Marble vs. Granite

October 15, 2018 in Tips

Marble vs. Granite

Many homeowners prefer the look of natural stone when they are choosing countertops for the kitchen or bathroom. One of the most popular choices for both modern and traditional houses is granite, while marble is often a choice for high-end, luxury homes. Below are a list of considerations when choosing the best stone material for your improvement project:

Durability: Granite is known for it’s resistance to chips and cracks and is often thought of as the most durable natural countertop material available. Hot pots and pans can be placed directly on a granite countertop, you can cut directly on a granite surface, and spills are easily wiped away. Marble is also very strong and damage resistant, however, it is more porous than granite and more prone to stains.

Appearance: Many people like the look of marble because of it’s elegance and veining. Marble is most commonly available in black or white. Some people prefer the look of granite which comes in a wider range of patterns and colors. Your choice in regards to look will be a matter of personal taste.

Maintenance: It is recommended that granite be re-sealed annually to make it more resistant to stains. High-use areas may need to be sealed more often. Marble can also be sealed to repel staining agents but it doesn’t make marble stainproof. When water no longer beads, it’s time to reseal.

Installation: Both granite and marble should be installed by a professional such as Amazing Contractor. Stone slabs are extremely heavy and difficult to handle and cutting requires the correct tools and experience.

October 15, 2018 in Advice, Tips

Carpet Care Tips

Most people think that as long as they regularly vacuum their carpets and have them cleaned every few years they are taking proper care of their carpets. The truth is that with some extra effort and proper care you can extend the life of your carpets by years. At Amazing Contractor we like to recommend three steps in proper carpet maintenance.

Step one is to vacuum your carpets a minimum of one time per week using a powerful vacuum cleaner. Be sure to regularly clean the vacuum filter so that you are are able to get the best performance possible out of your machine. Regularly vacuuming dirt particles out of your carpet helps to prevent dirt from becoming layered and packed into the carpeting. In addition, vacuuming removes the small abrasive particles from the fibers of your carpet which reduces wear and tear.

Step two is to clean up accident areas as soon as they occur. To prevent damaging liquids from penetrating the carpet you should soak them out and blot the area with warm water. We recommend using a white towel in this process to prevent color bleeding. If a stain remains after following these steps then you should contact a professional to address the area and prevent the stain from becoming permanent.

Step three is to hire a professional carpet cleaning service such as Amazing Contractor to use the latest steam cleaning equipment and techniques to remove dirt which has built up over time, particularly in high-traffic areas. We recommend that professional carpet cleaning be performed a minimum of every twelve months or more frequently if you can see dirt buildup.

By vacumming your carpets at least once per week, addressing accidents immediately, and having your carpets professionally cleaned on a regular basis you will greatly increase the lifetime of your carpeting and keep your home looking it’s best.