Question 1

Is marble or granite better?

Accepted Answer

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Granite and marble compare well against each other in terms of price, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Deciding which one is better depends on your personal style and preference. Both materials resist damage like chips and cracks well. You should seal both material types against staining and etching, but they’re still susceptible if oil, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, or juice are left on the countertop long enough. As material and installation costs range similarly, the deciding factor is your budget, design, and preferences.

Question 2

How do I maintain a brick or stone fireplace?

Accepted Answer

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Clean regularly, check for cracks, and inspect the chimney annually for safety.

Question 3

Can you make granite countertops darker?

Accepted Answer

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You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.

Question 4

How do you clean natural stone tiles?

Accepted Answer

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To clean stone tiles, first sweep or vacuum to remove dirt particles. Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent and warm water to mop. Be careful not to use acidic cleaning solutions, such as vinegar and lemon juice, which can damage the surface.

Question 5

Can chipped or cracked granite be salvaged?

Accepted Answer

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In most cases, chipped or cracked granite can be salvaged, but it depends on the size and scope of the damage. For example, a pro can smooth out small chips on the edge with polish pads or an angle grinder, but a crack that runs through the stone's surface has little-to-no chance of being fixed easily.