If you have granite countertops in your home’s kitchen, you have probably enjoyed their durability and style over the years. However, time may have caused them to become stained, chipped and to lose their luster. A home improvement specialist may be able to breathe life back into your countertops with granite repair and restoration techniques, and there a few questions you can ask that might make you feel more confident about the process.

1. Can Old Stains Be Removed?

While granite countertops are durable and resistant to cracks, stains can be an issue because the material is not non-porous and may become discolored if the sealant wears down over time. This can be especially problematic if spills are not cleaned up right away. A countertop professional usually has several techniques for removing these stains and restoring the granite’s color.

1. Do Chipped Countertops Need To Be Replaced?

If your countertops have chips or nicks, you may be worried about the cost of having them replaced. However, this may not be necessary depending on the extent of the damage. Most professionals who have experience working with granite can use a variety of tools to wear away these imperfections and leave the surface looking new again.

1. Can Granite Countertops Be Resealed?

Granite countertops can lose their shine over time and with daily use, causing them to look dull and dirty. Your countertop installation professional may have several options to offer for this issue, including resealing and waxing existing granite surfaces instead of replacing them. Most sealants have a variety of benefits, including preventing the absorption of stains or scorch marks caused by hot pots and pans. Having the counters waxed once the sealant is added can bring out a lovely shine to older countertops and prevent water stains, extending the strength of the sealant.

Your home’s granite countertops can provide you with years of durable use but can take on wear and tear over time. Calling in a granite repair and restoration specialist can give their surface new life without the cost of replacement.

If you are ready to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, there are many countertop surfaces you can choose from. One of the most popular is granite because of its strength and durability, especially in the kitchen, where it can withstand daily wear and tear. There are several reasons that home improvement contractors use this material, especially in granite vanities. Learning about its benefits may help you feel confident in choosing it to beautify your home.

1. Granite Is Available in Many Colors and Styles

Choosing colors and patterns is likely a concern for you when it comes to buying the right vanity tops for your home, as they reflect your taste and eye for design. Granite choices come in a large variety of different shades and variants to suit your home’s aesthetic, whether you enjoy classic or modern themes. The shiny finish added to most vanity tops can make colors in your kitchen or bathroom pop.

1. Granite Structures Can Add Value To Your Home

If you are planning to have your home remodeled, adding granite vanity countertops to your kitchen or bathroom may increase its overall value. Many homebuyers are attracted to the high gloss and durability of granite, so choosing these tops can help attract the eye of future buyers if you should ever decide to sell your home. You can ask your remodeling contractor about the actual value of the granite vanities you choose.

1. They Can Be Ordered in Custom Styles

One of the most convenient aspects of granite vanity tops is that they can be ordered in almost any style to suit your needs. Drawers, cabinets and double sinks can all be added to provide you with ample storage space for a kitchen or bathroom, and there is also a wide range of hardware available.

Granite vanities are as beautiful as they are functional. If you are considering a home remodel, ask your contractor or home renovation professional about how they might benefit the space you call home.

The kitchen is the heart of the home so you need countertops that are both strong and beautiful. There are many options to choose from but there are three main reasons why granite countertops win over the other materials.

1. Extremely Durable

First of all, granite is an incredibly durable natural stone. Once it’s installed, the contractor puts a sealant on to protect the surface and keep bacteria away. That sealant means it is practically indestructible. You can do whatever work you need to on the counter without worrying about chipping or scratching the beautiful surface.

For example, bacteria won’t settle on the surface since you can simply clean off the counter with ease. Feel free to set hot pots and pans directly on the surface, or cut vegetables without worrying that you’ll chip the counter. In fact, there is very little you can do to damage the stone, but even if it does manage to become scratched or chipped, it can easily be fixed.

2. Adds Value

Without a doubt, one of the major benefits of adding granite countertops to your kitchen is that they increase the value of your home. As a material, it is highly sought after by homebuyers. So while it may not add monetary value to your home, it draws in more interested customers than laminate countertops.

3. Easy To Clean

Lastly, granite is easy to clean and relatively low maintenance. The sealant keeps liquids from seeping into the stone, which means you can simply wipe up any mess and be done. All it takes is a soft cloth and some water with mild soap and that’s it.

Choose Granite Today

Kitchen countertops go through a lot on a daily basis. That’s why you need to remodel with a material that is durable, stunning and capable of withstanding the elements of a kitchen. Hire a professional contractor to help you select and install your new granite countertops today so you can have the best kitchen on your block.  

There are many factors that go into choosing the right kitchen countertops for your remodel. So much so that it can be a daunting project to take on. That’s why we put together a helpful guide on choosing the right countertops.

Things to Consider

Before you even look at the material to choose from, there are other things to consider. This includes everything from your personal style to the use of the room the counters are placed in. Some of the main factors are listed below:

• Budget
• Space
• Interior design
• Colors
• Durability
• Maintenance

Materials to Select

Once you have evaluated the beginning factors and have an idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to find the right material. A professional contractor can guide you to the right countertop according to the factors up above, which is why we recommend hiring one to assist you during this process. Otherwise, the types of materials you have to choose from include the following:

• Quartz: This is a highly durable engineered stone with little maintenance involved but is costlier than others.
• Granite: A porous and natural material that needs to be resealed on a regular basis to prevent stains and is also on the higher end of the price range.
• Concrete: An environmentally friendly option made from a decorative aggregate and a cement binder.
• Soapstone: A scorch- and burn-free natural material that requires a regular mineral treatment.
• Limestone: A porous material made of seashells and coral with tints of green, brown, gray, black and white throughout.
• Marble: A natural and porous stone that is available in limited colors but is incredibly elegant, and also requires regular maintenance.

The Right Material For You

Kitchen countertops are a large selling factor in homes since the kitchen is often the central hub of activity for families. If you’re going to remodel your home and want to select the best option for you, hire a professional contractor to help you through the process. That way, you have expert advice on hand and a specialist to remodel your kitchen in a professional manner.

Remodeling a kitchen is full of many choices, including choosing countertops. What materials are available to choose from? Well, currently leading the competition of best material would be quartz countertops, although there are also other options.

The Basics of Quartz And Granite

There’s a great debate about whether granite or quartz is better for kitchen countertops and the answer is that it’s a personal choice. Quartz is an engineered material made of crushed quartz and a polymer resin. Granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone.

The Similarities Between Quartz and Granite

Both materials have many good qualities that have helped them rise in popularity throughout the years. A professional contractor can tell you more specifics about the type of granite or quartz countertops you are interested in, but it’s good to know the main benefits, which are as follows:

• Highly durable
• Resistant to heat, stains and scratches
• Visually appealing

The Difference Between Quartz and Granite

For all their similarities, these substances also have differences. Granite is porous, which means it is easily stained and must be resealed as part of upkeep. The resin in quartz enables it to fill in the gaps, which makes it more resistant to stains and germs. Quartz is also easier to clean.

Other Options

If neither quartz nor granite sound like the right material for your kitchen, there are other options for you to choose from. While these are not the most popular or sought after materials, they are still available for you to select as part of your kitchen remodel. Some of these include the following:

• Concrete
• Stainless Steel
• Laminate

Remodel Your Kitchen Today

If you’re ready to remodel and update your kitchen, hire a professional contractor to do the work. Not only will they be able to help you choose the right materials, like granite or quartz countertops, but they also have the experience and knowledge to complete the remodel with efficiency and accuracy.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you may have questions about incorporating natural stone into your space. A stone fabrication company can help you make the best choice for your family’s lifestyle, but it can also be helpful to have some basic knowledge to inform your decision.

 

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You’ve more than likely heard of granite and marble counter tops, but what about soapstone countertops? Have you heard of them before? It may sound like a horrible idea to be cutting and serving food off of something called soapstone, but really, soapstone is an excellent material that could last a lifetime in your kitchen.

 

Soapstone is a natural stone that has been forming in the earth for millions of years. It is removed from the earth using methods similar to those used to quarry granite or marble. It is called soapstone because of the soft feel of the surface of the stone. As you rub your finger across it, the texture is similar to rubbing a bar of soap.

 

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A positive first impression can be crucial to projecting an image of a successful business. Granite countertops, desks, and conference tables can make a statement with clients and give employees a sense of workplace pride. Natural stone is elegant and sophisticated. Integrating it in particular areas in a commercial space can enhance the aesthetic and hold up to constant use.

 

Long relegated to residential kitchens and bathrooms or spa retreats, businesses are finding ways to add granite to their office environment to upgrade the way their firm’s perception. The reception area is the is an ideal place to help make a strong first impression. Adding granite to doorframes and entryways can be surprisingly affordable as small amounts of stone are needed.

 

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If you are working on a kitchen remodel, there are many different design elements to think about. Whether you are picking paint swatches, imagining backsplash, or deciding between marble and granite countertops, it can be a challenge to combine functionality and design.  Between cooking, cleaning, and socializing, the kitchen is a versatile room in the house, and it needs to be well-planned to meet all of your needs. One decision you might not realize can make a big difference is your choice of countertop edging.

 

Why Choose Custom Countertop Edges

You may not have even realized that there were different options to choose from for the edges of your custom marble countertops. Some of these choices can make your kitchen safer and more comfortable, while others may complement a nuanced design. Whether your kitchen is the bustling hub for getting the kids ready for school, or a hotspot for weekend entertaining, choosing the right edge for your granite countertops can put the finishing touch on your kitchen.

 

A Few Options to Consider

Kitchen countertop edges come in a range of different cuts. Here are some of the most common categories you might choose from:

 

1. Bullnose: Bullnose edges are rounded, either on the top corner of the counter edge or on both the top and the bottom. These are especially safe if you have little ones running around and you want to avoid sharp corners.
2. Bevel: Beveled edges cut a 45-degree angle across the corners of the counters. These can create a sleek straight edge that is also child-friendly and more comfortable to lean against.
3. Premium: Premium edges for your granite or marble countertops include a variety of different cuts, such as ogee, Dupont, and waterfall. These options are highly customizable for a unique look to fit the design of your kitchen.

 

No matter which cut you select, your countertop edges are integral to the form and function of your new kitchen. Be sure to choose a trusted local contractor who can advise you on the best selection for your granite countertops.

Talk to anyone going through a kitchen renovation and you will likely be inundated with information about countertops. Eventually, they’ll ask Sthe weighty question, “What would you choose? Quartz or granite countertops?” Is there more to the choice than aesthetics?

 

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