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Choices for Granite Countertop

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Choices for Granite Countertop

If you want to get new countertops for your house, granite is the right choice for you. There are a variety of granite stones available in the market. Granite countertops vary according to their color, texture, patterns, and size. You can select the countertop that best suits the décor of your house. This article talks about certain basis on which these countertops can be categorized.

Granite countertops are today’s most popular choice for your home, used as granite kitchen countertops and granite bathroom vanity tops. Granites come in many colors and patterns.

Patterns

A consistent granite countertop is the one which has similar a kind of natural self pattern spread all over the granite slab. It is just like a combination of colors that give an overall appearance of a uniform pattern all over the granite slab. The other type of granite is variegated granite. Variegated granite has unique designs that are not consistently spread over the granite stone but look beautiful. Both the consistent as well as variegated granite stones can be used as countertops.

Granite patterns can be broken down into four basic categories.

Homogeneous Patterns – These are patterns that have small, consistent patterns that are non-directional, will look more like a manmade material.

 

Random Patterns – Larger constituents to the pattern and the sizes of the elements will vary within the stone but again non-directional.

 

Linear Patterns – Elements tend to be smaller and follow a directional, relatively straight flow.

 

Flowing Patterns – Strong linear flow that constantly changes direction, may see sharp contrasts in colors and pattern within the stone.

Nature creates some amazing colors and patterns, it all depends on your taste, be timid or be bold, the choice is yours.

Color

There are mainly six colors available in granite countertops. These are black, white, Gold, Rose color, green, and copper. Black granite is the most sought after color and also looks the best. However, it is very expensive and is also hard to find. Azul granite is found in Brazil and Italy in large quantities and is mined there and then exported to various other countries. White granite also looks very beautiful in bathroom and kitchen fittings.

Granite comes in every color imaginable, the common constituents of granite are quartz, feldspar and hornblende or biotite. Quartz is white in color, common feldspar is white to pink in color and hornblende and biotite are usually black, so most common granite deposits are salt & pepper or rosy, black and white, these types of granite are common in building materials but seldom used in granite countertops.

When impurities mix in with the common granite minerals we get some of nature’s most fantastic artwork. From Absolute Black granite to exotic Verde Marinace there is a granite to suit every taste (and budget )

 

Size and finish

Granite counters are available in flat and polished finish. Flat finish is easier to stain. However, polished finish is more durable and strong. There are various sizes of slabs available in the market. You can also get your granite countertopcustomized as per your own needs. You can get the slab cut according to the size you require. So, before you go to market to get a countertop, make sure that you measure the size of slabs you require.

Granite is quarried into large blocks, these are then cut into large sheets known as “slabs” typically about 120 X 70 inches, slabs are polished to a smooth finish on one side. Granite Slabs are the raw product from which your granite counters are made.

To complete fabrication of your granite counters the “slab” is cut to size, exposed edges are profiled and polished, any sink cutouts are cut and polished. Your new granite countertops are ready to be installed.

 

 

I’m webmaster of Stonebynature, Stonebynature.com provides the Bathroom Vanity and Granite Vanity Tops

 

An Author is an Contributor writer for this site and plays a major role for this site -

Wholesale Granite Countertops | Granite Bath | Granite Counters


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Decorate Kitchens With Stunning Marble Granite, Granite Countertops, And Marble Countertop

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Introduction:

With the advance in technology a new type of material known as marble granite has developed, which has features of both granite and marble. It is slightly expensive, but is highly resistive to stain and regular use. Marble gives a very stylish and classy. Marble is polished to give a bright and clear mirror like image.  A marble countertop is extremely delicate and elegant to look at. It enhances the luxury and refines the area where it is placed. Granite countertops are highly in demand when it comes to your kitchen, bathroom, or bar. It is extremely durable and easy to maintain. There is wide range of designs to select from, which enhances the beauty of your interiors.

Colors and textures of marble and granite:

Marbles are mostly available in classy shades and textures to add elegance to the place where it is kept. It is mostly available in rich tones of creamy white, dreamy yellow, soft orange, neutral, and astounding black. Various textures and patterns are available of which the veining design is mostly demanded. Granite is available in various pattern, textures and colors. Today more than 100 colors and patterns are available. Some of the colors available are romantic red, exotic blue, green, black, and pale pink. Patterns found are pebbled specked. Some of the famous textures are brushed, honed, and flamed.

Why do we need to use marble?

Marble is available in various sizes which makes it easier to make furniture of our choice. It can be polished to shine and give a bright image like a mirror. Polishing also enhances its color. A marble countertop can be used to prepare dough for baking and for chopping vegetables as it can be easily kept clean and hygienic. Marble enhances the beauty of your interiors and with natural ageing it becomes more attractive. It is easy to care for with minimal maintenance.

5 simple ways of cleaning marble countertops:

Water: use warm and soft water to clean the surface of the countertop, as hard water can develop stains
Vinegar: it should never be used to clean marble as it is acidic in nature. The vinegar reacts with calcium carbonate and causes etching. Etching removes the polish and makes the marble dull.
Cleaners: borax is the best cleanser for cleaning marble. It can be taken in a moist cloth to clean the surface. Cleansers that have caustic or are too abrasive should be avoided.
Polishing: marble may get dull from time to time, at such it should be polished to regain its luster.
Sealing: marble is a porous substance, so in order to prevent it from staining it should be sealed with a stone sealer.

Some dos and don’ts for maintaining granite countertops and marble countertops:

Do’s:

Seal the marble and granite countertop as and when required to prevent the surface from staining.
Spills should be cleaned immediately.
Use a sponge or a soft cloth to clean the surface of the marble granite.
All beverages should be kept on coasters.
Toiletry product should be kept on a tray when placed on the countertop.

Don’ts:

Do not use acidic products for cleaning.
Avoid soft cream as it makes the surface dull.
Do not stand on the marble and granite countertops as it might crack under pressure.

Conclusion:

By the above mentioned facts we can see that investing in marble granite or marble countertop is highly beneficial as it is decorative and very durable.

Largest importer of 1¼”  granite slabs and leading kitchen countertops installer and fabricator in the Bay Area, California.


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Countertop Faqs

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1. What type of countertop should I choose for my kitchen?

There are many types of countertops to choose from that offer endless color choices and a variety of textures.  When making a decision, you should consider factors such as how you plan to use your countertop, what expectations you have for the durability and maintenance of the countertop, and your budget.  

2. What factors determine the price of a countertop?

Quality and type of material

Difficulty of installation

Edge treatment material and design

Backsplash material and design  

3. What is the range of countertop prices?

Countertops are usually priced by the square foot. Prices can range from per square foot for some laminates and 0 per square foot for top of the line granite countertops.

4. How long can I expect my countertops to last?

The lifetime of a countertop material varies based on several factors. Some surfaces such as laminate can scratch, other surfaces such as granite need periodic resealing, and many surfaces can be damaged by heat.  

5. What manufacturers produce countertops?

Some of the manufacturers involved in producing countertops are Avonite, Cambria Quartz, DuPont Corian, DuPont Zodiaq, Formica, Nevamar, Silestone, Swanstone, Wilsonart, and many more.  

6. Which types of countertop products can I find on the market?

The types of countertops available include laminate, solid surface, engineered stone, granite, marble, soapstone, concrete, and many more.

1. Why choose Laminate?

Laminate is a low cost option that is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. Laminate is also offered in an endless amount of colors and designs.    

2. Why choose Solid Surface?

Solid surface countertops have a clean and uniform appearance. These surfaces are very durable and most scratches can be sanded out.  Solid surfaces can also be custom fit to a unique countertop shape.  

3. Why choose Engineered Stone?

Engineered stone countertops have gained much popularity in recent years due to its strength, variety of choices, and exceptionally low maintenance needs. These are the most durable surfaces, are resistant to stains and heat damage, and have no need for sealing.       

4. Why choose Granite?

Granite is a beautiful stone that has a unique look and feel. Granite countertops are durable and heat resistant, and are available in almost 200 variations.       

5. Why choose Marble?

Marble is an elegant natural stone with a warm and soft appearance. Marble is ideal for low-traffic countertops and has unique veining patterns.       

6. Why choose Soapstone?

Soapstone has a one of a kind feel, found in rich and deep colors. These countertops require little maintenance and are naturally heat resistant.    

7. Why choose Concrete?

Concrete countertops are strong, heat and scratch resistant, and uniquely textured. These countertops are ideal for unusually shaped countertops because they can be worked into a variety of shapes.         

8. How can I add a personal touch to my countertop product?

Several countertop products can be designed and decorated to meet your personal style. Tiles, shells, and other objects can be set into concrete surfaces.  Solid surfaces can be formed into nontraditional shapes. Laminate is offered in an endless amount of colors and natural stone such as granite and marble are unique because no two pieces are the same.          

9. Which countertop product requires the least amount of maintenance?

Engineered stone is currently in the lead for needing the least amount of maintenance. These surfaces are the most durable surface material, are resistant to stains and acid damage, heat resistant, and do not need sealing or resealing. Engineered stone is made up by a majority of quartz which is the fourth hardest material behind diamond, topaz and sapphire.          

10. What can I do if I like an expensive countertop material, but can’t afford the price tag?

There are many options to overcome this problem. Several less expensive surface materials can be created to imitate more expensive options such as granite and marble. For example, laminate can replicate the look of granite and solid surface while natural stone surfaces can be found in less expensive forms that are less thick or are softer minerals.

1. What products are produced by Avonite Surfaces and what benefits do they offer?

Avonite Surfaces produces solid surface products. These products are hygienic and non-porous, and scratches can easily be repaired with sand paper.  Avonite’s pattern allows for complete design flexibility and comes with a ten-year limited warranty.  

2. How should I care for Avonite Surfaces?

When using these countertops, you should always use a hot pad or trivet and a cutting board, because like all solid surfaces they can expand with heat and be scratched. If needed, Avonite can be buffed back to its original shine with a high gloss countertop.  

3. What is Cambria?

Cambria is a natural quartz surface product.  It is one of the hardest countertop surfaces, does not absorb stains, and requires very little maintenance.  Cambria can be used for a variety of surfaces including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, desk tops and fireplace surrounds. Cambria offers a 10-year limited warranty on its products.  

4. What is Corian® and should I protect and maintain my Corian® countertops?

Corian® is a brand name for a solid surfacing material created by DuPont™. Corian® offers a wide variety of looks because it can be cut, routed, drilled, sculpted or bent.  Corian® is stain and heat resistant and never requires sealing. These surfaces can be cleaned with soapy water or an ammonia-based cleaner for day-to-day care.  

5. What are DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surfaces?

These surfaces are made of 93% quartz and come in more than 30 colors. Zodiaq® surfaces are very durable, nonporous and chemical-resistant.  They do not require sealants or waxes and can be easily cleaned with a nonabrasive cleaner.  

6. Can Zodiaq® and Corian® be used together?

Yes. The two materials can be inlaid into the other, either along the edges or on the surfaces. They can each be combined with other materials as well, such as chrome, stainless steal, glass or brass.  

7. What products does Formica offer?

Formica Corporation is a global company that offers many types of surfacing materials such as laminate, stone, and solid surfaces. Formica’s products are easy to maintain and can imitate the appearance of more expensive materials.

Express Countertops is Maryland’s single-source provider of all types of countertops. We carry ALL of the major brands, including Formica and Nevamar laminate countertops, Corian and Avonite solid surface countertops, Silestone, Zodiaq and Avonite manufactured stone countertops, and genuine granite and marble countertops. And best of all – we will install your new countertops in 1 week – guaranteed!


Article from articlesbase.com

Learn how you can change your counter tops in one weekend with the Modern Masters Counter top Transformations kit!
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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Granite Shield™ Countertop Stores Investment Opportunity

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xml:lang=”en” lang=”en” xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml”>

Granite Shield™ Countertop Stores Investment Opportunity










Canyon Lake, CA (PRWEB) October 16, 2006

The Granite Shield division which offers a lifetime, maintenance free permanent seal on granite is currently located in 45 states and in England and Ireland. Granite Shield will be setting up Granite Shield Countertop stores nationwide selling lifetime, presealed, maintenance free custom and prefabricated granite countertops and vanity tops by Granite Shield. Granite Shield currently has 22 authorized Granite Shield Countertop store fabricators.

“The main reason why the public does not choose granite for their countertop needs has been because of the high expense, maintenance and staining issues” says Craig Phillips CEO/President of Granite Shield. “Granite Shield Countertop stores will offer granite at lower prices making granite affordable and maintenance free for life. A homeowner will never have to worry about stains on their granite ever again or the maintenance issue of having to use special sealers or cleaners with Granite Shield granite”.

Granite Shield will continue to offer their great sealing services for natural stone, grout, glass, stainless steel, concrete and rust removal for interior and exterior. Granite Shield even has cleaners and sealers for graffiti issues.

This is a great business opportunity for entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in and or operating a Granite Shield Countertop store. To find an authorized Granite Shield Countertop store fabricator near you or for more information on this amazing investment and business opportunity contact Debbie Phillips Vice President of Operations Toll Free: 877-477-3254 Email: info @ GraniteShield.net Website: http://www.GraniteShield.net or http://www.GraniteShieldCountertops.com

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Choose the best kitchen countertop

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If you have your heart set on remodeling your kitchen, it is advisable to consult a guide to remodeling. The remodeling guide is now available and contains all the information that can be considered important to provide support for your remodeling plan. The remodeling guide includes information such as how to structure your budget, how to choose the design, finding a designer and a professional certificate and the list goes on. The remodeling guide can walk you through the remodeling process, step by step and ensure that nothing is left out. You can have a lot of ideas, most of them excellent, but due to the wide range of products, you may miss some important aspects. That’s why remodeling guide is a must-have.

When a kitchen project is in the works, a well-structured plan is mandatory and this is when a remodeling guide may be helpful. But there are other things you need to take into consideration. Some features of the kitchen and must not be overlooked. The kitchen is where things are prepared and stored. However, the function is also important. The most visible area in the kitchen for anyone is the cover. The remodeling process usually involves the purchase of a new kitchen countertop. There are many things to learn about the counters, as the materials used in their manufacture. It is also useful to know that each type of kitchen countertops has its advantages and disadvantages. Find out the available types of kitchen countertops, which are made, how they fit into their plans, both aesthetically and economically. There are plenty of things to learn before they finally decide to buy.

Choosing your kitchen countertops is varied, ranging from expensive materials, but durable, such as granite countertops, materials not so expensive and quite attractive, such as laminates or ceramic tile. The latter are certainly appropriate if you have a DIY plan that marble or granite countertops is not recommended if you have a plan in mind.

The criteria for choosing a particular kitchen counter, usually reduced to the following: durability, visual appeal and ease of maintenance. We should say that the most important of these criteria when deciding on a type of kitchen countertop is durability, as it is used daily. Due to the fact that most of the work carried out in the kitchen is done at the counter, you should be able to handle anything the owners decide to do with the minimum amount of attention to visual aspects the kitchen counter. Owners who decide to remodel their kitchens will not be fully satisfied unless they have chosen the right material and color of your kitchen countertop. And since there are so many options available for kitchen countertops, you may find it difficult to make a choice. When shopping for countertops, you can choose from granite, laminate, ceramic tile, engineered stone, soapstone, stainless steel and wood. The granite kitchen countertops and ceramic tile countertops seem to be the most popular choice for homeowners. marble countertops are also among the favorites. However, each type of kitchen countertop has its pros and cons. Discover all these advantages and disadvantages will probably help you make the best decision according to their intentions and desires of what your kitchen should look like after the remodeling process is complete.

If money is not a problem for you, then your number one choice should be the kitchen counter granite. The granite is associated with elegance and luxury. But it also has a price. The kitchen countertop is granite for almost anyone. It is elegant, but quite expensive, and is despite its high price, has plenty of drawbacks.

The first argument for the granite countertops is its elegance and the fact that they come in beautiful colors. However, the choice of colors of granite countertops in the kitchen is not very wide. A granite countertop looks substantial and permanent, but also has a tendency to absorb heat and therefore must be sealed periodically. True, you can put a hot pan on it and see any burn marks, but crack.

kitchen countertops are resistant to stains and will handle hot cookware. Having a hard surface, will be the best option around stoves or ovens.

You can also try a combination of materials to find what is most appropriate and functional for your needs. And remember, just for being an informed consumer who is satisfied with the outcome of your kitchen.

For more resources about counter tops and Kitchen Remodeling Guide please visit this site granite kitchen countertops or

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