Monday, July 6, 2009

Marble Fountain: Perfect Choice For Home Exterior

One should not only give importance to the interior décor, but also give enough heed to the decoration of the exterior. A house looks beautiful when its interior as well as exterior looks good. You need to decorate your house with the items that are stylish and can give it a new look. Water fountains can bring that change and it can instantly add zing to your house.

This water fountain can add elegance to the interior as well as the exterior of your house thereby increasing its aesthetic value. Water fountains are created from different materials and it can be made of marble or terracotta. The size and shape of the fountains also varies. Many people across the world prefer to use marble in the construction of the water fountains. Its durability and attractive appearance made it popular among other materials.

Marble is considered as one of the best materials for home decorations. It can be used for different applications and is a popular choice for both interior and exterior decorations. Many people across the world prefer to use marble over other materials, as it is durable and long lasting. The look that it gives to your house is amazing and a near perfect one. You can easily add style and beauty to your sweet home by installing marble materials.

It comes in different colors, designs, patterns, shapes and sizes. You can get this material at any local home development and house décor store. Marble, as we know, is one of the best materials for construction. Many of us use it as a flooring material. Kitchen countertops can also be made of marbles and in fact they are a popular choice in modern houses. Sometimes we use marble in our fireplace. Apart from these areas, marble can be used in the fountains. It really looks nice on the fountain walls and adds value to your house.

Most of us love to decorate our houses with stylish materials. But some of us fail to get the best result at the end. There are many reasons why we fail to get our desired results. Lack of proper planning can be the cause of this failure. We need to plan well before starting the home development project. Enough research should be done before selecting the material. Marble fountains are really awesome and it can change the ambience of your house. But you need to select the right marble for that, though at times selecting the right marble might be a difficult task. But you can get the help from a manufacturer or dealer. You can also find a lot of information on this issue from the internet.

Water fountains can be of different types. The classification is made on the basis of certain factors. It can be classified on the basis of the material used for the construction of the fountain. On that basis water fountain can be classified into five types. It can be created from stones, such as slate, marble and granite. Resin can also be used in the construction of the water fountains. Fiberglass fountains are also found in the market. It is one of the popular types of fountains. Concrete fountains are also good options. On the other hand, metal can also be used in the construction of fountains.

However, marble is considered as the best option for the construction of the fountains, as it water resistant and has an attractive appearance. You can get various types of marbles for the creation of your dream fountain. The best part is that it can be placed both outside and inside the home. It will add beauty and elegance to your water fountain.

Tiled Backsplash In Your Kitchen: The Perfect Guide To Installation

Installing a tiled backsplash in the kitchen is very easy DIY project. Backsplash adds a touch of style to the kitchen and protects the walls from the kitchen mess and mishaps. Backsplash is also quite easy to clean. Here are 10 tips for you to install tiled backsplash in the kitchen.

Firstly, before installation you should know how much tile is exactly needed. So calculate it on the basis of square footage of space. By reading the label on tile box, you will come to know how many square feet per box covers. Select a box as per your need.

Secondly, there are many things that are needed to install tiled backsplash. You need to make a list of them and buy it before installation. The things that are needed for installation are sufficient number of tiles, tile mastic or adhesive, tile nippers, a tile cutter, tile spacers, notch trowel, sponges, grout, grout float, silicone, grout sealer, pencil and level.

Thirdly, before installation, you need to make the surface ready. Scrape any flaking or cracked paint, remove any high gloss paint or any wallpaper. Clean it thoroughly with spray cleaner and then allow it to dry.

Then, don’t forget to set the guidelines. Have a look at the backsplash area. Visualize the center and mark it. Make use of the level and draw a vertical line few inches away from the mark. The first tile is to be laid on the vertical line. Leave 1/8 inch in between the countertop and tile bottom. The gap is to be filled up with silicone afterwards.

Now, the tile is to be applied. Spread mastic or adhesive over the area of about four tiles. Drag the notched trowel through adhesive to create ridges. Set a tile to the adhesive and press it. Insert the tile spacers if the tile does not have the self spacers to the adhesive closely against set tile. Spread mastic to the small areas with the progress of your job and remember to wipe off the adhesive on tile surfaces when it is wet.

Next, make use of tile cutter for fitting tiles. You can also make use of nippers to cut out odd shapes and curves of the tiles. The tile backsplash should be allowed to dry completely.

Again, don’t forget to apply grout. Get away with spacers after the adhesives dry up. You should wear the rubber gloves while dealing with grout. After mixing the grout, spread it all over tiled surface with grout float. However, the surface of the tile should be kept clean.

So, cleaning up is important point which should never be neglected and taken proper care of. When grout becomes hard wipe the surface by using damp sponge. Clean grout lines with gloved fingertip. When tile dries up, buff up vigorously with a cotton T-shirt.

Sealing the grout is also an important point that should be considered while installation. The sealer helps to keep away the moisture from the grout and thus helps in protecting its color. Lastly, don’t forget to fill up the gaps with silicone.

Top Tips To Pick The Best Kitchen Sinks

Home decoration is not an easy task. In fact it is one of the most important jobs that every householder needs to do. Some hire professionals or interior decorator. Some do it themselves as it saves lots of bucks. To give that perfect look to your house you need to decorate both the exterior and interior areas of your house, including the kitchen. So, it is essential to plan well before starting any home development, especially kitchen remodeling and improvement project.

We need to consider many factors before selecting the items for the decoration of the kitchens. The popularity of stainless steel kitchen sinks is increasing. Many people across the world love to decorate their kitchens with sinks made of stainless steel. It is in fact a great choice as it not only adds elegance but also gives a modern look to your kitchen. The best part is that it is available at affordable prices and this factor naturally makes it a great choice. Compared to granite or marble sinks, steel sinks are cheaper and that is why can be afforded by any one. It looks good with any countertop patterns, designs and colors. Most importantly, it is easy to maintain and clean. It can also withstand any damage or breakage and is a wonderful addition to any and every kitchen.

Many of us suffer from indecision while selecting the right stainless steel sinks. There are some valuable tips to help them in choosing the right steel sinks.

Plan Well
First, you need to plan well before starting the kitchen remodeling project. The size of the sink should be selected that match well with the size of your kitchen. It is one of the important tasks that you need to do. Apart from that you also need to select the right place for installing the steel sink. The design and style of the steel sink should go well with the design of the interior décor. Large sinks should be selected, if you have to serve to a dozen of people.

Do Proper Research
You need to do enough research before selecting the right steel sink from a long list. Internet is the best place for doing this research. You can also get much information from the manufacturers and dealers on this issue. Check out the patterns, designs, shapes, sizes from the websites. Online shopping is a great idea if done wisely.

Do Not Compromise on Quality
People should give more priority to the quality of the sink. Good quality kitchen sinks should be selected. You should not choose the sinks that that is cheap and bad in quality, as at the end you will not get the desired result. So, arrange good amount of money before starting the kitchen decoration and kitchen development project.


Look no further and give a new and elegant touch to your kitchen by installing stainless steel sinks. These items are great for the décor of your kitchen. But you need to take enough care of the sinks. Good quality cleaners should be used for cleaning the of the steel sink surface. Soft piece of cloth should be used for sweeping or mopping the surface.

Various Kinds Of Stone Murals: Perfect Choice For Home Décor!

Wall paintings add uniqueness to the house. In fact, they are the most inexpensive and easy way to fill up your home with pictures that make your family happy, proud and relaxed in their own home. There are various kinds of stone murals that can add a class to your home.

Tuscan wall paintings make use of smoky taupe, warm browns, elegant creams, marble and tile. This type of wall mural looks beautiful at entryways or stairs. It is the best to make an image of sprawling Tuscan scenery outside or at the entry point of your house as it can instantly perk up the ambience.

This type of wall murals is quite difficult to craft. Rather than just copying the stencil, you require to blend paints for capturing the sun warming image on a Tuscan patio. It also needs to seem lifelike in order to fit the décor of the room. A Tuscan wall painting not only acts as a décor item in a room; rather it creates a room.

There are many people who can make Tuscan wall mural. In fact, a professional will do the painting more quickly for you. However, if you prefer to make the mural yourself, then you will surely save lots of money. The Tuscan wall painting kit can surely help you out to plan the mural.

You can incorporate the elements easily of Tuscan wall mural by yourself. In no time you can accent the walls with artificial Tuscan tile. You just need to measure the tile squares. Use different paint colors and sponge and create the perfect look on the wall. First you should practice the coloring of tiles on unused dry wall. Make use of blues and greens for opening the space and reds and yellow in the gardens for warming the walls.

Tropical wall murals can create the image of paradise in home. They bring warmth and sunshine to room without windows or help to avoid the winter blues. You can put up a tropical landscape in the room by painting windows setting up a white sanded tropical beach. Painting a big palm tree growing from floor with parrots resting on the trees is a great idea. You can have water and a sea theme with beaches painted close to the ceiling and water being filled with tropical fishes underneath.

Tropical wall paintings are not easy to make. In order to create a lifelike scene, you have to use complex and perspective coloring to capture shadow and light. For an easy beginning, you can fit in little tropical elements all through the room. You can also purchase tropical print, hang it up on top of the couch and paint white shutters all over the print to have the wonderful view of beach from the living room.

You can get tropical wall painting stencil kits online. These kits range from $40 to $150. Most of the professional wall painters have done this type of wall murals. The work of the artist will save your time but not your money. Nonetheless it is a worthwhile investment as a beautiful stone mural can for sure be an asset to your house.

FAQ On Sealing Stone Countertops

Natural stone countertops can add beauty to the kitchen of your house. With proper care and regular maintenance, stone counters can be kept looking new and appealing. Sealing is a process that helps to maintain the beauty of the stone.

What is the work of sealers?

Stone countertops if properly sealed can be protected from stains and wear and tear. With the process of sealing the surface of the stone forms the protective layer. This prevents moisture and other contaminant from getting deep through the natural stone and thus doesn’t allow the stone to get damaged. Stones generally have pores due to which acids and water can percolate through it and cause the structural integrity and color of the stone to be damaged. This means, that the sealers on marble countertop and granite countertop makes it hard to form stains. Sealers also do not enable water to go through the stone and thus help in preventing the weakening of the toughness and durability of it.

Is it really essential to seal the stone countertops?

However, you can even do without sealing the stones and yet maintain the gorgeous and splendid look of it. Granite and marble are generally tough stones due to which sealers are not so essential for these stones. Actually maintenance and care of these natural stones is not hard at all. In fact, maintaining the granite kitchen countertops are the easiest affair. The only thing that is needed is to clean these stone surfaces regularly with lukewarm water and detergent or mild soap. This little effort of yours can make your stone look bright and attractive. These stones are durable and long lasting by nature. So, it is not essential to seal off the granite stone countertops and marble stone countertops.

So, is sealing useless?

Sealing is not really useless. Sealing actually protects the stone from wear, tear and stains. So, when you are applying sealers to hard stones you are making those stone slabs much tougher. With this, you can be sure of your countertop material to last longer. Apart from this, the reason for sealing the stone is to get peace of mind. When you know that your stone slabs have been sealed, you can simply be assured of their appearance to be preserved and the investment to be protected. Sealing the stones can also make your stone countertops maintenance much easier because with sealing stains can be kept out and be removed from the surfaces very easily.

What is the final word on sealing…?

Sealing is a good option for the stones but it isn’t a necessity. You just need to clean the stone countertops regularly to maintain its splendid look. In fact, sealing granite countertop is not at all required if you can maintain it regularly. However, if your financial conditions afford you to seal the stone countertops, then sealing them regularly is a great option. With sealing being done you can be sure that the stone slabs will last for a long period of time.

Granite: A Journey Through Its History

Granite is one of the best materials used for the decoration of homes, offices and buildings across the world. It is durable and long lasting in nature. Apart from that, it can give a stylish and beautiful look to your house.

The use of granite dates back to ancient times. Many people across the world prefer to use granite over other materials because of its durability and attractive appearance. It is a type of igneous, felsic and intrusive rock. Its texture is medium and coarse. Some crystals form in it and it takes the shape of a rock called as porphyry. Granite can come in different colors, such as black, dark gray or pink, depending on their mineralogy and chemistry. Rounded massifs and tors can be formed from the granite outcrops. These stones are generally found in an area surrounded by mountains or hills. It is formed by the hornfels or metamorphic aureole.

The demand of granite is increasing with time. Its hard texture and durable nature has made it more popular among other materials. This igneous rock takes its shape from magma. Other rocks are intruded during this process. There are many potential origins of granite magma. Intrusions are generally emplaced in the crust, usually 50 km deep within and 1.5 km. Origin of this rock is controversial and despite of many researches, the true origin of granite is not known.

Researchers classify it under various schemes. These schemes are generally regional. French follow a certain scheme of classification of granite origin, whereas British follow another set of schemes. On the other hand, in America, another scheme is followed for the classification of the granite origin. Sometimes, confusion arises with the different schemes of classifications. Alphabet soup is the most common classification method used for this purpose. Its classification method is based on origin or genesis of magma.

Granite is tough and hard and therefore it is considered as one of the best materials for construction. There are many evidences of granite use in the past. Many famous monuments and building were constructed from this stone. One of the best examples is the beautiful and awe-inspiring Red Pyramid in Egypt. Its granite surfaces are beautiful. It is ranked as the 3rd largest pyramids. Granite and limestone were used for the construction of Menkaure's Pyramid. Granite was also used in the creation of pyramid of Giza. Red granite was used for constructing this beautiful pyramid. The mostly ruined Black Pyramid, had a polished capstone or granite pyramidion. People can take a look of this structure at the main hall of Cairo Museum.
Many famous temples, where Hindus gods and goddesses are worshipped, were also constructed with granite. Huge amount of granite was used in the creation of many monuments and temples in Southern India.

Now, with the change in trend and choice, many people are placing this durable and long lasting material in their home for decoration purpose. It is used both in the residential and commercial areas. Many kitchen countertops are created from this hard rock and till this day it remains an eternal favorite among the home owners.

10 Tips To Install A Tiled Backsplash In Your Kitchen

Interior decoration is not an easy job. One needs to plan well before starting the home designing or development project. Many factors should be considered before taking any decision. We need to decorate each and every area with great effort. Kitchen is one of the important parts of our house that we need to decorate. The materials required for the decoration of the kitchen should be selected at first.

Many types of materials are available on the market. But you need to select the product that is stylish and durable in nature in order to give that perfect look to your kitchen. Countertops, backsplash, cabinet are the most common items seen in the kitchens. Selection of the right material is essential for the perfect tile installation. You need to do proper research before starting the kitchen renovation and designing project. The color of the tiles should match well with the color coding of the interior. After selecting the material, you need to install it in a proper way.

Before installing a tiled backsplash you need to consider some of the important factors. The square foot area, where you are willing to place the marble, should be measured properly so that tiles fit well. You can check out the number of tiles, inside the box, from the label that is attached to the box. Enough tiles should be ordered for installing a tiled backsplash. You will need mastic or adhesive tile, tile nippers, tile cutter or tile scrubber for installing the tiled backsplash in your kitchen. In addition to that, grout, sponges, grout float, silicone, grout sealer, pencil grout float are also required for completing the installation job. For applying mastic, notched trowel is needed. There are ten valuable tips to help you in installing the backsplash easily.

1. First, you need to prepare the surface to ensure smooth tile installation. High gloss paint, wallpaper should be removed from the surface. Flaking or cracked paint should also be removed.
2. Next, the floor should be cleaned thoroughly with a spray cleaner and should also be dried.
3. Then, you need to mark the area with a pencil. The leveling and marking should be done properly so that the tiles fit well.
4. After marking the area, you need to spread the mastic or adhesive tiles on the surface. Drag the trowel to form ridges. The tiles should be placed carefully.
5. Then use a tile cutter or tile scriber to fit tiles where required.
6. After that you need to apply grout. Spacers should be removed after drying the adhesive tiles. You need to wear rubble gloves while applying grouts.
7. Wipe the surface with a damp sponge and then you need to clean up the grout lines.
8. Then the grout should be sealed properly. By applying sealer you can protect the colors and beauty of the tiles.

9. After sealing it you need to fill the gaps by using Silicone.
10. You can get more information on tiled backsplash installation from the net.

Backsplash installation in your kitchen is not at all a difficult job. You can give a new look to your kitchen by adding tiled backsplash. The best part is that you can install it yourself and therefore it will save money. Custom, backsplash is a great option. It not only adds beauty and style, but also protects your kitchen walls from mishaps. Moreover, you can easily maintain and clean the backsplash. It can be made of many materials, like, granite, stainless steel, wood and many more. But installation of wood, granite steel backsplash is not an easy job. You need to hire a professional for this purpose. Glass or ceramic tile is a great option, if you are wiling to install it yourself. It can add beauty and elegance to any structure. You can give a stylish look to your kitchen by adding this item.

Innovative Home Décor Ideas

Marble can accentuate the décor of the home. This natural stone is available in various colors; however using the two basic colors in marble –black and white-can for sure bring a punch to the room. With these two basic colors of marble, one can create innovative ideas for home décor.

The use of black and white in the interior decoration can create a dramatic and stunning décor. Black color adds a sophisticated touch to the room. Black colored marble accessories and furniture are a great idea for decorating the room. However, when black marble is paired up with white, it brings a real spark and drama to the room. The use of white and black marble gives the home décor a clean, fresh, elegant and sophisticated look. Read as we give you few ways of using white and black marble in the home.

Firstly, you can start implementing your innovative idea right from the floor. You can use white and black for flooring purpose. The best choice would be the beautiful and attractive black colored marble set off with the tall white colored baseboard moldings.

Secondly, a small room is the best place to select the use of white and black marble as main color scheme. A small bathroom or powder room looks very elegant with black marble tabletop and white sink. The shinny gold fixtures and accessories also add a touch of class and sophistication to the room along with the pairing up of black and white marbles.

Not only with the use of marble stones of black and white color can you add a charm to your room, but also you can enhance the value of your property as the décor for sure will be unique and innovative. There are many ways of decorating the interior part of the home with white and black marbles; whatever be the way for sure it can accentuate the ambience of the place.

White bed lines are best for bedroom. You can add white and black striped pillows, bed skirt and black chair in the room. This undoubtedly brings a new look to the room that has pristine white marble flooring.

If you are shopping for the fabrics, then look out for plaids or colorful prints that have a black color touch. You can however, add more of this color to your room with table trims, lamps, mats, frames, pillows, hardware and door. Black color itself is a stunning color and when paired up with white it simply looks amazing.

Interiors of cottage style houses can even make use of white and black color scheme. Pair up white and black toile fabric with a gingham check on tablecloths, chair covers and pillows. You can also hang many metal trays of black color on wall of the dining room. Cut white and black checks for the picture matting and make use of white and black ticking stripes in bed skirt.

To make a stunning table setting, you can choose white and black china. The accessories like table linens and others will look better if black.

So, make your home décor with the use of white and back. These two colors are sure to bring sophistication and drama to any of the room in a house. It creates a simple and classic style and makes your home look elegant.

Eight Reasons Why Marble Fountain Is A Perfect Choice!

Marble fountains have been preferred by the homeowners for several centuries. They were used by people in different parts of the world for the elegance and beauty. Popularity of marble fountains has not faded till the present days. Several reasons have retained the popularity of marble fountains for ages. Someone who is considering remodeling of his house can opt for marble fountains. Eight reasons have been cited to show that marble fountains can be the perfect choice for any house.

1. Marble fountains can add elegance to the house. If installed in the garden it can change the look of the house and give a soothing effect to the house. They are ornamental pieces for home decoration and can give a bright look to an old house. Marble fountains can be used outside the shopping malls, offices and in the hotel lobbies to give a touch of elegance.

2. People in the hot countries prefer to use marble for its cooling effect. A marble fountain in the garden can give relief from the heat of the sun. The cold water from the fountains can make a person to get some relief after the whole day’s work. It can give comfort to anyone who enters the house.

3. Marble fountains are available in a wide range of designs. One can easily select the design that is best suited with his house. A homeowner can also decide the type of marble depending on the place available for the installation of marble. Tabletop fountain, pond fountain and wall fountain are some of the popular types of marble fountains.

4. Marble is considered to be the sign of luxury. One can give a luxurious touch to the exterior decoration of his house by installing marble fountain. It can give the house some uniqueness.

5. As you all know, the shine of marble does not fade with time. Its shine makes the garden look excellent. The shine of marble enhances with the use of water. Thus, one can easily use it for his garden fountain.

6. White marble fountain amidst the lush green garden can make an excellent landscape for the house. One can spend some nice time in the garden and get relaxed in the beautiful ambience. If used in the lawn of a resort then it can attract a large number of guests to the resort.

7. One of the reasons for the huge popularity of marble among the homeowners is the low maintenance and high durability of marble. A marble surface can retain its glory if it gets little maintenance. If someone has a marble fountain in his house then he should be careful about its sealing. Proper sealing of marble is necessary for its durability.

8. A marble fountain can add value to a property. Someone who wants to sell a house with marble fountain can easily attract potential customers. The elegance of the houses with marble fountains can enchant a buyer. Thus, a homeowner can get high value of his house.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Granite Tile Information: Story Of The Ageless Stone

Granite is one of the best materials for construction. Many people prefer to use this material over others as it is durable and long lasting. Apart from that, it can resist stains. The use of granite dates back to ancient times and till date this valuable natural stone is used for different applications. In fact it is a great choice, if you are planning to decorate your house with a resistant and durable material. A granite tile or floor is natural, durable and stain resistant. Pressure and time help make it one of the hardest and durable stone.

Granite is considered as one of the oldest construction materials. It was used by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians for the construction of many famous monuments and buildings. It comes in different colors, designs, patterns, shapes and sizes. Many varieties of granite flooring are available. Three of the most common granite components are tiny particles of mica crystals, feldspar and quartz. Some of the components of granites were formed from magma. These particles were formed into solid form after thousand of years.

Many people across the world like to use granite over other materials due to its durability. It is in fact one of the hardest stones found in the planet. Granite even ranks higher in durability than slate and marble. Granite floors are attractive and stunning, easy to maintain and clean. You can use it for a long period of time, if proper care is taken. Proper installation of granite floors and tiles is very important an for this you can hire a professional for this purpose. You can get the information of the reputed professional installers from the internet. They will help you to install the tiles in your floors. Right installation of the granite marbles is important. You can give a stylish look to your house by installing these stylish materials.

The popularity of granite floorings and tiles is increasing with time. It is considered as one of the hardest materials found in the earth. It was used in ancient times mainly for construction purposes. There are many evidences of granite use in the past. Many of the famous monuments and buildings were constructed from granite. Granite was also used in the construction of the famous pyramids of Egypt.

Selection of the right granite material is very important. One needs to enough research before choosing an item from a long list.. Granite comes in different patterns, designs. So, you can give a unique look to your house by installing granite. You need to measure the area, where you are willing to install the granite tiles, before selecting the size of the granite tiles. Color of the granite tiles depends on the type of minerals (in the rocks). Black is the most common granite color available in the market. There are many other granite colors and you can select from them.

You need to maintain and clean the granite floors and tiles. Good quality floor cleaners should be used for this purpose. Soft cloth should be used for sweeping and mopping the surface. It is very essential to clean the surface of the granite tiles every day to maintain its beauty and color.

Various Types Of Bathroom Sinks

Do you have any plans of remodeling or making improvements in your bathroom? What about installing a new bathroom sink? However, there are many styles of bathroom sinks available nowadays for you to choose from.

Choose the bathroom sink taking certain points into consideration. Your choice should depend on the availability of space on the bathroom, how many people will be making use of the bathroom, who will be the ones to use it; however don’t forget to consider the design theme of the bathroom. Different sink kinds have different styles. Here is a detail of five types of bathroom sinks with their pros and cons.

Vanity sink is the first kind of bathroom sink. This sink is installed to a cabinet of the same type. The cabinet can be a stand alone type or series of it which cover the whole wall. The sink is installed usually in one of the two manners. In the first process the bathroom sink is molded to counter. In such a case, this sink is exactly similar to the rest of counter. The second is self rimming installation. The sink in this case is lowered to a hole cut in counter which is little bit smaller than rim of sink. This sink sits on counter outside of the four hole sides. The sink is a great option for the master bathrooms in home where lots of storage is needed.

Console sink is the next kind of sink. The set up of this kind resembles a table with sink in middle where back of table is against wall and table front is supported by 2 legs. The legs are pretty ornamental usually. This type of sink is appropriate for smaller spaces. These sinks have a open feel and makes a space look bigger. You can use this sink type in guest bath. Make use of the space that is below the sink for basket to keep toiletries or extra towels.

Pedestal sink is the third sink type for bathroom. The arrangement of this sink is just like what it sounds. The basin is supported by only one pedestal in middle. This pedestal has great girth usually and sometimes it is also ornamental. Pedestal sink are appropriate for small rooms with extremely limited space.

The fourth kind of sink is the wall mounted sink. This sink type is also appropriate for small spaces. This type of sinks take up less room than pedestal sink for there is nothing beneath them. Wall mounted sink is attached to wall directly and in fact they are also quite easy to clean. However, this type should not be installed if there are children in home. Children may not understand the concept of putting extra weight on the sink and so they may lean on it which may cause disaster if sink is pulled away from wall.

Vessel sink is the last kind of sink that became popular in last decades. This sink’s basin can sit on top of counter. They are found in many shapes but square basins and oval or circular shaped bowls are more famous. It is quite difficult to clean this type of sink but however they look quite good when installed in bathroom.

Give Your Kitchen A Modern Look With Stainless Steel Sink!

Kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in our house. Kitchen decoration may be a hectic job for some of us. But it may not turn to be difficult if certain strategies are applied. We cannot do any work without some items. Sink is among them.

It is one of the essential items that we need to install in our kitchen to wash the vegetables and the dishes and undoubtedly it serves the purpose well. But it becomes difficult in some cases to clean and maintain the sinks. We have to spend a lot of time in erasing the stain marks from the sinks. So, it is best to install a kitchen that can resist stains and other marks that looks odd. Stainless steel sink is a great option. Many people are opting for this sink over others, as it is durable and can resist any kind of stains. The best part is that it can be cleaned and maintained easily.

Homeowners find it difficult to select a sink from a long list. First they should consider some factors. They should select the items that serve the purpose well. Only looks and beauty of an item should not be looked for. One should select the item that can be useful and last for a long time. Stainless steel sink is great for this purpose. It can add beauty and elegance to your kitchen thereby increasing the aesthetic value. You can give a modern look to your kitchen by installing stylish steel sinks. With the change of trend, many people are opting for items that have modern looks have great features. Most of us love to decorate our kitchen in a stylish way. We want well-equipped, organized kitchen to serve our purpose well. Stainless steel sink is a great item to place in our kitchen.

1. It gives a modern look to your kitchen and adds style and beauty to the interior décor. A stylish cabinet and an elegant countertop will match well with you’re the stainless steel sink. You can give that perfect modern look to your kitchen with these items.
2. The best part is that it is cost effective and can be afforded by most homeowners. Stainless steel sinks are available at affordable prices. Compared to granite, marble sinks, steel sinks are cheaper. You can get this item at your local home development and home décor stores.
3. Stainless steel sinks can be easily installed. You just need to measure the area where the sink will be installed before selecting the size of the sink. It is a crucial task and often it requires the help of professionals.
4. Many people across the world prefer to install steel sink over others as it is easy to maintain and clean. Dirt and stains don’t stick well to its surface. So, you can easily clean the surface of the steel sink by a solution of water and soap. Soft piece of cloth should be used while sweeping and mopping the sink.
5. Steel sinks are selected by many homeowners for its durable nature. The best part is that it can resist any scratches and dents.

Thus, stainless steel sink is a great item for kitchen use. It can give that modern look to the interior décor of your kitchen as well as serve the purpose well. So, just go for it and buy that stainless steel sink.

FAQ On Stone Murals

1. Name the type of tiles used to make stone murals?
One can use different types of tiles to make stone murals. Glass, porcelain, ceramic, tumbled stone and marble tiles are generally used to make murals. A homeowner can contact the home remodeling experts to find the tile that will suit his budget and style.

2. Where can a person install the stone murals?
Stone murals are used to redefine the aesthetic value of the house. They can be used both for the interior and exterior decoration of a house. Depending on his choice, one can install stone murals behind the bed, on the hallways, floors, ceilings, shower walls and backsplashes. It can be added anywhere in the house to add elegance.

3. Can one use stone murals outside the house?
Yes, it can be used outside the house. To use stone murals for the exterior decoration of a house, one needs to use a mural that has been kiln fired at a temperature of at least 1600 degrees. Generally, the companies do not offer such murals and so it might be a bit difficult for a person to find such murals. Kiln fired murals needs some specialized technology and companies with this technology can only offer such murals. Stone murals which come only with UV coating gets faded when they are exposed to sun and other elements. It is better to use porcelain or ceramic for outdoor purposes as most of the stones get faded after a certain period of time.

4. Can someone place the kiln fired tiles in the swimming pools?
Yes, the kiln fired tiles can be placed in the swimming pools. The process of kiln fired is meant for such purposes.

5. In what form does the stone mural come to the customers?
The stone murals and all other kind of murals are delivered to the customers in an unassembled form. Most of the companies which sell murals give one detailed grid that guides a person with the ways that one should use to assemble and install the murals. As the detailed process is given by the companies, one can install the mural easily to any part of the house.

6. Can a person order stone murals of any size?
Yes, a person can order any size of stone murals depending on his requirement and budget. Some people orders murals with four tiles while the other orders for murals with five hundred tiles. It is based on the space that is available for installing the mural. Whatever be the size, the image can be done easily. Some of the reputed mural companies offer murals in unique custom size.

7. Can someone order a mural with the pictures of his choice?
Yes, one can get a mural painting with picture of his choice. Most of the reputed companies can make murals depending on the choice of a person. One can give the photographs of his wedding to make a mural. Such pictures add a unique appeal to the house.

Top Tips For Marble Restoration

Marble is one of the best options for the decoration of the house. It is used for various applications and this stone is a huge favorite among all home owners. Undoubtedly it can add beauty and elegance and give a new look to your house. But you need to take proper care of these tiles in order to maintain its color, beauty and texture. Stone restoration process is very important to maintain its beauty. The process or technique of removing dull spot and scratches from the marble surface is called as stone grinding. Consumers need to polish the floors on time. A diamond pad can be used to get the best result. It is better to hire a skilled labor in order to do this job.

Restoration of the honed marble floors should be done with enough care. Powders or diamond pads can be used to give a new look to the floor surface. Restoration professionals can be hired to do this job. You can hire them without any hesitation. They take enough care to protect the furniture and walls from dents and splashes. The diamond grinding process includes water. It can damage the floor covering or the wood floor if the process is not performed carefully.

Flamed surfaces can be restored by using abrasive brushes and abrasive powder. Flaming method should be performed by an experienced professional. Otherwise the floors can be damaged. Open flame torch is used in performing this process. There are many factors that should be considered before starting this process. It should be done in a non flammable environment. It should be performed in a place where enough ventilation is available. Different procedures and techniques are used in the restoration of the stone surfaces.

Marble is one of the durable and soft stones. Consumers need to take enough care of the marbles in order to maintain its beauty. It is also a highly porous material, as it could be easily stamped or etched by tomato juice, orange juice, vinegar or other kinds of acids. Some marble tiles are even sensitive to water. Spots and stains can occur on the marble surface due to water.

Slate, tumbled and limestone are considered as the most elegant and common flooring materials used for offices, commercial buildings and homes. These materials are valued much for their color hues and unique textures. Proper sealing of the marble surface should be done in order to maintain its beauty and to prevent stains. The right treatment methods and sealants can help in giving an elegant look to the marble floors.

Before selecting the marble tiles one should consider many factors. You need to select the materials that are durable and beautiful. It should also match the color coding of the interior. The flooring colors should be selected in such a way so that it matches well with the colors of the cabinets, counters. Consumers should select the floors that can resist spills, wear and tear. You can take the help of the manufacturers or the dealers to select the right kind of marbles. You can also scroll through the net to find the right kind of marble tiles and floorings.

Marble Mosaic Art: Overview

The worth and quality of the materials are adjudicated on certain parameters. The merit of buildings, whether used for private or commercial purposes, is judged by its aesthetic value. Another important factor that supports this judgment is the quality of the substance or the materials used in constructing the buildings. People paint the walls of their houses with beautiful colors. Marble tiles and floorings can be installed to enhance the beauty and aesthetic value of the building. The popularity of marble mosaic is increasing with time. Different colored glasses and stones are intermixed to form various patterns, designs and pictures. This is how marble mosaic is created.

Many people prefer to use marble mosaic to decorate their houses, offices and commercial buildings. There are many historical evidences of mosaic use. During 3rd and 4th century BC, mosaic was developed with the baked clay cones by the Mesopotamians. These cones were painted differently to give a more beautiful look to it. Use of mosaic was also common among the Greek community. They used pebble mosaics to decorate their floors. Pebble mosaics (Polychrome) were used by the Macedonians to beautify their homes. Hunting scenes, animals and birds were represented in the mosaics of 6th and 4th century BC. Floral pictures were represented in the mosaics of 7th century. Many changes had bee made in mosaic art. But no changes have been made in the technique of mosaic formation though the art has become more refined.

This art got a new dimension with the help of a company, named Phoenician Arts. It has gifted many marble mosaic patterns and designs to the world. These designs and patterns were carved out of semi precious and natural marble stones. It has also reproduced and revived the traditional mosaics of Byzantinians, Romans and Greeks. Phoenician Arts created wonderful mosaics that have paradigms of contemporary and primitive existence. Marble mosaics increase aesthetic value of the houses and other buildings. It is one of the common materials that people prefer to use in their homes for decoration purposes.

Many kinds of themes, like geometric, animals, medallions, religious, and kitchen related, scenes & figures are developed by mosaic artists. These types of designs are created to adorn outdoors as well as indoors. It adds elegance and beauty to the house. Within a workplace or house mosaics can be placed in dining areas, hallways, floor center, in an archway and over the fireplace. Mosaics can also be used outside the house. It can beautify the entrance, garden areas, pools of houses and buildings.

Phoenician mosaics are becoming more popular with time. It is considered as one of the best options for decorating the interior and exterior of the buildings. Many people prefer this material over others due to its durability and long lasting quality. Mosaics give an elegant look to your house. It is more authentic and appealing. The best part is that it can resist water and heat. So, you can also install it to give a more stylish look to your house.

Why Marble Backsplash Is A Great Choice?

In the present days, marble is used by home owners for several purposes. It is used for flooring as well as interior designing of the house. Countertops and fireplaces made up of marble have become some of the common tools of interior designing. Marble backsplash has also gained a huge popularity among the modern homeowners. A kitchen backsplash made up of marble can be a great choice to make the kitchen beautiful. One can find marble tiles in a large variety and can select the marble backsplash depending on the present decoration of the house. Selection of backsplash also depends on the taste of the homeowner.

To install the marble backsplash, one should select the tiles carefully. The size of the tiles matters a lot. Tiles which are bigger in size can be installed easily than the small ones. Installing a backsplash might take some time but if done with proper care then it can give the kitchen a great appearance.

Nowadays, a homeowner does not have to depend on the Italian marble for their home decoration jobs. Marble are imported from different countries of the world. This has made the price of marble to vary widely. A person who does not want to invest a large sum of money for marble backsplash can opt for the low priced marbles. Whatever be the price of marble, it should suit with the decor of the kitchen as well as the house. Marble backsplashes and other interior designing articles tell about the taste of the homeowner and so one should be careful about it.

Backsplash is the highly exposed area of the kitchen. It can get dirty by the food stains. Using a marble backsplash would save the backsplash from getting stained easily. To make the kitchen have an elegant look for years, one should clean the surface regularly. Maintenance and cleaning of marble surfaces is quite simple. If a person follows it regularly then he would not have to face any problem of stains in the kitchen. Never forget to clean the backsplashes after finishing kitchen works. Dirty backsplashes can ruin the beauty of the kitchen.

Marble is available in a wide variety of color and textures. Style of marble also varies widely. Installing a marble backsplash in the kitchen can be a great idea for someone who wants to give the kitchen a unique look. A marble backsplash if designed appropriately can give an elegant look to a dull kitchen. Backsplashes can be the focal point of a kitchen. Therefore, someone who wants to install a backsplash should get it designed properly.

To give your kitchen a unique look and attract people, you need to select the best color schemes. Texture and materials used for the job is extremely important. One should be careful about it when he is selecting a kitchen backsplash. Consistency is always considered as a significant factor for perfect designing. Therefore, a person who has consistency in the designing of his marble backsplash can add a brilliant look to the kitchen.

It Is Easy To Maintain Granite Countertops!

Granite countertops in your kitchen can change the look of the kitchen. It can convert an old and dull kitchen to an attractive one. But to retain the elegance of the kitchen, you need to take care of the granite surface. You should know that the natural stone needs frequent cleaning. To retain the shine of granite, you should maintain it regularly. For the maintenance of granite countertops, you need to follow some simple tips.

The first thing that you need to do is cleaning the surface when a stain occurs on the surface. Unless you do this, the stains would penetrate inside the surface, which can cause severe damage to the stone. Another thing that you can do is, get the worktops cleaned with mild soap or a neutral cleaner. Use smooth cleaning pad for rubbing the surface else there would be marks on the surface.

To remove the chemicals and extra dirt from the granite surfaces, get the surfaces rinsed with warm water and then pat the surface dry. This should be done with clean cloth to avoid marks. If there is a stain on the surface then you can get it cleaned with a mixture of dish washing liquid and flour. The mixture should be applied on stain and left for some time. A plastic layer should be placed on the paste. This should be left for a fortnight. Then, the paste should be scraped with wooden spatula and the granite tile should be left with fresh water.

In case of an oily stain, it might be a bit difficult to remove it. You can use solution of hydrogen peroxide to remove the oily stains on the granite countertops. A solution with ammonia liquid can also be effective for the cleaning of kitchen countertops. This can also be effective on stains caused by grease or milk. Fruit juice, tea and coffee can also stain a granite surface. Mixture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide can be helpful in the removal of these stains. The surface should be rinsed with water and dried after the completion of this process.

Some stains on granite surfaces are extremely difficult to be removed. To remove a difficult stain, you need to use a granite cleaner that is effective on that particular type of stain. You can also appoint a professional for the cleaning job and give a new look to the tiles of your kitchen. If you have a granite countertop or worktop in your kitchen then you should get it resealed after every couple of years.

By cleaning the granite surfaces regularly you can maintain the beauty of the surface for a several years. Worktops of granite, in these days are used in offices as well as residences. The natural stone granite is preferred than the other building materials for their elegance and durability. Though it is expensive than other building materials but the natural qualities of granite has always retained its popularity. Granite worktops can be cleaned easily if a person follows the simple tips.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Facts To Know About Bathroom Sinks

When you consider the remodeling of your bathroom, you should carefully select the bathroom sink vanities. You should know that the bathroom sink vanities can establish the decor and style of the bathroom. Sink vanities for bathroom can be found in wide range of styles, colors, shapes and sizes. A homeowner should select it depending on the style as well as need. If you are ready to invest a large sum of money for the bathroom remodeling job then you can opt for the colored sink vanities. Hand painted designs can also be obtained by someone who has a high budget.

Depending on the choice and requirement, one can select the material to make bathroom sink vanities. Some of the widely used materials for bathroom sinks are ceramic, vitreous china, porcelain and stone. Metals, stainless steel, solid surface materials, enameled cast irons, acrylic and fiberglass are also preferred by some home owners for bathroom sink vanities.

Once you select the material for the bathroom sink, then you need to know about mounting the sink on countertops. One of the popular ways of mounting sinks is surface mounted sinks or self rimming sinks. In this process sink bowl is dropped into hole. The hole is kept little smaller than sink’s outside rim to get sealed with the surface of the countertop. Rimmed sinks are also preferred by some homeowners. It is dropped into the hole of countertop. Rim is used to get the sink joined with the countertop thus forming seal with metal strip.

Another way of mounting the sink on the countertops is the under mounted sinks. In this type of mounting process, rim is attached with countertop’s bottom portion which gives a clean look to bathroom vanity. One can also opt for the integral sinks. In integral sink, one can find one countertop unit and one piece sink made up of same material which makes the sink easy to install. But the disadvantage of using this type of sink is, one needs to replace the total unit if a part of the sink gets damaged. Generally these sinks are made from durable materials like solid surfaces, faux stone or any other hard stone.

While purchasing a bathroom sink vanity, one should be careful about the purpose for which the sink would be used. If one would not consider the purpose of the sink while ordering it, then he might face some problem later. Bathroom sink vanities can provide perfect place for brushing teeth, shampooing, shaving and washing. It can also be the best place for personal grooming. To do all these works in the sink, one needs to select the size of the sink carefully.

Bathroom is required by everyone in the house. So, investment in bathroom remodeling is considered to be a good investment. If someone wants to sell his home, then he should remodel the bathroom. A functional and attractive bathroom can earn a profitable deal. Always take the decision of purchasing bathroom sink vanities carefully to enhance the beauty of your bathroom.

Mosaic Holds Great Value In Contemporary Era

The art of mosaic was initially a part of oriental culture. The most primitive demonstration associated with such type of art goes back to the civilizations of Chaldeans and Mesopotamia. Pebble pavements were seen by 18th century BC that used different stone colors for creating patterns. It was in fourth century BC that the Greeks transformed it to a form of art through making well designed and intricate geometric patterns marked by precise accordance with detail scenes of animals and people.

With Romans, mosaic fields upgraded further even though the skill and artistry level were diminished slightly. Their works had great geometric displays, domestic themes and celebration of the scenes of Gods that were mostly used on floors. Byzantine civilization on fifth century AD took hold of mosaic as form of art and injected new characteristics. Mosaics in this era covered the ceilings and walls mostly. Themes mostly included portraits of empresses and emperors and religion.

Today also people worldwide and art lovers look for the magnificence and sheer beauty of mosaics. Mosaic art nowadays beholds the uniqueness of all civilization. The artistic spirits of all cultures where the mosaic existed are captured in today’s art form of mosaic. Phoenician Arts hold on to that art in modern world by combining secret techniques of ancestors with knowledge and expertise of the passionate artists to bring the best in mosaics.

So, if you are looking out for something quite unusual for your kitchen reconstruction or the new kitchen then avail handcrafted mosaics. Mosaic in fact can give a class of touch to your kitchen or the eating area. Mosaic medallions set in the walls, backsplash, floors or tabletops are an object of great beauty and can enthrall any and every visitor.

Mosaic medallions come in many colors, sizes, motifs and patterns. It is suitable for more or less all types of kitchen design from warm classic to sleek ultra modern designs. Mosaics are made from different material which includes slate, marble, glass or combining of all these materials. Mosaics by nature are composed of lots of these material pieces fashioned to unlimited designs and patterns.

Marble carpets or mosaic medallions offer great flooring options for eating areas and kitchens. Set in hardwood flooring or ceramic tile, mosaics produce the impression of area rugs in the areas of high traffic. Being in opposition to mats and rugs, mosaics afford the owners of home easy cleaning and getting away with tripping hazards. Flooring mosaics, like area rug helps in delimiting space at open concept surroundings.

Mosaic medallions can be set in breakfast bars, table-tops, in frames and on walls as unique and practical form of art for the area of kitchen and also other home areas. Whatever be the application of mosaics, it definitely accentuates the home décor.

Mosaics give a feeling of warmth and add inspiration to the setting. They can also add a touch of class and sophistication to your home. They can enhance your home décor and with mosaic installation in your home, your home’s beauty is sure to stay unmatched.

Facts About Granite Countertop that You Need To Know Before Installation

If you are happy doing things that the rest of the world does, granite countertops in the kitchen is the ideal choice. In fact, such is the popularity of this in the modern times that almost every household has them. The reason is understandable as well. First of all, it is durable; it is slick and very colorful and stylish. Naturally, a person can not avoid the aesthetic appeal of the granite.

Now, you can use this beautiful natural without following the rest of the world. Over the last decade, the use of the granite in the home flooring has seen an up rise. Well, there is more than one reason that justifies this craze. This gives you the chance to show your class beyond the periphery of the kitchen. It is very easy to maintain and its durability too, has made it one of the most preferred choice for home decoration. Installing granite in the floor will render you creative person who wants to make their own style statement.

Basically, granite is made up of three ingredients – mica, feldspar and quartz. One of the greatest features of this stone is the wide variation in color and texture. In fact this is one of the reasons why the granite has been used so extensively in the art of home decoration. Because of this reason, and many more, granite can be the ideal option for your home flooring.

The first advantage that the granite has over the others is its durability. In fact, granite is one of the toughest things in the nature and therefore, it is almost impossible to break it. Also, granite does not react to the chemicals. This means that granite will not damaged in a long while. Unlike marble or other stones, the granite is less porous and therefore, it does not require too much of sealing.

If you are too much worried about the time and effort you would be able to give to maintain your house, granite will reduce your worry. It does not require any complex cleaning process at all. You can use the vacuum cleaners to clean off the dust. The floor can be mopped and dust safely. In fact, a wet mopping should be the standard method to keep the floor clean.

However, one should not assume that the granite, once installed, would remain intact for the rest of the life. Rather, like any other natural stone, granite too, loses its shine over the years. Too much of traffic on it can dull the stone and this can give a worn out look to your floor. Once again, you don’t have to do too much with that. All you need to do is to go for a granite restoration service. A regular polish can make up all the imperfections in the granite floor.

In spite of so many advantages, granite has certain drawbacks. It requires professionals to be installed. Like marble, wet granite is slippery. However, when you think of the style and the other advantages you will be ready to spend the bucks.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Various Kinds Of Marble Tiles Can Enhance Your Home Décor!

Marble tiles are in vogue for many centuries now! Marble adds a special class and sophistication to your room. Though costly, they last forever. They can create an identity of your room in the minds of the visitors who stop by at your place. Marble tiles are also used for walls and can be used as a decoration to adorn the walls of your living room. Interestingly, marble tiles are used not only indoor but also outdoors as well. For example, they can be used in terraces, lawns and foyers. These tiles only increase the beauty of your home. They are great for both small dealings and big estates.

Contrary to popular belief, marble tiles are not available in one color or design. If you research well you will come cross tiles that suit the overall décor of your room. They are also easily available in different patterns and textures. For example you can buy tiles that are polished, honed or tumbled. These are distinctly different from each other and they cater to different people with different color and texture preferences. Honed marbles provide more friction on the floor and thus they are absolutely safe for households. On the other hand you have the polished ones which are more elegant and classy but they have the tendency to become slippery when wet. To avoid accidents over these types of marble tiles you can easily have bath mats over them. On the other hand, if you want an old age charm and feel to your room then the only option is to go for tumbled marble tiles. They are often the perfect design for small homeowners who wants to maintain some nostalgia of their past.

If you are deciding to buy marble tiles, then the online shops can become a great option for you. There are huge numbers of such shops doing business online. However, some of them are not authentic and can sell you cheap variety that does not last long. Moreover they can force you to go for those colors and textures which are costly but not suitable for your floor and home decoration. It is advisable to go for the experts at these times. Talk to long term dealers, manufacturers, customers and shop owners before you select on the tiles that suit both your pockets and style. Try to compare prices and search online for those shops that sell quality stuff at competitive prices.

‘The Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association’ is a professional industry group that has been advising home owners regarding the quality, type and price of tiles. They also assist you in placement of these tiles on floors or walls. There is another good and authentic organization called the National Tile Contractors Association (NCTA). They not only inform you about prices and quality but also on installation processes, floor materials to be used and the dos and don’ts of marble flooring.

For example you must know that floor tile sizes are available in 305 x 305 mm, 500 mm and 800 mm free length. They can be of marble, limestone or glass (the latter the costliest). You will get color options in white, black, pink, mottled, red, green or gray

Home Improvement: Marble Design Ideas

It will be difficult to put marble in a simple category. It is classic, contemporary, stylish, and natural and so on. In short, marble can be best described as the most aesthetic option to increase the value of your house. A little bit of planning can make your house as attractive as a palace. So, just in case you need some of them, these lines will give you that.

It is a good idea to use marble in the kitchen and you can select from varied options. However, the table and countertops are the most obvious. Like any other part of your house, your kitchen too will get a new look with the marble tiles. Remember that the marble alone can make it beautiful. However, if you are looking to make it extraordinary, you have to take little care about the installation and the accents. The beveled edges, the sinks, cabinetry – all are important aspects that would decide whether the atmosphere is up to the standard of the marble.

You should also add the mosaic tiles to walls, back splash area and even on your table-top. A hot pan holder made of marble can also be a very good idea to decorate the kitchen. There are plenty of other things that are available in the market. All you need to do is to conceive the kitchen that you see in your dreams.

Bathroom
is another very important place where you can use the marble splendidly. In previous times, this could have been an absurd thought since the marble often stains in the presence of water. However, the modern sealers have successfully driven off this threat. Naturally, you can use marble in the bathroom without any worry at all. However, the honed finishes are the most suitable for the bathroom floors since they offer better grips. Still, if you are very fond of the polished finish, you should use the mats. Marble can be also used for the countertops, mirror trims, tubs and many other places.

The vessel sinks made of the marble are another means that will lend your bathroom a touch of sophistication. It can replace the vanities or can set on them as well. The Jacuzzis and the Roman tubs can attain greater beauty if marble wraps them up.

Another very stylish use of marble is the fireplace. This will make it the center of attraction in your room. Marble can be used both for the mantel and for the surrounding. Until recent years, they were very expensive and beyond the reach of the common homeowners. However, these days the standard marble mantels are available in a really affordable price. Like any other products of marble, they are very easy to install as well. Naturally, the consumers can save money by avoiding the professional installers.

Marble can be also used to construct the bar tops. Also, marble is a good choice to decorate the living room, den, bedrooms and the dining room. In short, there is no place where marble will look awkward.

Granite: An Overview Of Its Nature And Origin

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma below the earth’s surface due to pressure and heat. Granite is found at a depth usually greater than 1.5 km and up to 50 km within thick continental crust of the Earth.

Geochemical origins of Granite
Granitoids are a ubiquitous component of the Earth’s crust. They have crystallized from magmas at its eutectic point due to heat and igneous differentiation. Alkali feldspar (rich in potassium) and quartz (SiO2), are two of the major defining constituents of granite.
Though the generation of granite is still into question among geologists, the composition and origin of the magma which differentiates into granite, leaves certain geochemical and mineral evidence as to what the granite's parental rock was. For instance, granite which is formed from melted sediments may have more alkali feldspar, whereas a granite derived from melted basalt may be richer in plagioclase feldspar.

Alphabet soup classification
· The 'alphabet soup' scheme of Chappell & White divides granites into I-type granite and S-type granite. Both of these types of granite are formed by melting of high grade metamorphic rocks.
· M-type or mantle derived granites are those granites which are sourced from crystallized mafic magmas that are of unique kinds.
· A-type or anorogenic granites are formed above volcanic "hot spot" activity. The rhyolites of the Yellowstone caldera are examples of volcanic equivalents of A-type granite.


Granitization
Granitization states that - “granite is formed by extreme metasomatism of fluids bringing in elements like potassium and removing others like calcium to transform the metamorphic rock into granite”.
In-situ granitisation or melting by metamorphism is recognized where leucosome and melanosome textures are present in gneisses. In such cases the solid rock melting requires high temperature. At the same time essential presence of water as well as other volatiles serves to be a catalyst.

Ascent and emplacement
Geologists have debated the ascent and emplacement of granite bulk that occurs within the upper continental crust.
There are two major hypotheses for the ascent of magma through the crust:
1. Stokes Diapir
2. Fracture Propagation
The basic idea of the Stokes diapir hypotheses is that magma will rise through the crust as a single mass through buoyancy. With its ascent it heats the wall rocks. This causes it to behave as a power-law fluid. Nonetheless since rocks and the upper crust of the earth do not deform hence this with the passage of time cools and solidifies.

Nowadays fracture propagation is the mechanism preferred by many geologists as it largely eliminates the major problems of moving a huge mass of magma through cold brittle crust.

Mechanisms for emplacing large batholiths to make room for Granitic magma:

· Stoping - where the granite cracks the wall rocks and pushes upwards as it removes blocks of the overlying crust.
· Assimilation - where the granite melts its way up into the crust and removes overlying material in its way.
· Inflation - where the granite body inflates under pressure and is injected into position.