Category Archives: Service Area

Marble Countertops & The Baking Connection

Posted by ExquisiteStone on November 19, 2024

When you think of a classic kitchen, what comes to mind? Perhaps the warm glow of sunlight streaming through a window, the rich aroma of freshly baked goods, and, prominently, the elegant surface of a marble countertop. Marble has not only been a favored choice for countertops due to its aesthetic appeal but has also played a pivotal role in the world of baking for centuries. Let’s explore the fascinating history of marble countertops and their enduring connection to the art of baking.

Bakers have long revered marble for its functional qualities. Its smooth surface is ideal for rolling out dough, and its thermal properties help maintain consistent temperatures. This is particularly important for delicate pastries like puff pastry or croissants, where the incorporation of butter must be managed carefully to achieve the perfect flaky texture.

In addition to functionality, marble also provides a certain level of elegance to the kitchen. The rich veins and varied colors of marble add an artistic touch, transforming a baking space into a chef’s haven. Iconic figures in baking, from Marie Antoinette’s chefs to modern pastry artists, have embraced marble, making it a symbol of culinary excellence.

To keep your marble in pristine condition, a few simple steps can make all the difference. Always use a cutting board to prevent scratches, and clean spills promptly to avoid staining. For deep cleans, a gentle pH-neutral cleaner works wonders. Regular sealing will help protect the surface, allowing you to bake without worry.

Are you a baker and ready to roll out your dough on a new marble countertop? Contact Exquisite Stone today for options and pricing!

chasing the perfect waterfall

Posted by ExquisiteStone on October 25, 2024

It’s important not to run around a waterfall – especially in your kitchen! The mitered waterfall panel has been growing in popularity these days. This is an absolutely stunning way to feature the movement in your natural stone or quartz, and adds a healthy dose of drama to your space. Interested in some more information about adding a waterfall panel to your countertop project? Let us know! Walk-don’t-run to the Exquisite Stone showroom for a free estimate today!

Need a kitchen sink and wondering why there are so many options?

Posted by ExquisiteStone on June 8, 2024

When renovating a kitchen or choosing fixtures for a new home, one of the decisions that might not seem major at first but has significant practical implications is the thickness of your stainless-steel kitchen sink’s metal. This is typically measured in gauge, with common options being 16-gauge and 18-gauge. Understanding the differences between these two can help you make an informed choice that balances durability, aesthetics, and cost. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of 16-gauge and 18-gauge kitchen sinks.

What does “Gauge” mean?

In metal, the gauge refers to the thickness.  A lower gauge means thicker metal, so a 16-gauge sink is thicker than an 18-gauge sink. The thickness affects several aspects of the sink’s performance and durability.

16-gauge Kitchen Sinks

  • Durability: 16-gauge sinks are generally more durable than 18-gauge.  The extra thickness provides resistance to dents and physical damage, which is a plus for a busy home.
  • Noise Reduction: Thicker metal tends to absorb vibration better, which means less noise when you’re washing dishes.
  • Quality of Feel: A thicker sink often feels more solid and less ‘tinny’ when tapped or used, contributing to a perception of higher quality and robust construction.
  • Cost: Because they use more material, 16-gauge sinks are more costly than 18-gauge sinks. This can be a significant factor if budget constraints are tight.

18-gauge Kitchen Sinks

  • Cost-Effective: These sinks are typically less expensive than thicker models, making them a more budget-friendly option for homeowners.
  • Wide Variety:  Because 18-gauge sinks are more common, there’s usually a wider variety of styles and sizes available, making it easier to find one that fits your kitchen’s design.
  • Less Durable: Thinner metal can be more prone to denting and bending, especially under the impact of heavy kitchen use.
  • More Noise: An 18-gauge sink will generally be noisier than a 16-gauge one, as it is less capable of dampening the sound of running water and clanging dishes.

Making the Right Choice

The decision between a 16-gauge and an 18-gauge kitchen sink often comes down to personal preference and practical considerations like your budget and kitchen usage. If durability and quality are your top concerns a 16-gauge sink might be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective option and are willing to compromise slightly on durability and noise, an 18-gauge sink would suffice. 

Need more information about stainless-steel sinks?  Exquisite Stone stocks many options to fit any space from the basement wetbar to the kitchen to the coffee nook in the study.  Stop by today to check out our variety and get started on your next countertop project! 

Granite is the Ultimate World Traveler

Posted by ExquisiteStone on April 16, 2024

Granite, known for its durability, natural beauty, and versatile applications, is a widely used stone in construction and interior design. But have you ever wondered about the journey granite takes from the depths of the earth to your kitchen countertop or the facades of iconic buildings? In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of granite quarry processes, shedding light on the intricate steps involved in extracting, processing, and bringing this stunning natural resource to life.

Step 1: Geological Exploration

Experts study the earth’s crust to identify areas with granite deposits. These areas are meticulously surveyed, and once a suitable deposit is located, the quarrying process can commence.

Step 2: Site Preparation

Preparation involves clearing vegetation and the layer of soil and rock that covers the granite deposits. This process ensures access to the desired granite bedrock.

Step 3: Drilling and Blasting

Once the site is prepared, the next step involves drilling holes into the granite using specialized equipment. Explosive charges are then strategically placed in these holes to blast apart the granite. This process breaks the granite into manageable pieces that can be extracted.

Step 4: Extraction

The granite blocks created through blasting are extracted using cranes and loaders.

Step 5: Transport

The extracted granite blocks are loaded onto trucks and transported to processing facilities or storage yards.

Step 6: Cutting and Shaping

At the processing facility, the granite blocks are cut and shaped into various products. This step is a combination of art and science, with skilled craftsmen using diamond-tipped saws and other precision tools to create slabs, tiles, and custom pieces according to specifications.

Step 7: Polishing

After cutting, the granite surfaces are polished to reveal their natural luster and rich colors. This enhances the stone’s aesthetic appeal, making it ready for use in a variety of architectural and design applications.

Step 8: Quality Control

Before the granite products are shipped to their final destinations, they undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure the stone meets industry standards for strength, color consistency, and appearance.

Step 9: Distribution

Once the granite has passed quality control, it is distributed to suppliers, manufacturers, and construction projects worldwide.

The journey of granite from quarry to its final destination is a fascinating process that combines science, artistry, and precision. Granite quarry processes involve geological exploration, site preparation, drilling, blasting, extraction, transport, cutting, shaping, polishing, quality control, and distribution. This natural stone’s journey reflects the skill and dedication of those involved in the granite industry and its enduring appeal in architecture and design. The next time you admire a granite countertop or the exterior of a grand building, you can appreciate the incredible journey the stone has undertaken to become a part of our lives.