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Tips for Buying the Best Granite Countertops

Granite is a natural stone that is not only beautiful, but durable also. This stone can be an amazing choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. There are many contractors and companies selling fabricated granite countertops. This countertop is literally available in plenty of colors, textures, designs, cuts and qualities. In order to make the right granite countertop purchase, multiple considerations should be made before actually making the commitment.

Purchasing granite countertops

The quality of granite material varies and hence the cost. You can find luxury granite as well as affordable granite countertops in the market. The beauty of quality granite will obviously lure you towards it, but you need to be careful while selecting the apt granite surface for your kitchen or bathroom.

Tips for purchasing granite countertops

Visit granite showroom and explore the varieties in the granite countertops. You will find endless patterns in granite. It is not possible to understand the granite variations simply by browsing the catalogs. Collect the samples of various granites from different showrooms and compare them. Contrast the samples against size, color and decoration of your room.
Invest in the thick granite surface. The thicker the granite, the more durable it will be. While purchasing the granite, look for sample that is at least 1 inch thicker. The thin countertops are fragile. They can be easily damaged by load and stress.
Check the countertop for hairline cracks and pits. They increase the natural beauty of the countertop, but can also make it more fragile. Ask your granite contractor Raleigh nc or seller to explain about the imperfections, and if they can cause harm. Granite countertops are quite expensive make sure to invest your hard-earned money on the right piece.
Ask for customized edge to fit with your cabinet. Not all contractors offer customization services, but those that do can give you a countertop that is more beautiful and fits aptly in your kitchen or bathroom. If it is okay for you, then bevel edges are trending these days.
Invest in seamless granite countertops. These are quite expensive, but they look better than the non-seam ones. They even last longer.

Straight talk about solid surface countertops

Solid surface is a great manmade countertop material. This material is combination of acrylic and polyester. The solid surface countertops can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, decks and even in commercial kitchens. This surface is durable and easy to maintain. It is capable of withstanding daily wear and tear with grace. There are plenty of reasons to opt for the solid surface countertops over convectional countertop surfaces, such as marble, granite, quartz and tiles.

Choosing solid surface countertops

Solid surface countertops are gaining popularity these days among interior decoration experts. In fact, several home improvement magazines have featured the solid surface countertops, and highly recommended for kitchens and bathrooms. These countertops are capable of transforming any mediocre space into plush area. It brightens up the aura of the room where it is installed.

Benefits of solid surface countertops

Variety: Since solid surface countertops are manufactured in factories, they are available in variety of designs. You can find plenty of colors and textures in the solid surface countertops. You can even finish it with polished or matte.

Beauty: Solid surface countertops look incredibly beautiful in kitchens. Their presence can actually increase the value of your kitchen. Since they are available in plenty of colors, you can find a perfectly matching countertop to complement your kitchen décor.

Durability: Solid surface countertops are engineered to bear the load and stress of busy kitchens. They are highly durable and strong. You can enjoy beauty and strength of this countertop surface for a long period of time.

Low-maintenance: Solid surface countertops do not require much maintenance. They don’t get stained easily. Moreover, you can easily clean them using soap water and cloth.

Hygienic surface: Solid surface do not harbor bacteria. This makes them apt choice for kitchen countertops as well as bathroom countertops. You can enjoy this aseptically clean surface in both kitchen and bathroom.

Repair: Unlike natural stone countertop surfaces, solid surface countertops can be repaired if they are broken. You can hire a contractor and get your countertop repaired.

Cost: In terms of cost, solid surface countertops are cheaper than natural stone countertops. This countertop is a great investment as well.

Choosing the Right Kitchen and bathroom Countertops

Choosing appropriate countertop surface for bathroom and kitchen is quite confusing task. It is because a lot of countertop choices available on the market. From colorful granite to marvelous marble, and from manmade quartz to environmentally friendly bamboo, there are so many countertop options to choose from. It is important to select a material which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. You simply can’t install any random material for your kitchen or bathroom countertop.

Selecting the countertop surface

Plenty of countertop options are available on the market. The aspects such as texture, durability, p color and price are going to make a solid impact on your choice. Some countertop materials demand extra maintenance while others are nearly maintenance-free. You can opt for one as per your needs and requirements.

Refer home improvement magazine

By referring home improvement magazines, you can get some idea about the latest kitchen remodeling trends. If you don’t have time for magazines, you can check out the digital home improvement blogs for a quick reference. This will help you in selecting the countertop material and cutting style that is trending. You can find a lot of information about the countertop surface in the home improvement magazine, such as best picks, available colors, best price, contractor etc.

Ask your friends and neighbor

For sure, you can take sneak peek into the kitchens and bathrooms of your friends and family members to get the live demo of countertop surface. You can also take their opinion regarding the performance and maintenance requirements of the countertops. This will help you in taking the right decision.

Consider your interior décor

Since countertops are going to be an important part of your home. They should synchronize with the existing décor of your home. While picking the countertop material keep your existing décor in mind.

Consult with a kitchen countertop contractor

You can anytime consult with the kitchen countertop contractor apex nc, if you have confusion about countertop surface. These professionals can help you in choosing the right material for your countertop. You can use their expert opinion to find the best countertop surface for your home. They can even help you in making purchase and installation.

Marble Counter tops: For Pure Elegance

Are you looking for a beautiful countertop surface? Are you searching for durable countertop material? Or is your search related to natural stone countertops? Well, if so, then marble countertop is all you need. Marble is an amazing choice for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. Marble countertops can be the ultimate choice for any space. These countertops come with their own set of benefits.

Facts about marble countertops

The sheer while slabs of marble countertops are not only beautiful but they are also durable. Marble countertops are made from metamorphic rock. This means that it has been subjected to heat and pressure to turns into a beautiful stone. This stone will not be affected by hotpots, load and scratches. It is suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms.

There are many more reasons why you should choose marble to decorate your kitchen, some of them are:

Classic beauty: Beauty is one of the best features of marble countertops. If you are fond of white decor, then no other countertop surface can beat the elegance of the white marble countertop. Marble countertops enhance the beauty of space where they are installed.

Naturally cool: This countertop stays cool naturally. It is not a heat conductor. If you enjoy baking in your kitchen, you would love working on marble countertop.

Heat resistant: It is one of the best features you can ever find for a kitchen. Marble is heat resistant material, but you should not place a hotpot that directly comes from the stove on it.

Durable: Marble is quite durable material, though it is porous. This material cannot take the bumps and bruises like quartz, but it can provide long lasting service.

Easy to find: Marble countertops are easily available on the market. The market is full of different grades of marble slabs.

Buy marble countertops

Marble countertops are quite expensive. You can find many contractors on the market when you look for marble countertops. You should wisely select the marble countertop contractor. It is best to hire a contractor who directly deals with the countertop factories or companies. Such contractors can get you the countertop at reasonable price.

Cleaning Countertop Surfaces

Countertops are a large investment for a kitchen or bathroom. They are functional as well as decorative units that come in various surface types. No matter what type of countertop surface you have, they will ultimately need to be cleaned. Every countertop surface has its own unique cleaning needs. Both kitchen and bathroom countertops are required to be cleaned time to time. Also, countertop cleaning is one of the mandatory tasks.

Kitchen countertop cleaning

Most countertop surfaces can be kept clean with same basic care, regardless of what type they are. But there are some countertop surfaces that require very precise care and maintenance. Along the same lines, there are countertop surfaces that should not be spilled, stained or allowed to sit on them for any extended time period. Vinegar is a great cleaning agent for laminate countertops, but it is really very bad for marble countertops. Knowing what type of material is in your kitchen, will help you knowing what you should and shouldn’t use to clean them.

Daily countertop care

Dust and dirt can scratch countertop surface. Spills that remain for too long on countertops may become extremely difficult to clean. For this reason, a daily countertop cleaning routine becomes very important. Just wipe countertop using a soft clean cloth on a day when you haven’t used your countertop. If more extensive cleaning is required, use soft cloth and soap water to clean your countertop surface. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific countertop material. Some countertop materials can be damaged by cleaning agents.

Spills can stain nearly every countertop. Porous stones that require resealing will absorb spills easily, and discolor the countertop surface. Laminated surfaces can also get discolored from spills. When a spill occurs, clean them right away. Removing spills instantly will help you protecting your kitchen counter in the long run.

Even big messes can be cleaned with basic cleaning methods. To clean your countertops, begin with the basic methods such as –dry dusting and cleaning with wet cloth. Only opt for special cleaning agents or dish soap on countertop type, if it is needed.

Common Myths About Granite Countertops

The longer something is popular, the faster myths grow about it. This is definitely true for granite. As granite strongly stands to the test of time as the finest kitchen countertop material, a lot of myths about granite are spread in the market. Granite is the first choice of homeowners for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It is because granite possesses the all the qualities that homeowners want.

A Look at the Most Common Myths About Granite

Granite is a durable, beautiful and long-lasting material. This material can enhance the beauty of place where it is installed. Many homeowners avoid granite, because they have heard rumors about granite. Countertop installation is a big and expensive decision. In order to choose the best kitchen countertop material, it is important that you take an informed decision.

Myths About Granite

Myth #1: Granite Will Stain

This is one of the more enduring myths about granite. The truth is granite is a stain resistant material. It does not get stained easily. This material has the ability to withstand nature’s elements and maintain its original beauty.

Myth #2: Granite must be sealed regularly

This is the most popular myth about granite countertops. Well, the truth is annual sealing is enough to keep granite in the good condition. However, sealing will restore the shine of granite and your countertop will look as good as new.

Myth #3: Granite will lose its shine

Well, this might be true for marble, but not for granite! Granite is very dense material. Normal kitchen or bathroom activities simply do not introduce sufficient wear and tear to the granite surface to dull it. Rest assured that your granite countertops will maintain their shine for a good number of years to come.

Myth #4: Granite is difficult to maintain

Granite is an extremely low-maintenance material. You don’t even have to worry about its cleaning, soap and water is all you need.

Myth #5: Heat will crack granite

Granite is a heat resistant material. If you purchase granite countertop from a reputable granite contractor, you will get best of granite. It means you need not have to worry about putting hot pans or pots on your granite surface.

Pros and cons of Granite bathroom countertops

Nowadays, bathroom countertops are available in plenty of color, shapes and material choices. The latest fabrication and cutting technology can provide you the countertop exactly according to your specifications. Granite has always been the most popular choice when it comes to the countertop material. Undoubtedly, granite acquires all the qualities which homeowners look in a countertop material.

Granite bathroom countertops

Granite countertops are mostly tried and tested in the kitchen. Granite offers arrant working surface as a kitchen countertop material. Now what about bathrooms? Is granite apt choice for bathroom countertop material? Is it right to install granite countertop in bathroom? Well, read below mentioned information before opting for granite as your bathroom vanity to material.

Pros to granite bathroom countertops

Just like kitchens, granite is a suitable material for bathrooms countertop as well. Granite is one of the hardest countertop materials available in the market. Every homeowner expects their countertop to provide countless years of services. Since granite is hard and durable, it can withstand in your bathroom for a good number of years to come.

Granite countertops can survive even after getting wet. This countertop material does not lose its shine due to water. Water does not affect the granite countertop. It means you freely use granite in your bathroom.

The scratch and stain resistant quality of granite are another reason for choosing it as a bathroom countertop material. Granite does not develop scratches easily. It means your countertop will remain unaffected by daily wear and tear. Also, you need not have to worry about nail polish stains, lipstick marks and other spills on your granite bathroom countertop. Your countertop will not get stained.

One of the most remarkable features of granite countertops is their beauty. Just like in kitchen, granite looks equally beautiful in the bathroom.

Cons to granite countertops

Granite slabs are extremely heavy, which makes their installation quite difficult. Since it is a heavy material, its transportation and granite countertop installation cost is also more. In total, granite is an expensive material for bathroom counters. Moreover, if you want to use granite countertop in your bathroom, you will have to pay attention over granite sealing.

How to clean the Granite kitchen countertops?

Many homeowners want to know the best way to clean granite kitchen countertops. Although granite countertops do not require much maintenance, when it comes to kitchen every homeowners desire to have aseptically clean countertop surface.

Granite countertop cleaning

In order to clean the granite countertop, you neither need any special tools nor require any special cleaners. You can clean and disinfect the granite surface with already available stuffs of your kitchen. It is really very easy to remove oil, stains and dust from the granite island. You just need to put little efforts to get bulge out scintillating surface of your granite countertop.

The Dos and Don’ts of Cleaning Granite

Do: Before you begin the cleaning process, make sure that your granite countertop is sealed. Although granite is less porous than other countertop material but unsealed granite can also soak water. In order to check sealing, leave few drops of water on countertop surface. If water split into beads, your granite is sealed. And if not then granite is not sealed.

Don’t: Do not use harsh scrubs to clean the surface of granite countertop. Harsh scrubs can harm the sealing of the granite countertop.

Do: Use cloth and sponge to clean or wipe the granite countertop surface.

Don’t: Do not use vinegar or acidic liquids to clean the stains from the countertop surface. It is really very easy to remove stains from the granite countertops, you need not have to use all these things.

Do: Clean spills as soon as you notice. Fresh spills are easy to clean. After sometime, spills will become hard and it becomes harder for you to clean them off. Thus, if you clean the spill early, it will get cleaned just in one wipe.

Don’t: Do not use bleach, ammonia or any other chemicals to clean the granite countertop.

Do: Use lukewarm water to clean the granite countertop. Make sure that the water is not too hot.

The above mentioned tips and tricks can make your countertop cleaning process simple and trouble free. You can apply same method for cleaning the bathroom granite countertops. However, bathroom countertops do not require frequent cleaning as they rarely get stained.

The Difference between Granite and Other Countertop Materials

When it comes to a kitchen countertop, a lot of options are available in the market. It is not easy to choose one countertop material from granite, quartz, tile, hardwood and marble. Among all, granite is the most popular material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. If you opt for granite countertops, it will make a positive impact on the overall style of your kitchen.

What sets granite countertops apart from the rest?

Granite countertops are considered as the genuine countertop material. It is the first choice of homeowners and interior decorators for kitchen remodeling project. The granite countertop has everything from the durability to the value, visual appeal to the quality. It is a one-of-a-kind material which adorn kitchen in the best possible manner.

Granite Countertops look beautiful

Granite is owner of incredible visual appeal. This countertop signifies royalty and luxury. The depth of this material is also impressive, as it reflects the light in a beautiful manner. The unique aspect of granite makes it very different. Each and every cut of granite is different. This natural stone has its own design patterns, swirls, and texture. No two pieces of granite can replicate themselves. It means that you can get a unique kitchen countertop which does not resemble with anyone’s.

Granite Countertops are durable

Granite is one of the best materials for kitchen countertops. It can bear abrasion, heat and stain. Granite has a durable surface that is capable of surviving scratches. It is not possible to get this level of durability in the other countertop material.

Granite Countertops are easy to maintain

As compared to wood, marble and quartz countertops, granite countertops are relatively easy to clean. Just wipe them with soapy water and you will get perfect shine and countertop will look as good as new. The prime maintenance aspect to granite countertop is resealing the stone once in a year, but this is a simple and painless process!

So, these are some qualities of granite which set it apart from other countertop materials. And if you are thinking about new kitchen countertop installation or kitchen countertop replacement, think about granite.

Why Granite is the most popular kitchen countertop material?

Granite countertops will always remain the most popular choice of homeowners when it comes to the countertop material. Homeowners love to adorn their kitchen and bathroom with granite countertops. The granite countertop installation can provide rich and classy look to any ordinary kitchen. However, it is not just scintillating looks which have made granite so popular. Granite offers oodles of benefits.

Reasons why Granite is the most popular Kitchen Countertop Material

The most spectacular thing about granite countertops is that they are available in eye catchy textures and shades. These features provide a touch of elegance and sophistication into any random kitchen. And also give a wide variety of options to homeowners to opt for the best countertop design to install in their kitchens.

Granite countertops are known for providing long-lasting services. Even after years, you will notice same luster and smoothness on the granite countertop surface, which it had at the time of installation. Also, granite countertops require minimal maintenance and cleaning. This feature is a big aid to homeowners.

Granite is a highly durable material, so it can easily handle the bustle of kitchens. Ideally, granite countertops are made from igneous rock which is a rock solid material. Thus granite also offers durability. And this is the reason why granite countertops can easily resist- wear, tear, high temperature and stains in the kitchen. Furthermore, sealed granite countertop material is regarded as one of the best stain resistant and hygienic material for the kitchen countertops.

In spite of having all these qualities, granite countertops are always associated with the price tag. Well, not anymore, there are some reputable and renowned granite countertop companies, which are actively offering budget granite countertops. So, instead of splurging your money, you should smartly invest to purchase budget friendly granite countertops.

Will granite kitchen countertops ever go out of style?

Well, granite countertops have remained and will always remain on the top of kitchen décor trends. And these countertops are not going to go out of style in the near future. So, if you are thinking about kitchen remodeling or kitchen countertop replacement, then look no farther than granite.