It may surprise you to learn that the two rooms that give you the greatest return on your investment when you remodel are your kitchen and bathrooms.

Remodeling these rooms, even if the project is minor, can return 100 percent of what you spend when it is time to sell your home.

If you are considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel and would like to add natural stone, there are some facts you need to know about different types of stone.

Granite countertops are, by far, the most popular option in natural stone countertops. Granite is extremely durable and resistant to scratches or stains. Granite must be sealed periodically, but as long as it is, it is resistant to mold and bacteria as well, making it the perfect cooking surface.

Granite can be cleaned easily with just mild soap and water. It is important not to use abrasive cleaners on granite as it can damage the surface. It is also recommended that you use cutting boards, not necessarily to protect the counters, but to avoid damaging your knives.

Quartz countertops are created when quartz, one of the hardest stones available, is combined with pigments and polymers to create an extremely hard surface. Engineered stone countertops are available in a wider range of colors as you are not limited to what can be created by Mother Nature.

Quartz counters never need to be sealed, making them virtually maintenance free. Because the stone is mixed with binding agents, they are not as heat resistant as quartz or other types of natural stone. It is also important to use cutting boards to keep from damaging the surface of engineered stone countertops.

Marble is a beautiful choice in natural stone. It looks rich, sophisticated and luxurious. Marble is also a cool stone, so it is perfect for working with pastry or dough. The fact that buildings that are centuries old still have beautiful marble accents is a testament to the durability of marble.

Marble is a softer stone than quartz or granite, so it does scratch more easily. Be sure to use cutting boards on the surface and never store decorative oil bottles on marble as they can discolor the surface. Always wipe spills of coffee, red wine or tomato sauces quickly as they can stain the surface. Like granite, marble must be sealed periodically.

For nearly 30 years, Marble Concepts has been providing beautiful stone options throughout the area. Our staff is highly skilled and will walk you through the entire process. We will take your concept, work with you through the design phase and install your natural stone quickly and efficiently. No matter what size the project is, it gets the same attention to detail. We use only the highest-quality stone from some of the best stone-producing areas of the world. This means you get a wide selection of high-quality stones at reasonable prices.

If you are considering natural stone for a remodeling project, call Marble Concepts today at 215-396-7393. You can also fill out the easy form online to reach a customer service representative who can guide you through the process.