Kim Belisle
Co-owner, Belisle Granite Countertops
By Pamme Boutselis
NH Mirror Contributor
The Belisle family has made the natural stone industry a way of life.
For more than 100 years, Belisles have been known for their granite fabrication. The fourth generation, Kim and Brett Belisle, took a different course, delving instead into the stylized world of granite countertops.
NH Mirror/Pamme Boutselis
The couple opened Belisle Granite Countertops in Hooksett 10 years ago, with Kim taking on the role of full-time showroom manager.
Kim, 40, especially loves being able to help customers in their selections.
“I know when they leave they will have all of their questions answered,” Kim said.
While many of their customers know exactly what they’re looking for, others have no idea and need a bit more assistance.
When it comes to granite,
marble, manufactured stone, travertine, onyx or any other natural stone product, the Belisles can meet any design need for any room in your home.
“We can also address installation and maintenance concerns throughout the entire fabrication process,” she said.
Fabrication is done at their Concord facility, where full slabs are available for customers to view. There are also remnant pieces available at a discount, too.
Whether it’s a kitchen counter top you’d like to replace, or perhaps a bar, vanity or desktop you’re looking for, the Belisles have plenty of ideas and options for you.
“One of the many areas we take pride in is our customer service,” Kim said. “The owner is at every install for our kitchen projects.”
Kim may be immersed in the granite countertop world now, but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, she worked as a medical receptionist for an infertility specialist in Concord for eight years. It was then she decided she needed a career change, and she and Brett opened their shop.
Outside of her busy workdays, Kim likes to relax with her family, which includes her 13-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son.
For more information about Belisle Granite Countertops, call visit belislegranitecountertops.com.
What is your idea of a perfect fall day?
The perfect fall day is crisp with the sun shining and my family and I apple picking.
Which would you rather do, cook or clean up?
I like to do a little of both
What is the one thing that is always on your holiday wish list?
To have fun times with my family and friends.
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 | | Marble | MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS
This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.
INTRODUCTION
Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.
Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.
TYPICAL USES
Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible. | |  |
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