by aeb52298_admin | Oct 26, 2012 | Miscellaneous, Uncategorized
There is no doubt that everyone remembers the horrific events of 9/11. Like many Americans, the Italian Marble & Granite’s staff knew some of the employees in the towers. Many years ago we were given the opportunity to do work in the towers which we were very excited about.
Now 11 years later we are going back to the Trade Towers to help many people remember. Italian Marble & Granite is involved in fabricating a part of the 9/11 memorial. We are creating a circular table that is two slabs thick that will be placed in the memorial. A structural object from the original tower will then be placed on the table. Although this is not a lot of work, we could not be happier to be involved in this project.
by aeb52298_admin | Oct 18, 2012 | Tips, Uncategorized
There are an ever increasing amount of people trying to break into the granite industry, and they will all tell you they are the best. So how do you really know who is telling the truth? Here are some tips to looks for when deciding who should fabricate your counter tops.
- Cheapest does not mean it is the best. Usually there is a reason why they are cheaper.
- Do they explain the different characteristics of each stone to you. They should know which stones will work better outside, or will hold with less supports.
- You should check out other jobs to see their joints.- a seam or joint should be less than 1/16 and should blend in with the counter top
- Did they check for level-A good fabricator and installer will check your cabinets for levelness-if they are not level there is the ability for the granite to crack
- Did they match the direction of the grain and did the kitchen come from the same slab and lot.-Some fabricators will not match the direction of the “pattern” therefore they may clash. Also if more than one slab of granite is needed make sure they match, because the next lot may be slightly different.
- Is the bottom polished?-Many fabricators do not polish underneath the counter top, but they should because people could feel it.
- Do they “man up” to their mistakes. -Sometimes mistakes happen, but the way a company handles them can say a lot.
Hopefully these tips will help you find a high quality fabricator.
by aeb52298_admin | Oct 11, 2012 | Engineered Stones, Trends/ Opinions, Uncategorized
A stone that we just started selling within the last couple years is called Ice Stone. Ice Stone is a mixture between recycled glass and a cement composition. Recycling has become even more important within the last ten years, especially with the Green Movement.
What exactly does a recycled glass counter top look like? It looks a lot like CaesarStone, but has glass pieces throughout the stone. It comes in a variety of colors from reds, whites, and even blues. As one could imagine it does not look very natural. IceStone does not look like granite, but I do not think it is intended to. IceStone is good for people who are scared by the movement of granite and marble. Also, it is good for people who have a hard time knowing that every slab is different. IceStone, much like CaesarStone, is very consistent. What you see, is what you get. Whereas granites and marbles have variation in the slabs. Two slabs of marble may look different even if they are the same type.
IceStone has not been a huge trend here in Buffalo, New York. I am not sure if it due to lack of awareness, or if people prefer the natural stone. What do you think? Would you use it?
www.icestoneusa.com
by aeb52298_admin | Oct 2, 2012 | About
Usually I am posting about different stones and maintenance, but today I would like to take a moment and thank our customers and employees. We are very fortunate to be celebrating 25 years in business this week, and we have grown to where we are today with the help of our customers and employees.
Our company started in a small 3000 square foot facility on Transit Road in Elma with five full-time employees. By 1993, the company expanded to an 11,000 square foot facility with 10 employees. In 2006 Italian Marble and Granite, Inc. moved into its present facility in Clarence Center, New York, with over 20 employees and a 22,000 square foot facility. Some employees have been with the company for the entire 25 years in business.We have very loyal customers that come to us for every project, and we are very grateful for this. Our employees and customers make us who we are today and without them we would not be where we are today.
by aeb52298_admin | Sep 27, 2012 | Granite, Trends/ Opinions
The Africa Range granites is one of our favorite lines that we carry. The granites all have a lot of movement and great color. They can be used in basically any type of kitchen, office, fireplace, bar, and more! We love these! They are imported directly from Africa and we receiving shipments regularly. Which one is your favorite?
Madikwe
African Tapestry
African Ivory
