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    Category: Granite

    What Can Cause Granite Countertops to Crack?

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    ​As we’ve mentioned in many previous blogs, granite countertops are tough. Very tough. So, the last thing anyone expects is a crack developing on the surface of their kitchen or bathroom countertops. However, it is possible for granite to crack from improper care, wear and tear, and sometimes it may even be a natural part of the stone. Here are a few things that can bring about a crack in your granite countertops.

    Natural Fissures
    Like we said, sometimes cracks in granite can be natural. This particular type of stone is known to have natural fissures that could possibly develop into a crack. However, when working with C and C Stoneworks, we will identify any natural fissures and make sure that they are not in sensitive areas such as seams, cut outs and cooktop. This will greatly reduce the chance of cracks developing. Keep in mind, natural fissures actually give your countertops beautiful character and are nothing to worry about if the countertop is installed correctly! Check out our blog “Crack in Countertop? Or, Could it be a Fissure?” to learn more!

    Hard Hit
    While granite is durable, a hard hit with a heavy object can cause a crack.Weight
    Just like a hard hit, placing a lot of weight on the countertop could also lead to a crack. Be mindful of any excessive weight you place on your stone surface. If your kitchen countertop design features a bar or island with an overhang, we add braces and corbels to give an extra layer of protection against cracks.

    Improper Shimming
    It is extremely important for your countertops to be installed on a level surface. Unfortunately, many homes, floors, walls and cabinets aren’t always level. If countertops are placed unlevel this can lead to numerous problems, including cracking. At C and C Stoneworks we shim areas to ensure that you have a perfect base for your countertop installation. If you currently have granite countertops, take a peak underneath them. If you notice any areas that are not touching your cabinets, you are at risk for cracks and should contact us!

    Hot Pots
    While granite is formed through heat and is therefore naturally heat resistant, constant exposure to heat over an extended period can cause damage.

    At C and C Stoneworks our goal is to install beautiful countertops and give our customers tips and tricks to help keep them beautiful for years and years. If your countertops currently have cracks, give us a call! Depending on the size of the crack, we can repair it!

    Choosing the Right Countertop Stone for Your Bathroom

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    As we all know, new bathroom countertops are beautiful, update the room and add value to your home. But when choosing the right countertop material for your bathroom, there a few things to consider. After all, this countertop will endure a lot – from humidity and moisture, to the normal, everyday wear of your routine. That is why it is important to choose a material that can withstand these conditions and will look great for a long time.

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    If you are remodeling your bathroom, you have a plethora of countertop options to choose from. Here are our top recommendations for bathroom countertops that will, not only add a touch of elegance to your home, but will give you a great return on your investment.

    Quartz
    Quartz is a high-quality material made up of 95% natural stone mixed with resins, polymers and binders. It is completely nonporous, making it resistant to water and stains – perfect for a bathroom! Quartz can handle humidity, preventing the growth of mold or bacteria on your countertop surface. It is also low maintenance, easy to clean and does not require a top sealant.

    Granite
    Granite is the number one material for countertops. And it for good reason. Granite has a hardness index close to a diamond! Granite, like quartz, is stain and water resistant. It is important to apply a sealant to your granite countertop, to ensure that it stays nonporous and resistant to moisture and stains.

    Marble
    Marble is elegant and incredibly durable. This natural stone comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Marble is a softer stone than granite and it is porous. To make sure that it holds up in a bathroom and stays looking great, it needs to be sealed every year or two.

    With a stone yard fully stocked with the most beautiful and exotic countertop stone options, C and C Stoneworks is your go-to for any bathroom remodel. We will help you find just the right option for you and your home’s décor and create and install your new countertop with precision. Contact us or visit our location today. Your new bathroom masterpiece awaits!

    Why Granite Countertop Should Start with the Slab

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    As we all know, granite has been one of the most popular countertop materials for many years now – and for good reason! Granite countertops are beautiful, easy to maintain, durable and can last forever with proper care and maintenance. Considering your granite countertops are going to be with you for quite a while and are usually the main focal point of any space, wouldn’t you want to be able to select the exact countertop stone that will be installed? At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC, we always suggest going directly to the slab when deciding on your perfect countertop – here’s a few reasons why!

    You Get to See the Big Picture

    Tiny samples of granite can be a great starting point to narrow down your preferences, but you need to choose from full slabs when you make your final decision. When you choose the actual slab, you can see what the overall color and pattern looks like – because granite is made by nature and no two slabs are alike. Many times, a slab of granite will have secondary and tertiary colors that are not obvious until you see the whole piece. Will the beautiful swirls and veining in a particular slab of granite match your décor plan? Seeing the “big picture” will help you with your design choices too!

    You Will Learn Not All Stones Are Equal

    Even if you get the same type of granite as a sample you saw, remember not all stones are created equally. What we are getting at is that just because you loved the 12” x 12” sample you saw at the big box dealer, doesn’t mean the countertop as a whole will be what you imagined. Much of the appeal of granite to many people are the “beauty marks” made by nature. However, there are some granite stones with unflattering patterns and/or flaws. If you only see a small sample, how do you know what the rest of it will look like?

    You Can See Many Options

    Another advantage of going directly to the slab when choosing new countertops, is that by going to a stone yard you will be able to see many, many options. Once you decide on the perfect color and pattern for you, you will be able to inspect the individual slab. Like any other natural stone, granite is rarely consistent in design and you must be sure you like any changes in color or patina across the slab.

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    ​Once you’ve picked your perfect slab, C and C Stoneworks’ professional fabricators will convert it into your dream countertop. We guarantee maximum utilization of the slab and hide seams for a cohesive look across your countertop surface. Contact us today to visit our stone yard. Your perfect slab is waiting for you!

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    Slab of Sienna Beige at C and C Stoneworks Stone Yard

    The Best Countertops for Outdoor Kitchens

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    Outdoor kitchens are great for summer barbecues and cookouts on game days. With the mild weather we have here in eastern North Carolina, outdoor kitchens are especially great because they can be used almost all year around. When you’re designing your outdoor kitchen area, one very important thing shouldn’t be overlooked. No, it isn’t the grill (even though that is important too). It’s your countertop choice! You should keep in mind that not only will the counters have to withstand the same conditions as those in your home, but also the conditions outside like sunlight, temperature changes and weather. Here is a little more about a few options to help you determine the best countertops for your outdoor oasis.

    1. Quartz is a very durable material and comes in a wide variety of styles and colors, which may have you adding quartz to the top of your list for the best countertop option for your outdoor kitchen. But, while quartz countertops may handle the outdoors fine, the resins used in their construction may not be able to stand up to prolonged sun exposure without suffering damage. You will notice that the material will start to yellow over time.

    2. Marble: It may be hard for you to imagine that polished marble countertops wouldn’t be a good choice for your outdoor kitchen. But in reality, they can easily be damaged by outdoor elements. Porous stones, like marble, may look great at first but can be easily stained and your outdoor countertops could be left marked by grease. If you do decide to use marble for your outdoor kitchen countertops, we recommend a honed finish since rain, wind, snow and weather in general will wear away a shiny, polished finish.

    3. Granite countertops are hard to beat for all-around ease-of-use, durability and maintenance. That is why granite is at the top of our list for the best countertops for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is good at withstanding wear and tear, as well as hot, cold and wet conditions. With simple care and minimal maintenance, your granite countertops can stay looking great. However, some lighter color granites, like whites and light greys, have natural iron deposits in them. Because we have acid rain the iron deposits will begin to rust. So, you need to be mindful when choosing the color for your outside granite. Especially for outdoor countertops, C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC recommends sealing your countertops. This is a great idea no matter where they are used because sealing prevents stains.

    There you have it, a little more about some of your options for your outdoor kitchen. Granite is your safest bet, but it isn’t your only option. Contact the experts at C and C Stoneworks today .

    We can help you find the perfect material, color and style to make your outdoor space come alive. We’ll consider your outdoor kitchen structure, availability of shade, climate, and the amount of time and effort you’re willing to spend on maintenance. Our expert countertop installers will help you create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Get ready to fire up the grill!