(NAPS)—Despite the economic downturn—or perhaps because of it—a new survey of American homeowners shows they overwhelmingly recognize the value, beauty, durability and safety of granite countertops.

The survey of 1,588 homeowners, conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of The Marble Institute, found that 76 percent of homeowners agree with the statement “Nothing beats the beauty and value of granite countertops” and 75 percent of homeowners who intend to remodel their kitchens in the next two years indicated they want granite countertops.

“The survey shows what our customers are telling us:  no matter what the economy looks like, homeowners recognize that granite countertops enhance the value of their homes,” said G.K. Naquin of Stone Interiors in Loxley, Alabama, whose company sells granite and other countertops. “Consumers who are remodeling their kitchens see granite countertops as a safe investment in their homes. They prefer this natural stone to other materials because they understand it pays for itself in terms of higher resale value.”

When asked to rate which countertop material most enhances the value of their homes, homeowners favored granite by more than a three-to-one margin over the second choice: solid surface materials, such as Corian®. Synthetic or manufactured stone products, such as Silestone®, were rated a more distant third by the homeowners.

By overwhelming margins, homeowners agreed with the following statements about the natural stone:

•93 percent said granite countertops are beautiful

•91 percent said granite countertops are durable

•89 percent said granite countertops are safe

And, 93 percent of homeowners who intend to remodel their kitchens in the next two years agreed that granite countertops are safe, reflecting the findings of several comprehensive scientific studies conducted during the past several years.

“Natural stone like granite has been used in homes for thousands of years and now that new technology has reduced the cost of producing and shipping it around the world, more homeowners are embracing the beauty, durability and safety of granite countertops,” said Gary Distelhorst, CEO of the Marble Institute of America, which commissioned the survey. “Independent consumer surveys have consistently shown that Americans love the natural look of granite and value it above other countertop products.”

The study showed consistent support for granite across regions of the country. Homeowners with college degrees and higher incomes voiced a slightly higher preference for granite countertops. Seventy four percent of college graduates and 75 percent of those with annual household incomes of $75,000 or greater indicated they want granite countertops for the next time they remodel their kitchens.

Homeowners with households of five people or larger were especially supportive of granite. Eighty seven percent of these respondents agreed with the statement, “The next time I remodel my kitchen, I want granite countertops.”

This is the second national consumer survey to show consumers prefer granite. A 2008 study showed 55 percent of consumers wanted granite countertops in their dream kitchens. The survey was also conducted by Harris between Oct. 7-9, 2008 of 2,021 U.S. adults aged 18 years and older.

The 2012 study focused exclusively on homeowners. It was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Marble Institute of America from January 5th-9th, 2012 among 2,541 adults ages 18 and older, 1,588 of whom were homeowners.

For further facts and advice about natural stone, visit  www.marble- institute.com.

- Debbie

Introduction to Natural Stone I

AIA Course Number: 01CE, 1.0 HSW LU

ASID, IDC, IDEC, IIDA Course Number: 5740, Subject Code: 5.0, 0.1 HSW CEU

ASLA Course Number: ASLA1, 1.0 HSW LU

• Obtain a better understanding of the various types of natural stone
• Learn about common quarrying techniques
• Gain knowledge about stone fabrication and finishing methods
• Explain stone testing and quality control methods

Introduction to Natural Stone II

AIA Course Number: 02CE, 1.0 HSW LU

ASID, IDC, IDEC, IIDA Course Number: 5731, Subject Code: 5.0, 0.1 General Knowledge CEU

ASLA Course Number: ASLA2, 1.0 HSW LU

• Explain stone testing and quality control methods
• Identify common applications of natural stone: exterior, interior, residential, & commercial
• Learn about walking surfaces (flooring, stairs, & thresholds) and vertical surfaces (adhered systems, anchored systems, & stone thickness)
• Explain common considerations needed for stone furniture and countertops

Genuine Stone: A Natural Choice for Sustainable Design

AIA Course Number: MIASD1, 1.0 LU HSW/SD

ASLA Course Number: MIASD1, 1.0 LU HSW/SD

ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA Course Number: 40071, Subject Code: 2.12, 0.1 Health & Safety CEU

• Recall several objectives of sustainable design
• Understand some characteristics of genuine stone and their relevance to sustainable design
• Identify ways to reduce environmental impacts when selecting and sourcing genuine stone
• Explain how genuine stone was used to support sustainable design goals, upon reviewing case study examples

Genuine Stone: the Natural Choice TOUR

AIA Course Number: 2009TL, 1.0 HSW LU

ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA Course Number: 5957, Subject Code: 5.0, 0.1 General Knowledge CEU

ASLA Course Number: ASLA3, 1.0 HSW LU

• Learn about the history of stone, modern day quarrying techniques, and stone’s durability, beauty and value
• Study and discuss landscape, interior and exterior use and application of natural stone
• Obtain information about integrating trims, caps, stoops, poolcopings, watertables, veneers, etc. into your designs
• Tour a working stone facility and view the equipment used to fabricate stone

To learn when the next classes will be held, go to our sister website for our Natural Stone Education Schedule.

If there was ever any doubt that natural stone is still the preferred countertop material for award-winning kitchens and baths, the list of finalists in a nationwide competition for kitchen and bath designers and their choices for stone should put that to rest. Among the twenty four projects selected as finalists for the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s annual design competition, almost 2/3 (62.5%) included natural stone for one or more of the countertop surfaces.  For kitchens alone, the number was 100%.  The finalists were selected from more than 500 entries from across the United States and Canada.

Eleven of the fifteen entries that used natural stone specified granite countertops, while three used marble alone or in combination with granite. Two designers specified natural quartzite in their kitchen entries. Materials used in the eight non-natural stone projects were: three solid surface, two each wood or engineered stone and one cast concrete. Countertop materials were not identified on the balance of the entries.

“These results again reinforce the inherent beauty, durability, functionality and safety of all types of natural stone in kitchen and bath environments. The fact that a majority of designers continue to make granite and other natural stones their first choice for kitchen and bath applications is extremely noteworthy,” said Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of the Marble Institute of America. “We congratulate all of the finalists, but obviously commend the finalists using natural stone for their selection of stone over other surface materials.”

Finalists in the NKBA competition were selected in nine categories, including small, medium, large and open plan kitchens, small, medium and large bathrooms, powder rooms and showrooms.

The NKBA praised the designers for their “inherent talent and practiced skill and with an appreciation reserved for fine art.” The winning designs will be announced at NKBA’s national kitchen and bath show (KBIS) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, April 26, 2011.

Design finalists were reported in the April 2011 issue of “Kitchen & Bath Design News.”

About the Marble Institute of America

For over 65 years the Marble Institute of America (MIA) has been the world’s leading information resource and advocate for the natural dimension stone industry. MIA members include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and other natural stone producers and quarriers, fabricators, installers, distributors, and contractors around the world.

Garen P. Distelhorst

Communications Director

Marble Institute of America

28901 Clemens Road, Suite 100

Cleveland, OH 44145

p: 440-250-9222  f: 440-250-9223

www.marble-institute.com

www.facebook.com/marbleinstitute

www.twitter.com/marbleinstitute

Contacts:

Garen Distelhorst

Marble Institute of America

(440) 250-9222

gpdistelhorst@marble-institute.com

• takes the time to thoroughly explain the characteristics of natural and engineered stone options
• provides a step-by-step explanation of the entire fabrication and installation process
• has a staff that is well-educated in all aspects of designing, fabricating and installing both natural and engineered stone
• is accredited by the Marble Institute of America (MIA)
• is a direct stone importer
• uses advanced technology like waterjet cutters and in-line polishing machines
• has relationships with a range of subcontractors, like plumbers and tile setters, to facilitate the entire project

Expert Stone Fabricators and Installers

Natural Stone Designs, Inc. takes the time to provide not only a comprehensive review of the distinct characteristics of natural and engineered stone options available but also a step-by-step explanation of the entire fabrication and installation process. Our team of stone experts includes sales staff, in-house interior designer, and fabricators with over 130 years combined experience will set your mind at ease and earn your trust as the only Marble Institute of America (MIA) Accredited Fabricator in the state of Oregon.

Direct Stone Importer

As direct importers, Natural Stone Designs Inc. hand-picks the most beautiful, exotic stones from quarries around the world, which allows you a broad selection of unique, gorgeous stone. We always offer free quotations on stone fabrication and installation. Once you have chosen the perfect stone for your custom project, Natural Stone Designs’ quality focused production team, using the most advanced digital measuring systems, in conjunction with, our state-of-the-art waterjet cutting technology and in-line polishing machines, will begin your project. You can be assured of the most accurate installation possible with our advanced digital system.

Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Our commitment to customer satisfaction does not stop at stone installation. With over 20 years of commitment to customer satisfaction, we have partnered with equally dedicated, locally-licensed contractors to complete your entire project. From arranging plumbing and appliance connections to custom backsplashes and flooring by quality tile setters, Natural Stone Designs, Inc. will help see your project through to completion; view a few examples of stone countertop projects that we’ve completed recently. Visit our showroom of limitless possibilities, meet our designer and take a tour of our fabrication operation to see exactly how our adherence to MIA’s code of ethics earned Natural Stone Designs, Inc. the distinction of being Oregon’s only Accredited Fabricator.

Marble Institute of America Code of Ethics for Accredited Companies

As a stone fabricator accredited by the Marble Institute of America, Natural Stone Designs, Inc. pledge adherence to the following principles and policies:

• Our primary objective is a satisfied and happy customer, be it a homeowner, a building owner, or a design professional.
• We will maintain and conduct business in accordance with fair and honorable standards of competition.
• Honesty, integrity, quality, and professionalism guide our firm’s business philosophy.
• High standards of health, safety, and product quality will be incorporated into every installation.
• We shall deal fairly with customers, as well as with our employees, our subcontractors, and our suppliers.
• We encourage research to develop new materials, techniques, tools, and equipment, as well as improved methods of stone fabrication and installation.
• We pledge to assist in the education and product knowledge of our firm’s clients and customers (builders, kitchen & bath dealers, architects, designers, and homeowners) before, during, and after installation.
• We shall strive to promote a spirit of cooperation within the industry.

We assume these responsibilities freely and solemnly, mindful that they are continuing conditions to, and part of our obligation as an accredited company.