09

Sep

Shattering Common Misconceptions About Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are wonderful for the kitchen, but there are a couple of misconceptions and myths about them that could affect its reputation. We are here to shatter the misconceptions with facts so anyone who wants to choose granite countertops doesn’t have to fear the things that just aren’t true.

Misconception #1: Granite Is Unsafe

Unsanitary countertops are not appealing to anyone, but granite has had a misconception for a while now, that its surfaces are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. That’s far from the truth. While granite may be porous, it doesn’t house bacteria on its surface. If you seal the countertops, then this issue is long forgotten as well.

Regardless, granite and other durable stones are not going to contaminate your food and cause health issues in the future as long as you keep resealing the natural stone after every few years. It may be a hassle for some, but most people think that it’s worth it. If sealing is an issue, you can opt for quartz countertops that don’t require sealing.

Misconception #2: Granite Can Never Break

Durability is one of the key selling points of granite and it’s a very smart marketing tactic a lot of retailers use to get people to buy granite countertops. While granite is a strong material, it certainly doesn’t mean that it’s going to last forever.

Yes, it can last a good chunk of time, about 5 to 15 years, but there will come a point when the slabs are just too old and cracked that you’ll have no choice but to replace them eventually. This is true for most countertop materials.

Misconception #3: It’s Expensive

Granite, at first glance, can seem pretty expensive, and while that’s still a valid debate, there are a lot of other materials that exceed the price of granite. Considering that granite is reasonably durable and popular, it’s not as expensive as you think. Rather, it’s one of the cheaper options as far as natural stones are concerned.

Granite countertops are an investment but add to that the amazing durability and the fact that it increases the value of your property, it makes up for the cost.

Misconception #4: Granite Is Difficult To Maintain

This is considered to be one of the biggest disadvantages of buying granite countertops for your kitchen. People assume that they’ll need to slave over these countertops in the name of maintenance, but that’s not the case.

Yes, these countertops do need to be sealed and that’s non-negotiable, but that doesn’t imply that granite is high-maintenance. You can clean the surfaces with a regular countertop cleaner or even a soap and water solution and as for annual maintenance, resealing and polish is more than enough to make your countertops look beautiful and pristine for years. There’s not a lot to the maintenance of granite as people assume.

Misconception #5: Darker Granite Is More Durable

This is another huge misconception about granite and it’s debunked with the help of some chemistry.

Granite is usually available in lighter and darker colors and while darker-colored slabs are more popular, they’re certainly not the most durable, as they’re marketed to be. Rather, light-colored granite slabs contains a hard mineral, pulverized quartz, which is also a durable and amazing stone that imparts more strength to them.

So, the next time you’re out buying granite countertops, try to go for the lighter colors because they’re stronger.

Misconception #6: Granite Isn’t Shiny Forever

This might be true for stones like soapstone and marble, but granite won’t disappoint you in the shine department. Granite is naturally shiny and it rarely ever loses its sheen. If the countertops are getting too old, then there might be some sign of dullness, but that’s also reversible.

All you need to revive the shine of granite countertops is some clear varnish or polish. You can apply it on the surface of the countertops and the granite will appear better than before (but may be not exactly like new if the slab is too old). So, if you’re worried about granite losing its shine within a couple of months, then don’t be.

Misconception #7: Granite & Marble Are The Same

Granite and marble are sometimes marketed to be the exact same stone. That’s not true at all. Marble and granite are two completely different stones.

Granite is essentially an igneous rock that is formed by the cooling of molten magma under high pressure. This is what gives granite its dark color and characteristic veining. Marble, on the other hand, is limestone or calcium carbonate that’s deposited either in the sea or in moist areas and then they are hardened to form huge rock slabs.

So, in composition, it is clear that marble and granite are nothing alike except the fact that both are natural stones.

Misconception #8: Granite Stains Permanently

Granite doesn’t stain a lot either. A lot of the time, people are scared that granite can stain like no other stone, and it causes permanent stains, but that’s not the case at all. Yes, certain things can stain the surface of granite, but nothing is permanent as long as you are vigilant about cleaning the surfaces daily and every time you cook.

Cooking oil and fruits can lead to some of the peskiest stains on granite, but they’re not permanent, by any means. If you clean the countertops daily and reseal it after very few years, then there’s no chance of stains.

Misconception #9: Granite Emits Harmful Gasses

There have been rumors floating around that granite emits one of the most harmful gasses and that’s radon. Radon is a carcinogenic gas that is highly dangerous for human beings to even be around, but does the rumor hold any truth? Of course not!

EPA has done a lot of research in this regard, especially when the rumor first came to the surface and it was found out that granite cannot emit radon because there are no reactions taking place within the stone to prove this theory. Granite is a highly inert stone that doesn’t emit any sort of gas or harmful toxin, let alone radon.

Misconception #10: Granite Is Getting Less Popular

The choice of countertop material is different for everyone but it’s wrong to assume that one countertop is getting more popular than the other. This seems to be the case with quartz and granite, where people may argue that quartz has the upper hand.

Each material has a unique appearance and design and each of them serves different purposes. Granite is still a classic and popular choice for a lot of people and it’s a cult-favorite. It’s not going “out of trend” anytime soon, so it’s better to get rid of this misconception for good.

Misconception #11: Heat Damages Granite Countertops

Heat is considered to be the biggest enemy of most countertop materials, but does granite fall in the same category as well? We all know that heat stains are ugly and extremely unpleasant, but granite is considered to be one of those few materials that can withstand heat to a decent point.

One of the main advantages of granite being an igneous rock is the fact that it can endure high-temperature levels without getting damaged. However, you should still not put hot pots, pans, and utensils directly on the surface of your granite countertops because it can still stain the surface if the pot is too hot or left on the surface for too long.

Conclusion

These bite-sized facts are good to keep in the back of your mind for knowledge because you don’t want to get side-tracked by hearing irrelevant things about granite countertops. Once you decide that granite would be right for your kitchen, consult granite countertop installers Potomac.

22

Feb

How to Pair Countertops with Gray Cabinets

Countertops are an excellent way to upgrade your kitchen and keep a lot of function, but it is better when they pair well with other kitchen design aspects. They are made of different materials and look better compared to others. In case you are battling between at least two countertop options, you should consider pairing them using the cabinets as part of the decision process.

When you go to a quartz countertops dealer, you will notice the advantages of having it installed in your kitchen. The gray and white combination provides an excellent match for dressing up the kitchen to how you like it. You can make things simple by adding more white and gray tones. Read on to learn more.

Match Accent Countertops

Countertops with a white background mix well with almost any color of kitchen cabinets. In addition, combining these colors make the space look larger than it really is. That is why white countertops work well in kitchens that are smaller. However, before you consider a white countertop, it is recommended that you choose a material that works best for your current lifestyle. For instance, if there are young children in your house, quartz might be a better option compared to choosing granite or another solid surface.

Black Countertops and Gray Kitchen Cabinets

On the opposite end of the color spectrum, black countertops are an excellent option when it comes to pairing with gray kitchen cabinets. With white, there are many kinds of countertops that can be bought in black, which include quartz, laminates, and natural stones like granite.

You can choose a black countertop or something with white flecks, metallic elements, or gray. In order to prevent your kitchen from looking very dark, there needs to be enough natural lighting, and flooring and wall coloring in a tone that is contrasting like light-colored or white wood.

Incorporate the Colors

If you want to incorporate color in the kitchen, you can choose gray cabinets that are paired with black countertops. Gray and black are chic colors that give your kitchen a very interesting look.

You can also choose dark brown cabinets and a white countertop. This look can be more rustic for your kitchen. You might want to choose a black countertop with gray cabinets for a whole different look. It is going to cut down how much light that comes into the kitchen, but also creates a modern look.

Monochromatic

In case you like tone-on-tone designs, matching countertop hues to the cabinets gives the kitchen an adaptable and cohesive style. The monochromatic look allows colorful accents to shine which includes décor items, appliances, wall paint, and more. The trick to achieving this look is choosing a color, and it is recommended that your kitchen cabinet door color is darker by one or two shades.

Granite Countertops and Kitchen Cabinets

Granite countertops already reigned as among the most popular choices. With superior durability and color variety, it is difficult to find a versatile countertop option. Regardless of your kitchen style, you will easily find granite that blends in well, even with gray kitchen cabinets.

You can combine gray and white, which is a granite option when you want to pair it with gray cabinets. Granite countertops in blue, black, brown, or even green shades can be an excellent match. You can combine it with the metallic accent you prefer for a look that is more cohesive and easy on the eyes. This way, you can work better in your kitchen.

Contact quartz countertop contractors Potomac anytime you want to change your kitchen countertops.

30

Aug

Fun Facts About Quartz Kitchen Countertops

If you have not undergone a kitchen remodel before, or you considered even just one, you are aware that it is important to choose the right countertop material. This can be the hardest decision you will ever make in the process. Every homeowner is different, which means there is not one material that is the best for any situation.

Therefore, to make maintenance easier and achieve versatility, you can do a lot better if you go for quartz kitchen countertops. Quartz is popular because it is customizable and it can be made into almost all shapes and patterns. Most of the time, they are the most expensive luxury countertop materials. Read on to know more facts about quartz countertops.

Durable and Damage Resistant

Quartz is among the hardest materials you will find, and it is the compound stone that is used for countertops that maintains a lot of that toughness. This makes it the most durable material for countertops. When you are using quartz, you do not have to worry about the wear and tear so much, like the scratches, and heat resistance. Aside from that, since it is non-porous and resistant to germs, mildew, and bacteria, it helps alleviate worries when it comes to sanitation.

Even if it is a hard material, it is flexible as well, so it can be shaped into almost anything and have the counter you want. Therefore, if you do not use an uninterrupted slab, that is fine, because it cuts cleanly. That means there are barely perceptible seams.

It is More Than Meets the Eye

A lot of people might be shocked to hear that many quartz countertops are not made of quartz. Some of them do, but naming quartz countertops is only requiring that they follow a certain manufacturing process known as the Bretonstone process. It does not mandate that quartz stone should be used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, a lot of companies began to use materials to achieve the same result and the polished look that quartz owners love. Therefore, those quartz countertops you have eyeballed might be comprised of a combination of marble granite and other types of stone. They are mostly made using crushed quartz. It is available and extremely durable, so it is an excellent choice for the Bretonstone process of production.

Wider Color Range

Since quartz countertops are made out of ground-up minerals and are not cut from one piece of material, they need a manufactured finish. Even if about 90% of a quartz countertop is made using ground-up quartz, the other 10% is comprised of polymers, resins, and pigments. Using pigments at this stage lets manufacturers create an endless variety of color options. Even if natural stone countertops are confined to the colors in stone around the world, engineered stone can be engineered in its appearance and structure. Quartz countertops are made to look like other kinds of stone or concrete.

There are More People Embracing Quartz Today

Many years ago, quartz became a way for people to achieve the look of granite and marble without paying a high price. Companies are doing their best to go with the trends every year in terms of a specific pattern or popular countertop shades. Since quartz has been there so long, it has helped bring it out from the shadows. People are now more confident with their self-expression as well. One benefit of quartz and other engineered stone is that they are customizable.

You can contact countertop replacement services Potomac anytime once you are ready to have your quartz countertop installed.

07

Apr

How to Keep Your Granite Kitchen Top Clean and Shiny

After you have invested in a granite countertop installation, you must understand how you should maintain its beauty for a long time. These tips are easy to follow, including cleaning ideas and polishing tricks for maintaining your granite countertop.

Granite Countertops are expensive, but maintenance is easy. However, should still know how to do it right. These tips will help you remember to practice regular routine maintenance to make sure that your countertops can keep their glossy shine for many years.

Since granite is expensive, and those who have it normally want their kitchens to look excellent, they always read about tips on how to do that. Keep in mind that you must read and follow the tips even if your countertop is new.

Make Sure it is Sealed Properly

Granite countertops are made using natural stone, so each slab is unique. Relatively, granite is non-porous, and a lot of manufacturers seal slabs before shipping it out, but you should still periodically reapply the sealant. Factory sealants will last for years, depending on the tear and water level present. In order to check if your countertop requires sealing, you must contact your manufacturer or do a bead test. You can put a few drops of water on the countertop, and see if it forms a bead. Your countertop must not be sealed. If the water gets absorbed into the stone or a watermark is left, you must seal your counters.

Retain the Shine

An excellent way to maintain the shininess of your countertop is by keeping it clean. As you wipe the surface with mild-warm water, dish soap, and a paper towel, you will see that it is perfect for cleaning effectively. You would have to use a granite cleaner that is specially made for that. Never use just any common household cleaning product on your granite countertop. Using products like that can damage the granite or cause it to become dull. You do not want this to happen.

Remove Water Spots and Stains

For granite stains – dark spots, rings, or oil stains – you must try using baking soda and a water poultice. After that, place the paste mixture on the stain. You need to cover the paste using plastic wrap and allow it to sit for 24 to 48 hours. Baking soda might absorb the counterstains.

In case that is not working, you need to try sprinkling cornstarch on the stain. You need to cover it using plastic and then wait for a couple of hours. The cornstarch could suck up the leftover stain.

Scrub it

Since granite countertops are sealed so they stay shiny and stain-resistant, you might want to avoid using anything that is too acidic or basic to clean your countertop. If you frequently use vinegar or the basic ones, it is going to make the granite dull and weaken the sealant as well. Instead, you need a little soap and water.

Add Shine to it

If you want to make your granite shiny, you need to pour cooking oil on a cleaning cloth and wipe it across the kitchen countertop. You need to gently buff it, and this makes the counter a little stain-resistant, giving it a glossy shine.

Even if you already know how to clean countertops, your granite should be periodically sealed. Normal wear and tear is going to wear off the sealant, which leaves the counter susceptible and dull to the stains. If you know how to clean the granite countertop, you can make the sealant last longer.

Granite countertop installers Rockville will build the best for you, all you need to

07

Mar

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Kitchen Designer

These days, there is an abundance of interior design blogs that make it seem like anyone can just start finishing their remodeling project.

If you are an ambitious homeowner, you can look for a professional designer and hire a good granite contractor who can install the countertop you prefer. You cannot just do it all on your own if you are not an expert. You will see that hiring a professional has a different effect on your kitchen, and it is not a small project you can just take on.

You might have to pay quite a bit for an expert, but the benefits are all worth it. You can find out what they are right here.

They Follow the Right Coding and Licensing

When you want to do a major redesign of your kitchen, you have to make sure that you are not violating coding and regulations where you live. These guidelines about construction projects should be met, and they must be followed. If you call a hire licensed expert kitchen contractor, you can just find out that they will follow all the required regulations.

Knowledgeable About the Budget

Kitchen renovations cost a lot, which is why you want to be sure about spending your money properly. A designer helps you stay within your budget, and they can source better materials as well. Most of the time, they know where the better deals are, so you will get more for your budget. The connections and knowledge they have to help you achieve the kitchen you want but within the range of your budget.

You are Getting Good Materials

Your designer is helpful in making sure that you will get the best materials for your investment, which helps you sort out your goals and ideas to come up with a great plan. At the same time, they will sometimes ask you to fill out a questionnaire and from here, they can understand what the most important thing is to you. At the same time, your designer guides you through all the options and gives recommendations in a couple of meetings, and prioritizes all of them for yourself – this makes it less stressful. You can always splurge, but knowing that you can lower the costs is excellent.

Eligibility of Your Warranty

Kitchen renovations will not be only about replacing the backsplash or repairing the old cabinet doors. You have to make important decisions about the design, styles, layout, materials, as well as electrical and plumbing systems. Kitchen designers consider and make sure that every appliance, furnishing, or attachment is going to suit your needs.

A kitchen remodeling expert can give you professional advice and a different perspective that you will not find anywhere else. They know what goes well together and what the best layout is for your home.

It Takes Less Time

The remodeling process of your kitchen will most likely last twice because you are not getting any expert opinion. Professional kitchen designers will coordinate a schedule with you, know the right plumber for you, and even figure out how long the flooring cures itself before you can install cabinets. The process ends up taking a lot longer, more confusing, and it might not go as planned if you think you can do the designing on your own.

Professional Commitment

Kitchen planning is a non-stop process and the initial design goes through a couple of changes before the final output. The designer will look closely through all the aspects and will continue to do so until the project is finished.

These are the benefits you will get from hiring a kitchen designer, and looking for the best granite companies Rockville.

07

Jan

How Do You Make Granite Countertops Look Good?

Granite countertops look magnificent in any home, and this is one of the primary reasons many homeowners go for them. If you have had your countertops for a long time and they have started losing their original exquisite look, you must be wondering, how do you make granite countertops look good, right?

Well, there are plenty of ways you can do it. Some of these ways include:

Shine the countertops

When you installed the countertops for the first time, you must have noticed an inviting natural shine. The shine is largely due to the high quartz content in granite.

While the shine is inviting when new, over time, it fades off, giving your countertops an old, cheap look.

To make your countertops look good, you need to maintain this shine. Besides cleaning the countertops regularly, you also should regularly polish the surfaces.

Thankfully, there are plenty of polishing products in the market you can use. All you need to do is find those that match your countertops and give your surfaces a perfect look you are looking for.

When polishing the countertops, take care not to use rough cleaning tools that scratch the surface. As a rule of thumb, use a soft cloth, precisely a microfiber cloth, that won’t cause any harm to the surface.

Use the same soft cloth to buff the surfaces and buff in a circular motion to don’t cause any harm and reach the entire surface.

Other ways to keep your granite looking good

Besides polishing the countertops, there are many other ways to keep your granite looking good. Some of these other ways include:

Take good care of the countertops

Like your car, clothes, appliances, or any other thing, if you want your countertops to look good, you have to take good care of them.

The beauty is there are plenty of ways to take care of them. Some of these ways include:

Clean spills immediately: As soon as spills happen, you should clean them to avoid hard-to-remove stains from forming.

Use coasters: Coasters come in handy at preventing the hot pots placed on the countertops from coming into direct contact with the countertops. As a rule of thumb, use high-quality coasters that will provide the countertops with maximum protection and last for a long time.

Use cutting boards: The same way you should use coasters and hot pads is the same way you should use cutting boards when cutting meat, vegetables, and other food items. As a rule of thumb, never cut directly on granite surfaces.

Don’t sit on the countertops: It’s normal for most homeowners to sit on the countertops as they wait for food to cook. Others will come to the kitchen and sit there as they chat. This is wrong.

To avoid cracking your countertops, avoid sitting on them, especially on the edges. You also should avoid standing on them to reach the top shelves or replace a burnt bulb.

Clean the countertops regularly

As mentioned above, cleaning the countertops goes a long way towards keeping them looking good. When doing the cleaning, use the right cleaning products.

In most cases, water and soap are enough to keep the surfaces in top shape, but you can use commercial cleaning products when looking for that extra shine. When buying the cleaner, use one specifically designed for granite surfaces.

Never use ammonia, citrus, or vinegar to clean the surfaces as they are highly acidic cleaners, and using them will dull the surfaces.

The right way to clean the countertops is to spray or mist the cleaner across the entire surface, then let it sit for a minute, after which you wipe it with a soft microfiber cloth until it’s dry.

Seal the countertop

The final thing you should do is seal the countertops to lock out any materials that might try to find their way into the countertops. You can seal the countertops or hire granite countertop installers Rockville to help.

When sealing the surfaces, work in small sections to don’t spray the same area more than once. After applying the sealant, wipe the surfaces with a soft cotton cloth until completely dry.

06

Dec

How Do You Measure A Countertop For Replacement?

When you are looking to undertake countertop replacement, you can go at it in two ways—do the work yourself or hire countertop replacement services.

If doing the work yourself, you have to measure the countertops so that you know how much to buy. Are you wondering, how do you measure a countertop for replacement? Here is how to go about it:

Get the measuring tools

You can’t measure the countertops without the right tools, can you? Some of the measuring tools you need for the work include:

Tape measure: You should use retractable tape with a steel blade. When using the blade, ensure that you can read the fractions of an inch. The tape should read in total inches and break into foot increments. For the best experience, stay away from cloth tape measures as they flex and stretch, giving you inaccurate results.

Pencil: You use a pencil to jot down figures. A pencil is better than a pen because you can correct any mistake you make. Use one with a hard lead that won’t break when using a pencil.

Graph paper: Although you can record your shapes and measurements on plain paper, graph paper provides a better and more accurate surface. When plotting, use a formula such as one square equals two inches.

Calculator: Unless you are a math whiz, you need a calculator to multiply, add and even divide the large figures. The beauty is that your calculator doesn’t have to be complicated—a regular calculator that can convert fractions to decimals then do some multiplication and division is enough.

Helper: Although not a tool, an extra pair of hands and eyes will go a long way towards helping you make correct measurements. The helper will help hold the tape end solid while stretching and recording. Ensure that you are on the reading end while the helper holds the tape at zero to avoid mistakes.

Draw a rough drawing of the countertop

Begin with making scale drawings of your countertop layouts. Remember to keep the countertop drawings complete where the sections join, such as in an L-shape or U-shape design.

You should note that you don’t have to be concerned about scaling the aisle separations when it comes to the galley kitchens or island situations. You only need to focus on the actual countertop surface you are dealing with.

Breakdown the countertop parts into blocks

To avoid overlaps, experts recommend you take measurements in rectangular blocks. Even the rounded or oval island, you should treat it’s a square.

Measure the countertops

You deal with two main dimensions when taking the measurements: length and width. The length is the lateral run across the counter surface, and width is the depth from the back of the wall to the front face. Make length your longest measurement and width the shortest one for the island and peninsula designs.

Take measurements of all the countertop areas from the sinks, backsplashes, faucet locations, and cooktops. Remember also to include the counter overhangs such as eating bars and nosings.

Transfer the measurements to the graph paper

After taking the measurements, transfer them to your graph paper and label each rectangle with a letter such as “A,” “B,” and so on. The purpose of doing this is to keep track of each zone, and at the same time, it makes it easier to describe the layout of your countertop supplier.

At this point, write the fractions as ¼, ½, ¾, etc. Don’t worry about converting them to decimals at this time—you will do this when you start calculating the final square footage.

Add all the rectangles and squares.

To get the total area in square inches, you need to add all the separate sections. To convert the area to square feet, divide the area in square inches by 144. You can alternatively plug the figures into a free online calculator or convertor.

Work with an experienced contractor.

Countertop installation is tough and requires extra care to get it right. You can also easily mess up, which ends up being too expensive. To minimize losses and ensure the work turns out perfect, work with experienced granite countertop installers Rockville or other professionals that know what they are doing.

30

Sep

Why Is Marble So Popular And Not Granite Countertops?

With so many kitchen countertop options available such as quartz and granite countertops, when you mention countertops, the first thing that comes to the minds of most homeowners is marble. You must be wondering, why is marble so popular? There are plenty of reasons for this.

Humble beginnings

Before we go into details as to why marble is so popular, we need to go back down memory lane and first understand the history of the stone.

Marble was first used by the ancient Greeks, who used it to construct fireplaces, walls, fountains, kitchen hoods, and many other structures. Some of the notable masterpieces include: the Pantheon, Pisa Cathedral, the Taj Mahal, and Lincoln Memorial.

Why marble is so popular

Marble has plenty of attractive features that make it popular. These features include:

It’s durable

The main reason you will find marble in structures that have been around for centuries is because it’s exceptionally durable and resilient. When properly installed, it won’t chip or dent. When you install it in your kitchen or bathroom, you don’t worry about damaging it when you drop something on it or run into it.

On first look, marble appears fragile, but this isn’t the case. After all, some buildings are still standing centuries after construction.

Marble significantly improves your home value.

When you were scouting for a house, what impression did you have when the real estate agent told you the counters were made from marble? I’m sure you had the impression the house is a high-end property, right? This is what marble does to every home.

The premium stone not only gives you a sense of prestige, it also increases the value of your home. So if you are looking to sell the house at a later date, you sell it at a higher price.

Marble is beautiful

One of the reasons marble was used even in ancient buildings is due to its beauty. Marble comes in a wide array of colors and hues from which you will find one that will fit your décor and home design. If looking to give your house a sense of space, there are white countertops to go for.

If you have a large kitchen and looking to give the impression of elegance, go with one of the many dark options. You only need to ensure a professional undertakes marble countertop installation.

The countertops are easy to maintain

In addition to significantly improving your home value, marble is extremely easy to maintain. To clean it, you need to use mild soap and water. Use a soft cloth to wipe it down. If you have sealed the surfaces, you don’t need to scrub sticky spills. Wipe them as they happen.

Guide to buying marble countertops

Now that we have learned why marble is popular and the ways it can benefit your property, now let’s look at how to buy the ideal slab for your home. You need to consider plenty of factors such as:

Veining patterns

Different quarries have different ways of cutting marble that gives the stone different veining patterns. Some of the ways to cut the stone include: fleuri cut, crosscut, and many others. When making the purchase, carefully consider these patterns and only buy a stone that complements your home.

Cracks and fissures

You need to know the difference between cracks and fissures. Cracks are often large, and they are a sign the slab has been dropped or improperly handled. Don’t buy a slab with cracks on it.

Fissures, on the other hand, are small and natural. They aren’t a sign of a deformity, and there is no harm in buying a stone with fissures, especially if looking for a stone that will give your house a more rustic look.

Origin

Where is the stone mined from? You need to consider this when making the purchase. The best stones are those from Italy, so do your due diligence and make sure the stone you are buying is from Statuario or Carrara. Avoid buying those from china as they aren’t as beautiful and don’t last long.

Parting shot

Above are some of the reasons marble is so popular, and if you love it, you should go ahead and install it in your home. For best results, make sure professional granite countertop installers Rockville or other professionals install it. After installing the stone, finish the look with a penetrating sealer to give the stone a long life.

11

Jul

Do Granite Countertops Scratch?

Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials in the world. It’s referred to as the hardest, scratch-resistant materials you can invest in. While this is the case, you must have heard some of your friends or even family members saying that their countertops developed scratches.

Do granite countertops scratch? They do. The countertops can be scratched by other items that are equally hard or harder than granite itself. These include stones such as diamonds. So you should avoid pressing your diamond ring into granite or pulling it along the surface.

Quartz and other cutting devices designed to cut through granite will also scratch the countertop material. In most cases, contrary to popular belief, knives won’t scratch granite, but using them directly on the surface will dull them. So to preserve them, you should always have a cutting board in place.

Why do the countertops scratch?

While the countertops are tough and durable, they aren’t scratch proof. When you roughly use them, or an accident happens, the countertops can crack, chip, or even develop major scratches.

Some of the reasons the countertops can develop scratches and cracks include:

  • Falling of heavy objects on the countertops
  • Cutting vegetables with a sharp knife directly on the countertops
  • Using abrasive products on the countertops. This often happens when you are cleaning the surfaces.
  • Sliding heavy utensils or pottery with hard pointed parts on the countertops.

Even a minor scratch on the countertops will spoil the beauty of the countertops. The scratches also trap dust, creating a space for bacteria and other microorganisms to grow.

Due to this, you should move with haste and fix the scratches.

Ways to fix granite scratches

There are plenty of ways you can fix the scratches, and it varies depending on the depth and size of the scratch.  You can group scratches into three main categories:

  • Hair like scratches
  • Scratches deeper than 2mm
  • Scratches deeper than 3 mm

You can fix the minor scratches on your own, but for scratches deeper than 2mm, you should seek professional help.

Fixing hair-like scratches

Hair like scratches are easy to fix, and you can easily fix them on your own using one of the following methods:

Washing the scratches with water and dish wash: Here, you need to find a course rag and wash the scratched area with warm water and dish wash. You should saturate the granite surface with a dishrag soaked with hot soapy water and let it sit for some time.

With little pressure and cleaning, some of the scratches will fade and others disappear. If there are any deeper scratches, they will remain as they are.

Use penetrating sealers: You can apply a penetrating stone sealer at least once a year to add extra protection to your granite counters. All you need is to buy a brand that is recommended by the manufacturer and follow the application directions. After applying it, give it time to dry completely. The sealer soaks into the scratches and fills the scratches, making them invisible to the eye.

Other ways you can fix the hair-like scratches include: using resin scratch stick and ultra-fine steel wool.

Fixing scratches deeper than 3mm.

As mentioned above, you should refrain from attempting to fix scratches deeper than 2 mm. If you got larger scratches, you are better off hiring granite experts.

Most of the contractors will use a diamond polishing or sanding pad to repair small or medium scratches. Since diamond is harder than granite, it will remove the annoying scratches.

Preventing scratches from coming about

Prevention is always better than cure, so you should always strive to prevent the scratches from coming about instead of repairing them. According to granite installers Rockville, the best way to prevent scratches from coming about is to seal the counters regularly.

After sealing it at installation, you also should seal it once every year. By sealing the surfaces, you provide a protective coating that is hard to remove unless you dig too hard into it.

It’s also wise to keep damaging materials such as precious stones and other materials stronger than granite away from the counters.

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.