30

Jun

Common Types Of Granite Countertops Damage

Like any other countertop material, granite countertops suffer different forms of damage. Some are simple, and you can easily fix them on your own while others are complex, and you have to ask a professional to take a look at them. In some cases the damage is so extensive you have to replace the entire countertop slab.

Some of the damage your countertops can have include:

Separating seam joints

This happens when the adhesive is falling apart. If the seams are coming apart several years after installation, it could be due to old age, but if you recently installed the countertops and they are coming apart, it might be due to improper installation.

Seams come apart if they are too large, the contractor used the wrong epoxy, or the contractor didn’t put enough work into them.

To fix the problem, you need to contact a reputable professional and ask them to inspect the countertops and find out what they can do to fix the problem.

Chips along the countertop edges

Countertops will develop chips along the edges, especially where most of the cooking happens. The chips come about due to constant contact of the cooking utensils with the countertops.

To fix this issue, ask a professional store technician to inspect the chipped surfaces carefully. The contractor should then prepare the area and apply a color matching epoxy material. An experienced professional won’t have a problem fixing the area and hiding the etched surfaces.

Dullness around the sink

It’s normal for countertops to dull around the sink area due to the activities that take place there. Since the surfaces are in constant contact with water and exposed to cutting activities, granite tends to dull and even wear and tear out fast.

Luckily, you can restore the dullness with a diamond refinishing system. Ask a professional technician to help you out, and you will restore your countertops to as good as new.

Cracks

Cracks completely spoil the aesthetic appeal of the house. Luckily, if the cracks are small, you can fix them, but if they are large, you have no way out other than to replace the entire countertop slab.

Cracks on the countertops come about due to plenty of reasons that include:

  • Poorly glued joints
  • Installation of the countertops on uneven surfaces
  • Failing to give glue enough time to settle
  • Putting a lot of weight at the center of the countertop

If the cracks are small, you can easily fix them with adhesives; however, if they are deeper, you may have to remove the damaged portion, then replace it with a better one. Countertop installers sometimes use special fillers when they feel the cracks aren’t too large to warrant replacement.

When choosing filler, choose one that sticks effectively to your countertops.

Staining

You will have your countertops staining around stoves and cooktops. If you haven’t sealed your counters, the surfaces will absorb oil-based stains and darken. To restore your countertops to their former glory, you need to use Poultice.

Apply the material on the stained area and cover it with a plastic seal. Over time, the solution will dry and turn to powder that will absorb the oil stain. If you find the stain isn’t going away, you can reapply Poultice as many times as you want until all the stains are gone.

Water damage

They say water is life, but did you know it can be deadly to your countertops? The effect is worse if you have a small kitchen. If you haven’t sealed your countertops, water will get to the inner layers and stain your surfaces

Luckily, in most cases, the stain goes away when water evaporates. If water was stained (such as in juice), you have to ask a professional technician to help you out.

High-temperature effect

Granite counters are known for their toughness and ability to withstand high temperatures; however, when you introduce extremely high temperatures at once, the counters are bound to get damaged.

For example, when you carelessly place a hot pan (straight from a flame), directly on the surfaces, you will damage the countertops. Granite companies Potomac recommend you try salvaging the ugly spots using toothpaste. If this doesn’t remove the spots, replace the countertops.

16

Jun

Can You Stand On Quartz Countertops?

Some people term quartz as indestructible as they have impressive compression and tension strength—even better than granite. Due to this, many are tempted to sit or even stand on the countertops.

Can you stand on quartz countertops? While standing on the countertops might seem harmless, it’s not. Plenty of cases have been reported where people stand on the countertops, and they part at the seam where two slabs are sealed together.

Installing or even repairing the countertops isn’t cheap, so you should avoid risking standing on them. In addition to damaging the countertops when you stand on them, you also risk voiding the warranty.

Better options to standing on the countertops

To avoid the risk of standing the countertops, you should try out other ways of going about it. Some of the other things you can do include:

Get a step stool: If you are stepping on the countertops due to lack of a stepping stool, you should get one. Get a small stool and tuck it somewhere in your kitchen such as between the refrigerator and counter. Always keep it in the kitchen, so when you need to reach out for something, you simply grab it and hop on the counter.

Get a ladder: Need more height? Consider getting a ladder from your local store. The ladder will cost you more than the step stool, but still, it will be cheaper than replacing the countertops.

Other things you shouldn’t do to quartz

Other than avoiding standing on the countertops, other things you shouldn’t do to the countertops include:

Don’t ignore spills: When cooking, it’s common for spills to happen. Whether its wine, tea, juice, vinegar, or soda spills, you should get rid of them as soon as you can. This is because the liquids are acidic and corrosive and will damage your countertops if you let them sit there for a long time.

While quartz is tough, the spills will destroy it if you let them sit on the surfaces for a long time. As mentioned above, wipe them with a wet dishcloth as soon as you notice them.

Don’t cut directly on the countertops: Quartz is made from manmade polymers that make it a tough material. While this is the case, you shouldn’t use it as a cutting board as sharp knives can scratch the surface. Whenever you are looking to cut something, get a cutting board, and protect the slab’s smooth shine.

Don’t place heat directly on the counters: Quartz won’t melt or burn when you place a warm plate or pot on it, but you can damage the surfaces. The damage results from the sudden temperature changes that lead to thermal expansion and subsequent cracking of the countertops.

If you have to put anything on the countertops, use a trivet with padded feet. It’s also wise you use pads under the trivet to prevent the trivet feet from scratching the quartz surface.

Don’t use permanent markers near the countertops: It’s common for kids to come to the kitchen and do their school projects there as you are making dinner. As much as you have quality time with them, don’t let them use ink or permanent markers on naked quartz.

This is because the ink adheres to the surface and becomes hard to remove unless you use a harsh chemical that can damage the surfaces. When the kids are on the counters, ensure they aren’t using permanent markers—give them water-based markers instead.

Tips on how to maintain quartz

For you to keep your countertops looking great for a long time, you should take good care of them. Some of the things you can do include:

Clean the countertops daily: Daily cleaning gets rid of dirt and debris. It also helps you catch spills as soon as they happen, so you keep your countertops in top shape all the time. As you are cleaning the countertops, use a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid an abrasive scouring pad as it can scratch the surfaces, and you end up damaging them.

Protect the surfaces from extended, direct sunlight: Extended exposure of quartz kitchen countertops Rockville to direct sunlight can discolor them so you should protect them from the sun by keeping the blinds closed as much as possible.

07

Jun

What Causes Granite Countertops to Crack?

Granite countertops are tough, and the last thing you expect is the countertop developing cracks. Unfortunately, the countertops develop cracks. Some of the cracks are a natural part of the stone, while others are caused by use or wear and tear.

When you notice cracks on the countertops, you must be wondering, what causes granite to crack? The cracks are brought about by many things that include:

Natural fissures

As mentioned above, cracks can be natural. Granite is known to have natural fissure cracks that can turn into actual cracks. Natural fissures give the countertops character, and they are nothing to worry about.

If you hired an experienced professional, he might have already noticed them and ensured they aren’t in sensitive areas such as the seams, cut out, and cooktop.

Hard hit

The countertops will also crack if you hit them with a hard or heavy object.

Carrying it flat

While the countertop is made from natural rock, you shouldn’t carry it flat. Carrying it flat can cause injury to anyone carrying it. It can also cause damage to the floor or furniture. In some cases, it causes hairline cracks that can be problematic later on.

Placing a lot of weight on the countertop

In most cases, granite installers will leave a 12-inch overhang on the countertop bars and islands where you can sit and entertain. These areas are usually protected with ibraces or corbels.

These allow extra weight when appropriately installed, but when you place a lot of weight on the countertops, you put the countertops at the risk of cracking. In certain cases, the entire slab breaks and falls onto someone.

Failing to shim the countertops properly

Granite installers shim areas that aren’t touching cabinets. Unfortunately, floors, walls, and homes aren’t perfectly level. During installation, this can bring about plenty of problems, including cracks.

To ensure the areas don’t develop cracks due to weight issues, ensure that you look eye-level with your countertops so you can see the countertops underneath and notice any areas that aren’t touching the cabinet.

The area should have a shim over one foot and silicone to hold the shims.

Cracks due to natural calamity

If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes, your countertops are bound to crack. Hurricanes and tornadoes can pick debris, creating projectiles or missiles that can smash the countertops.

In most cases, the countertops won’t be damaged by a single impact, but the repeated impact will wear away at the countertops, finally leading to cracks.

Hot pots

Although, granite is naturally heat resistant, having been formed through heat, constant exposure to heat over extended periods can weaken the stone leading to cracks. The damage is extensive, especially if the stone is cold at the time of heat exposure, and the difference in temperatures is large.

How to repair a crack in granite

Depending on the size of the crack, you can repair it. There are plenty of ways you can repair it. Some of these ways include:

Using acrylic or epoxy: You can use acrylic or epoxy to glue the pieces together. Your choice material will be influenced by the nature and severity of the crack. You can do the filling by yourself or hire an expert to help you out.

Polishing the cracks: If the cracks are large, you can make them less conspicuous by polishing them. Polishing the countertops requires skill, so you should avoid doing the work by yourself.

When hiring a granite contractor Potomac, ensure he is certified and has been in the industry for a long time. You don’t want someone that will do a mediocre job, do you?

Do nothing: Did you know doing nothing can be a viable way of fixing cracks in the countertops? If the crack are short and hairlike, they present no real problems, so you have nothing to worry about.

Small cracks don’t pose any cleaning issues, and stains aren’t a problem. If you have tried ignoring the cracks without success, consider applying a little extra sealer over the crack, and it will prevent the cracks from being too conspicuous.

29

May

How Hard Is It to Replace Countertops? Countertop Replacement Services Providers Answer

You save a lot of money when you install countertops by yourself as you don’t have to hire countertop replacement services providers. While this is the case, the biggest question homeowners ask is how hard is it to replace countertops?

Like any other thing, the ease of replacing countertops depends on your skill level and the scope of the project. If you are used to installing countertops, you will find it easy to undertake the replacement. The same thing applies if you have a small project.

Regardless of your skill level and the size of the project, you need to know several things as you are replacing the countertops. Some of these things include:

Completely remove the old countertop.

If you have had your countertops for a long time, it’s normal to be attached to them. This can tempt you to have a few pieces remaining as souvenirs. Don’t do this as the remaining pieces will keep your countertops imbalanced. In some cases, they might prevent you from properly installing the countertops.

For the best result, completely remove all the old countertops and leave the surfaces clean and ready for the new countertop material.

Take precise measurements

Before you head to the stores, take the right measurements of the countertop materials you are looking to buy. This calls for you to take the right measurements of your kitchen. You can take the measurements by yourself, but if you aren’t confident in your skills, let a professional help you.

When taking the measurements, mark off the sections of continuous countertops, sink countertops, and island countertops.

Know your countertop options

When is the last time you bought countertop materials? Unlike decades ago, you have plenty of countertop materials to choose from. Popular options include: granite, quartz, and marble.

All of these materials have an elegant appeal, and when properly installed, they add value and beauty to the kitchen.

The materials go at different prices and have different features. To familiarize yourself with them, take time to research more about them.

Are you strapped of cash? Go for quartz countertops. While they don’t match the executive look and grace of granite and marble countertops, they still give your home an appealing look.

If you want to give your home a grand appeal, you should go for granite countertops.

Other countertop materials to choose from include: laminate, concrete, and solid surface. To ensure you are making the right choice, consult a reputable contractor.

Think about the installation time

Most homeowners replace their countertops when they are expecting family or friend gatherings. As you are looking to replace the countertops, also think about the time it will take to complete the installation.

Small to medium jobs will take one day when handled by an experienced professional, while more substantial projects can take two or even three days.

A regular-sized kitchen or bathroom will take three to five hours to complete.

Leaving enough time for installation ensures you aren’t in a hurry to complete the project. It also gives the materials enough time to dry completely before you start using them.

Repair or replace the countertops?

Sometimes you might think you need to replace the countertops while you need to repair them. The condition of the countertops will influence your decision. If the countertop has a small crack, you don’t need to replace it—repairing it will save you a lot of money.

On the other hand, if the damage is extensive or the countertops are worn out extensively, you have no other option other than to replace them.

Understand about stone quality and grades

Natural stone countertops come in different grades. The grades vary from one to five, depending on the stone defects present. A grade 5 stone is flawless but costs more than a lesser grade stone that might be having a few design defects.

Some defects are invisible in some cases, and you have a better return in investment when you select a grade 2 or 3 stone countertop.

Whether looking to marble, granite, or any other countertop material, ensure you buy from a reputable store. You also should ensure the countertops are installed by a professional quartz countertop installer Potomac or any other expert.

15

May

How Far Can Granite Countertops Span Without Support?

When you are installing granite countertops, it’s common to wonder, how far can granite span without support? This depends on the thickness of the granite slab that you have. If your slab is 10” thick, you can get away with an overhang that is 1-1/4”.

The thicker the slab, the longer the overhang you can have without worrying about the countertop being unbalanced.

In addition to adding the supports at the right places, there are plenty of other tips you need to consider:

Rod the countertops

Rodding aims at reinforcing the countertops to prevent cracking and breaking of the countertops in areas where the stone could be more susceptible to pressure. One of the most effective ways of reinforcing the countertops is by using fiber rodding.

If you don’t know how to do it, there are plenty of guides online that you can follow. You can do the reinforcement by yourself or hire an expert to help you out.

Work at hiding the granite seams

When you bring two slabs together, you are bound to have seams. The big issue is, how can you make the seams less noticeable? Luckily, there are plenty of tricks you can use:

One of the ways is ensuring that the edges of the stone are clean. When they are clean, you are more than likely to have a cleaner seam. As you are bonding two slabs, pull the stones together. This way, you narrow the gap between the stone edges, making the seams less noticeable.

Another highly effective technique is dressing the edges, so they are as straight as possible. When choosing the adhesive color, go for one that closely matches that of the stone.

One of the highly effective ways of hiding the seam is putting it on a 45° edge. When you combine the edge lamination with clean edges, color-matched adhesive, and tight seams, you are bound to have excellent results.

Invest in high-quality slabs

Granite is a natural stone that varies greatly in color, veining, and patterns. It also comes in a variety of grades that include: commercial, builder, standard, and premium. For you to get the most from the stone you are installing, you should invest in a high-quality stone.

When you are shopping, be on the lookout for a stone selling at meager prices as it’s most likely of cheap quality. For you to buy a high-quality stone, only shop at reputable stores with a proven record.

Work with a reputable granite company.

Unless you are an expert, you should refrain from installing the countertops by yourself. Instead, hire an expert countertop company to help you out. One of the prime mistakes homeowners make is being in a hurry when hiring the contractors. Don’t do this.

Take your time to visit as many contractors as possible. As you are interviewing them, ask them for their past work. You also should visit review sites and see what other customers have to say about their experience with the countertop installation company.

For excellent results, ensure that the company is using the latest and properly maintained equipment. This ensures that the cuts are clean and accurate. This way, you are sure that the contractor will get the work done fast and accurately.

Consider granite remnants

If you are looking to install the countertops on a small countertop and you don’t have a large budget, you shouldn’t stress yourself over it. Instead, get granite remnants from friends and family. You also can ask a granite company whether it has any granite leftovers that you can use.

Most of the companies will sell you the remnants at meager prices. If you have a good relationship, the company can even give them to you.

Take good care of the countertops.

Installing the countertops isn’t enough—you have to take good care of them. In addition to protecting the countertops from the heat by placing pans and trivets when cooking, granite installers Rockville recommends that you also regularly seal the countertops so that spills don’t stain the countertops.

Also, regularly clean the countertops. When doing it, take care not to use abrasive materials that can etch the surfaces.

09

May

Can You Put Hot Pans On Granite Countertops?

If you know the history of granite countertops, you know that they are made from igneous rock through a process involving high temperatures and pressure. Due to this, you must be asking, can you put hot pans on granite?

Since it’s made from igneous rock, granite can withstand the heat, so a brief encounter with a hot pot won’t hurt them. While this is the case, regular exposure of the countertops to the heat will weaken the sealant putting the countertops at the risk of getting damaged.

To answer your question, yes, you can put hot pans on granite, but you shouldn’t do it too often as you will end up causing damage.

Protecting the countertops from damage

As we have seen, the countertops will get damaged if you place hot pans on them. So to protect them from damage, avoid placing the hot pots and pans directly on the surfaces. Instead, have a trivet or countertop cover in place.

If you have to place the pots and pans on the countertops, let them first cool down. Letting them cool for a few minutes is enough. Before placing them on the surfaces, wipe the underside to remove any black or burn marks that might be present.

Even if you are using an electric stove, wipe the surfaces to remove any materials that might have spilled or boiled over.

Restoring damaged countertops

In the event you destroy the countertops, you shouldn’t worry much as you can restore the damaged pieces. You do this using pastes and liquids. Buy the products from a local store and apply them by yourself—you don’t need to hire a professional to help you out.

If there are burn marks from the hot pans, you can easily rub them away with cleaning creams and solutions. You should note that while the products will remove the top marks, they aren’t effective at removing deeper marks.

In such a case, you don’t have a way out other than to consult a granite contractor. The contractor will advise you whether to apply a sealer or simply replace the countertops.

Other ways of keeping your countertops in top shape

Other than using trivets and pads when placing hot items on the countertops, there are plenty of other things you can do to keep the countertops in top shape. Some of these things include:

Don’t cut meat directly on the countertops.

The meat won’t destroy granite, but what is left behind is what is harmful. The meat might be containing salmonella and other bacteria that might find its way into the microscopic crevices of the countertops.

Also, when many homeowners handle meat, they have the urge to cleanse the countertop surfaces. Sometimes they use harsh chemicals that end up damaging the surfaces.

Get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

When you are preparing food, it’s common for accidents to happen. Oils and acids can splatter all over the countertops, putting them at the risk of staining. To avoid this, you should clean the spills as soon as they happen.

When you notice spillage, use a mild cleanser or hot, soapy water and get rid of it as soon as possible. You should never let the spill sit on the countertops for long as it can etch the seal and stain the countertop.

Don’t sit or stand on the countertops.

Since the countertops are known to be tough, some homeowners have the impression that they can stand or sit on the countertops without any repercussions. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Granite has plenty of fissures and striations that are vulnerable to cracking when you apply a lot of force on them. To keep your countertops free of damage, don’t climb or stand on them when reaching out to things, changing bulbs, painting, or engaging in any other activity.

Instead, use a sturdy stool or ladder to get the work done.

Conclusion

To reiterate, you can place hot pans on granite, but don’t make it a habit as you will damage the seal or even the countertops themselves. Granite installers Rockville recommend you always use trivets, hot pads, potholders, and other protective materials to keep the countertops in top shape.

28

Apr

Tips On How To Shine Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are an excellent addition to any home. Compared to both natural and artificial countertop materials, they are harder, more durable, and require less maintenance.

For you to keep your home looking spectacular, you have to maintain the countertops shining all the time. Would you love to know how to do it? Here are tips on how to go about it:

Clean the countertops daily

There is no way you can expect to have shining countertops if you don’t clean them. At least once a day, fill a spray bottle with plain water then squirt a couple of drops of mild soap such as dish detergent on the countertops.

Spritz water on the countertop to dilute the soap then use a soft cloth to wipe the counter.  When cleaning, start from one end and move to the other spraying and wiping a few feet at a time.

You shouldn’t worry about scratching the surfaces as quartz is tough. However, avoid using abrasive pads as they can leave streaking in the polish. They also sometimes leave a residue behind.

If you have gone for a long time without cleaning the countertops, it’s common to come across stubborn areas. To clean these areas, apply a small amount of vinegar to the problematic area and leave a wet rag sitting on top for a few minutes to loosen the gunk.

When it comes to soap, don’t use oil-based soaps as they can dull the shine. The best soap to use is standard dish soap.

Apply some polish

What better way to make your countertops shine than to use some polish? The cool thing is that you don’t have to buy the polish—you can make one in your home. To do it, add 25% vinegar to 75% water and mix it in a spray bottle. You can also purchase a vinegar-based spray cleaner.

Spray and polish as you work your way across the counter to keep the surfaces looking excellent. For extra dazzle, give the countertops the final polish using some spray and microfiber cloth.

Refinish the countertops

Do your countertops have a brushed and textured finish that wasn’t meant to be shiny? The solution for this is refinishing the countertops. You should note that different finishes have different results, so before you apply the finish to the entire surface, first apply it on a small area to see how it looks.

Get rid of food residues by thoroughly rinsing the countertops.

Sometimes keeping the countertops shining is as simple as rinsing them. Using a spray bottle, get the countertops as wet as possible. Since quartz is non-porous, nothing gets absorbed into the countertops, and this can leave a film on the surfaces that you won’t see in other materials.

To clean quartz surfaces, you only need to use a sponge to scrub the quartz and wipe the water off with a clean, dry cloth. Once the countertops are thoroughly dry, there shouldn’t be any streaks.

Disinfect the surfaces

It’s also important to disinfect the surfaces after they have come into contact with raw meat, fish, poultry, and seafood. To disinfect the surfaces, use paper towels to remove any residual moisture and other debris.

Then using a clean paper towel, spray the counter with a multi-surface antibacterial spray cleaner and allow it to stand for a few seconds. Work across the countertop while spraying and wiping from one end to the other until you are done.

If you don’t have a paper towel or don’t like using them, use bleach-free disinfecting wipes.

Tips to consider when shining the countertops

One of the main reasons the countertops aren’t shining is they have plenty of stains on them. Instead of going through the trouble of cleaning the stains, prevent them from happening in the first place. You can do this by:

  • Keeping the countertops clean all the time
  • Wiping away spills as quickly as possible
  • Regularly inspecting the countertops and getting rid of any stains or flaws you might come across.

When cleaning the surfaces, quartz countertop contractors Potomac advise against using substances with a high pH. This calls for you to avoid products such as oven cleaners, de-greasers, and ammonia. You also should avoid bleach and acetone.

24

Apr

Countertop Replacement Services: Understanding Faux Stone Countertops

Also known as faux stone, manufactured stone veneer is a manmade material designed to replicate the look of natural stone.

It comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and you can use it in different areas, including: stone backsplash, interior walls, fireplaces, and even in your countertop replacement project, especially if you are strained of money.

Would you like to know more about the stone veneer? Here are a few things you should know about it as given by the countertop replacement services provider:

How is stone veneer made?

The stone is composed of lightweight natural aggregates, Portland cement, and iron oxide that adds the color. The materials are put in a mold then pressed in high pressure resulting in highly dense, realistic-looking finished stone.

The first stone veneer was made in the 19th century and interesting enough, it was made from natural stone.

The manufacturers sliced natural stone into thick slabs then sold them. Although cement is a significant component of the veneer, it wasn’t part of it until the 1950s. Currently, most of the modern veneer stones are made from molds taken from carefully selected natural stone.

Some of the manufacturers go to the extent of replicating the rough and unique textures of natural stone, making it almost impossible to differentiate the two.

Is the stone veneer right for your home?

This is a subjective question. If you don’t like the natural look of stone veneer, you won’t like the surfaces in your home regardless of how good of an investment they are. On the other hand, if you like the natural look, then you will be proud of having the veneers in place.

How does veneer compare to natural stone?

In addition to being highly versatile, manufactured stone is cheaper, where it costs up to 1/3 the cost of natural stone. Since most of the manufacturers aim to produce veneer stones that closely resemble solid stone as much as possible, veneer stones tend to exhibit the same variations in size, shape, texture, and color to natural stone.

Just like natural stone countertops, stone veneer is maintenance-free. All you need to keep it looking spectacular is washing it to remove dirt and dust.

Since the material is cheap, you can save on your project without sacrificing on custom details.

Can you install the veneers by yourself?

Yes, you can install the material by yourself if you have the skills, but for ideal results, you should handle the project by yourself. If you have never done it before, let an expert veneer contractor help you out.

If you are confident in your skills, you should go ahead and try to install the veneers by yourself. Before you begin the project, check with the building inspector about the local building code requirements. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of the law, do you?

You should then choose veneer from different boxes that vary in shapes and color. When it comes to the installation, begin working from the corners, then work your way down from the top. This prevents mortar from staining the stones below.

If you discover the mortar dripping on one of the stones, wait for a day or two for it to dry before brushing it off with a whisk broom. If possible, hide the edges that you trimmed by pointing them up or down, above or below your eye level.

Once you are done, you can paint your new countertops to your preferred colors or let them retain their original color.

Conclusion

There is no denying that manufactured stone veneer comes with plenty of benefits. It’s cheaper, lightweight, comes in a wide range of colors, and ideal for both domestic and commercial applications.

If you feel it’s right for your home, work with reputable granite installers Rockville or any other professionals that will not only help you find the ideal material for your home, but also help you with the installation.

You can find contractors from friends or relatives. If none of them have hired a contractor in the recent past, try a Google search. When doing your research, pay attention to the reviews as they will guide you on the reputation of the contractor.

10

Apr

Tricks On How To Save Money When Buying Granite Countertops

This is what homeowners do when they are looking to buy granite countertops and other countertop materials: they find a local stone yard, pick a slab they like, get the price, and buy.

While this might seem like a highly convenient way of buying the countertops, it’s wrong, and you end up spending a lot of money than you should. Are you looking to save money when having a kitchen remodel project? Here are some of the tips to consider when buying the countertops:

Shop around

You will find kitchen countertops in big box stores, countertop fabricators, kitchen and bathroom design studios, and in other companies specializing in countertop materials.

For you to get the best price, don’t buy from the first company you come across. Take time to visit different companies and see what they have to offer. If you have friends and family that recently installed countertops, ask them where they got them from.

Visit different stores until you find a store selling high-quality countertops at the least price.

Buy the countertops in wholesale

As you are doing your research, keep a close eye on the companies that allow you to buy the countertops in wholesale. Just like any other item, when you buy in wholesale, you end up saving a lot of money.

For you to get a wholesale offer, you have to buy the countertops in bulk, so this option will work in your favor if you have a large kitchen.

Don’t waste the countertop material

To maintain a uniform countertop, countertop experts recommend you buy the entire slab in one piece. When you do this, it’s not uncommon to be left with more material than you need. The cool thing is that you don’t have to throw away the remaining material.

You can use the leftover stone in many ways, such as using it to cover a backsplash, use it as a durable finish for the sides of an island, or as a flooring transition between the kitchen and dining room.

Scour the boneyard

If you have a small kitchen and color consistency isn’t an essential factor for you, you don’t have to buy premium countertop materials from a countertop store. You can visit the local boneyard and get the countertops at a fraction of the cost.

Boneyards are areas in stone yards where homeowners return the stone slab leftovers once they can’t use them anymore.

Buy a more common color

Granite countertops and other stone countertop materials have tremendously lowered their costs, mainly due to improvement in manufacturing technology. While this is the case, you should note that countertops of a rare color are still expensive.

Luckily, the countertops come in many more affordable colors. To save money, avoid the rare colors. You might argue that the unique color will add more value to your overall house, but this isn’t the case.

Unless you have extra money and you want the look, there is no point in spending a lot of money on a rare color.

Go for a prefabricated material

A prefabricated stone is one that is already cut and polished. This stone is perfect for simple counters requiring few cuts. Highly consider going for prefabricated materials if your countertop cabinets are standard.

The materials come with three finished edges and a polished surface. While they are as good as the new ones, they cost half as much, which saves you a lot of money.

Buy from a local supplier

When you buy from a distant supplier, you have to handle the shipping costs, which can be high, especially if you are getting them from a different state. To save money, buy the countertops from a local supplier.

This way, you won’t pay much for shipping. When you place a large order, the supplier delivers the countertops at no cost.

DIY wherever possible

If you are a handy person, there are plenty of ways you can save money on your kitchen remodeling project. If you have the skills, instead of hiring granite countertop installers Rockville, do the work yourself.

Countertop installation isn’t an easy feat, so if it’s beyond your skill level, do the easy tasks such as sealing the countertops after the installer has installed them.

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Mar

Expert Tips On How To Make Granite Countertops Shine

When you install granite countertops for the first time, they look elegant, and you are proud of them. With time, they wear out and get dull or even get scratched, which is depressing and discouraging. Luckily, you can revitalize the countertops by polishing them.

Why granite shines at initial installation

After it’s initially polished at the fabrication facility, granite has a beautiful natural shine. This shine is often due to the high quartz content present in the stone. The amount of shine on the stone is largely dependent on the finish of the stone. If you have a polished finish, your countertops will have an incredible shine.

Can you retain the shine?

Yes, it’s possible to retain the shine. The best way of doing it is by cleaning the countertop. Regular wiping of the surfaces with mild dish soap, warm water, and paper towel is highly effective, but for excellent results, use granite cleaner.

You shouldn’t use the common cleaning products such as Clorox, Windex, bleach, or vinegar as they will damage the stone and cause it to get dull.

How to make the countertops shine

If you have noticed your countertops beginning to dull, you should move with haste to rectify it. To do it effectively, you need to follow a series of steps that include:

Clean the countertops

Begin with removing everything from the countertops. Remove all keepsakes, appliances, and crockery and place them on the kitchen table or stovetop. After removing the large items, use a dry sponge to brush away any debris that might be present.

Scrub the surfaces

Scrubbing the surfaces is meant to remove any tough dirt that might have been left after the initial cleaning. When scrubbing the surfaces, remember that the countertops have a sealant that keeps them shiny and stain-resistant.

To protect the sealant, avoid using products that are either too acidic or basic. A little soap and water are enough to clean the granite surfaces. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather then begin cleaning.

You should scrub the countertops from the back to the front in an “s” pattern. If you have stubborn or sticky spills, you may have to scrub harder.

Use a blade

If you have had the countertops for a long time and you don’t regularly clean them, it’s common to have gunk and other materials build up on the countertops. Since it’s hard to remove these with water, consider using a razor blade.

When using the blade, take care that you don’t scratch the surfaces. You do this by ensuring that the entire edge of the blade rests on the countertops. After removing all the gunk, rinse the sponge, ring it out, and wipe the remaining suds. Ensure that the countertops don’t have any large puddles or leftover suds.

Disinfect the surfaces

The purpose of doing this is to kill any germs that might be present. You don’t have to buy the disinfectant from the local store. Create your own 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. You should then spray the entire counter then wait for at least five minutes.

Buy granite polish

You will find granite polish in most home improvement and kitchen stores. When making the purchase, take the time to read the label to ensure that the polish is suitable for your countertops. As a rule of thumb, avoid general polishing products as they are known to damage the countertops.

Apply the polish

Spray the polish lightly over the countertops and let it sit there for 2-3 minutes. You should then buff the countertops with the polish using small, circular motions. Using a clean, soft cloth, work the polish into the granite.

Start in one corner of the countertops and work your way evenly over the countertops. Rub the polish into the countertops in small circles while paying attention to the edges. You should use a soft cloth as an abrasive material will scratch the granite.

For a streak-free finish, wipe off the polish with a damp piece of cloth. Streaks can easily ruin the appearance of the newly polished countertops, so granite installers Potomac recommend you remove any remaining polish with a soft cloth.

If you notice any excess water on the countertops after wiping them down, use another cloth to dry it off.