Tag Archives: granite countertop

How to Take Care of Granite Countertops to Ensure Longevity and Durability

kitchen counter

Granite countertops will give your house a magnificent look. A kitchen modeled with a granite countertop will add return on the investment of the house it provides the house with a regal effect. The granite countertops do not only add aesthetic value to the house, but it’s also durable and last longer. The cardinal rule is that if its valuable its need to be taken care of, and this is no exception for the Kitchen countertops. It’s paramount to take care of the countertop to maintain its beauty and appeal

Simple Ways to Take Care and Maintain Granite Countertops

Use Sealant

It’s crucial to seal the granite during installation to create a nonporous finish. Sealing will protect the countertop from stains. The lighter counter may require frequent sealing as compared to darker colored granite which may require sealing once per year.

How to Know your granite requires sealing

Simply splash water on the countertop and see if the water gets absorbed. If the water is absorbed, then you need to reseal the countertop.

Sealing process

Ensure the countertop is dry and apply the sealant with a dry cloth.

Let the granite top dry and apply a second coat. Let it rest for 24 hours without any touch or use

Daily Cleaning

While it may be advisable to buy a granite cleaner, mild soap that with no acid and water will work just fine. While cleaning use a soft cloth, and dry off after cleaning

Stain Removal

Stains may be inevitable especially in the kitchen countertops, but all is not lost. Make a small paste of baking soda and water and place it on the stain, cover it and leave for a few hours. The baking soda will absorb the stain.

Maintain the granite shine

To keep the granite looking great to apply granite polish using a soft cloth to maintain the luster and beauty.

Simple Procedures to Follow to Ensure Your Kitchen Countertop Lasts Longer

Avoid using an abrasive material to clean the top. Avoid scouring pads, acidic soaps or any bleach
Don’t use the countertop as a cutting board
Regularly inspect the granite counter top to check for stains or any cracks
Sanitize the granite often to kill germs
Blot out spills as soon as they happen
In spite of granite being heat resistant, its advisable to use hot pads or trivets to protect the countertops. Though it’s rare the granite may suffer from thermal shock due to heat

Granite Countertops require just a little more effort and care and in return, a lifetime of an enchanting home is guaranteed. Though they require a little more maintenance work the granites are the best solution for your home countertops.

7 exclusive ideas to transform your bathroom

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops

When it comes to remodeling their bathroom, many people find it intimidating. However, the fact is that bathroom renovation is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your property, without draining your entire fortune. In fact, it will also improve your overall living experience and satisfaction, if you do it in the right way. In case you are running short of low-cost renovation ideas, here are some exclusive bathroom remodeling ideas for your residence.

Minimalist ideas for achieving an elegant look:

If you prefer minimalist designs, then you can play with the white background and match your vanities, mirror and the wall tiles. Use the Silestone countertops and the mosaic backslash tiles to comply with the marble flooring. Add the final touch with the nickel fixtures.

Try experimenting with quirky tiles:

If you love a funky background, then try out mixing and matching tiles in the zigzag pattern. Increase the depth of the floor by using the monochromatic tiles, with patches of gray to break the pattern. Place a dark vanity, with matching accessories and a final touch up with bronze fixtures.

Curtail your budget with bold wallpapers:

If you want to change the wall styling, but do not want to invest in the expensive backsplash tiles, then you may try out the bold wallpapers to complement the lightly shaded vanity. Use chrome fixtures, to accentuate the beauty.

Get the rustic look of the flooring:

If you are planning to change the bathroom tiles, you must try out the rustic wood-look tile flooring. Choose matching vanity and bronze fixtures to complement them.

The freestanding tub with wall-mounted vanities for the illusion of space:

If you have limited space in your bathroom, you can try out installing the freestanding bathtubs. The wall-mounted vanity also saves a lot of space and makes it eye-soothing. Use ceramic tile flooring and marble countertops, to create a statement piece with your tub.

Lighting fixtures can create huge difference:

Depending on your preference, you may opt to lit your bathroom dimly or in an exotic way. If you have a marble flooring, white tiles and matching vanity, you need to worry no more about lights. But, if you are using the rustic wooden tiles, granite countertops or the patterned backsplash tiles, then you may consider the option of placing the lights on either side of the bathroom mirror for the sophisticated appearance.

Have you tried the ‘go-green’ theme?

Use a vertical molding to increase the depth of your bathroom. Paint the walls green, to create the illusion of higher ceilings. Use dark vanity, if you have a bamboo surfaced countertops and couple it with brushed nickel fixtures to ensure a taste of greenery in your bathroom.

How Did Granite Become The Kitchen Counter Standard?

soild surface countertops

Granite countertops are in trend for a decade, but now it granite has become the standard for evaluating the quality of kitchen countertop. Every home improvement magazine recommends granite for kitchen countertop. Despite of being more expensive than other countertop material, granite successfully maintain its number one position as kitchen countertop. But why granite is so popular? Why homeowners are crazy for granite countertops? Why every remodeler uses granite countertop? Well, because granite has all the qualities that a kitchen countertop material should have. It is ultimate choice for kitchens as well as bathroom countertop.

Reasons behind popularity of granite countertops

Granite is a beautiful material. It has the natural stone look, which aggrandizes the beauty of any kitchen décor. It is suitable for traditional as well as contemporary kitchens. The beautiful stone goes with every type of kitchen furniture.

Granite countertops are available in variety of textures. Every granite slab is different from another. It is not possible to find granite slabs that match with other.

Granite countertop can remain beautiful for years. You just need to pay attention over granite sealing. Once sealing is done, your countertop will retain its original sheen and shine. The sealed surface will be as good as new.

Granite countertops are not prone to scratches. You can easily use knifes and spoons on the granite. This surface does not get wear off. Even if your granite countertop develops scratches, you can opt for sealing to get rid of them.

First, granite surface does not get stained easily. And second, granite countertops are really very easy to clean. You can clean the surface with just wet cloth. The spills won’t get glued up on the granite.

Granite has amazing heat resistant qualities. You can put hot baking utensils, pans and pots on the granite countertop without worrying about the consequences. This is one of the primary reasons why granite countertop is a popular choice for kitchen countertop.

Granite countertops are quite expensive. However, the price of granite countertop varies from contractor to contractor. You need to find the right granite countertop contractor to purchase the countertop at the best price. It is better to look for the contractor who profile transportation and installation services as well.

Marble vs. Granite Kitchen Countertop

granite kitchen countertops

If you are in process of finalizing the surface for your kitchen countertop, then you may like to consider various kitchen countertop options available on the market. Kitchen countertop market is mostly covered by granite and marble. Granite has its own classic charm, but now homeowners are looking for something different. Marble looks amazingly beautiful as kitchen counter, but it is a high maintenance countertop surface. This makes it quite difficult for people to choose the right countertop for their kitchen.

Comparing marble vs. granite kitchen countertops

In order to select the right kitchen countertop, it is important to make your decision by comparing both the surfaces. You should understand the pros and cons of both materials before finalizing any one.

Granite is famous for its low-maintenance qualities. This material is very easy to clean. You can clean spills with wet cloth. You need not have to use harsh chemicals on surface, soapy water and detergent is enough for cleaning the granite countertop. Granite countertops generally have darker shades such as black, dark green, grey etc. These colors do not get stained easily by acids, oil, vinegar, lemon juice and other foods.

Marble countertops are not maintenance free. If you want to keep the scintillating surface of marble countertops clean, you need to be careful while using the countertop. Do not spill oil, vinegar and acids on the marble countertops. Also, if food spills left on the countertop for a long period of time, you need to scrub a bit to make your countertop clean. Marble countertops come in lighter shades. This is the reason why marble countertops get stained easily.

In terms of look, both granite and marble countertops enhance the beauty of the kitchen. While granite is known for traditional look, marble countertop can royally redo your kitchen. Granite has been the number one choice for countertop for years. This makes it monotonous. On the other hand, marble came as option for kitchen countertop recently. It adds freshness to kitchen decor. You can pair the marble countertop with marble flooring as well.

Have a quick glance over quick comparison of granite and marble countertop:

Granite countertop does not get scratched easily. Whereas marble countertop is prone to wear and tear.
Sealed granite countertop does not get stained easily
Granite is a heat resistant material, you can put hot pans and pots on the surface.

Why granite is still the best choice for countertops

kitchen countertop replacement

Looking for an amazing countertop material for your new kitchen? Thinking about replacing old bathroom countertop? Well, if so then look no further than granite countertops. The granite countertops are ultimate choice for both kitchen counter and bathroom vanity. Granite has been loved for millennia for its durability and beauty. It was used by ancient Egyptians in the construction of pyramids, and it still continues to grace modern kitchen decors. It is a distinctive stone in terms of both structure and appearance that persists to meet the increasing demands of homeowners and interior decorators.

Striking features of granite countertop

Granite is popular as the countertop material since a long time. Despite of the availability of cheaper materials, granite still has the strong hold on the countertop market. This material has its own charm that it is loved by generation after generation. Granite countertops never go out of trend. They always increase the beauty and value of house. However, it is always advised to invest in good granite countertop material to enjoy all the amazing benefits of the granite. Take sneak peek over below mentioned information to understand the striking features of granite countertop.

Granite is durable

Granite countertops are made from igneous rock having a holocrystalline structure. That implies that the crystals that make this stone are not fully develop, instead, they are grown into each other. This interlocking structure of crystals makes granite very durable and provides it the crystal look for which it is famous.
You can run knife, put hot iron or drop cosmetics o the granite surface. It won’t get damaged. You can enjoy granite countertops in your bathrooms and kitchens without worrying about damage.

Granite is nearly maintenance free

Apart from annual sealing, granite countertops do not require much maintenance. You can clean these countertops with just wet cloths.

Granite gives many design options

Granite countertops are available in oodles of colors and textures. The granite crystals form variety of textures. Every granite slate is different from other. And it comes in different colors such as –black, grey, orange, dark green etc. With so many options to choose from, it is unproblematic to select the countertop that will fit in with your bathroom or kitchen design and yet remain timeless.

Granite countertops are affordable

Despite of all the benefits, granite countertops are affordable. You just need to locate the best granite countertop company.

Tips to keep kitchen countertop clean

granite kitchen countertops

Kitchen countertop is one of the important kitchen assets. In order to keep your kitchen neat and tidy, you are required to keep your kitchen counter clean. Well, kitchen countertop cleaning is not a difficult task. You can clean your kitchen countertop just with soap water and cloth. However, you need to be careful while spilling on the surface.

Kitchen countertop cleaning

No matter if you have granite countertop, marble countertop, quartz countertop, tile countertop or bamboo countertop, cleaning is mandatory. Every countertop gets dirty sooner or later. In order to maintain a clean and hygienic aura at your kitchen, you need to clean it.

Kitchen countertop cleaning tasks can be made easier with the right tools. Different countertop materials have different cleaning needs and requirements. For example different scrubber and detergents are recommended for different materials. You should understand the kind of cleaning required for your countertop.

Kitchen countertop cleaning should be done carefully. You should not be too harsh on the surface. The countertops can be cleaned easily. You don’t need harsh cleaning. Otherwise, you may damage your countertop. This needs to be taken care while cleaning the sealed countertop surfaces.

Many times food particles accrue in the corner. In order to achieve the proper cleaning, you should clean the corners of your countertop. Otherwise, germs will grow, and you will notice foul smell around the countertop.

The most important thing you can do to make your kitchen countertop cleaning task easier is cleaning the spills right away. The more you wait the stiffer the spills become. Later, it will become harder to clean. Your kitchen countertop cleaning routine should be like –cleaning spills right away, cleaning entire countertop with soap water weekly, and performing through cleaning every month. This is how you can make your countertop look new all the times.

Importance of kitchen countertop cleaning

Kitchen countertop cleaning is an important task. There are plenty of reasons why you should keep your kitchen countertop clean, some of them are:

To make your kitchen look neat and clean
To prevent bacteria growth
To get smooth cooking surface

Kitchen countertop cleaning shouldn’t be avoided. No matter how you clean your countertop, you are required to keep it clean. If you are too busy for this task, you can hire professional cleaners. It is important for overall cleanness of your kitchen.

Let’s Weigh the Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

best kitchen countertop contractor

Your kitchen can be a more familiar and preferred place for entire family, if you redo it. Granite countertop can help you in making your kitchen a better place. The kitchen countertop plays an important role in deciding the look and feel of the entire kitchen. You can change your kitchen’s interior by considering the kitchen countertop replacement. A new granite countertop can make your kitchen appear livelier, and also there are many perks of working on granite surface. However, you should consider more kitchen countertop options, and make the apt choice according to your needs and requirements.

Things to know about granite countertops

Just like any other material, granite has its own advantages and disadvantages. In order to make sure that is granite the right material for your kitchen counter, you should learn about its pros and cons. The more you know about the material, the better choice you can make for your kitchen.

Pros of granite countertop

Granite countertops increase the value of the kitchens. This material looks elegant in the kitchens. It can instantly convert your mediocre kitchen into a high-end kitchen.
Granite is really very tough stone, and thus it is highly durable. It can withstand rough cooking. This material is even apt for commercial kitchens.
Granite countertops have natural look and feel. It has natural textures and patterns. Thus, when you install granite countertop, you get the earthy feeling.
Granite is a sleek and non-porous material. It does not promote the bacteria growth. Thus, you get clean and hygienic cooking surface.
Granite countertop is really very easy to clean. Soap water and cloth is all you need for cleaning. However, it is highly recommended to clean the spills right away.
Granite is a repairable stone. In case your countertop gets cracked or chipped, you can get it repaired.
Granite is a heat resistant material. You can directly put hot pan and pot on your countertop.
Granite has extremely flat surface. It gives you the perfect place for cooking cakes and cookies.

Cons of granite countertop

Granite is an expensive material. If you are planning budget friendly kitchen renovation, then granite is not an option for you.
Granite countertops require regular sealing.
Your granite countertop Morrisville nc can be forever stained if you seal it with existing stain.
Granite is quite heavy material. It requires additional structural support.

Is granite a good kitchen countertop?

kitchen countertop replacement Granite is known for delivering beautiful aesthetics in bathrooms and kitchens. This material is specially considered for kitchen countertops. Only a few other countertops can match with the beauty that granite countertops offer.

Learn about granite countertops

Granite is a natural material having a timeless appeal and aura. The countertops made from granite take the kitchen decor to the next level, and often become the focal point of the space. This material is available in more than 25 shades of to work with, you will find granite that will blends with your kitchen flooring, cabinets and walls. This countertop looks beautiful in every setting.

Granite is a quite hard substance, and thus it is not prone to scratches. While you should not use knifes directly on the granite surface because it will dull knife blades. This material will handle normal wear and tear gracefully. Granite is heat resistant too, so you can use it near a cooking range or cook top. When you have put a hot pan on granite, it can take the heat without getting cracked or weakened. Even in the bathroom, putting a heating tool on it won’t be a problem.

Granite surface is very resistant to stains. It will not absorb water, if it is sealed properly. A good countertop contractor will be able to do granite sealing correctly so that it maintains sheen and shine indefinitely. Granite is very porous material. It is important to seal the countertop before using it.

Think before investing in granite countertops

In spite of all durability and durability, granite countertops do have weaknesses. The most notable problems can occur when the countertops are not sealed properly or the sealant washes off without it is being resealed. Granite is very porous. It means that poorly sealed or unsealed countertops can absorb juice, wine or oil, producing a stain that might not be possible to clean. An unsealed countertop can also promote bacteria growth.

Granite countertop Zebulon nc installation is not an easy task. In order to install this countertop in an adequate manner, you need to hire the granite countertop contractor. A professional contractor will install the countertop properly.

How to plan for kitchen remodeling

Do you feel uncomfortable in your own kitchen? Do you think it’s time to replace kitchen flooring? Do you feel like it’s time for kitchen countertop replacement? Or do you want your kitchen to be more spacious? Well, if so then it’s time to plan for kitchen remodeling. You can utilize the existing kitchen space to create the kitchen of your dreams.

Planning Kitchen remodeling

Kitchen is the heart of home. It is important that your kitchen is comfortable, spacious and beautiful. A proper kitchen can instantly increase the value of your property. If you are not satisfied with your current kitchen, you can opt for the kitchen remodeling anytime. With remodeling, you can transform your existing kitchen into a perfect kitchen that you have always wanted.

Kitchen remodeling is not a small project. You need to consider a lot of things to remodel your kitchen in an adequate manner. Check out the below mentioned kitchen remodeling tips:

Gather your requirements

Many times, you just need to make small adjustments in your existing kitchen, while other times you need to restructure your kitchen entirely. Thus, before you rush into kitchen remodeling, explore your options. Analyze what you can reuse and what needs to be replaced.

Define budget

Kitchen remodeling can be really expensive. You can find many luring items to install in your kitchen. Also, there will be their cost-effective alternatives. In order to complete your remodeling tasks without emptying your savings, you need to define a budget. And have to complete your remodeling tasks within that budget.

Define specifications

You need to enlist the times that you want in your kitchen. You need to finalize if you want granite countertop apex nc or marble flooring in your remodeled kitchen. You won’t be able to get satisfactory results until and unless you know what you actually want.

Hire contractors

Kitchen remodeling is a big task. It can’t be done with DIY hacks. You need specialized contractors to do each and every task. Thus hire professional remodelers and contractors for satisfactory results. You can even split the tasks in between different contractors to get faster and better results.

Buying granite countertops: What you need to know

Granite countertops used to be a part of only luxury homes, but now granite kitchen countertops are one of the most common features found in many well-decorated homes. Whether it is kitchen renovation contractor or interior decorator, every professional opt for granite when it comes to kitchen countertop. There is more than one reason behind the popularity of the granite as kitchen countertop material. It’s been more than decade since granite has been ruling over kitchen countertop trends, and still granite has strong hold over countertop market.

Tips for Buying the Best Granite Countertops

All granite countertops are not same. Granite comes in many grade, color, texture and price. The price and beauty of granite is directly proportional to its grade. The better grade means better appearance and hence higher price. When purchasing granite countertop, you should be able to evaluate the price of granite slab according to its grade.

Granite Fabrication

Fabrication is important aspect to consider while purchasing the granite slab. Check if fabrication is seamless or not. Granite countertop fabrication is done manually as well as with machine. The manual fabrication by skilled craftsman is always better than machine fabrication. Ask the seller about fabrication method before investing money on the granite slab. Even if you are satisfied with machine fabrication, you can negotiate the price.

Granite countertop thickness

If you anticipate durability from your countertop, check the thickness of granite slab while purchasing it. Granite slab should be at least 3 cm thick. You can measure thickness on your own or ask about the measurement from dealers. The thicker the granite the better is the quality.

Granite countertop colors

Granite countertops are available in many different colors. If you are looking for any particular color to match with your kitchen décor, do not hesitate to ask your contractor for more color options in the countertop.

Granite countertop installation

Granite installation is not an easy task. Instead of running after big brands, opt for Granite Company that offer granite countertop installers garner nc for proper installation. Even if you are getting discount on countertop, do not opt for out-of-town dealers.