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Get More Valuable Remodeling Tips And Expand Your Stone Knowledge

Is a remodeling project in your future? If so, stay up-to-date about the trends, tips, and tricks in the industry by reading the articles below. Each source will help guide you through the renovation process.

• This article by the Association of the Remodeling Industry illustrates the home renovation process from beginning to end.  

• Find out more about the formation of granite with this article from Geology.com.

• This guide provided by the National Kitchen and Bath Association provides information about the benefits of kitchen and bath remodels.

• Check out this article from AskTheDecorator.com, which provides a detailed summary of how granite and marble differ in appearance and chemical composition.

• Educate yourself about the various kitchen styles and learn which type of tile will accent your home best with this article from Kitchens.com.

Learn more about remodeling your home and which products are right for you by consulting natural stone experts. Call Da Vinci Marble at (650) 830-0519 and learn how we can help enhance your space with granite, marble, or limestone products.

Essential Information about Limestone

Limestone is a stone that is made from calcium carbonate and the remains of marine organisms, and is a unique alternative to marble or granite for renovation projects. Unlike marble, limestone has not been crystalized: its natural, organic appearance is nearly immune to scratches and other imperfections. Limestone is available in a broad spectrum of colors and decorative patterns.

This video provides additional information about limestone and its uses in modern homes. Watch the clip to learn why limestone ranges in density and how limestone slabs of different densities must be maintained differently.

Is limestone right for your next tiling project or kitchen renovation? Call Da Vinci Marble at (650) 830-0519 to learn more about limestone and discover how we can help bring out the best in your home with our natural stone products.

Natural Stone Science: How Granite Forms

Using granite to upgrade your countertops is a timeless approach to adding luxury to your living space. Before making its way into your kitchen or bathroom, however, granite must undergo a fascinating formation process. Discover the history behind granite and what makes it such a widespread decorative stone used today with the information below.

Composition of Granite

Granite has a structure made from tight-fitting mineral grains and gets its name from the Latin word granum, which means "grain." This decorative stone is almost always composed of quartz and feldspar—which give granite its pinkish hue—and may be sprinkled with additional minerals that vary its color.  Granite is classified as an igneous rock, which means it solidified from magma.

Origins of Granite

Granite is formed in large plutons miles below the earth's surface. The stone forms when continental rock melts beneath earth's crust. In the same way that plate tectonics can cause volcanoes to rise on the earth's surface, the subduction of one continental plate beneath another can cause basaltic magma to rise beneath continents. While volcanoes eventually erupt, causing lava to flow to the surface, the process of subduction can cause heat, carbon dioxide, and water to be released beneath the earth’s crust. This enables surrounding rock to melt at lower temperatures.

Formation of Granite

The slow release of heat and fluids beneath the earth’s surface melts continental rock into magma, which eventually crystalizes into granite. This granite continues to form and collect beneath the crust for hundreds of thousands of years. When plate tectonics cause continents to move in separate directions, the plutons where granite formed eventually rise, and granite appears at the earth's surface.

While granite's formation process is anything but swift, making the decision to improve your kitchen or bathroom can be. At Da Vinci Marble, we specialize in helping you select the finest granite, marble, and decorative stone to suit the needs of your space. To learn more, call us at (650) 830-0519 or browse our product selection online.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Kitchen or Bath

While you may be eager to begin your next remodeling project, it can be easy to get lost in the details. Take your time and prepare adequately from the get-go, as neglecting to properly plan for the project can cause substantial stress down the road. Before you begin browsing marble countertops for your remodel, take note of the common mistakes listed below that you should avoid.

Not Picking Appliances First

If you plan to replace any appliances, begin by selecting the upgrades before taking other measurements. Kitchen countertops and tiles will be directly impacted by the size of your appliances—a wall oven or large refrigerator can change the overall dimensions of the space to be renovated.

Taking Inaccurate Measurements

Prevent size-related issues by taking proper measurements of the space beforehand. These measurements should account for any new appliances or room expansions to be added with the remodel. An entire project can be thrown off if dimensions aren't accurate, so if you're unsure of how to properly measure the space, ask a qualified professional for help before ordering tile or marble slabs.

Not Preparing for the Remodeling Process

If you plan to replace cabinetry, tile, or countertops, your kitchen or bathroom will be unusable for at least part of the remodel. Prepare to be without a stovetop or running water for at least a few days and make alternative meal or accommodation arrangements, if needed.

Failing to Consult a Professional                      

Remodeling projects can be complex and time consuming, and outside help will often be required. Undertaking a project you're not qualified to handle on your own can create additional expenses in the future. Err on the side of caution and recruit the assistance of a qualified professional.

At Da Vinci Marble, we're knowledgeable about trends in natural stone products, including marble and granite tile. We strive to provide excellent quality at competitive prices, and we're eager to help assist you in your next home renovation project. Call us today at (650) 830-0519 and learn how our decorative stones and slabs can help bring out the best in your home. 

Think You Know Everything About Natural Stone? Click These Links To Find Out What You're Missing!

Natural stone is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor remodeling projects. Its durability, polished aesthetics, and low maintenance make it an extremely family-friendly building material for those with little ruffians running around. Take a look at these resources to discover more about the wonderful world of natural stone:

• Learn more about common stone types from the Building Stone Institute by checking out this resource.
• Applying a sealant to your natural stone will limit the possibility of staining, but it’s not a guarantee. Read this page to find out how to remove stains from natural stone.
• Do you need helping choosing the right stone countertop for your bathroom? Consult this article from HGTV.
• MarthaStewart.com provides a great guide for buying and using natural stone in your home.
• Learn the difference between granite and marble and when to use each in your remodeling projects by reading this article.

If you want to find out more about the benefits of natural stone, call Da Vinci Marble at (650) 830-0519 for the best customer service in San Francisco.