Tag Archives: granite tricks

Marble Alternatives to Consider

As much as marble is beautiful and gives your home an elegant look, it’s not for everyone. If you are looking to install countertops and you don’t like marble countertops, there are plenty of other alternatives you can go with. These alternatives include:

Onyx

On a spiritual level, onyx gives off strong vibrations of energy, protection, and strength, which anyone would like to tap into every morning.

The most popular onyx is black, but this isn’t the only color it comes in—it also comes in a beautiful range of soft neutral, and brighter colors.

As much as onyx is a great marble alternative, you must ask whether it will last for a long time.

Well, like marble, it should not be installed in highly traffic areas as its porous and fragile. This calls for you to avoid installing shower walls or kitchen countertops, which will likely get stained easily.

If you have to install it in the bathroom, ensure that you do it in the master bathroom, where you will take good care of it. Even when installing it here, ensure that you simply install it as a decorative strip—don’t install it on the floor and shower walls.

Quartzite

You shouldn’t confuse quartzite with quartz as they aren’t similar.

Like marble, quartzite is highly versatile and can look like almost anything. Designers often use quartzite to get the dramatic look of marble.

The good thing is that since it is crystalline, its patterns are often softer and more ethereal than most marble types.

Quartzite is more durable than marble, and you can confidently use it as an alternative. The beauty of it is that it combines the beauty of marble with the functionality and durability of granite. Due to this, you can even install it in highly trafficked areas without worrying about it suffering from extensive wear and tear.

Since it’s made by volcanoes, it’s very strong, doesn’t get stained by citric acids, and can take a lot of heat. Although anyone can install it, it’s most recommended for people who cook a lot and love natural stone.

It comes in a huge range of colors and patterns, so you have plenty of options.

Soapstone

If you are looking to replace your black kitchen countertops with something other than marble, you might want to think about soapstone.

Soapstone is an excellent alternative because it can handle heat. It comes in different colors that range from dark green to charcoal to black, and its face has a lot of movement.

Since it’s non-porous, you don’t have to worry about it getting stained or damaged by water.

If you are thinking about installing soapstone countertops, there are some things you should know.

One of the things you should know is that soapstone gets a natural patina as you use it. To ensure that it wears out evenly, it’s recommended that you oil it regularly.

It’s also hard to find it in large slabs, so you need to work with your contractors and assemble smaller pieces to get the large countertops you are after.

Granite

Granite is not an unusual material to find in a kitchen. In fact, it has been one of the most popular natural stone countertop materials for a long time.

But this has both pros and cons. Since the 1970s, granite has been a popular choice for surfaces. As a result, many people have granite countertops Raleigh that are so old that they don’t look good in a modern kitchen.

Granite comes in many styles, some of which look like marble. It even comes in creative colors.

Granite is much stronger than marble and less likely to break or chip. It’s also much less likely to get stained.

Parting shot

These are some of the options you have when it comes to marble alternatives. When choosing the options, choose those that will give you the service you are after.

For example, if you are looking to install a countertop in a highly trafficked area, you should stay away from onyx or soapstone and instead go for granite or any other tougher material.

Things to Do When Using Two Countertop Materials

kitchen countertops

If you visit many homes, you will find their kitchens with only one countertop material. While there is nothing wrong with this as it gives the kitchen a uniform look, did you know that you can combine two or more countertop materials to give your kitchen countertops a more interesting look?

Unfortunately, you can’t achieve ideal results out of the blue—you need to do a number of things. Which are these things? Here they are:

Pay attention to the countertop patterns

When shopping, pay attention to the countertop patterns and design. As much as you want to have different materials on your countertops, you don’t want them to clash, do you?

To ensure this doesn’t happen, choose countertops with an almost similar movement or pattern.

There is no way to tell you which is the best style and design to choose, as this depends on your preferences, but you need to ensure that the two countertops complement each other.

For example, if you are drawn to busy designs, ensure that the second countertop is solid colored or has a minimal pattern—this is to prevent one material from competing with the other, giving your kitchen an overwhelming look.

Coordinate your countertops with accent colors

Accent colors come from linens, furniture, plumbing fixtures, and even cabinet hardware. You can use the colors to guide you on the countertop colors to go with. If you have a shade in your house that you love, you can pick a countertop design that matches or incorporates the tone in its pattern.

While this is a great strategy, the downside is that the countertops might look out of place if you replace the cabinets or any other item you used to inform your color of choice.

Keep the accent colors the same to keep your countertops looking in place. This means that when you get sick of a piece of furniture, replace it with another of the same color and preferably the same design.

Have an accent piece of your island

If the rest of your kitchen has a neutral or muted color scheme, create a focal point that will stand out and give your kitchen an interesting appeal.

You might have the impression that you need premium over-the-top accent pieces, but this isn’t the case. You can go for simple styles that are appealing and still mesh with the rest of the house. If you aren’t sure about the right ones to go for, get the input of a professional.

Balance dark and light

Here you simply need to mix light with darker colored countertops. If the first countertop is on the lighter side, go for one on the darker side. There are plenty of options in the market you can choose from. Your choice will be influenced by your preferences and your desired final look.

As you are creating the light and dark dynamic, try to be creative in your approach. For example, if you have mixed cabinet colors, go with light countertops with light-colored cabinets. By doing this, you create a dramatic contrast between the two designs, which gives your countertops an interesting appeal.

You can also opt for balance by placing your darker selection of cabinets on lighter cabinetry.

If your cabinetry is the same color throughout, consider other factors when choosing the ideal cabinets. For example, consider how well each countertop design stacks up to your backsplash material.

Use both countertop materials on the same surface.

If you are unsure how to use two polar opposite materials, you can always use both. For example, you can use quartz and porcelain countertops on natural surfaces such as granite or soapstone.

If you are edgy, mix two different stone materials, such as mix granite countertops Durham and travertine.

While this will give your countertops an interesting look, the downside is that you often have difficulty cleaning the surfaces. This is because one cleaning material is often insufficient to clean both countertops properly. Sometimes you even damage the countertops when using one cleaning material.

For example, when you use Windex on engineered stone surfaces, you can’t use it on natural stone countertops as you will damage them.

Can You Cut On Granite?

It’s not uncommon to find homeowners chopping apples on the countertop surfaces when they are in a hurry. It’s also not unusual to find them slicing a lime when making a quick cocktail.

While many do this without causing any damage to the countertops, the solid question is, can you cut on granite countertops?

Yes, you can cut on the countertops, but you shouldn’t overdo it as you risk blunting your knife or scratching the surfaces. This means that you can get away with making a quick chop here and there but avoid cutting, chopping, and preparing your food every day directly on the countertops as you risk defacing the surfaces.

To be on the safe side, when you are doing extensive cutting and chopping, use a cutting board. Besides the board protecting the countertops against scratches and the knife from blunts, it also protects the sealer on the granite from acid erosion.

While the acid from the tomato or lemon won’t hurt your granite, it can break down the sealer, forcing you to seal the surfaces more often.

What else can’t you do on granite surfaces?

Besides not cutting directly on the countertops, there are plenty of other things you shouldn’t do to your countertops to keep them in top working condition. Some of these things include:

Sitting on the countertops

When you look at granite, they appear hard and tough, and they are. Unfortunately, they can’t take a lot of weight. This means that when you sit on them, there is the risk of them breaking. This is often because the countertops contain fissures and striations that can break.

To avoid breakage, avoid sitting on your countertops in the bathroom or kitchen. You also should avoid standing on them when replacing the bulb or reaching the top shelf.

Allowing water to stand on the counters

Water is life, but it can be dangerous, especially to countertops. Even if you have sealed the counters, don’t let water or any other liquids stay on the surfaces for a long time. This is because the liquids are bound to get into the inner countertop layers, making it hard to remove the stains.

To keep your surfaces clean and stain-free, make it a habit to clean the spills as soon as they happen.

Avoid placing liquids directly on the countertops to minimize the chances of spills happening. One of the best places to keep them is in the cabinets. You can also have a bottle tray and place the liquids there.

Placing hot pans on the countertops

The same way homeowners have the impression that their countertops are tough and they can sit on them is the same way they think they can put hot pots and pans on them and take the abuse.

While granite is heat resistant, it isn’t heatproof. This means that you can get away with placing hot pots and pans on the surfaces now and then, but when you regularly do it or make it a habit, you are bound to damage the surfaces.

To avoid this, avoid placing the hot pots and pans directly on the granite surfaces. The right way to go about it is to have hot pads and trivets in place where you place the hot pots to avoid damaging your surfaces.

If you don’t have a hot mat, never remove the pot from the oven while hot—let it cool and only place it on the countertop when it’s fully cold and can’t cause any damage to the countertop surfaces.

So, can you use granite as a chopping board?

As mentioned above, you shouldn’t cut directly on granite kitchen countertops Raleigh, so you can’t use granite as a chopping board. Unless you want to do minor chopping and cutting, always use a wooden cutting board.

The board will not only protect your countertops from scratches and other forms of damage, but also protect your knives from getting blunt and having to sharpen them regularly.

How Should I Organize My Kitchen Countertops?

Are you looking to keep your counters clean and organized and wondering, how should I organize my kitchen countertops? There are plenty of ways to go about it, as given by experts. These ways include:

Create zones

One of the best ways to keep your counters organized is to create zones. Create zones for cooking, serving, prepping, and so on. You should then sort your things into these categories and store them in the areas where they make the most sense.

For example, place the cooking tools, oils, and foods that need cooking near the stove or oven. Place them near the largest surface space for the prep tools and place the serving pieces near the sink or dishwasher.

Experts also recommend creating stations for the specific things you do regularly, such as tea, coffee, or smoothies. Here, store all the things you need for the task, such as spoons, glasses, and other ingredients.

Use kitchenware meant to save space.

To have an easier time, use kitchen appliances meant to save space. For example, go for pans that nest together and ensure that the pots, pans, and bowls you buy have universal lids.

It also doesn’t hurt getting cookware with a magnetic storage rack and canvas lid holder.

To keep the knives in one place and organized, go for appliances with a standard knife block and utensil holder.

Use shelf risers and hanging baskets.

Shelf risers keep your counters clear and your items in one place, making your kitchen surfaces neat and organized. For the perfect look, get risers that complement the look and theme of the kitchen.

Get a triple-duty sink.

If you are out in the market looking for a sink, get one that does more than one task. For example, get a sink with mini ledges that you can easily pop in a drying rack, cutting boards, and wash pan. This not only saves you money as you won’t have to buy the extra items, but it also saves you space as you don’t have to find new places to store the items.

Move items to carts

If you are one of the lucky people and have a large kitchen or you have a small empty corner, you can make use of the space with old filing cabinets, bar carts, and work tables that you can use to host small cookbooks, extra mugs, small appliances and so on.

Minimize the decorations

As much as you want your kitchen to look great, you should minimize the number of decorations you have there. A good rule of thumb is to decorate the kitchen with items that are both decorative and functional.

For example, hang a beautiful cutting board on the wall that you can use to improve the appeal of the kitchen and use it when you want to cut something.

To avoid having your kitchen look cluttered, don’t decorate your kitchen with things that aren’t functional.

Wipe your dirty counters every night

A few crumbs of bread on your counters might seem harmless, but they can make your counters look cluttered and dirty.

To avoid this, take a few minutes every night to wipe your kitchen counters of any dirt and clutter that might be there.

Have a “junk drawer.”

It sounds counterintuitive and hypocritical that you should have a “junk” drawer while trying to declutter your kitchen, but it comes in handy when keeping your surfaces clean and organized.

You should note that you aren’t storing junk in the drawer, but rather the miscellaneous but functional items that might make your countertop look cluttered.

All you need to do is to have one dedicated drawer in your cabinets where you store the items that you aren’t using, but you might need later.

Install plain countertops

This might sound weird, but it’s true. Plain countertops look much better than patterned countertops. When you are in the market choosing kitchen countertops, choose those that are plain as they will make your kitchen look clean and easy to maintain.

If you aren’t sure about the right ones to go for, get the input of granite contractors Durham or other professionals.

Does Black Granite Need To Be Sealed?

On a casual look, black granite countertops appear tough and different from the other granite stones. And due to this, you will hear many homeowners asking, does black granite need to be sealed?

The truth is other than the color, there is nothing unique about black granite counters, so you will need to seal them like any other granite counters.

How does the granite sealant work?

Also known as an impregnator, the granite sealant is made of a resin dissolved in water or petroleum-based solvent. When you apply it on the porous granite surface, it creates a film that gets to the inner layers of the stone and fills the pores, and when the solvent or water evaporates from the mixture, the resin hardens, creating a tough barrier that liquids, dirt, bacteria and other materials can’t easily pass through.

Upon properly sealing the countertops, you keep the spills on the surface, which gives you time to clean the surface before the liquids can seep into the stone and stain it.

Although the granite sealant creates an effective barrier, it’s not foolproof. This means that if you leave liquids on the countertops long enough, they will seep through the resin barrier and stain your expensive countertops. To prevent this from happening, make it a habit to wipe off the spills as soon as they happen.

How often should you seal the countertops?

For maximum protection, seal the surfaces at the time of installation, then every six months to one year thereafter. Sometimes you may seal the surfaces more frequently if you use the counters more frequently.

You should note that even with frequent sealing, you shouldn’t let the liquid spills stay on the countertops in the event of a spillage. Instead, move with haste and get rid of them immediately before they start seeping into the deeper layers.

Besides getting rid of spills, also make it a habit to clean granite countertops regularly. And you don’t have to be fancy about it. A simple washcloth or sponge and a gentle soap and water will get it done.

After cleaning the surfaces, dry them thoroughly with a clean, dry towel. Regardless of how clean you want the countertops to be, don’t use harsh abrasives or acidic solutions as they will dull and scratch the surfaces instead.

It’s common for bacteria to adhere to the countertop pores. To prevent the bacteria from getting to your food, make it a habit to disinfect the surfaces at least once a week.

There are plenty of granite disinfectants in the market you can use, so avoid using bleach and other chemicals to disinfect the countertops. If you have to use bleach, dilute it enough, then rinse it thoroughly after application.

Even with the best care, it’s common for stains to happen. When they come about, remove them using a baking soda and water paste and gently rub it into the stain using a soft cloth. For stubborn stains, you may have to repeat the process a few times.

Who should apply the sealant?

Although you can apply the sealant by yourself and protect your countertops, avoid doing the work, especially if you have never done it before. Instead, let a professional help you out.

An experienced contractor will apply the sealant evenly, so it covers the entire surface from all sides. The contractor will also recommend the best sealant for the work.

Like other products in the market, there are many types of sealants you can go for. For the sealer to protect your countertops for a long time, you need to ensure its high quality and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or emit strong odors.

Avoid any sealer containing harsh chemicals that might damage the countertops. An ideal sealant should be high quality and gentle enough, so you don’t have to worry that the granite contractors NC you hired will get hurt when applying it.

A good quality sealer will also provide you with the liquid, dirt, and bacteria protection you are looking for. The sealer also won’t give off an offensive smell after application making your house uncomfortable to live in.

Do Granite Countertops Stain?

granite kitchen countertops

Granite is one of the toughest countertop materials in the market, but it’s not impervious to damage. So if you are asking, do granite countertops stain? Yes, they do stain. While the countertop is tough, it’s porous, and liquids can penetrate the surfaces and cause stains.

Types of stains

The countertops can be affected by different types of stains that include:

Water stains: Water stains are temporary and when they happen, they darken or lighten the countertop material. The good thing is when water evaporates, the color of the stone returns to normal.

Organic stains: These are brought about by organic materials such as mustard, soda, tea, and others.

Inorganic stains: They result from dyes, dirt, ink, and others.

Oil stains: Butter, cooking oil, and mineral oils will damage the countertops when they land on them.

Biological stains: Popular biological stains include: mold and mildew.

Metal stains: Metal stains include rust, copper and many others.

What should you do when your countertops stain?

To retain the elegant look of the countertops, you should remove the stains as soon as they happen. How you remove the stains depends on the nature of the stain. To remove the stains, follow these steps:

Begin with creating a thick paste of hydrogen peroxide and talc powder. For ideal results, ensure the paste has a consistency of putty.

You should then apply the mix to the stained area while taking care not to apply it on the unstained areas. Experts recommend you keep the layer of paste one-fourth of an inch thick and should overlap the stain by about half an inch.

After applying the paste, cover the area with a plastic wrap and tape the edges. Let the paste sit for 24 hours after which you should remove it only leaving the poultice in place. Let the poultice stay on the stain until it completely dries up.

You should then use a plastic scraper and scrape away all the paste. If any paste remains, wipe it with a clean cloth. Follow up with cleaning the countertops normally and dry it with a clean cloth.

In most cases, this will remove the stain, but if it doesn’t, repeat the process and the stain will go away.

Can you prevent stains from coming about?

Yes, you can do it by taking good care of the countertops. When you are in the kitchen, take care not to spill products on the countertops. Even when spills happen, hurry and clean them up.

To prevent water spills, seal the countertops. For ideal results, follow the right sealing procedure:

Begin with cleaning the counters with water and allow them to dry out completely.

You should then shake the sealer and apply it liberally to every part of the countertop using paper towels, paint roller, or paintbrush. When applying the sealer, ensure you have a thin film on the entire surface of the stone.

After applying the sealer, let it soak into the counters for at least 15 minutes after which you should wipe it off with a clean cloth.

If your countertops are white or have another color susceptible to staining, apply a second sealer coat. Upon applying the first coat, wait for at least 48 hours then apply the second coat.

Once done, wipe the counters with clean towels and paper towels, making sure you wipe away excess sealer. Before you start using the countertops, leave them for at least 24 hours.

Other ways to protect granite

Other than sealing the countertops, there are plenty of different ways you can protect them from stains and other forms of damage. Some of these ways include:

Protect them from UV rays: Most granites are combined with resins susceptible to UV-ray damage that leads to fading and dulling of color. In addition to keeping curtains closed when it’s sunny, talk to your granite contractors Durham and understand the best product to provide maximum protection.

Use pH-neutral cleaners: Granite is sensitive to acidic and alkaline-based cleaners so only use pH-neutral cleaners. Using the wrong products not only stains the surfaces, but it also etches them, so you have to replace them, which is expensive.

6 Benefits Of Marble Countertops

marble countertops

Marble countertops are one of the most popular countertop materials in the market. Their subtle sheen evokes an air of elegance that adds a timeless ambience to any home. In addition to these benefits, the countertops come with plenty of other benefits that include:

It’s affordable

When you look at marble, you might have the impression it’s expensive, but this isn’t the case. Compared to other countertop materials, marble is extremely affordable. Although, the cost of the stone varies depending on the type and thickness, it’s much cheaper than granite or quartz.

It’s durable

Marble comes from natural stone, so it’s more resistant to cracking, scratching, and breaking. This makes it durable as long as you take good care of it. The cool thing is that while the stone is tough, it’s much softer, making it easy to incorporate attractive design elements such as fancy edges during the fabrication process.

In addition to the popular edge profiles such as bullnose, straight, bevel, and demi bullnose, you can cut marble into chiselled, chiselled, elegant cove bullnose and even the waterfall edge, the most popular premium edge cut that features three cascading convex arches that add texture and interest to the countertop.

While these fancy edges come at a premium, they often cost lower than with granite and other countertop materials.

It’s perfect for baking.

The countertop naturally stays cool and always remains below room temperature. This makes it an ideal working surface for bakers working with dough, pastries, chocolate, and ice cream. These features not only make the countertops ideal for bakery, but you can also install it and use it in your home.

It has a luxurious appearance.

As mentioned above, one of the most attractive features of marble is they have a unique luxurious appearance that is timeless. As long as you take good care of the countertops, they look excellent for a long time.

It’s easy to find

One of the prime reasons the countertop is affordable is because you can easily find it. Since marble is softer than granite, quartz and other countertop materials, most countertop companies have large supplies of it.

The soft nature of the countertop makes it easy to shape and edge without damaging the surface hence making it an excellent option for different areas of the house.

It’s bright

Part of the reason many homeowners find marble appealing is that it has a natural glow that reflects light in any room. If you have a small bathroom or kitchen or your kitchen doesn’t have a lot of natural light, marble is an excellent countertop material for making the room brighter and larger.

How to take care of marble

For you to make the most of the benefits of the countertops, you should take good care of it. Some of the ways in which you can do it include:

Seal the countertops: Like granite countertops, you need to seal marble to retain its look. Since the countertop is porous, spilt wine or water can potentially stain it, making it the end of your all-white kitchen. To avoid this from happening, seal the countertops as you are installing them then once every year after that.

Clean the countertops: You need to clean the countertops to keep them looking good. For daily cleaning, use a mild dish or stone soap then rinse with water to keep the marble spick and span.

If you haven’t been taking good care of your countertops, it’s normal to have a stain. If the stain is stubborn and not coming out, use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia. You can also sand the countertops to remove the annoying stain.

Avoid acids: Acidic substances such as lemons should never come into contact with marble as it will etch the surfaces. To avoid this from happening, granite contractors Durham recommend you use a cutting board and stay away from cleaning agent that might have lemon or vinegar in them.

Always use a trivet: While marble is tough and heat resistant, you should never place hot pans and pots directly on the surfaces. To be safe, always use a potholder or trivet.

How To Cut Granite Countertops By Hand

granite countertops

One of the prime reasons you may want to cut granite countertops by hand is if you have small granite blocks that were left behind by the contractor, and you would like to use them in other applications such as making stools or other surfaces.

There are plenty of tools you can use to do the cutting. The most common one is the wide-bladed chisel. When cutting the countertops, you need to consider plenty of factors that include:

Safety tips

You need to be safe when cutting the countertops. To do it:

Ensure that your hand is out of the way, so you don’t hurt yourself.
Roll up your sleeves and tie your hair back, so it doesn’t hurt you.
It’s wise you wear safety goggles and a dust mask. This keeps granite from getting into your eyes and silica dust from entering your lungs.
You should wear ear protection.

Set up the work area

The work area should be sturdy such that it can effectively hold the granite in place. To have an easy time cleaning once you are done, cut the granite outdoors. If cutting the granite indoors, lay drop cloths on the floor to cover the areas of interest. It’s also wise you have a shop-type vacuum in the area to help you with the cleaning.

Mark the area you want to cut.

Measure the desired length and width you want to cut on the granite then place three strips of painter’s tape on the area you are looking to cut. You should note that you don’t have to be precise when placing the tape as the purpose of the tape is to protect the surface and reduce the risk of chipping.

Before you begin cutting, double-check the measurements, and ensure they are correct. Remember to add an extra 1/6 of an inch for the chisel and saw blade width and mark the measurements with a pencil.

Once you are sure that the measurements are correct, position the granite section directly in front so that it’s visible. You should then put on your safety goggles and position the carbide-tipped point chisel directly in the top edge of the marked line.

The line should be at one of the edges of the granite section. Hold the grip of the chisel with the point resting against the granite, and using your other hand, gently tap the head with a mallet.

Chisel a groove

At one corner, chisel a groove at least ½ inch in depth. You should then chisel marks directly along the straight line you drew across the granite section. When making marks, ensure they are in a perfect line. Continue until you have chiseled at least six inches along the line from the end of the countertop.

Insert a blade into the groove

After completing making grooves, place the chisel and mallet aside and insert the blade of your handsaw into the groove. Cut the granite with a sawing motion until you successfully cut the entire section.

To cut down on dust accumulation, wet the blade as desired, then continue cutting until you cut the entire line of granite.

Polish the countertop

If the cut end of the granite slab or countertop will be facing a wall or another object, you should polish it. To smoothen it, fit an angle grinder with a diamond grinding wheel, then smooth and shape the edges to your liking.

Tips when cutting granite with hand

To avoid injury, avoid wearing gloves, especially when using a saw. This is because groves will weaken your grip on the saw.

When cutting or polishing the countertop, ensure you use the right blade. As a rule of thumb, use blades designed to cut natural stone. In addition to the wrong blade putting you at the risk of getting hurt, you can also damage the saw or blade.

Parting shot

This is what you need to know when you are cutting a granite slab with your hands. The process is risky, so if you aren’t ready for it, hire granite contractors Raleigh to help you out. The good thing is that the contractors will come with specialized tools, so they will get the work done fast.

Thinking About Undertaking Countertop Replacement? 7 Valuable Tips You Should Consider

soild surface countertops

If you have had your countertops for a long time and don’t like the current look, the countertops have worn out, or you are looking to sell the house, it’s time to think about replacing them. For the countertop replacement process to proceed smoothly, you need to understand how to go about it. Here are 7 valuable tips you should follow:

Pay attention to the flooring and cabinets

The nature of the cabinets and floor will not only influence the color of countertops you should install, it also will determine the type of countertops you should go with. Different countertop materials have different weights, and by installing countertops that are too heavy, you will damage the floor or the cabinets.

If you had previously installed plastic laminate countertops and you want to change to stone countertops, pay close attention to the integrity of the floor and cabinets and ensure that it can carry the weight.

If your cabinets aren’t strong enough, you have two options: replace the cabinets or settle for lightweight countertop material.

Know your countertop options

If you installed your countertops over a decade ago, you should know there are plenty of countertop options you can go with. From manmade materials to natural stone, you have a whole array of materials to choose from.

You need to do your research and find the best material to go with. If you aren’t sure how to go about it, consult an expert contractor to help you out.

Change the backsplash

Many people replacing their countertops forget replacing the backsplash, which gives their kitchen a confused look. The backsplash is the kitchen wall material. When the new countertops don’t blend naturally with the backsplash, you give the impression you didn’t think through the kitchen design.

Just like kitchen countertops, backsplashes come in different designs. There are small ones that cover only the sink area, midsized backsplashes, and even large ones that span the entire wall. They also come in different colors and textures.

It doesn’t matter what your dream kitchen should look like, but for a cozy, rustic, and modern look, ensure that the backsplash matches the new countertop material. You can buy a new material that blends flawlessly with the backsplash or replace the backsplash to match the countertop.

Don’t neglect the old appliances

The large kitchen appliances such as the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher are expensive. If you have the budget, you can replace them, but if they are still in good order, you don’t have to.

Instead, simply think about their color, and when buying the new countertops, buy countertops that are close to the color of the appliances. This way, the appliances don’t look out of place, so the kitchen has an elegant design.

Think about the lighting

What is the nature of the lighting in your kitchen? Under-cabinet lighting is excellent for dull surfaces, but it creates glare on the polished stone. If you have stone countertops, you may not even need to install under cabinet lighting—overhead lighting is enough.

A modern kitchen needs to be properly lit. To have an easy time doing it, consult a professional who will recommend the best lighting options to go with depending on the size of the kitchen, and installed countertops.

Take note of the sink and other plumbing appliances

Unless you have an under-mount sink, in most cases, when you install a new countertop material, you have to install a new sink. Even if you have an under-mount sink, you may have to change the faucet so that it matches the new countertops.

Work with an experienced countertop contractor

You are bound to make plenty of mistakes when you opt to go at it alone. To have an easy time and ensure you are making the right choices, have reputable granite contractors Durham or any other professionals by your side.

The contractors will help you choose the right material that your cabinets can carry. If the kitchen needs any design changes to match the current countertops, the professionals will also help you come up with the new designs.

The contractors will also help you scout for the new countertop materials that will give your kitchen a look you have always dreamt about.

7 Mistakes To Avoid With Granite Countertops

granite countertops

Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertop materials you can install in your home. They are elegant, practical to use in the kitchen and bathroom, and extremely easy to clean.

Unfortunately, many people make plenty of mistakes that lead to them ending up with countertops they aren’t proud of. The mistakes also make homeowners waste a lot of money. These mistakes include:

Failing to take the countertop samples to their homes

Countertops will look great in the showroom, but when you install them in your home, they will be the ugliest pieces you have ever seen.

Before you buy the pieces, take a few pieces to your home and see how they look in your kitchen or bathroom. If you like the look, purchase them but if you don’t like them, don’t buy them.

Being obsessed over the thickness of the countertops

When researching about countertops, you might have heard that the thicker the pieces, the better they are. When many homeowners hear this, they want to go for the thickest pieces they can afford.

Extremely thick slabs are usually two granite slabs that have been glued together, and often they aren’t the best to install at home.

While you should go for strong pieces that will last for a long time, you shouldn’t pay too much attention to the thickness as doing so will lead to you buying the wrong materials.

Work with an experienced contractor who will guide you on buying the right thickness for your home.

Putting more importance to color than quality

The color of the countertops is crucial as it determines how the room will look like, but it shouldn’t be the determining factor whether you should buy the countertops.

While color might be beautiful to look at, it might easily stain and be difficult to maintain hence making your work too difficult.

In addition to considering how the countertops will look like in your kitchen, you also should pay attention to the quality of the slab you are installing. The countertop material should be of high quality and look great in your home.

Failing to buy from wholesale stores

As you might guess, wholesale stores sell countertop materials at lower prices. Regardless of how pleasing the retail stores are, avoid buying from them as they will cost you a lot of money.

Even if you live in an area without wholesale stores, travel out of your city and find stores selling high-quality products at the least cost.

Hiring the wrong granite installer

After buying the countertops, you are onto the next stage of your journey—installing the countertops. The installer you hire is vital as he/she determines how the countertops look and how long they retain their look.

For you to get the most, hire an experienced contractor who has been in the industry for a long time. The contractor should also be an expert at countertop installations, not fabrications.

Some homeowners hire their friends. While the friends might be experienced, you should avoid working with them as they often don’t give the best results. This is because they bring friendship in the project which spoils everything.

If you have a large house, the chances are that you are going to spend a lot of time with the contractor, so work with a contractor with a great personality. You don’t want to work with a boring contractor, do you?

Choosing the edges at random

While you can select the type of edge you want on your countertops, it’s not wise to make an arbitrary choice. This is because you most often end up choosing the wrong one. You should go through all the options and select the ones that give your countertops and surfaces the best look.

Making the wrong measurements

When you make the incorrect measurements, you end up with too little or too much granite. In most cases, you end up wasting a lot of money and throwing your plan out of proportion. While even experienced contractors make this mistake, it’s often common with new installers.

For you to minimize the chances of making a mistake, work with experienced granite countertop installers Raleigh. If taking the measurements by yourself, always double-check the dimensions before placing your order.