More Countertops CONTRACTORS

Publish by: Tutto Marmo Inc


Step 1: Blot up spills immediately, before they penetrate the surface.

Step 2: Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available in hardware stores or from a stone dealer), or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.

Step 3: Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the granite. Rinse after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Step 4: Remove a stain on granite, basing the method on the type of stain. Mix a cup of flour, 1–2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight.

Step 5: Scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse. If the stain is oil-based (e.g. grease, oil, milk), use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid–or try ammonia on it.

Step 6: Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for an organic stain (e.g. coffee, tea, fruit).

Step 7: Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone. On light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide to these stains. This also works for wine stains.

Step 8: Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.

Step 9: Paste a mix of molding plaster and water over an oil-based or fat-based stain. Mold it into a bird's-nest shape and allow to stand for 3 hours. Remove and rinse.

Step 10: Reseal the countertop every year or two years. Check with the installer for recommendations. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas.

Step 11: Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.

Step 12: Call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

Tips & Warnings:

• Ask a professional to remove or repair a scratch in granite.
• Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface.
• Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that could scratch the surface.
• Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Strong detergents or corrosive liquids can dull the polished marble/granite surface and should not be used.
• Don't use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers, scouring powders, or 'soft' cleansers.
• Do not mix cleaning products such as ammonia and bleach together–the result is toxic.

Publish by: Tutto Marmo Inc

Step 1: Wipe down marble surfaces with a damp rag and buff dry with a chamois for routine weekly cleaning.

Step 2: Use a neutral, non abrasive cleaner (such as acetone, hydrogen peroxide or clear ammonia) for tough stains.

Step 3:Apply the cleaner with a cloth and buff dry.

Step 4: After cleaning, polish marble surfaces using a marble polish containing tin oxide.

Step 5: Protect marble floors with a stone sealer, and use standard non abrasive floor cleaners to clean them.

Step 6: Place coasters under glasses and put plastic under cosmetics on marble surfaces. Use rugs to cover marble floors.

Step 7: Refer scratches of any depth to a professional.

Tips & Warnings:

• Powdered cleansers will scratch or damage marble.
• Even weak acids–vinegar, wine, orange juice, cola–can damage marble. Mop up spills immediately and rinse with water.

Publish by: Tutto Marmo Inc


Our mission is to provide Quality, Selection, Efficiency and Customer Service.

No one has a better selection of in-stock natural stone than Tutto Marmo. With over 250 types of stones and literally thousands of slabs to choose from, Tutto Marmo is the only source you need. With a 40,000-sq-ft in door showroom you’ll find quality and selection with outstanding service.

Tutto Marmo can help make certain your stone choices fit all aspects—and all areas—of your life. From rare exotic stones to sophisticated granites…to unconventional limestone, slate, and travertine…to traditional marble used in untraditional ways, the choices and selection are awe-inspiring.

Whether you bring your own personal design professional or let our staff guide you, be assured that the stone you need for your home of tomorrow is today at Tutto Marmo!

How to Install and Repair Kitchen Countertops – San Diego Home Service

The installation and repair of kitchen countertops is a complex process, as the countertops are often made out of huge slabs of stone that cannot be disassembled to make them easier to install. In addition, the kitchen countertops often weigh many dozens of pounds, and they are very fragile. They must be securely installed to ensure that they won’t shift and be destroyed, and the various materials used for kitchen countertops must be handled correctly in order to be certain that they will last as long as possible. The installation is only the first step, but the repair of damaged countertops is often the must more complicated aspect of the service.

Some of the secondary services provided by countertop installation and repair professionals include: the transportation of the countertops, the installation of the cabinets and counters to be covered by the countertops, and replacement of completely damaged countertops.

Countertop Repair and Installation Tools and Materials Used

The materials used for the installation and repair of countertops are many. There are many wooden countertops that are used for lower end counters, and some types of wood used for these countertops include maple, oak, or teak. Most upscale countertops are made with marble, granite, or another form of stone. Ceramic countertops are also used, though the tiles are usually laid onto a concrete surface.  Laminates are usually used for prefabricated counters, and they are adhered to a wooden counter to provide a protective surface.

Some of the tools used for the installation and repair of countertops include:

• Stone mason tools
• Drills and screws
• Hammers and nails
• Staples
• Tiling tools (tiling float, tiling cement, and grout)
• Cement mixing tools for concrete counters
• Sandpaper
• Varnish
• Kitchen countertop slabs

These are only a few tools of the trade, as each countertop installation and repair job requires a different set of tools.

The kitchen countertop installation is usually the simplest aspect of the job. Most professionals will help homeowners choose the countertops that they feel will complement their kitchen décor best, and the countertops are then transported to the home to be installed. Once the kitchen countertop is placed correctly, it is fastened to the counter and left alone.

The repair aspect, however, is much more complex, as many countertops are complicated to repair. Wooden counters are easy to repair, as the wood can simply be sanded or planed down until all of the scratches and stains have been removed. Granite and marble counters will be much more difficult to repair, though it can be done. Laminate countertops may need to be replaced or refinished.

Things You Need to Know About

It is important to select the right material for the kitchen countertop that is being installed, and the professional countertop installation and repair professional will usually help the homeowner choose the right one.

The average hardwood counter made from oak or maple will usually be cheaper and easier to install, as well as easier to repair. However, it is also much more easily damaged, and it likely to be in need of repair far faster than many other counters. The wood can easily be scratched by knives or burned by hot pots, so it is important to keep that in mind.

Natural stone counters made from granite, quartz, or marble are the most expensive countertops, as the cost of the stone is quite high. They are usually used only in elegant kitchens, but they are also the least likely to be destroyed. It takes a good deal of effort to chip or crack the natural stone, and thus they will be the most durable.

Those that want a mid-range countertop may want to consider a tiled counter. The counters are made from slabs of concrete, and a layer of tiles is laid on top of the concrete slab to make an elegant finish. Wood laminates are also excellent for providing an appearance of elegance, but without the cost. Tile counters are much harder to damage, and they are fairly easy to repair. Laminate counters can easily be refinished, as the layer of laminate can simply be removed and a new layer installed.

What Licenses are Required?

In order to work as a countertop installation and repair professional, a general building (B) license is required. A plumbing license (C-36) may also be required in certain instances, as well as a concrete (C-8) license if the countertop is to be made with a slab of concrete that must be constructed by the contractor.

What You Need to Know About Countertops

Countertops are one of the most essential items in the kitchen area because they are used on a daily basis. Countertops are flat surfaces that cover counters, cupboards and shelves. They are usually made from plywood or particleboard with a laminated top surface. Higher end countertops are made from granite or tile, which can add significant value to a house. Other types include quartz countertops, laminate countertops, glass countertops, copper countertops, and stainless steel countertops. Countertop installation on the underlying cabinets is an important part of the physical makeup of the kitchen work area.

Granite countertops are among the most popular because of the look they provide to the kitchen as workspace and its long-lasting quality. Natural stone such as granite, soapstone and marble are also known as dimension stones because they have a greater depth to the appearance of the surface. They also are more expensive then countertops. The cost of the stone itself and the amount of work in preparation before and during the installation process is what drives the price up for homeowners.

How to Create Countertops

Special saws and grinders are used to cut and shape the edges of granite countertops. Countertops used in the bathroom areas can be matched with the tile of a shower or flooring to produce a uniform look. 

The thickness of professionally installed granite countertops usually ranges from one-half inch thick to one and one half inch in thickness. Most of the natural stone is cut and processed at the site where it was quarried and then shipped to the location to be installed.

The most important part of having countertops installed in a new or existing kitchen is to take the time to make certain that granite is what you really want. It is important to figure out what will work best for your budget and lifestyle. A professional countertop contractor will be able to inform you on the best types and thickness of granite for your needs and home style.

There are a variety of sources of granite with colors ranging from dark to light; it depends on the geographical location the granite comes from. A good piece of granite may cost several hundred dollars at the very least, check out the prices and options that are available for your kitchen countertop. A blending of styles and colors of granite can often be the special touch needed for the whole room.

Qualifications for Installing Countertops

The best installers of granite countertops are licensed, insured and bonded. Look for a company that has more than one or two years experience in installing countertops. Granite installation is costly and it is important to make certain that the work being done will be guaranteed and correctly installed.

Publish by: Encinitas Tile and Stone

Ceramic Tile & Porcelain
At Encinitas Tile & Stone we offer only the finest ceramic and porcelain tiles available. Our wide distributor base, such as Walker Zanger, Tile Shop, Jeffery Court , Avalon, Sierra, Bedrosians and many more ensures you have endless options of in-stock product.

Travertine
We have been working hard to establish relationships with the finest Stone quarries in the world to bring you quality stone at the most competitive price. We import our stone direct from Turkey and have plenty of in-stock travertine, liners, moldings and mosaics to meet your needs.

Slate
Our unique slate selection comes from the most exotic parts of the world including India , Africa , China and Indonesia . Our most discerning clients are always satisfied with the Encinitas Tile slate selection.

Marble & Granites
We offer top quality marble and granite. Whether polished, honed, tumbled or custom mounted our material is sure to add beauty to your home. Our vendors are reliable and well known within the industry, allowing us to sell with confidence.

Mosaics and Medallions
These are custom made from Granite, Marble, Stone, Slate, and/or Glass and will certainly be a stunning addition to your floors and kitchen backslash.

Glass Tile
Glass Tile’s are a sure way to add elegance and value to your home. We carry Glass Tile from Walker Zanger Tile Shop, A.K.D.O, Bisazza, Sonoma, and Villi Glass. Our suppliers work hard to keep up with this high demand product allowing us to fill your orders with ease.

Publish by: Encinitas Tile and Stone

Encinitas Tile and Stone opened for business in Encinitas in 1982 under the name of Encinitas Tile Supply. The store was opened by a local tile contractor who wanted to shorten his time picking up tile and related products from San Diego. He also believed that this area would grow enough to require a complete tile store. This was the beginnings of what is today one of San Diego’s largest tile and stone business.

The first Encinitas Tile and Stone location was on Westlake Street as it is today. The original building’s rent was increased so we moved just up the hill into a smaller location waiting for our present location to be vacated by the Reader printing press. In 1984 we started the remodel which was completed in December 1985. We never thought we would outgrow such a large building.

As the call for different products and styles became apparent we kept expanding the selection. Stone, because of its multiple uses, became an increasing need for our customers. We started importing directly from the quarries in order to provide our customers with the best selection and prices.

The subsequent growth of Encinitas Tile and Stone has been amazing. We have grown from just 5 to now over 15 employees. We pride ourselves in training the best people with the desire to care for the customer and understand their tile and stone needs.

In January 1999, we opened our slab division, which is located across the driveway from our main location. The slab division has over 1,000 different stones for every possible taste in color and look to fulfill the requirement to hard surface any area.

Encinitas Tile and Stone is proud to welcome you to our website and looks forward to seeing you at one of our locations.