How can Onyx give my home the WOW factor? by G& L Marble

One of the most exciting stones on the market today is onyx. It doesn’t seem to matter which color, or the application, for which onyx is chosen, people’s initial reaction to onyx is usually “wow”. Onyx in Knoxville

Installation ideas such as back-lit bar tops are stunning.  Because onyx is often translucent, back lighting accentuates the colors (often multi-colored in layers like agate) and the veining (plentiful, and bold). Installations of onyx should be focused on low traffic areas.  It typically is a very soft material (scratches easily), and because of its heave veining and different bands of colors it is known to be very fragile and often times will crack through the veins.  Onyx in Savannah

Vanities, tub decks, and fireplaces are common installation to “dress-up” with onyx and add character to rooms that are often times ordinary.  Because onyx is soft, it is not recommended in high traffic area, however, ornamental functional pieces such as sconces, wall clocks and cocktail tables made of onyx are a beautiful accent to any room because they can be “back-lit.” Onyx in Birmingham

 The popularity of onyx has grown so much that it has spawned a new product line to enhance the already existing line of slabs and tiles.  Moldings, trim pieces and mosaics are being produced in finished that are polished, honed, tumbled and brushed.  Onyx in DestinWith additional accents such as chairails, pencil molding, mosaics mounted on mesh backings, and 4x4 tumbled pieces, onyx has become the designers dream.  The multitude of colors and finished available allow our imaginations and applications to grow into ideas that are unique and timeless. Onyx in Jacksonville

Onyx is unique unto itself, unlike most stones; two pieces that are cut side by side from the same block often do not resemble each other.  But, because of the many colors and veins characteristic of onyx, it is not necessary that each piece look the same.  This is part of the exciting feel that radiates when onyx is displayed in its natural, random form. Onyx in HighPoint

Onyx marble with its many colors, shapes and applications is a fun and exiting product that has number our possibilities.  Many more factories are supplying onyx and evolving technology is allowing the onyx product like to expand and produce a more sound product.  The use of onyx in the proper setting is the perfect option for an unusual and beautiful stone. 

Onyx in Atlanta Call G& L Marble at 404-592-5597

 

NATURAL STONE SINKS turn a very utilitarian object-the sink- into a piece of art.

Natural stone is already known as a classic material for use on the countertops of today’s kitchens and bathrooms.  Now natural stone is turning a very utilitarian object-the sink- into a piece of art.

The new stone sinks that are available on the market are not really “new” at all.  Stones had been used for sinks for hundreds of years.  So why has the stone sink be recently re-discovered? Stone Sinks in HighPoint

First and foremost, stone sinks are used for aesthetic reason.  Homeowners are often drawn to the seamless look of a sink that blends with the rest of the countertop.  In order to meet the demand for this look, more and more stone fabricators are creating sinks of the same granite that has been crafted into countertops.  Stone Sinks in Jacksonville

Beyond the aesthetics of stone sinks there are also practical benefits.  Sinks that are created from stone slabs have unmatched flexibility of size.  The sink can be fabricated to a custom dimension that suites the design of the space.  This means that the kitchen or bath design does not have to be limited to accommodate the standard sink sized that most sink manufacturers offer. Stone Sinks in Birmingham

In addition to flexibility of size, stone sinks also boast the ability to add custom features.  Drain boards can be carved into the countertop, which enables liquid to flow directly into the sink.  Custom depths can be created.  The number of dividers in the sink can be altered, so a sink can be long and trough-like or divided into separate sections.  The sinks can also be customized to accommodate a cutting board that fits over the sink.  Custom faucetry can be worked into the stone sink design simply by drilling a hole into the sink to accommodate the faucet.  Stone sinks can be installed as “undermount” sink or can feature a traditional apron front.  Stone Sinks in Savannah

The popular “vessel” sink is being interpreted using natural stoned including granite, marble, limestone, travertine, onyx and soapstone.  Along with the many stone options now available, there are also several options for how to install vessel sinks.  The sink can be set into the countertop so that only a small amount of the top edge of the sink is visible.  Or it can “sit” on top of the countertop to show off the entire bowl-shape of the vessel.  The vessel can also hang from brackets on the wall to accommodate wall-mounted faucetry.  A stone vessel sink can be placed on a stone pedestal, making it an option to replace the traditional porcelain pedestal sink. Stone Sinks in Knoxville

Natural stone sinks combine flexibility in size, shape and color with the strength and beauty that has made stone countertops a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Stone Sinks in Destin

The intrinsic beauty of a stone sink is enhanced by the fact that no two sinks will ever be exactly alike.  This fact alone makes selecting a stone sink an artful, natural choice.  Stone Sinks in Atlanta

 

What to look for in choosing a Backsplash for your new Granite Countertops

What exactly, is a backsplash? The purpose of a backsplash first and foremost is a practical one. The backsplash acts as a protective barrier that shields the wall’s surface against the splatter of cooking and the water that splashes while washing dishes. Depending on the layout of the cabinetry, the backsplash area on average comprises between 5-20% of the visible wall area in a kitchen. Typically only 18” high, the backsplash is the perfect space to showcase more costly accent pieces and specialty tiles in small quantities without breaking the bank. Backsplashes in HighPoint

 Selecting materials that complement each other and blend well is imperative for a successful backsplash design. Because natural stone has become such a prevalent choice for countertops, natural stone is a very popular choice for backsplashes as well. Backsplashes in Jacksonville

Regardless of your taste, there is a vast array of color, texture and sizes of natural stone that all function beautifully in a backsplash application. As is the case with all natural stone, the backsplash should be sealed with an impregnating sealer to ensure ease of maintenance. Backsplashes in Birmingham

 Recently accent pieces have become available that blend well with natural stone, yet add a punch of color or contrast to the space. Glass mosaics, metals in various colors and finishes, and decorative ceramics are often paired with natural stone. Backsplashes in Destin The granite that is used as the countertop can be introduced to the backsplash by using granite tiles of the same color, or by having accent pieces fabricated out of the slab material. If the decorative aspects of a patterned backsplash are not for you, the countertop material itself can be installed vertically, continuing the line of the stone from the countertop up the wall for a clean, cohesive look. Backsplashes in Savannah

 The most important part of designing a backsplash is to realize that while it does have an impact on the overall look, it is best to leave the backsplash decision as one of the last decisions to make in designing a kitchen. The cabinetry and countertop materials represent a much greater investment and are visually more substantial. Backsplashes in Knoxville The backsplash is one of the last design elements to be installed. Waiting until the cabinetry and countertops are installed prior to making a final decision on the backsplash give you one last opportunity to alter the look of the kitchen if you need to. For example, if you are concerned that the kitchen is looking darker than you thought it would, a light backsplash can brighten up the deep hues.

A backsplash can bring together all the elements of your kitchen. It can help to blend the colors, textures and patterns of the floor, cabinetry and countertops.  It is also an opportunity to personalize your home and set it apart from the other kitchens in the neighborhood. With some creativity, the walls in your kitchen will not only be protected from splatters, they will become an attractive addition to your overall kitchen design. Backsplashes in Atlanta

 

G and L Marble Advice: The uses of Natural Stone in commercial endeavors

When you read about the uses of natural stone, the main focus has been on the residential usage of stone. We would like to take this opportunity to feature some of the many commercial uses of natural stone. If you take a moment to notice, natural stone is being used everywhere. It is all around you. From your local shopping mall, in the office building where you work, at your favorite restaurant or even in your neighborhood bank, these materials are beautiful and timeless. Have you ever wondered how these stones manage to get into all of these buildings? Limestone in Knoxville

Here's how the process works. In a commercial setting there are typically five groups of people involved in the process: The owner/client, the architect/designer, the general contractor, the sub-contractor and the supplier. All parties play an integral part in the selection and installation of the stone. 

When the owner hires an architectural firm to design a building, the owner is then considered to be the client. The client will give the architect his ideas and preferences for the project and the architect will plan the design and layout of the structure based on these ideas. Before the design has been completed, the client and architect usually have an idea of the basic material they would like to use in the building. The architect will then work in conjunction with either their in-house design department or an independent design firm on selecting the interior finishes. The interior color palette of the building is n selected for approval by the client. Limestone in Savannah

Once the color palette for the project has been approved, the supplier of the natural stone begins their involvement in the process. The architect/designer will either visit their local G & L Marble showroom or contact their architectural representative to select stone samples that will help bring the decided upon color palette to life. Having the resources to supply tiles, slabs and custom cut-to-size material allows G&L Marble Limestone in Atlanta to assist the architect and their client with many options. Because natural stone is imported from all over the world, it is not unusual for the stone on one project to come from as many as ten different countries. When all decisions have been finalized with regard to color, size and finish, the stone is now considered to be specified for the building. Limestone in Birmingham

Once the final plans are drawn and approved, the project will then go out for bid. The initial bidding process involves the selection of the general contractor. The general contracting company is responsible for all aspects of construction. From grading to granite, it is now their job to build the building. A second bid will involve the sub-contractor/stone contractor. Limestone in DestinThey will bid their portion of the work back to the general contractor. The sub-contractor/stone contractor that is awarded the job has the responsibility of measuring, purchasing and installing all of the specified stones. At this point he places the purchase order with G&L for the material needed to complete the project. Once the order has been placed, the international factories are notified of the order and the cutting of the stone begins. Upon completion of the order, the cut stone is shipped via ocean container to the United States. Limestone in Jacksonville

From start to finish, most commercial jobs take anywhere from 12-18 months to complete. Projects that are in the process of being specified today will not be ready for the actual stone for at least a year or more. So the next time you notice the various types of stone that you come into contact with everyday, consider the process involved and you will appreciate the beauty and performance of the finished product even more. Limestone in HighPoint

 

U.S. based supplier, quarrier and distributor of granite, travertine and other natural stone slabs, launches "Granite Countertop Birmingham"

Granite Countertop Birmingham is launched by G&L Marble

 

G&L Marble announces the release of new Granite Countertop marketing campaign and website in Birmingham, Alabama

 

G&L Marble, a U.S. based supplier, quarrier and distributor of granite, travertine  and other natural stone slabs, announced today the launching of the “Granite Countertop Birmingham” marketing campaign. G&L Marble is a privately owned operation located in Winston, Georgia and currently has 90,000 square feet of warehouse space that stocks granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate and onyx imported from all over the globe. Travertine in Knoxville

With the focus on service and selection, Granite Countertop Birmingham by G&L Marble delivers the finest in natural stone for granite kitchen counters throughout Birmingham and Alabama with over two hundred varieties of granites in stock. Travertine in Birmingham

The showroom is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and is stocked with many sample slabs on display which can be viewed and immediately reserved by the customer for purchase by the fabricator of their choice. In addition to kitchen counters, the Granite Countertop Birmingham showroom has on display a variety of tiles, mosaics, and trim pieces to compliment walls, bath, or any existing or on-going project. Travertine in High Point

The Granite Countertop Birmingham campaign is a multimedia operation that will include ad placements in various media, supported by online promotions including Blogs, articles and other online strategies to market their granite countertops. 

The website, www.granitecountertopbirmingham.com is an interactive web portal that makes it easy for consumers and businesses to learn about the many options available for granite and natural stone countertops in Birmingham, Alabama. The site informs and promotes in regard to the ever-changing styles, colors, finishes, and sizes of granite and stone available. The site links directly to the G&L Marble inventory at www.GLMarble.com where visitors can search the actual company database. The site also focuses on promoting to the Birmingham and Alabama granite marketplace how the wide variety of granite offered will give unmatched and unique qualities to their kitchens and bathrooms. The campaign shows how the granite is quarried directly from the earth and how its extreme hardness and mirror like finish make it ideal for countertops and home improvements. Travertine in Savannah

The site and campaign are managed by Panorama Press, a marketing firm specializing in strategy, sponsorships and web development. “The primary objective of the Granite Countertop Birmingham campaign is to inform the public and businesses in Birmingham and throughout Alabama that the showroom in Birmingham is stocked with a vast array of natural stone including travertine, limestone, marble and granite,” said Manuel Enrique “Quique” Lopez, spokesman for Panorama Press. “We want the consumer to know that the showroom has on display a large variety of slabs, tiles, mosaics, and trim pieces for kitchen counters, walls, backsplashes and bathroom counters for all your natural stone design needs.” Travertine in Destin

In addition to their Winston, Georgia warehouse and distribution facility, G&L Marble has nine U.S. based showrooms located in: Atlanta, Alpharetta and Savannah, GA; Destin and Jacksonville, FL; High Point and Raleigh, NC; Birmingham, AL and Knoxville, TN.

G&L Marble owns and operates nine granite quarries in Namibia, Africa, along with a processing factory in South Africa. The quarries produce approximately 25 color selections that are processed into slabs and tiles at various factories and distributed throughout the United States, South Africa, and Europe. Travertine in Atlanta

The Granite Countertop Birmingham showroom is located at 4500 Fifth Avenue South, Bldg. G, Birmingham, Alabama  35222. For additional information, go to www.granitecountertopbirmingham.com, email to info@granitecountertopbirmingham.com, or call 205-588-4282. Travertine in Jacksonville

 

G&L Marble announces the release of new Granite Countertop Jacksonville marketing campaign and website in Jacksonville, Florida

Granite Countertop Jacksonville is launched by G&L Marble

G&L Marble, a U.S. based supplier, quarrier and distributor of granite and other natural stone slabs, announced today the launch of the “Granite Countertop Jacksonville” marketing campaign. G&L Marble is a privately owned operation located in Winston, Georgia and currently has 90,000 square feet of warehouse space that stocks granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate and onyx imported from all over the globe.

With the focus on service and selection, Granite Countertop Jacksonville by G&L Marble delivers the finest in natural stone for granite kitchen counters throughout Jacksonville and Florida with over two-hundred varieties of granite in stock.

The showroom is located in Jacksonville, Florida, and is stocked with many sample slabs on display which can be viewed and immediately reserved by the customer for purchase by the fabricator of their choice. In addition to kitchen counters, the Granite Countertop Jacksonville showroom has on display a variety of tiles, mosaics, and trim pieces to compliment walls, bath, or any existing or on-going project. Kitchen Counters in Atlanta

The “Granite Countertop Jacksonville” campaign is a multimedia operation which includes ad placements in various media, supported by online promotions including Blogs, articles, and other online strategies to market the granite countertops and slabs. Kitchen Counters in Destin

The website, www.granitecountertopjacksonville.com is an interactive web portal that makes it easy for consumers and businesses to learn about the many options available for granite and natural stone countertops in Jacksonville, Florida. The site informs and promotes in regard to the ever-changing styles, colors, finishes, and sizes of granite and stone available. The site links directly to the G&L Marble inventory at www.GLMarble.com where visitors can search the company database and full inventory. The site also focuses on promoting to the Jacksonville and Florida granite marketplace how the wide variety of granite offerings gives unmatched and unique qualities to kitchens and bathrooms. The campaign shows how the granite is quarried directly from the earth and how its extreme hardness and mirror like finish make it ideal for countertops and natural stone home improvement projects. Kitchen Counters in Knoxville

The site and campaign are managed by Panorama Press, a marketing firm specializing in strategy, sponsorships and web development. “The primary objective of the Granite Countertop Jacksonville campaign is to inform the public and businesses in Jacksonville and throughout Florida that this G&L showroom in Jacksonville is stocked with a vast array of natural stone including travertine, limestone, marble and granite,” said Manuel Enrique “Quique” Lopez, spokesman for Panorama Press. “We want the Jacksonville and Florida area web consumer to know that the Jacksonville showroom has on display a large variety of slabs, tiles, mosaics, and trim pieces for kitchen counters, walls, backsplashes and bathroom counters for all your natural stone design needs.” Kitchen Counters in Savannah

In addition to their Winston, Georgia warehouse and distribution facility, G&L Marble has nine U.S. based showrooms located in: Atlanta, Alpharetta and Savannah, GA; Destin and Jacksonville, FL; High Point and Raleigh, NC; Birmingham, AL and Knoxville, TN. Kitchen Counters in Birmingham

G&L Marble owns and operates nine granite quarries in Namibia, Africa, along with a processing factory in South Africa. The quarries produce approximately 25 color selections that are processed into slabs and tiles at various factories and distributed throughout the United States, South Africa, and Europe. Kitchen Counters in High Point

The G&L Marble showroom in Jacksonville is located at 9410 Florida Mining Blvd East, Jacksonville, Florida  32257. For additional information, go to www.granitecountertopjacksonville.com, email to info@granitecountertopjacksonville.com, or call 904-746-4343. Kitchen Counters in Jacksonville

 

What is the relationship between Natural STONE, countertops AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Natural STONE, countertops AND THE ENVIRONMENT

 Most formations of stone are huge batholiths (large mass of intrusive igneous rock believed to have solidified deep within the earth). Quarry locations are tiny in comparison to the size of these formations. Natural Stone Counters Destin

   However, the Namibian Desert has an almost mystical landscape. There are giant dunes, vistas of rocky hills and dry riverbeds frequented by ostriches and springhok. To preserve the beauty of the desert, quarrying sites are limited to designated areas. Prior to the start of any quarrying activities, an environmental plan must be submitted and approved by the Ministry of Mines. The plan must define the procedures of quarrying that will best protect and minimize our presence in the desert. The quarries are continually monitored to ensure procedures are being followed, and to determine where and how they can be improved upon. The Africa Range is presently working to become ISO rated for its environmental standards. A strong commitment to minimizing environmental impact and working closely with the government of Namibia will ensure a continued supply of The Africa Range. Though it is definitely not a renewable resource, the high percentage of usable material removed from natural stone quarries limits the impact on our environment. Natural Stone Counters Jacksonville

 Unike most quarried or mined materials being removed from our earth, natural stone has a relatively low impact on our environment. The extraction process does not require the use of any chemicals. Only water is used at quarry sites to cool and lubricate diamond abrasives to cut the stone. Natural stone quarries do not produce toxic waste piles which can pollute the surrounding environment. Natural Stone Counters Savannah

 Because of the low impact that quarrying natural stone has on our environment, it has become one of many products that are used in projects that obtain LEED certification.  LEED, a voluntary program established by the U.S. Green Building Council, sets environmentally friendly construction guidelines for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Natural Stone Counters Savannah

 All manufactured or processed materials we use in our homes adversely affect our global and local environments. The best we can do is to choose products which have the least detrimental affects on our surroundings. Natural stone is the natural choice. Granite Countertops in Alpharetta

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