Company News Archives - Granite Craft Direct UK

What Causes Cloudy Stone Worktops?

Stone worktops are a fantastic investment in any home. Of course, they need to be properly maintained if you want to get the most out of them. Cloudy spots can ruin that beautiful finish. Knowing the causes of cloudiness will help you prevent them from occurring. Incorrect cleaning solutions Not all cleaning products can be used on natural stone. You need to make sure that you use a stone-safe cleaner. While you might read about using window cleaner or soapy water to clean stone surfaces, this is not ideal because it will build up over time and affect the look of your stone. Abrasive cleaners are also not recommended because they can leave scuff marks on your worktops. Incorrect cleaning techniques Just as you should avoid abrasive cleaning solutions, you should also avoid abrasive tools. Even if you use a stone-safe cleaner, an abrasive sponge will do serious damage to

Get rid of pink film in your shower

Pink film has a number of names. It is also referred to as pink slime or pink mould. It is a bacterial substance that can take on a pink, pink-orange or even an orange-red colour. This bacteria is airborne and it loves damp conditions. It feeds on the fatty materials that can be found in shampoo and soap. If you do not take action right away, it can leave your natural stone stained. How to clean your stone The good news is that you can get rid of this pink film quite easily. All you need to do is spray some bleach-based disinfectant on the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before brushing the area thoroughly. Rinse well with water when you are done. In some cases, you might need to repeat this process if there are any areas you’ve missed. Keep in mind When

How to disinfect stone without the risk of etching

Disinfecting the surfaces around your home is an essential part of any cleaning routine. Unfortunately, there are a lot of substances out there that will do more harm than good. Here are some important tips to keep n mind when disinfecting your stone surfaces. About etching Etching affects the uppermost layer or the finish of your natural stone worktops. It is a chemical reaction that occurs when acidic substances react with the calcium in the stone. Not only will the change be visible, but you will also feel a change in the texture. Many people refer to this type of damage as water marks but it’s so much more than that. While water can be wiped away, etch damage cannot. Use the right cleaner There are two main considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, you want to look for a stone-safe cleaner. Secondly, you need to look for a cleaner

Limestone Surfaces – How to Choose and Care for Them

When choosing worktops or other surfaces in your home, you will notice that there are a number of types of stone available. Choosing the right stone for you is just as important as understanding how much care is involved. Here’s what you need to know about limestone. Uses Limestone is made up of coral, shell and various forms of natural debris. Many people use them as worktops, flooring, backsplashes and more. You can even use them around your fireplace or hot tub. The only concern is that your limestone should not be overly exposed to water. That said, there are a few types of limestone that will be suited for installation in bathrooms and similar areas with high levels of water and humidity. The Effect of Iron Iron can be found in limestone slabs and, when it comes in contact with water, it will oxidise. This can result in stains

Granite worktops and how to make your choice

When choosing granite worktops for your kitchen, bathroom or other surfaces in your home, there are three main factors to consider. By taking the time to really consider all of these factors, you will make a choice that you will enjoy for many years to come. Colour Granite comes in various colours including beige, brown, pink and grey. If you are looking for a more dramatic design, you should consider a black and white slab. These two colours make the perfect modern contrast that will set your home apart from all the rest. Pattern Some colours are available in a solid variety without any veining. Plain white is rare but you shouldn’t have trouble finding shades like grey or charcoal. Marbled and speckled designs are also available. The best thing to do is take a look at the various designs to figure out which one you like the most. Finish

Why You Should Opt for Professional Stone Installations

When you purchase natural stone for your home, you might be tempted to perform the installation yourself. This is not always a good idea since DIY installations come with a number of risks. A professional installation can offer so many more benefits. Here are some reasons why you should choose a professional stone installation. Project planning When you know that you are going to have an expert perform the installation, you can talk to them about your plans from the beginning. They can help you plan the work from start to finish and they can even offer some amazing advice. Flawless installation If you have never installed stone before, you may not know just how tricky it can be. Apart from the sheer weight of the stone itself, it can also prove difficult to manoeuvre. Getting the stone level is another challenge and making sure that any seams are properly

Choosing the Right Stone for your Kitchen Backsplash

There are a number of practical and aesthetic aspects to consider when planning a new kitchen or redesigning an existing one. Apart from flooring, furniture and worktops, you also need to choose the right backsplash. It might not sound like such a big deal but the right backsplash can make all the difference. Here are the top three factors to consider when selecting the backsplash for your kitchen. Types of stone You will notice that there are several types of stone from which you can choose. Quartz is available in a wide selection of colours and it is particularly durable. It is also non-porous which is certainly an advantage. Marble is more affordable than most people realise but it does need to be sealed regularly to prevent stains. It is also great if you want a heat-resistant surface. As for granite, this tough stone is not as porous as marble

How to Choose the Right Stone for your Home

When investing in stone features in your home, it’s important to make sure that you choose the right type of stone for each purpose. This will ensure that you choose the most durable and aesthetically-pleasing option to suit your needs. So, before placing your order, here are a few points to consider. Where will the stone be installed? The type of stone that you use for your kitchen worktop will differ from that of your flooring or stone surrounding your fireplace. Some stones are harder than others and some are more porous than others. Keep this in mind when selecting your new stone feature. Appearance The colour, pattern and finish you desire will also help you choose. Different types of stone are available in different colours. Some types of stone offer a greater variety from which to choose. For example, quartz worktops are available in far more varieties than marble

How to Remove Pet Stains from Stone

If you have natural stone flooring in your home and you have at least one pet, you may already realise just how troublesome pet stains can be. Fortunately, there is a way to get rid of these stains. Here’s what you need to know about getting your stone flooring back in beautiful condition. Removing the urine stain First things first, you want to get rid of the stain. Like all other types of stains, the faster you react, the better the outcome. As soon as you notice that your pet has had an accident, you should blot up the liquid with paper towels. Do not wipe! This can cause the stain to spread and result in further damage. Once you are done, you will need to mix approximately one teaspoon of dish-washing liquid with a gallon of water. Apply the solution to the area and allow it to sit for

What You Need to Know Before Installing Limestone

If you are considering installing limestone in your home, it’s important to know what you can expect. Apart from a definite improvement in terms of aesthetic appeal, this stone can also add value to your home by ensuring that you have stylish yet durable surfaces. Where to install limestone This type of natural stone is ideal for use as kitchen backsplashes, flooring, worktops and fireplace surrounds, to name a few. Given the more porous nature of the stone, it is important to note that it should be installed where it will not come into contact with too much water. If you would like to use limestone in your bathroom, you need to make sure that you discuss this with a stone professional. Not only will they be able to assist you in finding the right type of limestone as well as any additional treatments such as sealing. Why limestone is

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