It’s no secret that stone countertops are beautiful, but they require a little maintenance to keep their beauty. If you’ve just installed your new granite or quartz countertops and are baffled by how little maintenance they require, you’re not alone! Many people think that because their countertops are made of stone, they can’t be damaged. But like wood and other natural materials, stone is sensitive to scratches, water damage and fading. Luckily for you, we’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of our favorite tips and tricks for maintaining your stone countertop, from keeping it clean to making sure it doesn’t chip or crack.

Granite care

Granite is one of the most beautiful materials used in home construction. It’s durable, attractive and can last for decades with little maintenance. But no matter how beautiful your granite countertops are, they’ll only be at their best if they’re properly maintained. It’s important to avoid using overly acidic or basic products on your granite. This includes products such as vinegar, lemon juice and dishwashing soap. Avoid using anything that might scratch the surface, such as steel wool or abrasive cleaners. If you spill food or drink on your counters, clean them up as soon as possible. If you want to keep your granite looking like new without having to do anything special for maintenance, use water and a soft cloth!

Quartz care

Quartz countertops are beautiful and durable, but they need a little love to keep them looking their best. Here’s how to clean your quartz countertops:

1. Use a mild soap or detergent and a soft cloth for regular cleaning. Never use scouring powder, abrasive cleaners or strong acids on the surface of your quartz countertops.
2. Although stain-resistant, quartz countertops are not stain-proof. Avoid exposing your countertop to products containing oil or grease (such as cooking oils), and avoid leaving glass or cup rings on the surface for long periods.
3. You can use a glass or surface cleaner, such as Windex, for heavy or dried-out stains. Apply the cleaner directly to the stain with a clean cloth dampened with water, then wipe off excess liquid with another clean cloth dampened with water only (no soap). Allow the cleaned area to air-dry before placing anything else on it.

Quartzite care

Quartzite is a highly durable, heat- and scratch-resistant stone that has been used for centuries to create countertops, floors and walls. It is similar to granite, but with a rougher texture and lighter color. As with any surface you wish to protect, simple preventive measures are very useful for quartzite countertops. It’s exceptionally high on the Mohs hardness scale, so be sure to use a cutting board. Quartzite is a non-porous material, with no pores or cavities like other natural stones. This means there are no spaces where bacteria can hide and grow. So less risk of developing an odour problem!

Onyx care

If you have an onyx countertop, you probably know how beautiful it is, but you may need to learn how to preserve it. Onyx is a beautiful, durable stone, but it can be scratched or scuffed easily, making it susceptible to damage from daily use in the kitchen. That’s why we’re here to explain how to protect and maintain your countertops. Let’s start with maintenance. Sealing every 6 to 12 months will prevent scratches from becoming permanent marks on your countertop. Using commercial cleaners can damage your onyx countertop. Instead, choose a PH-neutral cleanser. Next: spills! Clean up spills as soon as they occur, rather than letting them stand – they’ll be easier to clean up before they have time to set into the stone. Protect them with cutting boards, trivets and coasters – even if they’re marketed for wood or plastic surfaces, they’re perfect for onyx! And last but not least, have them professionally polished once every two or three years: they’ll keep their optimal appearance and look as good as new! If you’re looking for stone countertops in Quebec, there’s no better choice than RocArtz. We have a wide selection and great deals, so you’re sure to find your ideal countertop. We also have stone experts to install and maintain your countertops. All you have to do is choose the ideal material for your home. We look forward to helping you realize your vision.

We’ve all been there; you’re really excited about a new project, you go out and buy all the equipment you need, only to come home and realize you don’t know what you’re doing. It can happen to the best of us. But for some reason, people seem to think that if the task at hand involves rocks or stone surfaces, they can improvise without any prior experience or training! They end up with a project that looks more than a little dull.

The worst part is when they start bragging about how easy it is! “I used [nom du produit], and it worked like a charm”. We don’t believe you. We also don’t want to hear about your bad DIY projects involving stones or stone surfaces until you’ve at least taken a course in stone masonry! That’s why we’ve created this blog series to help people understand how not to ruin their own homes with bad DIY projects involving stone or stone surfaces.

Painting granite

We see a lot of Tiktok videos of people painting their granite to look like marble. We understand that marble is beautiful and looks really cool when you paint it on your countertop. But we also think you should know that there are other options that won’t destroy the integrity of your stone surface.

Granite is an incredibly durable material with a smooth, glossy finish that doesn’t hold paint well. This means that if you want to paint your granite countertops, you’ll first have to abrade them (roughen them) so that primer and paint can adhere. If you’re not prepared to sacrifice the integrity of your granite for a temporarily trendy aesthetic, then don’t paint your countertops. Self-adhesive wallpaper will give you the look you want with much less long-term damage.

Home cleaning solutions

You know that vinegar is an excellent all-purpose cleaner, but did you know that it can’t be used on stone surfaces? That’s right! Stones such as limestone, marble or travertine react to vinegar as an acidic cleaner with aggressive effects. It can even cause burns or engravings on the stone surface.

People also like to use bleach, which has the same effect. Even if the stone is white, don’t use bleach on it. We know that some people tinker with their cleaning products to save money, but trust us: the right cleaning solution will save you money in the long run. Don’t risk the integrity of your stone with bleach or vinegar!

Repairing your own stone

It can be tempting to restore your own stone. Not only is it a fun project, but it can save you money and give you something to do. But depending on the severity of the damage, you may need professional help.

Most people can repair small chips or cracks themselves, but they can’t see everything that’s going on beneath the surface. A professional can truly assess the integrity of your stone and suggest appropriate solutions, rather than simply masking a problem.

The experts know that every natural stone is different and requires a different approach and procedure. They use specialized equipment and products to help restore natural stone. Professionals and experts have appropriate training and knowledge of the procedure, and follow each step systematically. What’s more, they can obtain professional-quality products that ordinary people don’t have access to, guaranteeing the safety and quality of the repair.

It’s easy to get carried away by the excitement of a good deal, but don’t let an incredible price stop you from doing quality work.

At RocArtz, we offer the best quality stone at the lowest possible price. We believe great design should be affordable for everyone, and that’s why we’re here to help you get the best deals for your projects. Visit our Pointe-Claire showroom today and talk to an expert about what we can do for you!

Discover the history of your new stone surface. We’ll take you on a tour of the granite route, from the mines to your kitchen.

What is granite?

Granite is an igneous rock composed mainly of quartz, feldspars, micas and amphiboles, as well as a variety of other trace minerals. It is formed by the cooling of molten rock and high pressure. Depending on their mineral composition, granites can come in a variety of colors and textures!

Where is granite found?

Granite is found all over the world. In fact, it’s the stone beneath our tectonic plates! However, India and Brazil play the biggest role in granite production and export. India has one of the world’s largest reserves of granite, and with only 3% of total granite reserves explored, there’s no reason to expect depletion in the near future.

Brazil has more than 300 plants processing natural stone for export, including granite and marble. They also export hundreds of slabs and blocks to countries all over the world! Italy and China are also major granite and marble exporters.

How is granite quarried?

In the mining context, the granite we use for countertops isn’t buried very deep – it doesn’t come close to the Earth’s bedrock. In fact, the granite we use is always found near the surface and extracted from shallow quarries.

Small holes are drilled to create the desired block-sized shape, and explosives are then carefully placed in these holes to create an explosion! The falling block should then be steered onto soft sand to avoid cracking or splitting at the wrong angle. The raw granite blocks are loaded onto heavy trucks using specialized equipment. They are then transported to slab manufacturing facilities.

Manufacture and preparation for our showroom

Large pieces of granite are cut into manageable 2 to 3-meter slabs in stone manufacturing facilities, usually located in the USA. The slab surfaces are then polished. A fabricator can gradually smooth the surface of the material using pads designed for polishing granite and other pads for polishing stone until it is smooth and shiny. After polishing, the slabs are placed in shipping containers and transported from the manufacturing site to our showroom!

Once they arrive at RocArtz, they are displayed in local showrooms where our customers can browse the vast collection of stones on offer! Once you’ve chosen your stone, we’ll measure, cut and install your new countertops in 10 working days or less!

Time for an upgrade?

RocArtz is an artisan stonecutter and countertop specialist located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. We offer a wide selection of natural stone surfaces so you can enjoy the interior of your dreams. At RocArtz, we pride ourselves on offering the best quality products at the best prices – and we always finish projects on time! So what are you waiting for? Visit our showroom today!

Did you know that stones were among the first materials used to make houses, buildings and tools? Even in prehistoric times, mankind realized the importance of stones. The ability of stones to protect loved ones from intruders and to shield us from perils were vital traits they provided us with in ancient times. Stones now have other uses than those of the past. This is not to say that they are not yet being used for similar purposes; they most certainly are. However, stones are now used for more mundane purposes.

Stone, like wood or glass, is an extremely popular element in interior design, and the ways in which it can be used are limitless. Would you like granite countertops in your kitchen? What is a quartzite floor? How about a stone mantel?

Keep reading this blog to find out which of the stones we offer will be the best choice for your space.

How to choose the right stone for a space

The first thing you notice about natural stone is its appearance. The impact of color, texture and pattern in enhancing the overall appeal of a particular room cannot be overstated. Therefore, your search for natural stone begins with the distinct look and feel of a stone. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a stone:

The look

Color: Natural stone is available in a wide range of vivid colors, from traditional white to subtle green and deep black. Black granite stones, such as Black Galaxy, are often more rigid and less susceptible to staining or discoloration. This means they won’t need to be sealed as frequently. However, water marks, dust and fingerprints are apparent, making small spaces even smaller. Black Galaxy granite pieces, among others, exude high-end refinement and are ideal for large spaces. On the other hand, lighter-colored varieties, such as Bianco Imperial granite and Sardinia Grey granite, make small spaces appear more prominent, and dust and fingerprints seem less noticeable. Such stones, however, may require frequent sealing and constant maintenance. They are generally found in commercial environments. There are varieties with both light and dark characteristics among the colored stones. Crystal Blue is an excellent example. The stone has a dark blue base with sky-blue, gray and white flecks. There’s a shade of silver luster among them. It’s an intricate pattern with relaxing tones. This stone is unique in that its color palette generates a dazzling impression when exposed to sunlight. Because of its advantages, stone is commonly used for exterior wall cladding.
The pattern: The characteristic vein pattern contributes to the individuality of different natural stones. Marble, for example, is best known for its visible veining. On the other hand, granite is most famous for its speckled appearance with pebbles or spots of different colors. Each stone has a natural pattern that reflects its own fascinating aspects, such as rustic, earthy, informal, elegant and warm. Consider the different colors and patterns of green marble. Rain Forest marble slabs have an earthy feel, while Forest marble is more sophisticated. It’s also worth mentioning that Emerald Green, Fantasy Green and Forest Green have similar green hues. However, the natural movement of each individual determines its uniqueness.

Finish: The surface quality of a stone also plays an essential role in its appearance and usefulness. A stone’s finish gives a distinct feel to the touch. A highly polished finish, for example, is suitable for kitchen countertops, but not for bathroom floors, which can become extremely slippery. Similarly, garden terraces and granite/marble outdoor floors require an unpolished or matt surface with a rough texture. This prevents accidents caused by tripping or slipping.
Finally, the impact of your décor is an important consideration. Stone and its appearance in your residential or commercial projects should complement the existing interior design.

Practicality

While the aesthetic appeal of natural stone will soothe your eyes, its pragmatism will determine your peace of mind.

Location and environment: Each stone acts differently depending on its location and environment, whether it’s for a bathroom countertop, interior or exterior walls or a sidewalk; choosing a natural stone based on its location is essential. What’s more, climate has a significant impact on stone’s lifespan.
Type of stone: Natural stone has a wide range of qualities. Consider the type of stone you’ll need. Marble, granite, sandstone, limestone and slate are the most common.

Technical specifications: Each stone adheres to a standard that dictates its application in a particular location. Technical factors such as absorption rate, hardness, stone quality and slab thickness are essential to consider. The structural potential of stone is determined by its quality. High-grade stone is harder and more durable, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas.
Care and cleaning: As with any building material, care and cleaning are essential to keep natural stone in top condition. Some stones require regular maintenance, while others are easier to care for. It’s important to understand the maintenance requirements of the stone you choose.

Budget

Last but not least, your budget will largely determine the type of stone you can afford. Natural stones vary considerably in cost, depending on their rarity, type and provenance.

In conclusion, choosing the right natural stone for your space requires a thorough understanding of your aesthetic, practical and financial needs. Take the time to do thorough research, consult professionals and visit showrooms to find the perfect stone that will enhance your space and stand the test of time.