The Top-Shop, LLC

Granites

__________________________________

Our granite division is dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality products and customer service found anywhere. We pride ourselves on providing the best available stone products for your job. Our highly trained design team is here to assist you with all your kitchen and bath needs.

The Difference between Marble and Granite

Marble and granite products alike add a polished sophistication and enhance any room. Both can be used for countertops, tile flooring, fireplace mantels, columns, vases and much more. However, even though marble and granite have a similar aesthetic, they can also be better suited for specific purposes.

Marble lasts as long as granite but is typically best used for items such as vases, and mantels. Subtle color choices and veining patterns that marble offers can create more unique and exquisite designs in bathrooms. Physically, marble is less dense and is often the preferred choice for fireplace mantels because more detailed designs can be carved. Largely composed of calcite, marble is sensitive to acidic foods, which include ketchup, lemon, vinegar and wine. In exposing marble to these acids there is a risk of staining and dulling the polished finish.

Greater density and hardness help make granite resistant to scratches, acids, stains and heat. That makes granite a popular choice for kitchen countertops and outdoor pieces because it is the most durable natural stone and stands up well to weather changes. Granite is long lasting and creates a beautiful, unique ambiance in any environment.

The Top Shop, Inc.. is a direct supplier of marble and granite. We import many materials internationally from various countries, which include: Italy, Spain, Greece, Brazil, China and India. We have a large inventory and extensive selection for all of our marble and granite products.

How to Protect Your Marble and Granite

We believe that protecting your marble and granite material is an important way to ensure product lifetime and maintain original quality. Here are some ideas on protecting your natural stone:

The most popular method of protecting natural stone is by applying a sealer. When choosing your sealer remember that solvent based sealers work much better than water based ones. A sealer works by penetrating into the pores of the stone and building an invisible barrier that allows for easier cleaning, protection against scratching/stains and creating a harder, less slippery surface. Sealers are easy to apply and take only a few hours to effectively dry. For best results, it is recommended that sealers be re-applied once a year for bathrooms and every six months for kitchen countertops. A good rule of thumb to follow is the more traffic on the granite or marble surface, the more frequently you should apply the sealer. Areas that typically see more traffic include kitchen sinks and prep surfaces near stovetops. Once the sealer is applied, there is no visible difference to the clarity or beauty of the marble or granite.

For stubborn stains it is best to consult with a professional, but most require using liquid poultice. For day-to-day care, the best cleaning agent is dish soap diluted with water. Simply wipe down your kitchen surfaces with a damp cloth and that will help preserve your marble and granite. Granite and marble are both beautiful and classic additions to any home and can last a lifetime with proper care.