Keep it Shining: Top Maintenance Tips for Stone Countertops

Choosing natural or engineered stone for your home. Caring for stone countertops involves regular cleaning, occasional sealing, and immediate attention to spills. Here is some practical advice on maintaining different types of stone countertops to ensure their longevity and beauty: 1. Granite Countertops: Cleaning: Clean daily with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild […]

Learn how to find a Good kitchen Countertop Installer

Do your homework – Research Qualifications & Experience Recognizing a good kitchen countertop installer from a bad one is crucial for ensuring that your new countertop is installed correctly, efficiently, and lasts for years. ESF recently encounter a competitive countertop installer that  left the customer highly dissatisfied and in need of a reputable installer that […]

How to choose the perfect sink for your kitchen or bath countertop

Smart sink choices for new stone countertops Choosing the perfect sink for a stone kitchen or bathroom countertop is a blend of functionality, style, and durability considerations. The beauty of stone countertops, whether it’s granite, marble, quartz, or any other type, demands a sink that complements and enhances that elegance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to […]

Accent your New Kitchen with Multiple Stone Countertop Combinations

A recent new home installation by ESF featured both natural and engineered stone products for both the kitchen and living room. The homeowner chose Indian Black Pearl Granite for the island to help accent the kitchen. The countertop perimeter and backsplashes were done in MetroQuartz Luce Lumin. This is an engineered stone. The MQ Luce […]

Benefits of Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock composed of talc, quartz, and various other minerals, created when the subduction of tectonic plates causes a dramatic shift in heat and pressure. Most of the soapstone used today comes from India, China, or Brazil. Soapstone, however, has also been found in the United States, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, England, […]

Fabrication Automation Achieves Stone Countertop Perfection

The beautiful stone countertop that you install in your kitchen or bathroom undergoes an extensive process of fabrication automation at ESF. You will get the most from your countertop for years to come because of this process and attention to detail. ESF transitioned from manual fabrication to fabrication automation in 2014. They have grown this […]

The ESF Installation Truck – Branding on Wheels

Remodeling projects often involve new countertops and cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms. The US economy remains strong for countertop businesses and Elite Stone and Kitchens by Design are no exception. ESF trucks are a familiar site in northeast Iowa. with their distinctive logo and eye-catching wrap around graphics. Rickard Sign & Design located in Lisbon, […]

Granite & Marble – Elegant Natural Stone

The Amazing Qualities of Granite & Marble Granite and marble occur naturally from magmatic rock formed in the Earth’s crust. It’s a slow solidification process that takes place over millions of years. Each slab possesses a unique natural beauty. Natural stone has been utilized by architects throughout the ages and is a popular choice among […]

Learn Why Quartz may be ideal for Your New Kitchen Countertops

Quartz Characteristics What is quartz?  Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral, one of the hardest and most common minerals on Earth. For countertops, quartz crystals are mined and then ground into a powder to make up approximately 93% of the material used in quartz countertops. How are quartz countertops made?  While specific manufacturing procedures may […]

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