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Granite is a natural stone formed in extreme conditions that give it durability and resistance to a variety of situation. Even so, everyday use can wear granite countertops down without the protection provided by a high-quality sealant.

Though all sealants and coatings are marketed to protect granite countertops from standard wear and tear, some products can negatively impact the environment. Help preserve our world and remain informed about the types of countertop sealants and coatings that best help us do so.

Toxins Found in Common Countertop Sealant Products

Ingredients labels do not tell you the safety of each included chemical. Below is a list of chemicals commonly found in many countertop sealants and coatings:

● Butoxyethanol
● Ethylbenzene
● Light distillates
● Naptha
● 1-(2-butoxy-1-methylethoxy)propan-2-ol
● Xylene
● Isopropyl alcohol

Each of these chemicals can either be absorbed through the skin or produce inhalable vapors and cause harmful effects in both humans and animals. Products that contain any of these chemicals increase the risk of exposure, especially during reapplication.

Toxic chemicals found in sealants and coatings also have a profound effect outside of the home. Manufacturing plants deal with these and other chemicals in industrial amounts that spew out copious byproducts and vapors into nature.

Water-based Sealants

The market currently offers a large selection of water-based countertop sealants and coatings that are low in VOC or volatile organic compounds. These products carry significantly smaller amounts of harmful chemicals than their solvent-based counterparts. Water-based sealants also produce little to no odors and are not flammable.

A water-based sealant or coating works by evaporation, leaving behind a protective layer designed to repel water and prevent staining on a surface. The primary disadvantage of water-based sealants lies in the lack of penetrating power that can leave pores unprotected.

Natural Oil Coatings

Walnut oil, hemp oil, and tung oil are not typically marketed as countertop sealants or coatings, but can also get the job done. These and other types of natural oils dry and polymerize to create a protective surface on stone countertops that repel water just like any other countertop sealant product.

The main distinction for natural oils is their status as the only usable coating completely free of any toxic chemicals. Food products, which include natural oils, must not contain chemicals that cause harmful effects upon ingestion, let alone physical contact.

Wax Coatings

Wax has also seen use in coating and protecting countertops in a way similar to natural oils. Waxes such as beeswax occur naturally and also contain no toxins. Problems arise in the difficulty of hardening wax and the more involved process of reapplication, commonly involving painstaking spreading to create a flat surface.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the choice for an environmentally safe countertop sealant varies according to your preferences. Our recommendation is to use natural oils, due to their ease of application.

Call us at Washington Marble Works today to review your options with fast and friendly service.

A long-standing symbol of luxury, granite’s features constitute the selling points of living spaces all over the United States. Granite countertops first began to take over as the mainstream countertop material in the 1970s. Each slab of cut granite has a unique look, making the stone one of the most highly coveted materials for its visual appeal.

It is common practice for homeowners to renovate traditional, indoor kitchen spaces to increase home value and improve aesthetic. For the growing numbers that have transitioned to build outdoor kitchen and dining spaces, granite countertops represent nearly anything an outdoor chef would want or need.

Practicalities of Granite

Granite is the result of a natural phenomenon and is sourced from nodes of viscous magma that have cooled and crystallized over a long period of time. The entire process cultivates a set of characteristics that make granite an ideal stone for the following reasons:

● Resistant to heat and direct sunlight
● Stands up to rain and snow
● Retains durability in hot or cold weather
● Resistant to bacteria

The extreme conditions under which granite forms makes for a hardy and durable stone that will preserve the look of any outdoor kitchen and dining space year-round. Additionally, granite forms in nearly hundreds of color varieties and patterns to personalize your outdoor dining aesthetic while tethering the space to the surrounding outdoors.

Proper Care and Maintenance

Due to its natural resistance to most circumstances, granite does not require as much maintenance as other materials for countertops. However, neglect and ignorance can drastically reduce longevity and lead to significant damage. Basic care for granite countertop care remains the same for outdoor and indoor kitchens:

● Clean any spills immediately
● Use cutting boards
● Avoid direct contact with hot pots and pans
● Do not use non-granite-specific cleaners

The primary difference between indoor and outdoor spaces is the likelihood of direct exposure to wildlife and the elements. Weekly cleanings can mitigate potential damage from animal droppings, and covering any exposed areas with tarps provides extra protection from moisture when the space is not in use.

Natural Oil Coatings

Walnut oil, hemp oil, and tung oil are not typically marketed as countertop sealants or coatings, but can also get the job done. These and other types of natural oils dry and polymerize to create a protective surface on stone countertops that repel water just like any other countertop sealant product.

The main distinction for natural oils is their status as the only usable coating completely free of any toxic chemicals. Food products, which include natural oils, must not contain chemicals that cause harmful effects upon ingestion, let alone physical contact.

Alternate Applications

Outdoor dining can ascend to a higher level of beauty with all of what granite provides. Potential applications of granite can extend beyond countertops to set the stage for a consistent and naturally complementary aesthetic.

For homeowners who enjoy hosting small to larger gatherings, guests can immerse themselves in a natural stone-based outdoor dining space. Consider the following ideas for granite features:

● Buffet or serving area to house finished dishes, silverware, and napkins
● Dining area to gather guests around a central location
● Bench seating as an alternative to cushions for a backyard pool
● Bar area to mix and serve drinks

The possibilities for design choices and combinations extend nearly without end. Keeping the color and pattern consistent for every granite feature can contribute to an overall theme and aesthetic to elevate an outdoor dining experience.

Contact Washington Marble Works for a fast and friendly quote to your unique design ideas today.

When looking for an eco-friendly counter material, it can be difficult to find products that meet all the requirements. Ideally, it would be easy to buy a safe counter with a low carbon footprint, recycled material, and sustainable production, but too often you have to make compromises for the sake of practicality.

Thankfully, cutting-edge technology and more environmentally conscientious business practices have made finding countertops that meet at least some eco-friendly criteria a little easier. You can find options of both natural and engineered stone to fit your redecoration and sustainability needs.

Dekton

Dekton countertops consist of a compact blend of quartz, porcelain, and glass that is heated to over 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and compressed by over 25,000 tons of pressure. As an engineered stone, it is relatively consistent between different slabs and benefits from scratch and heat resistance without sealants or binding resin. It is also nonporous so that food, debris, and bacteria do not remain stuck on its surface, and it is completely unaffected by UV rays.

Natural Stone

Granite, soapstone, quartzite, and other natural stones are among the most popular materials in countertops. While there have been concerns about the energy-intensive processes used to acquire them from other countries, natural stone is safe and easy to maintain. The use of a non-toxic sealer can prevent unhealthy debris buildup in more porous stones, and natural stone countertops are sturdy and resist scratches, heat, and force. Proper cleaning with soap and water, as well as regular resealing, can result in a counter lifespan of almost 100 years.

Quartz

Created with shards of rock bound by epoxy resin, quartz is incredibly resistant to scratches, moisture, and heat without the need for sealing. The resins are NSF certified to be free of toxic chemicals and contain recycled content with a base of 95% natural stone. Its makeup is also considerably more consistent than naturally occurring stone, so that the samples you find will look very similar to the slab that will make up your counter.

Recycled Aluminum

For a modern look that is more eco-friendly than the standard stainless steel, recycled aluminum is a great material for your counters. In addition to its makeup of over 88% recycled metal from post-industrial waste, the aluminum remains recyclable even at its end of life and resists scratches and stains.

Porcelain

Although it is susceptible to chipping, porcelain requires no sealing and is resistant to staining, heat, and scratching. Its inexpensive price tag makes it well-suited to use in backsplashes. In addition, porcelain products are easily recyclable and like quartz are NSF certified, with tiles that can contain over 30% recycled material. It is also similar to quartz in that its looks remain consistent between different samples.

Whether your priority is safety, recycled materials, or a small carbon footprint achieved by working with local companies and suppliers, Washington Marble Works has a wide selection of natural and engineered stone that can fit your environmentally friendly needs. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation or visit our showroom to meet our resident experts.

Global warming is accelerating with each passing year. We all need to contribute to saving our planet by being eco-friendly in everything we do, including home renovations. If you intend on remodeling your kitchen soon and have no idea about how to be eco-friendly about it, we have you covered.

Below are some of the latest green kitchen remodeling trends for elevating a property’s aesthetics and functionality with minimal damage to the environment.

Working with an Eco-Expert Contractor

Regular kitchen remodelers are all about completing projects quickly and within budget. An eco-expert contractor takes things a step further by completing your remodeling project with the smallest possible carbon footprint. Aside from minimizing pollution during your renovation, an eco-conscious remodeler will provide you with green products for a non-toxic kitchen.

Prioritizing Eco-Friendly Materials

Instead of prioritizing purchasing materials that fit your style and budget, go for environmentally safe renovation products. People joining the green kitchen remodeling trend are investing in FSC-certified cabinets, using reclaimed wood, and buying recycled appliances.

Choosing materials with the smallest environmental impact helps reduce pollution. If you need help finding sustainably made countertops, tiles, and more, let Washington Marble Works provide you with the best options.

Using Toxin-Free Products

Many wooden kitchen fixtures, such as cabinets, have parts made with glues that contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen that generates toxic gasses as the glue dries. Regular paints and finishes also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release harmful vapors as they dry.

Eco-friendly kitchen remodeling favors formaldehyde-free woods, VOC-free paints, and other safe materials for non-toxic kitchen renovations.

Installing Water-Efficient Fixtures

Aside from pollution, another human activity that’s contributing to environmental degradation is water wastage. According to recent reports, our planet will experience a severe water shortage by 2040 unless we drastically reduce water use. Make your kitchen green by replacing your regular faucets with energy-efficient options.

Modern low-flow faucets reduce water use without compromising water pressure. If every U.S. home installed a low-flow kitchen faucet, we could cut down wastage by billions of gallons nationwide.

Installing Energy-Efficient Appliances

Every appliance in your kitchen that consumes power now has an energy-efficient alternative. Something as small as replacing your regular bulbs with LED lights will reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. Go further by replacing your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and other appliances with Energy Star rated alternatives. An Energy Star rating confirms that a product consumes less power.

Looking Eco-Friendly

More homeowners are investing in making their kitchens perform and look eco-friendly. Quartz countertops and sustainable cabinetry with clean lines are popular options for making a kitchen look green. Cool color schemes, such as white and gray, are also wonderful options for making a kitchen appear eco-friendly.

Contact Us About Custom Kitchen Remodeling Ideas for a Green Space

At Washington Marble Works, we stay updated with all the latest kitchen remodeling trends. We have over a decade of experience helping customers elevate not just the look but also the performance of their spaces. Contact us today for a consultation and get customized solutions for making your kitchen’s look and performance greener.

 

 

 

 

Countertops are often the most noticeable functional elements in any bathroom, so replacing one that is broken, worn-down, or just does not fit with new renovations is an easy way to breathe new life into your bathroom.

The cost of installing a new countertop typically ranges between $1862 and $4141, with $2956 being the average. The materials and installation labor account for most of the costs involved in replacing your old counter. The aesthetic qualities and price of your new countertop materials are important to consider when making a decision, but so is keeping in mind the daily conditions your counter will experience.

Granite

• Material cost per square foot: $15 – $140
• Installation cost per square foot: $25 – $175
• Average total cost: $2000 – 45000

Granite is a popular choice for its durability and wide selections of colors and textures. However, it is slightly porous, so proper sealing and cleaning are required to prevent moisture absorption.

Soapstone

• Material cost per square foot: $20 – $70
• Installation cost per square foot: $30 – $100
• Average total cost: $2700 – $4200

Soapstone has natural antimicrobial properties and low absorption, making it popular in kitchens and bathrooms, and it comes in colors ranging from dark green to green-black. It is one of the softer stones and more susceptible to scratches, but they can easily be sanded out. Spaces longer than seven feet also suffer from visible seams due to soapstone’s smaller slab sizes.

Marble

• Material cost per square foot: $15 – $190
• Installation cost per square foot: $25 – $220
• Average total cost: $3000

The quality of the material can cause marble to be somewhat more expensive than other choices, but it comes in a beautiful range of colors beyond the traditional black or white. It is also almost as durable as granite.

Engineered Stone Quartz

• Material cost per square foot: $15 – $70
• Installation cost per square foot: $25 – $100
• Average total cost: $1000 – $4000

This type of stone quartz benefits from the high durability of the resin binding its small crystals without the need for sealing. It is also able to resist moisture better than granite.

Ceramic/Porcelain

• Material cost per square foot: $1 – $28
• Installation cost per square foot: $11 – $58
• Average total cost: $1800

Porcelain is mostly popular as a backsplash because it breaks and scratches easily when exposed to force or high heat. Tiles also require regular grout maintenance to minimize damage from stains.

Other Expenses

While the majority of the cost of a new counter comes from its materials and labor, several other factors can add to that expense. Additional labor costs may be required to remove your old countertop and haul away the materials, prepare cabinets, or change plumbing and wiring to fit your new setup. If you do not install prefabricated pieces, which can cost up to 50% less, you will also have to pay for the labor involved in cutting, edging, and polishing the stone slabs.

When you are ready to commit to the investment of a new bathroom counter, call us at Washington Marble Works. Our family-owned business operates locally in Sumner WA to bring you the best selection of natural and engineered stone for your countertops.