Christopher Miller

Over the past decade, one of the biggest changes in the construction industry has been its adoption of “green” or sustainable building practices. The U.S. Green Building Council established the LEED® Green Building Rating System in 1998 and defines best practices for environmentally responsible building in five categories: Energy & Atmosphere, Indoor Environmental Quality, Sustainable Sites, Materials & Resources, and Wate...

Selecting the thickness of your natural stone countertop is a critical step in any updating or remodeling project. The thickness of the material, whether it’s granite, marble, or quartz, for example, can impact the cost, installation, and the overall design of the room. So, the decision will likely be based on the style you are hoping to achieve in the kitchen or bathroom, and the budget you have available to make it happen. It’s also...

      Granite is a natural creation. One piece of rock is not like any other in the world. This is the one quality that makes this stuff so beautiful and in demand. The individuality of each granite slab is what lures so many homeowners into deciding on a granite countertop. This also means that no two granite slabs have the same absorbent qualities. If all stone came from one quarry, it would be similar, yet still u...

Table of Contents Can Granite Countertops Get Damaged from Hot Pans?  What is Thermal Shock?  What Can You Do to Protect Your Granite Countertops?  How Do You Re-Seal a Granite Countertop?    Granite countertops originate from igneous rock, which is rock that is formed by the cooling and solidification of lava or magma. This process occurs at very high temperatures. As for the countertops,...

Table of Contents How Does Granite Shine?  What Else Can Make Your Granite Shine?  Retaining the Shine  Enhancing the Shine  How Do You Clean Granite Surfaces?  What Are Other Ways You Can Keep Your Granite in Great Shape?  How Do You Seal Granite Surfaces?  Exercising Caution with Granite  Why Choose Granite Surfaces for the Home?  Frequently Asked Questions ...

Table of Contents What is Cultured Marble?  What is Granite?  Cultured Marble: Characteristics  Granite: Characteristics  How Much Does Each Option Cost?  Cultured Marble vs. Granite: Which is Better for the Home?  Both granite countertops and marble countertops are among the most desired on the market. Both natural stones hold significant appeal for various reasons. But there are altern...

Table of Contents What Kitchen Backsplash Materials are Best for White Cabinets?  Marble  Granite  Travertine  Glass  Tile  Stainless Steel  What Types of Backsplashes Are There?    Backsplashes are an integral part of any kitchen design. Beyond their beauty, backsplashes play the important role of protecting the wall space behind your countertops. In the kitchen, this...

Table of Contents What Are the Best Granite Countertops with Veins?  River White Granite  Delicatus White Granite  Giallo Renoir Granite  Peregrine Granite  Silver Paradiso Granite  Costa Esmeralda Granite  Juparana Exotica Super Granite  Giallo Ornamental Granite  Colombo Gold Granite  Van Gogh Granite  Fire Island Granite ...

Table of Contents How Can You Remove Scratches from Marble?  Frequently Asked Questions  There are many great reasons to install marble surfaces in your home, whether that is a marble countertop, tabletop, marble floors or other surfaces. This natural stone is one of the most beautiful materials you can have in your home. However, one of the downsides to marble is that the stone can scratch easily. If this happens to y...

Table of Contents What is Quartz?  What Types of Quartz Look Like Carrara Marble?  Why Choose Quartz Countertops?  What Are Some Other Marble Lookalike Options?  Carrara marble is often recognized as one of the most beautiful natural stones in the world. The stone can be found in an aesthetically pleasing range of whites and grays and contains beautiful veining. The stone is highly desired by homeowners who...