknow.com can have you on your way to being a granite cleaning pro!

Granite Countertop Maintenance

 Granite countertops are an investment in your home. To ensure that they continue to look great and improve the value of your home for years, follow a proper maintenance schedule. Learning the best ways to remove stains, seal the stone and clean it on a daily basis will keep your granite in its just installed state.

Granite Countertop Maintenance Tips

Daily granite countertop care is as easy as cleaning with a gentle cleanser like Murphy’s Oil Soap or mild dishwashing liquid. If needed you can use a synthetic scrubbing pad to clean your granite counter. With the proper maintenance, granite countertops  stay new-looking for a long time. Here are easy steps to follow:

1. Wipe up spills immediately
2. Use mild soap and water
3. Rinse
4. Use soft cloth to dry

Removing Stains

Unfortunately, a lived-in kitchen will eventually experience a stain or two even on your granite counter. How to remove the stain will depend on what caused the stain. Use the suggestions found on the following chart:

Most Stains:

• 1 cup flour, 1-2 T mild dishwashing soap, create a thick paste by mixing with water
• Apply to stain, cover overnight with plastic wrap, in the morning scrape mixture from stain with wooden utensil and rinse.

Oil Based Stains:

• 1 cup flour, 1-2 T mild hydrogen peroxide, form a thick paste by mixing with water
• Apply to stain, cover overnight with plastic wrap, in the morning scrape mixture from stain with wooden utensil and rinse.

Organic Stains:

• Combine 12 percent hydrogen peroxide with 2-3 drops of ammonia
• This should help to remove stains like coffee and tea.

Ink:

• For dark granite use lacquer thinner or acetone and for light granite hydrogen peroxide
• Apply to stain

Wine:

• Make a mixture of molding plaster and bleach until it becomes a paste
• Apply to stain for 30 minutes, remove and rinse

Resealing Granite Countertops

Before you reseal your granite countertops, check with the manufacturer or installer to be sure it is necessary. Most granite counters do need to be re-sealed on an annual basis, but not all of them require this.

However, for those that do require sealing to retain the color and clarity of the granite counter top, it is necessary to reseal the counter every six months to two years. Check with your installer to find what they recommend. How much you use your kitchen will play a part in how often it needs to be re-sealed. When you do re-seal, be sure to choose a non-toxic sealer, since counters are used for food preparation.

Two Types of Sealers

Two types of sealers can be found on the market. A penetrating sealer penetrates into the stone. The second, a topical sealer, does not penetrate but instead coats the top of the counter’s surface.

• Penetrating sealers: Protecting the structure of natural stone, a penetrating sealer absorbs into the granite for three or four minutes. When almost dry, add a little more sealer to the counter and rub with a soft, dry rag. Apply to a section at a time. Wait two hours and apply a second coat. When shopping for your sealer, look for one that says it is an oil repellent impregnator, which will help stop oil from seeping into the stone.
• Topical sealers: These sealers form a film designed to protect the countertop’s surface. Usually made from some form of natural wax, acrylic, and other plastic compounds. Topical sealers come in two types: strippable and permanent. Strippable sealers are made to be stripped or removed from the stone countertop with little work. Most often, often permanent sealers are not recommended for granite. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when deciding what type of sealer is right for your counters.

Water Spill Test

Once you’ve sealed your counter, test it to be sure that it is adequately sealed. As a test, spill a little water on your countertop and leave it set. After 30 minutes, wipe it up. If the water leaves your counter darkened, the granite is not sufficiently sealed.

Warnings and Cautions for Countertop Maintenance

Because granite is so durable, it’s easy to think you can use anything on it. However, this is not true if you really want to keep your counters in good condition. Avoid products with ingredients that include lemon, vinegar or other acids. In fact, it’s a good idea to use coasters to protect your counter under glasses containing acidic drinks like alcohol or citrus juices.

And as a final note on granite countertop maintenance, remember that even though you can use harsher chemicals to clean your counter, doing so may dull or even etch the counter’s finish. Stick with milder solutions and retain that natural beauty you fell in love with in the first place. Once you’ve applied a topical sealer, your maintenance really shifts to maintenance of the sealer.

 Essentially, appropriate granite cleaning comes down to knowing how to handle spills and keeping up with the resealing of your granite countertops.  Granite cleaning is easy and can be done with the help of the right granite countertop sealer and things from around your house.  Here is a recipe for a homemade granite cleaning concoction:

• ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol (or even vodka will do the trick)
• 3 drops of dish detergent
• 1 cup of water
• Also add a bit of essential oils to help make granite cleaning a pleasant experience for your nose!

Mix all of these ingredients into a spray bottle and you’ll get that perfect streak-free granite cleaning every time.  And just to be safe with your cleaner, make sure that before you go granite cleaning crazy, you should test your granite cleaning mix on a small spot on your granite countertop.  This can also be a great way to save money on granite cleaning, since store bought granite cleaning products can get pricey. 

Granite countertops are more durable than most countertops, but even just a little of your attention to granite cleaning is worth your time and energy.  Granite cleaning can really pay off, because by keeping up with granite cleaning, you are protecting your investment.  Good luck and we hope these granite cleaning tips help you keep your granite countertops spotless!

Hurricane Granite kitchen countertops add a warm touch to the room, and to all the activities that take place in the kitchen. Cooking for the holidays, inviting friends and family over for dinner, sending the kids off to school — a beautiful environment makes the experience that much more special. Hurricane Granite is the perfect blend of warm golds, soft and rich browns and deeper grays to bring that ‘special’ factor to life.

The Stone Cobblers is located in Worcester, Massachusetts and installs custom Granite & Marble Countertops, Sinks, Kitchens and Bathrooms.  Serving all of Eastern Massachusetts, Metrowest Massachusetts and Central Massachusetts Areas, from Boston to Worcester to Springfield and more.  We have over 30 years experience designing, creating, building and installing sinks, countertops, mantels, bathrooms, kitchens and more.

If you have any questions about the services we offer or the granite, marble or quartz materials we use, please call us!  If you have questions about what type of natural stone will look best in your kitchen, bathroom or office, we’re happy to help you make make the very best decision for your home. We want your custom marble, granite or quartz countertops, vanity tops, fireplace, mantel, etc. to look absolutely stunning, and we guarantee that they will.