Phoenix Stone Solutions' Portfolio | Raleigh, NC

Does Size Matter For Kitchens?

Does a kitchen have to be big to be beautiful? Can small kitchens satisfy? We think that beautiful kitchens come in all shapes and sizes! Here is what REALLY matters: 1. It's not the ...»

Commented on Feb 27, 2013
These photos are great...makes a good point!

Welsh Basement

Unfinished basement conversion that we turned into the ultimate lounge area

Commented on May 09, 2012
Great job, as usual!

Bathroom: Which is better for a bathroom counter, granite, marble, or cultured marble?

Commented on Apr 23, 2012
Steven, did you ever make a decision? I second the granite. We do all of it, but with as ...»
much liquid that is spilled in bathrooms, marble tends to etch pretty quickly. Still would seal it or have it sealed, but you won't have to stress about the etching!

Cleaning & Organization: How do I get a strawberry stain out of a granite countertop?

Commented on Apr 23, 2012
Mary, did you get your stain out?

Home Maintenance & Repairs: spilled paint stripper on my bathroom countertop left rough 'etching' marks. How can I repair it?

spot is rough feeling and definitely has gone into the countertop to make a ditch or bowl where it has eaten away the surface. The counter is marble with a thick clear coating.

Commented on Apr 23, 2012
did you put epoxy on your countertops? Please don't if you haven't already...I just saw this. ...»
Etching is a reaction to acid in your stone...it is just that, "etched". It needs to be buffed out, using industry specific products. Sometimes it is too deep to get out without sanding or buffing down too far...leaving a divot in your stone. This needs to be done by a professional. I want to stress that it is not a stain, so no amount of stain removing is going to fix it, since it is etched.

Cleaning & Organization: vinegar on granite

Two granite companies told me to use vinegar windex without amonia for daily cleaning.Two other contractors at the home show said NOT to use the vinegar windex because it would ...»

Commented on Apr 16, 2012
Hi again, Don! The Marble Institute of America does not have any cautions about using a ...»
mildly acidic cleaner on a siliceous stone (granite). However...if you have a temporary sealer (like the one you described for us this weekend), it will eventually eat through it. When it is sealed with Granite Shield, there are chemical bonds that are formed at the surface of the stone...we will use a carbon crystal (not to be confused with crystallization that is harmful to the stone). This bond cannot be "eaten through" with ammonia or vinegar. For now, I would stay away from vinegar and ammonia, simply because it will potentially eat through the sealer and leave the stone unprotected. It won't harm the stone, but acids also prime many materials for absorption. If anyone reading this has marble...our advice is different. Marble (not granite), contains calcite (Calcareous). It will etch when it comes in contact with acids. Hope this helps!! Enjoy your stone!

Counted 19 Monarch caterpillars as of this morning.

Commented on Apr 10, 2012
Beautiful.

These guys were god sent! We moved into our new house with a beautiful kitchen and wonderful white granite. The granite we chose was like a sponge, sucking in everything that spilled,the first week of living in the house was a nightmare. We were afraid to cook,heck spill water ...»

Commented on Apr 10, 2012
We appreciate the kind review! So glad you are enjoying the stone, knowing it won't stain ...»
again! Moonlight is a great color, but it is very porous...
Maybe we will see you both at the home show this weekend!

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Gutter downspouts: contrast or blend

Downspouts look nice when you don't see them. They are utilitarian and should be the color of the surrounding area, not breaking up the architectural lines of the house.