24

Apr

Pros And Cons Of Black Granite Countertops

Black granite countertops have their own following. They look mysterious, edgy, and wonderful. Now, are they the same as any other granite countertop or do you need to know more? You do need to know a few things so here it goes.

What Is Black Granite?

Granite is already dark in color, but there’s a new material on the block and it’s putting all of the other dark countertops to shame. Black granite is essentially granite, but darker in color.

As far as composition is concerned, black granite consists of gabbro, basalt, diabase, norite, and even a slight percentage of quartz. The strength and feel of black granite is just like the parent stone.

Black granite is available in two finishes:

  • Honed black granite which has a more matte appearance
  • Polished black granite which has a glossy, glass-like shine

Now that you know what black granite is, here are some pros and cons that can determine whether this specific granite color is worth buying or not.

Pros Of Black Granite Countertops

It’s Dark In Color

This one goes without saying. The color of this material can be a good or bad thing depending on what the buyer prefers. There are a lot of people who prefer dark-colored countertops because they look ethereal and just so mysterious with a thick layer of unparalleled beauty.

Granite is already a well-loved material in the kitchen and if there’s a dark variety in it, then you better believe that people will more than pounce on it to get their hands on this dark, beautiful rock.

However, there are also a ton of people who don’t like dark colors, especially in kitchen countertops and that could be due to several reasons. Whether they think that dark countertops make their space look crowded or simply don’t fit their preferences, dark countertops don’t appeal to them, which is why they tend to go for something fresh and light or colorful and charming.

It’s Versatile

Like any granite color, black granite can be fabricated in almost any shape, edge design, and look. Some kitchen countertop materials are already pre-fabricated in certain designs and that just kicks creativity and personalization out of the window. Well, black granite will not disappoint you. It’s a stone that can be customized to your heart’s desire and you can get just about any design made on it.

Not only this, if you don’t want to use black granite for kitchen countertops, you can certainly use it for other things around the house. There are just a lot of customization options.

Durability At Its Peak

This is granite. It is not a fragile man-made material, that’s going to break on the slightest of impacts. The properties of granite shine just as bright in this dark material. Black granite will outlast anything and everything. It is super strong, durable, and just an overall amazing material if you’re looking for something that won’t get scratched, cracked, or chipped. It doesn’t need to be treated with kid’s gloves and you’ll be surprised by the longevity of this material.

Granite is seriously impressive when it comes to durability and you’ll want nothing else but granite countertops as soon as you get a glimpse of their sheer strength.

Great Stain Resistance

Black granite is a great material when it comes to stain resistance. It doesn’t let the spill turn into a permanent stain although you have to be vigilant about getting it sealed.

Stains usually occur when the surface of the countertop is porous such as granite. This can allow the rock to suck in any liquid or fluid pooling on the surface. Over time, this action can lead to hideous blotches and stains forming on the surface of the countertops.

With black granite countertops, as long as you seal them once every few years, you’re in the safe zone.

Easy Breezy Maintenance

Black granite is a breeze to maintain. There is no need for regular polishing and varnishing. The only thing you need on a regular basis for maintenance is a good countertop cleaner and you’re good to go.

If you don’t want to spend money on a store-bought cleaner either, then you can make one at home too. You just need a pH-balanced detergent and some water. Mix the two in a spray bottle and use this solution with a wet washcloth for everyday cleaning.

However, it’s better to use a cleaner specially made for granite countertops because it will ensure that the material doesn’t fade.

Cons Of Black Granite Countertops

It’s Expensive

Black granite is strong, durable, and very popular, but all of these things come with a hefty price tag. Black granite, just like any other granite color, is an expensive countertop material. In some cases, black granite is pricier than other granite colors.

The thing is that black granite is seldom found as compared to other granite colors. As its availability is sparse, it can cause retailers to price it even higher.

So, yes. In some places, you might find black granite slabs to be double the price of other regular granite colors. That fact in itself is mind-boggling.

Gets Dirty Fast

The thing with dark colors, especially black, is that dirt and debris show up prominently. This is very off-putting for a lot of people. If you’ve ever owned a black car, then you would know how hard it is to keep it clean because you can see dirt piling on it, from a mile away. The same is the case with black granite countertops.

If you are not cleaning them regularly, then dirt and dust will stick out like a sore thumb and it just doesn’t look that great at all.

Prone To Smudges

Black is a color that doesn’t take smudges and fingerprints well. You are going to have to deal with unwanted fingerprints and hand smudges on the usually spotless countertop surface and that can look pretty unpleasant. Black is a color that shows any and every imperfection in a blaringly obvious spotlight and fingerprints and hand smudges are no exception.

It’s nothing that will make you go bonkers but it’s still a very unpleasant sight, especially if the black granite is under natural light. It will make all of the smudges more obvious.

The Color Is At A Disadvantage

As mentioned previously, black granite is very controversial because of its dark color. There is a clear division in the masses and while half of them adore this stone, the other half doesn’t as much.

A black countertop is usually considered to be harsh and it can make the kitchen look dark and crowded, especially if there isn’t any natural light coming in. This can be frustrating for a lot of people. Also, the dark black color can divide the kitchen into harsh increments instead of making it look fluid and cohesive throughout.

Conclusion

Black granite is taking up the top seat in the realm of countertops and for a good reason. Now that you know what makes or breaks this material, you can decide if you want it in your kitchen or not. To know more about any granite color, get in touch with granite contractors Potomac.

23

Aug

What Should You Know About Sealing Granite Countertops?

You should seal your countertops to prevent them from staining. What should you know about sealing granite countertops? Well, there are plenty of things you should know with the common ones being:

You should seal the countertops at installation.

Most of the granite slabs come the same way they were at the granite store—bare, unsealed, and prone to staining. As you can guess, installing the countertops and leaving them this way is catastrophic as they will be at great risk should a drink spill on them.

For you to be at peace that no stain will result should a spill happen, ensure that the contractors properly seal the countertops before they leave.

Reseal the countertops every year

Even after the contractors install the countertops and seal them, you should make it a habit to reseal them at least once a year. The reason for this is because the sealant tends to wear off with time, and you have to reinstall it to restore its effectiveness.

While it’s good to reseal the countertops, you shouldn’t do it blindly. Before you apply the sealant, test the countertops to confirm they are ready for the sealant.

How do you do this?

There are plenty of ways to go about it. One of the ways is to do the oil and lemon test. Here you need to spill a few drops of lemon juice and cooking oil on the countertops and let them sit on the surface for at least five minutes, then wipe them dry.

If there are dull spots on the areas where the lemon juice hit the surface, the seal might have worn off, and it’s time to reinstall it. The same thing applies if the surface turns dark almost immediately after placing oil or lemon juice.

If the oil and juice stay on the surface for over five minutes without sinking, the chances are high that the granite doesn’t need sealing, and you should leave it in its present form.

Another test you can do to determine if the countertops are ready for sealing is the water drop test. Here you need to drip a small puddle of water on the stone, and if the store immediately darkens, it’s time to reseal it.

If the stone takes 4-5 minutes to darken, the sealer might have worn out, and it’s time to install a new one.

You can seal the countertops by yourself?

Although sealing is such an important part of maintaining the countertops, did you know you don’t have to hire a professional to do it?

To save money and learn a skill, do the sealing yourself. Begin with cleaning the countertops. As a rule of thumb, clean the countertops at least 24 hours before you apply the sealant.

The purpose of sealing the countertops is to get rid of any damaging vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, harsh cleansers, and bleach.

Remove all the materials on the countertops and wipe them down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Then, you should mix one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and two tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol in a pint spray bottle and fill it with cool water.

Generously spray the countertop, wipe it clean while polishing in a circular motion, and then wait 24 hours before proceeding.

As mentioned above, you should do the cleaning at least 24 hours before you apply the sealant. This is to give the cleaning liquid enough time to evaporate fully.

The next morning, apply a sealant over the entire granite counter begging from the end and work your way to the other. For an easier time and ideal results, apply the sealant in sections, in a circular motion.

Once you are done, give the sealant enough time to absorb, then using a clean, soft, dry rag, wipe out the extra sealant.

If the sealant requires another coat, give it time to cure (between 2-40 hours). To avoid wiping off the sealant, granite installers Rockville recommend you wait for at least 48 hours before wiping the surfaces with a wet substance.

You also should leave the countertops for the same amount of time before returning the kitchenware.

31

Jul

What Colors Of Granite Are There?

Are you looking to install granite countertops and are wondering what colors of granite are there? Well, there are many of them, with the most common ones being:

White granite

White granite countertops are probably the most common slab types. In fact, they are the first color that comes to most people’s minds when they think about granite.

Although the slabs are white, they aren’t smooth and plain white—they contain veins of other colors while some have a darker tone.

White granite slabs are mainly made up of white feldspar and creamy white quartz, with the most popular types being River white, Juprana Delicatus granite, Ivory Fantasy, Moon white, and Bianco Antico granite.

The beauty of white granite slabs is they can fit both antique and contemporary homes and business buildings. You only need to work with your contractor and find the best way to install them professionally.

Black granite slab

Although, they aren’t as popular as white slabs, most homeowners have embraced them, and now you will find them in more homes than before.

The countertops originate from gabbro, basal, norite, and diabase. The major mineral components being plagioclase and pyroxene.

When properly installed, the slabs provide an excellent and outstanding contrast with the light colors in the kitchen or bathroom. Since they are dark, they are best suited for larger kitchens and bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, avoid installing them in smaller rooms to make the room appear even smaller than it is.

Uba uba granite

They originated from Brazil, and compared to other types in the market, they contain plenty of gold, gray, and green specs that run randomly on the black background. As a result, you have shimmering countertops that you can’t stay away from.

Bianco Antico granite

If you are looking to give your countertops a strong and classic look, these are the countertops to go for. They feature a mixture of red and brown flecks and spots that give them one of a kind look.

When properly installed, the countertops have a soft white-ish gray color with pink and brown spots.

River white granite

This granite originates from India, and it features a white background flourished with red spots and veins of a dark gray color. It’s also common to find some countertops with a combination of blue, gray, and off-white flecks on the surface.

Overall, the countertops give your kitchen and bathroom surfaces a more vibrant white appearance.

Black galaxy granite

The slab’s rich black background is filled with fine grains of white and gold specks that give it a unique look. It’s also common to find some slabs with larger grains of these specks.

Although, you can pair galaxy granite countertops with almost any other color, they look their best when paired with light brown or beige, which gives the surfaces a classic look.

Black pearl granite

The most identifying feature of these countertops is the depth and smoother tone with fewer specks and flecks around the surface, giving the countertops a unique look.

If you have always wanted to install an all-around, rich, deep black tone in your kitchen or bathroom, this is the best one to go for.

Tan brown granite

If your cabinets are wooden and your furniture dark brown, this is the best slab color to go for.

These countertops have a rich and slightly dark brown tone with an almost uniform combination of burnt orange, black and red specks.

For the perfect match, paint your cabinets and other parts of the kitchen or bathroom tan brown. The tan-brown gives an excellent contrast that you will be proud of for years.

New Caledonia granite

This is a gray granite slab that has interchanging shades of dark and light gray tones. In some slabs, you will have streaks of black placed randomly around the countertop surface.

For the best look, install the countertops in the interior of the house or commercial building.

You should work with your granite installers Montgomery County MD and find the ideal colors to pair it with, to get the perfect look.

27

Nov

5 Granite Countertops Colors You Can’t Go Wrong With

Granite is 100% natural, and due to this, it comes in a wide range of colors defined by geological occurrences. Granite countertops are also easy to maintain, so you can have peace of mind that when you install them, you won’t spend a fortune maintaining them.

One of the essential factors to consider when buying the countertops is the color of the pieces. When buying the countertops, choose a color that blends with the other kitchen accessories. Confused about the right color to go for? Here are excellent options you should try out:

White

It’s the most popular granite color. When most homeowners think about granite, this is the first color that comes into their mind. The varying mix of minerals in the countertops gives them a color that runs from a salt and pepper look to a creamy white background accented by black and light gray specs.

White granite also has veining variations that run from light gray to dark gray striations, which gives the countertops an extremely versatile look.

White countertops make a great choice when you have recently installed new appliances and trim to your kitchen. For a contemporary look, mix the white countertops with modern appliances. You can also create a traditional look by pairing granite with vintage appliances.

While white granite is exceptionally versatile, you should be cautious of the shade you choose as choosing the wrong one will give the kitchen a washed out look.

When you visit the store, ask to see the color options before you settle on a given hue.

While many adverts show granite as pure white, you should note that it’s hard to come across pure-white granite. Most of the white stones come with blue, black, gray, blue, or red flecks.

Gray

Gray granite isn’t popular, but you shouldn’t pass it over. Gray has unique qualities that accentuate the look of the house.

Whether looking for countertops that will become the focal points of your kitchen or you are simply looking for pieces that you can make dough on, you will find gray granite that will compliment your kitchen design.

Two of the most popular options are dark and light gray combinations. Go with dark gray when looking to contrast the furniture. Light gray is ideal when you want to give your kitchen a sense of more space. This means that the light gray is ideal when you have a small kitchen.

Beige

It enjoys almost the same level of versatility as white granite; hence, you can easily find one that will look good in your kitchen. Granite comes in softer, neutral hues that come in yellow, cream, and tan, giving the kitchen a warmer, cozier feel.

Many traditional homeowners gravitate towards beige as it gives the kitchen a natural color that has been sand mixed with crystals.

Black granite

Although, not popular, black granite gives your kitchen an elegant, high-end look. For a classic look, pair the countertops with neutral cabinets. When installing the countertops, you should note that black granite looks great in rooms with large windows that allow in a lot of natural light.

When properly installed, black countertops give the kitchen a subtle, elegant look and at the same time, provide the rooms with a timeless appeal. If you have a small kitchen, avoid the black granite as it will make your kitchen look too small.

If you have a medium-sized kitchen, you can install the countertops, but to reduce the shrinking look, mix them with white cabinetry.

Red granite

The use of red granite dates back to ancient Egypt, where you can find it in ancient Egyptian pyramids. Red granite comes in shades and patterns that range from rich burgundies to bright pinkish reds.

You will even find some of the red granites with white, blue, and even silver highlights. It’s this combination of colors that makes the countertops brilliant to have. If you are on the fence about installing the countertops, install red granite if looking to add an energetic feel to your kitchen.

Many homeowners find the red color too overwhelming. To balance the look, granite installers Rockville recommend you pair the countertops with neutral cabinetry.