Tag Archives: granite kitchen countertops

Granite Kitchen Countertops: What To Put On Kitchen Countertop For Decoration?

Imagine this. You have installed granite kitchen countertops or any other countertop material of your choice. Should you leave it bare or decorate it? If you love a decorated kitchen, decorating your countertops can be tricky as you have to ensure the decorative accessories don’t get in the way of cooking.

If you are wondering what to put on the kitchen countertop for decoration, there are plenty of things you can use. Here are some of them:

Cooking books

Love trying out different recipes and have several cookbooks on your bookshelf? Why not bring them to your countertops? The books give your surfaces an elegant appeal, and you can place them on any countertop surface. If you want to amp up the look, use bookends.

Everyday appliances

If you are like other homeowners, there are several appliances you use every day. These include a blender, mixer, coffee maker, rice cooker, tea kettle, and others. If you use these appliances every day, there is no need to add any other decorative items on your surfaces as you risk giving it a disorganized look.

Strategically place these appliances in your kitchen surfaces, giving the surfaces an elegant appeal and a sense of space.

You should get rid of appliances that you rarely use. For example, put away the blender that you use only once a week.

Cutting boards

Did you know you can improve the appeal of your kitchen with cutting boards? Get several boards of different types, shapes, and colors, then strategically lean them against your kitchen backsplash.

To make the cutting boards the center of attention, ensure there aren’t many appliances on the countertops.

Fruits

Since most fruits don’t require refrigeration and can last for a few days under the room temperature, they make excellent decorative accessories for your kitchen surfaces. Collect a few of your favorite fruits of different colors, place them on a large plate, and then place them at your counters’ strategic areas.

Great fruits you can go for are: lemons, limes, oranges, and apples. Oh…ensure the fruits are fresh. There is no way dry, decaying fruits will do good to your surfaces.

Plants

It’s amazing how a single potted plant gives your space a refreshing touch. In addition to transforming your home’s look, plants also give your surfaces an appealing, organic feel.

To transform your home, find a few of your favorite indoor plants and display them in a stylish pot or planter. If you are out of the house for extended periods, choose low maintenance plants.

If you aren’t sure about the right plants and planters to use, get a professional’s input.

Fresh flowers

Do you love flowers? Why not find a few and use them to decorate your countertops? Well done flowers bring in an organic and refreshing touch to your surfaces. Unlike plants, flowers tend to wilt faster, so you will need to replace them more often.

Art pieces

If you ask many homeowners, they will tell you that you can’t display art in the kitchen, but nothing is as further from the truth as this. When well displayed, art pieces can magically transform your surfaces.

Some of the great options you can go with include: dainty sculptures, decorative jars, framed canvases, paintings, and many others.

For best results, be strategic in how you display the art. For example, lean small paintings against the wall or at the end of the counter. You can display the paintings as a single piece or as a series.

When it comes to vases or sculptures, you can layer them into other types of décor, making them serve as the counters’ counters’ focal point.

Soaps

Although, popularly displayed in the bathroom, you can also use soaps as a charming décor on the kitchen counter. Place a few handmade soaps in a big jar, then place them near the kitchen sink or anywhere else.

Parting shot

These are some of the items you can use to decorate your kitchen countertops Durham. For a uniform look, stick to a theme. You can do most of the decorations by yourself but if you feel you can’t, get a professional designer to help you out.

Tips On How to Break Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most robust materials you can install in your home. With its unique, attractive colors, the material gives your kitchen an attractive and adorable look. Unfortunately, like other countertop materials, it wears out, gets old, or gets damaged, so you have to replace it.

Removing the countertop requires skills and strength. Are you wondering how to break granite countertops? Here is a guide on how to do it:

Get the necessary equipment.

You need to have the right tools for the job to break granite. The tools you need include: rubber gloves, bucket, air hammer drill, safety goggles, and Dexpan or any other explosive demolition agent.

Mark a line

Using water-soluble chalk, mark a line where you want to break granite. You should then drill holes measuring 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide into the granite slab along the line. For best results, space the holes 12-24 inches apart while ensuring each hole is 80% the total depth of the granite slab.

Mix the demolition agent

Following the package instructions, mix the non-explosive demolition agent with clean water. The best way to do is to mix one part agent with three parts water in a bucket until the powder has completely dissolved into the liquid. To protect yourself, wear rubber gloves and safety goggles.

Clean the holes

You should clean the holes with an air compressor before filling them with the mixture. You should fill the holes 2 inches from the top with the mixture then back away. Allow 45 -60 minutes for the mixture to expand within the hole, causing the granite to break along the line you created.

Avoid pouring the mixture when the temperatures are incredibly high. If possible, pour the mixture in the night and allow granite to break early in the morning or in the evening after the sun has set. If the holes are exposed to direct sunlight, cover them with a tarp until the slab breaks.

Clear the area

After breaking granite, you should now make a move to remove the countertops. Before you begin removing the countertops from your surfaces, remove any countertop accessories and appliances present. You also should empty drawers and products contained in the bottom rack of your drawers to prevent dust contamination and provide uncomplicated access towards the countertops.

Remember also to clear the utensils and cookware region.

Release the area

Identify the connection in the area between the cabinet’s front brace and the bottom of the countertop. You should look inside the head of the cabinet to see it. Using a hammer, hit the edge of the pry bar then screw softly to release any glue.

If you find plywood underneath the granite, work under it to detach or separate it from plywood. You should then tap a wooden shim into the already open joint to hold the countertop in that area. You should operate along the front side, screwing and shimming before you slowly raise the entire front rim.

Raise granite away from the cabinet supports

Using a pry bar, raise granite away from the cabinet supports beginning from the front and over to the back. Remember to insert shims as you proceed. You should proceed lightly to avoid breaking granite. Work along the length of the countertop, prying back only the next few centimeters.

You should continue working in section until you raise the entire countertop from one end to the other.

Tilt the countertop

Working together with a few assistants, slowly tilt the countertop from the back edge and transfer the granite to your place for storage.

You should store the granite with the top facing down. If granite has plywood underneath that needs to be replaced, carefully pry it free. Be gentle and lightly detach the seal and extract the plywood. If there is extra plywood remaining, pull or paint it with a sturdy scraper from the granite base.

Parting shot

Breaking and removing granite kitchen countertops Durham isn’t hard when you have the right removal tools and know what you are doing. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can save some money by doing the work yourself but for best results and avoid damaging the cabinets in the process, let experts help you out.

8 Granite Countertops Dos And Don’ts

granite countertops

Installing the most beautiful granite slab isn’t enough. You need to take good care of your granite countertops to maintain the perfect, clean look. How do you do it? Here is a set of dos and don’ts you should observe:

Do seal the countertops

Everything begins here. Granite slabs are porous and when you work with them without sealing, you put them at the risk of staining. To keep them in top shape, seal them at the time of installation.

You also should make a habit of sealing them once a year. For you to get the most from them, don’t go for any sealing product. Use a high-quality product you are sure will give you a good service for a long time.

Do clean the spills as soon as they happen

Many homeowners have the impression that once they have sealed the countertops they don’t need to worry about spills. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Even if you have sealed the surfaces, you still need to prevent spills from getting into the inner layers of the countertops. How do you do this? By cleaning the spills as soon as they happen.

You don’t need much when they happen. Some dish soap and water is enough.

Do clean the countertops

In addition to getting rid of spills immediately they happen, you also need to keep the surfaces clean. This is to get rid of dirt and grime that might be present. Due to the elegant nature of granite slabs, some homeowners have the impression they need fancy cleaning techniques to clean granite countertops, but this isn’t the case.

For you to get the most from your cleaning, use mild solution of water and soap. Avoid harsh cleaning substances such as oils, lemon juice, or any other acidic substances as they will damage and dull the countertops.

Do repair the countertops

Even with the best care, it’s common for granite slabs to get damaged. For example, it’s common for the countertops to develop scratches and other minor issues. Some people ignore the damage as they deem it too minor, but don’t do this.

When you notice even the most minor problem with your countertops, fix it immediately. If you have the skills you can fix it by yourself, but if you have never done it before, let an expert handle it.

Don’t place hot items directly on the countertops

While granite is tough and can withstand high heat exposure, avoid placing hot pans and pots directly on it. While you might get away with it once, when you repeatedly expose it to the hot items, you put it at the risk of getting damaged.

For you to keep the surfaces in top shape, always use hot pads or trivets.

Don’t cut directly on the countertops

Just as you shouldn’t place hot items directly on the countertops, you also shouldn’t cut items directly on the surfaces. In addition to the practice creating scratches on the countertops, it also exposes the surfaces to acids that eat the granite sealer.

For you to protect your countertops and knives, always use a cutting board when cutting anything. Whether cutting meat or fruit, always have a cutting board with you.

Don’t turn your countertops into a worktable

Since the countertops are tough, it’s common to be tempted to place your work tools on them. For example, it’s common to find yourself placing your toolbox on the surfaces when working on the kitchen.

Do you want your countertops to keep looking great? Don’t do this. If there is no other place you can put your tool items, add a thick covering to the countertops. For example, cover the surfaces with a blanket.

You also should take care that you don’t drag or drop your tools on the countertops.

Don’t allow pets to sleep on the countertops

It’s rare for dogs to sleep on the countertops. Cats are the problem. While they might seem harmless, their claws can scratch the surfaces. Cats also carry dirt on their paws forcing you to have to clean the countertops regularly.

For you to avoid having to call granite contractors Raleigh to fix the damaged countertops, keep cats and other pets out of your countertops.

6 Ways You Are Destroying Your Kitchen Countertops

kitchen counter

Since most kitchen countertops are made from tough materials, many homeowners think they can’t get damaged. There is nothing as further from the truth as this.

Just like any other product, if you don’t take good care of your countertops, they will get damaged. To help you out, here are six things (you are doing) that are destroying your countertops:

You place hot pots and pans directly on the countertops

One of the prime reasons homeowners install granite, quartz, and other high-compact countertops is because they can tolerate high temperatures. This makes them highly convenient when cooking and baking as you don’t have to keep on worrying about them getting damaged.

While the countertops can withstand high temperatures, they crack and get discolored when you repeatedly expose them to hot materials such as hot pots and pans.

Regardless of how tough your countertops are, always protect them from heat resulting from the cooking utensils. When you remove a hot pot or pan from the fire, don’t place it directly on the countertops.

Use a towel, hot pad, potholder, or trivet as a barrier and prevent the heat from getting onto the countertops.

You place acidic foods on the countertops

Many homeowners don’t pay much attention to the nature of the foods they are preparing. Did you know some foods are acidic, and when you place them on the countertops, you damage the surfaces?

For example, marble countertops are highly sensitive to acidic substances. Splashing vinegar, lemon juice, wine, or tomato sauce on them causes dull spots.

To keep the surfaces in top shape, clean the acidic substances as soon as they happen. Cleaning the spill with water isn’t enough. Also, consider neutralizing the stain. One of the most effective ways of doing it is sprinkling baking soda on it.

You chop directly on the countertops

After investing in durable countertops, some homeowners think they can abuse the countertops as much as they want. They dice, cut, slice, and chop directly on their quartz and granite countertops. Don’t do this.

While the countertops are tough, they aren’t scratch resistant. This means as you continually chop and cut on the counters, you increase the chances of damaging the countertops. The tough nature of the countertops also damages the knives.

Just like with the hot pots and pans, take measures to protect the countertops from damage. When cutting anything, always use a cutting board.

You allow water to stay on the countertops for a long time

When you seal granite countertops or any other countertop surfaces, you make the surfaces waterproof, right? Wrong!

Sealing the countertops only prevents water from seeping through and creating stains. When you allow water to stay on the countertops for a long time, you increase the chances of water seeping through and staining the surfaces.

While you don’t have to be in great hurry to wipe out the spills, you shouldn’t let them sit on the countertops for a long time. For example, until they evaporate.

A good rule of thumb is to never allow water to sit on the surfaces for more than five minutes. After wiping the surfaces, dry them to prevent future problems.

You place a lot of weight on the countertop edges

Placing heavy items and objects near or on unsupported sides increases the chances of the countertops developing cracks, ruptures, and fractures that are difficult and expensive to repair.

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is placing a microwave directly on the countertop overhang.

For you to avoid damaging the countertops, always think twice when placing a heavy object on the surfaces. If you have to put the object on the countertop, place it at the center.

You allow a lot of sunlight on the countertops

Sunshine is good as it lights up the kitchen and makes it appear spacious. Unfortunately, a lot of direct sunlight causes laminate countertops to fade. The sunlight also fades the sealants on the countertops. This leads to a cheap-looking kitchen.

During the peak daylight hours, pull down the shade. This is to minimize the amount of sunlight getting into the kitchen hence reducing sunlight effect on granite kitchen countertops Raleigh.

What to Look for In a Countertop Installer

When it comes to home improvement, you will only want a professional to help you with it. Renovating a part of your house – or even the entire house – requires years of experience and reputable skills. Even installing a countertop in your bathroom or kitchen should be done by the best granite countertop installers around.

Speaking of countertops, it is one of the best investments you can make for your home. More importantly, you should choose the best kitchen countertops around to make the most out of your money. For one thing, quality granite kitchen countertops, marble countertops, or other countertop materials can largely improve a kitchen or bathroom’s overall appearance.

Factors to consider when looking for a countertop installer

There are a lot of countertop installers claiming to be the best in their field. That is why choosing the best among them can be challenging. That said, it is important to scrutinize each contractor which will ensure they only provide the best service. Here are some deciding factors when choosing a professional countertop installer.

Do they have accreditations or certifications?
Do they offer various countertop material options for their customers?
Do they have a showroom where customers can check out different slab materials before buying it?
Do they always have a stock of each slab material in case a customer wants to check it out?
Do they also carry other bathroom and kitchen accessories (ex. faucet, sinks, backsplashes, etc.)?
Will they be the one to install the countertop, or a third-party will take care of it?
If they will be the one to install, are their personnel certified or licensed to do it?
Do they also offer warranties, consultations, and repairs in case of product defects and damages?

Countertop replacement can be a tedious task. That is why it is best left in the hands of industry professionals.

Other countertop installer-hunting tips

Here are other tips when looking for a professional countertop installer:

Ask for suggestions/recommendations.

For one, you can check out online reviews (if the company has an official website or a “Google My Business” entry) from actual customers. If you personally know someone who previously worked with a countertop contractor, you can ask feedback from them as well. Make sure you get the company’s contact number in case you are interested to know more about them.

Have several options.

It is important to have different options for countertop contractors in case your first choice does not meet your requirements. More importantly, choose ones that are established and reputable, and has a lot of positive reviews.

Request for written estimates.

Make sure to have written estimates acquired from them, and that they should visit your home to have a look at the work area. If you purchase a countertop from another supplier, make sure to let the installers know. This will help them determine the estimated amount for the entire installation process. The estimate will become an official document once signed and agreed on.

Trust your instinct.

Sometimes, your instinct might be telling you right. There’s no harm in following it, as long as you did your own research and believe that this is the contractor you are looking for.

Before countertop installation

Before having your countertop installed by granite contractors, you should first have a specific plan. For example, you may have a dilemma which should be installed first especially if you also have a new appliance that will be installed as well. For the latter, it should match the size of your current appliances so it won’t take up too much space.

Also, make sure you measure the countertop properly because again, space issues may arise. It should meet your functional requirements and not just because it looks nice on your kitchen or bathroom. More importantly, you should choose the best countertop materials so it can last for many years.

Hire the best countertop contractors near you

If you are considering getting countertop replacement in Durham, make sure to hire only the best countertop contractors around. Choosing a quality countertop can truly make a difference in your home. Contact one today and ask for a free estimate for your next home improvement project.

The Granite Countertop Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

best kitchen countertop contractor

Your kitchen countertop is an investment and it’s therefore important that you take care of it. Simple cleaning tips will keep your granite countertop looking good and ensure it last long. Correct cleaning methods and proper maintenance practices will ensure the durability of your countertop and give your house and kitchen a regal effect. It’s important that you understand your countertop and that keeps your countertop looking fabulous for years. In this article, we tell you do’s and don’ts when using granite countertop Durham and simple cleaning practices that will ensure the longevity of your countertop.

Sealing Your Granite Countertop

It’s imperative that you seal your granite before using it. If you already have the granite countertop installed to make sure it sealed often. The number of times you seal your granite countertop will depend on how often you use the countertop. Talk to the granite countertop dealer and get advice on how often you should seal your countertop and the kind of sealant you should use.

Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning the Granite Countertop

It’s crucial that you follow the right cleaning procedure to prevent your countertop from being damaged. The right care and maintenance procedure will ensure your countertop last long. Below some tips on how to take care of the granite countertops and what you should avoid;

Granite Countertop DO’s

Blot out spills immediately

Coffee, fruit juices tomato sauces may contain an acidic element which may etch the countertop. To minimize the chances of damaging the countertop make sure you blot out any spill immediately.

Clean the Surface with a Soft Sponge and Cloth

To clean the countertop, use a soft sponge and a mild detergent. Don’t use an acidic detergent because that may ruin the sealant. Using the wrong soap may also cause the countertop to become dull. Regular dishwashing soap will cause the countertop to become dull.

Use hot Pads and Trivets when using Hot Pans

Don’t take a hot pan and place it directly on the granite kitchen countertop. Hot pans may give your countertop a thermal shock and because small cracks Make sure you place hot pads and use trivets before placing hot pans on the countertop.

Use Cutting Boards

Avoid cutting directly on the countertop, instead, use a cutting board to protect your countertop. Cutting directly on the granite will make countertop to have scratches and become dull.

Granite countertop Don’ts’s

Avoid using bleach and other acidic cleaners

Any product that is acidic or contains harsh chemicals will destroy your countertop by downgrading the sealant. That will make your countertop more prone to staining. Use mild detergents to clean the countertop.

Avoid Placing Heavy Objects on Your Countertop

Avoid sitting on the countertop or placing heavy materials because that will cause it to crack.

Don’t Store liquids that can Stain the countertop on it

Liquids such as perfume, colognes and nail products may spill and cause your countertop to stain. If such liquids remain on the countertop for long periods that may stain the top.

Granite Countertop Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

Make sure you wipe any spills immediately using a sponge and a mild detergent. Keep your countertop clean throughout the day. The granite countertop dealer will advise you on the best granite cleaner that you can use on a daily basis.

Weekly Maintenance

Remove all the items on the countertop and clean the whole surface. Clean the edges and remove any dust that has collected around.

Monthly

You can apply a granite polish monthly to make the surface of the countertop look more natural and enhance the shine.

Yearly Maintenance

You can carry out the water and lemon test on your granite to see whether you need to seal your granite. The frequency will, however, depend on how often the countertop is used. Seal the granite if you notice that the countertop is absorbing water drops left on it. The contractor from the granite company will advise you on when you have your countertop sealed.

Its imperative that you ensure that you follow the care and maintenance practices above to keep your granite looking good for long. Simple maintenance practices will ensure that kitchen countertop looks good and you can enjoy preparing meals on it for years. The granite countertop installers will advise you on how often you should seal your countertop depending on how often you use the countertop.

The Most Common Kitchen Counter top Problems

kitchen counter

The kitchen countertop is one of most valuable features in your house. The countertop gives your kitchen the regal look and its therefore important that it’s in good shape. What happens when your countertop cracks, chips or fractures? In this article, we look at the various countertop problems you are likely to experience and how to deal with them. Don’t attempt to repair the kitchen countertop as the material is delicate instead invite the quartz or the granite countertop Durham, installer to have a look and advise.

Common Kitchen Countertop Problems

Cracks on countertop

Cracks on the edges and on the granite result from;

too much weight on the edges of the countertop.
Constant exposure to too much heat, the exposure weakens the granite leading to cracking
Imprecise installation and stress during transportation.

If the countertop is not installed with proper reinforcement that will lead to cracking. The granite contractor should ensure there is sufficient reinforcement for the countertop to avoid damage.

Raptured Countertop

A raptured countertop is a cause for concern for many as it will give your countertop a bad look and you may be forced to replace the whole countertop. Your countertop will rapture because of the following;

When the countertop is installed on a surface that is not even
Joints that are poorly crafted
If the glue used during installation is not given enough time to dry
Too much weight in certain areas

Damage Caused by Water

When water is left on the countertop for long that may result in damage on the countertop. Water can also cause white crusty build up in the countertop creating a stain. Make sure there is no water leaking from sinks and taps so that there is no damage to the cabinets and countertops. To remove the stain, use a soft brush and a gentle cleanser to remove the stubborn stains

Chemical Stains and Dull Countertops

Using harsh cleaners on your kitchen countertops such as marble leads to dullness and although it may not show at first the countertop will eventually become dull. When granite is exposed to harsh chemicals that will result in the shine and spark diminishing over time. Use cleaners that are mild and will not cause the countertop to lose its shine

Stains from Hot Dishes

Countertops can withstand heat but they can also get damaged with the hot pans leaving marks. The solution to remove the stains depends on the type of countertop material that is in your kitchen.

Scratches on the Countertops

Pushing knives and other sharp utensils around the kitchen will cause scratches on the countertops. When your granite countertop has a scratch, invite the granite installer to assess the issue and advice on the way forward.

How to Deal with Kitchen Countertop Problems

Care and Maintainance

Cleaning

Avoid cleaning the countertop with abrasive and harsh detergents as this will result in stains and dullness. Ask the granite countertop installers how best to clean your countertop and the detergent that is meant for each countertop or buy mild detergents that will not make the countertop dull. Choose cleaning materials with a neutral PH. Warm water and mild detergent will clean the countertop perfectly

Protect Your Countertop

To avoid stains and marks caused by hot pans, ensure that hot pans are not placed directly on the countertops.

Avoid throwing sharp objects on the countertop as that will cause scratches and while cutting foodstuff ensure you use cutting boards.

Hire a Professional for major Problems

Make sure your countertop installation is handled by an expert at the granite company to avoid problems that result from a poor installation process. Don’t attempt to solve major problems like a raptured countertop or a large crack on your countertop. Invite the granite countertop installers to have a look at the issue and they will advise the best way to deal with the problem at hand. The repair process may be complicated and delicate and its best to let the granite contractor handle the process.

The durability of your kitchen countertop largely depends on how well you maintain the countertop. Ask the granite countertop installers on how best to take care and maintain the countertop to ensure it looks good long after the installation is complete.

How to Choose a Bathroom Vanity Counter top

Cultured Marble Vanity Tops

The bathroom vanity countertop material you choose should bring out the elegance of your bathroom, act as the focal point and connecting point between the wood and the surface above. The countertop material you choose should be able to withstand soap and water and still be durable. Although bathroom tops will not undergo the same work as the kitchen countertops it’s important that you use the right material for your bathroom. The granite installer will be able to advise you on the best material based on your needs.

How to Choose the Bathroom Vanity Countertop Material

When choosing the material to use on your countertop consider the following;

Bathroom style

The look you want to bring out in your bathroom will determine the choice of countertop material you use. Before you decide whether its contemporary, classic, Victorian or the traditional look you want to achieve, research and look at the different styles and choose the one you want. The granite installers will give granite bathroom countertop ideas that you can implement to give your bathroom the natural artistic and classic look and if you choose to use wood then you have a more traditional look. The vanity countertop material you choose should give your bathroom the regal effect.

Child-Friendly

The countertop material you choose should not harbor bacteria making it friendly even for your children. Choose a material that is nonporous so that it doesn’t harbor bacteria and it’s easy to clean. Quartz countertop is nonporous and that makes them a perfect choice for the bathroom vanity countertop. Make sure the edge profile you choose is also safe for the children.

Bathroom Vanity Countertop Use

How are you going to use the vanity countertop? If your hair closet has heat styling tools then you may need to get a heat-resistant countertop. Get a countertop material that is not porous and not susceptible to stains if you are going to use the vanity countertop as a makeup place. If you choose granite countertops to ensure its sealed to keep out stains. The material you use should be able to withstand soap and any other stains without fading or losing the shine.

Countertop care and Maintenance

Quartz countertop is a low maintenance countertop, unlike granite which requires sealing often. If you don’t have the time to keep cleaning the countertop, then choose the low maintenance countertops. It’s however important to take care of the countertop you choose to avoid damage and to ensure durability.

Cost

How much have you budgeted for? The countertop material you choose should fit into your budget. The granite installer will take the measurements of your top and give you a quotation of the various materials you can use for the vanity countertop. Choose the material that fits into your budget.

Size of Bathroom

Huge bathrooms will require a bigger vanity countertop and that will determine the material you choose to use. If you have a large bathroom, the material you choose should bring out the elegance and also fit into your budget. Ensure that the vanity countertop you choose should fit into your room without making it look overcrowded.

Factors that Determine the Cost of Vanity Countertop

Material

The countertop material you use will determine the cost of the bathroom vanity countertop. Natural stone is more expensive and will, therefore, increase the overall cost. Visit the granite company and the granite installers will give you a quotation for the cost.

Labor cost

Once you have made up your mind on the material to use, you need to get a quote from the granite countertop installers on the various options and the cost. Ensure that all the costs are included in the quote. The labor for the various countertop products will differ because material like granite countertops requires sealing after installation. Ensure the quotation you get from the granite company is conclusive.

The material you choose should be able to withstand soap and resist heat. Choose the material that is within your budget and that will serve the purpose you intend. The countertop product you choose should bring the beauty and elegance of your bathroom. If you choose granite countertop Raleigh the installer will be able to advise on how to take care of the countertop.

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.

Your ultimate guide to Granite Countertops

Granite counters deliver amazing aesthetics in bathrooms and kitchens. The granite kitchen countertops are made by nature and designed by man. These countertops are cost-effective, durable and beautiful for kitchens and baths. Granite is an eye-catching material that adds color and warmth. It is really very hard material that does not get scratch, blisters or cracks. The hardness of granite is compared with the hardness of diamonds. Actually, diamonds are used to polish and cut granite.

Know about Granite Countertops

Over the last 15 years, granite has been dominating the kitchen countertop market. It is the first choice of homeowners and interior designers for decades. Granite countertops are available in plenty of colors, from different shades of browns to whites, greens, reds, blues, and blacks. The most popular granite colors are beige and brown.

Granite also possesses the heat bearing capacity. This material does not get affected by hot pans, pots etc. Also, it is quite easy to clean the oil and grease from the granite surface. Granite has an elegant polished surface that makes it superb for rolling out dough. The polished finish of granite countertop does not wear off easily.

The granite countertops are unique because no two slabs of granite are similar; therefore granite creates an interesting design element. This countertop material brings richness and texture to your kitchen. Granite countertops provide elegance and brilliance. Granite adds up character to kitchen that is matchless. Granite kitchen countertops have a natural beauty that can complement any style of cabinets or shade of wood.

Granite Countertop installation

It doesn’t matter if you are remodeling your existing kitchen or constructing a new home, granite can surely add value to your home. Granite counters have been trending since a long time and they are going to trend more. Granite countertops are one of those assets that always increase the value of place where they are installed.

You can find many types of granite on the market, from the best quality granite to low quality granite. In order to enjoy all the benefits that granite offers, you should buy your countertop from the best granite contractor.