05

Dec

How To Choose The Right Thickness For Granite Countertops?

Granite countertops are wonderful for kitchens and why shouldn’t they be? They are popular, beyond beautiful and they last for decades. But when choosing granite countertops, people focus on colors and patterns and ignore thickness which is an important factor influencing the durability of the slab. Here is everything you need to know about the selecting the right granite countertop thickness and why thicker countertops are so great.

The General Thickness Of Countertops

If you have no idea about the thickness of granite countertops, then the most common thickness is in between 1” to 1.75”. It’s the perfect thickness to give off the appeal of the stone and it also keeps the strength in check.

Normally, this thickness is perfect for kitchen countertops if you’re going for slabs. However, in case of tiles, they are commonly a lot thinner than slabs, about half an inch thick, and they can also shatter pretty easily. So, they’re not recommended at all for rough use in the kitchen. Slabs are a better option, but it all depends on personal preference and what you want to install in your kitchen.

Thickness For Kitchen Islands

Now that you have an idea about the general thickness of granite slabs, the next crucial thing to consider is the different countertop ideas. Some people also have kitchen islands in their space and they want to get something that will stand out.

Granite is a majestic material and it doesn’t need a lot to be prominent, but if you choose slightly thicker slabs for the kitchen island, then it’s going to look show-stopping. Kitchen islands are singular structures and they are mostly placed in the center of the kitchen. So, you’re going to need a material that is going to be fit for being the center of attention.

This is why you want to go for thick slabs of granite about 2 to 2.5 inches because that’s going to highlight the island and it’s will transform your overall kitchen into a thing of beauty. Therefore, when choosing slabs for an island, don’t be afraid to go a little thick because everything will balance out perfectly.

Consider Your Budget

The budget is also an important factor to consider when choosing the thickness of granite slabs. It comes as no surprise that granite is an expensive material and if you opt for thicker slabs, then you better believe that the price is also going to increase.

If you want, you can do a bit of research when deciding on the budget for the slabs because you’re going to want to get an estimate of how much the slab is going to cost. If you want to go for a thicker slab, then it’s obvious that you’re going to need a more comfortable budget to afford those heavy and magnificent slabs.

However, if you don’t have a higher budget, then you’re going to have to kiss the thick slabs goodbye and settle for something a bit thinner, so that it can shimmy into your budget bracket. But don’t settle for slabs that are less than 1.25 inches thickness because they may be easier to crack.

Thicker Means Stronger

This is not always true for countertop materials, but for granite, thickness is directly related to strength. Yes, the thicker slabs (1.75 inches or beyond) are going to be a pain to install because they’re understandably heavy, but once you do get them installed, the slabs are going to last for a lot longer, as compared to thin tiles.

Granite is an extremely durable material and it’s also one of the strongest countertop materials on the planet, so if you choose thicker slabs, then you’re going to get mammoth strength and longevity.

If you love the look of thick granite slabs, then you’re in luck because once you get them, they’re not only going to look stunning in the kitchen, but they’re also going to last you for years to come. What’s not to love about them? You are getting timeless and classic beauty and durability all in one go.

Chunky Slabs Are Stylish

There is just something about thick slabs that looks so minimal yet chic at the same time. You can go for thicker slabs if you want that extra element of edge to your kitchen and want to make it alluring for the people who enter your space.

Think about it, dark-colored granite slabs that are super thick resting on the countertop base against a light or neutral kitchen interior. It’s surely going to look stunning and you will have a hard time looking away from this gorgeous beauty. So, if you’re going mainly for the aesthetics of the countertops, then you want to choose thick slabs.

The Color Of Granite

The thickness you want to get for your granite countertops depends on the color you choose as well. There are certain colors of granite in which varying thicknesses are available. The colors in which more variety of thickness is available are usually darker colors like black, gray, dark blue, green, brown, and so on.

You can or cannot get thicker slabs in extremely light-colored granite because that’s hard to fabricate and not a lot of retailers can get it done for you. So, you’re going to have to settle for something dark, but if that’s not what you prefer, then you are probably stuck at a dead end.

More Edge Options

If you want interesting edge designs on your countertops, then this is the time when you want to go for thicker slabs. Since there is a lot of room for improvements and shaving off the material, thicker slabs are generally better to work with when creating edges of all designs and shapes.

You can go for a stair step edge, double bullnose edges, and more intricate designs. These edge designs will look more prominent on thicker granite countertops.

Slabs Vs Tiles

A very crucial comparison that’s important when considering the thickness of granite slabs is the one between slabs and tiles and which one you want to go for. Tiles are going to be a lot thinner and there’s also going to be a recurring problem of seams because the biggest tile that’s available for installation is 1×1 ft.

Slabs, on the other hand, are harder to install because of their sheer size and weight, but they’re a singular unit so seams won’t be an issue. They are considerably thicker than tiles, so they are also going to last longer.

Tiles countertops are rare due to some disadvantages like seams and cracks while slabs are the norm. So, choosing slabs is always the right move.

Go For Stacked Slabs

If you want to elevate the level of style and aesthetics in your kitchen and make your countertops even more mesmerizing, then you need to consider the very trendy stacked design. This idea is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of one slab, you can stack two or more thinner slabs on top of each other. They look amazing if done right. There is something about stacked countertops that just adds a rustic appeal.

Conclusion

Most people forget about countertop thickness or only go with standard thickness. However, if you put some thought into the thickness of granite countertops, it can make your countertops more mesmerizing. Do consult granite installers Potomac to know which granite thickness is right for your kitchen.

22

Oct

11 Interesting Things To Know About Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials. That’s a pure fact. It will be the favorite choice for many and for a few, they may be overrated. Anyways, following are some interesting things about granite countertops that should know.

Granite Is A Natural Stone

A natural stone is something that’s quarried out of the ground. Not a lot of people know about this fact of granite or granite countertops, but it’s a natural stone that makes these countertops such a treat for the eyes.

There is just something about a natural stone that’s so unique because no two slabs will ever be the same and there will always be something unique about each slab of granite countertop you have in your kitchen whether it be the mosaic pattern or the veining.

It Is The Oldest Rock

Granite is a very old rock. If you know anything about rocks and geology, then you would know that granite is quarried from a decent depth in the Earth. And the reason why is because it’s very old. The average age of granite that’s quarried for countertops is about 300 million years old. For reference, the asteroid that hit the Earth and killed dinosaurs was 65 million years ago.

So, it’s safe to say that if you’re choosing granite countertops for your kitchen, then they’re nothing less than a very precious artifact that can date back millions of years and that’s jaw-dropping when you think about it.

Granite Is An Igneous Rock

Another interesting thing to know about granite is that it’s made by the cooling and solidification of magma. Magma is the molten hot substance that’s found deep inside the Earth’s surface and once it cools, it can form rocks, granite being one of them, based on different compositions.

This process of cooling and solidification of magma to form rocks gives birth to rocks which are known as igneous rocks. So, in essence, granite is an igneous rock.

It’s A Latin Name

Have you ever wondered where the name “granite” came from? Well, to break it down for you in an easier way, granite is derived from a Latin word, “granum” which means “coarse grain”. If you think about it, the meaning of the word fits quite nicely with the properties of granite. Granite is a thick and coarsely-grained rock and it is rough and tough.

In fact, the name “granite” was proposed because of the very quality of the stone itself, which is quite interesting to think about.

The Composition Of Granite

A lot of people think that granite is a derivation of magma and that it is composed of magma. We also explained that earlier in this blog. Well, this is true, but let’s go a bit deeper this time. If you think about it, the composition of granite is different from what people think.

Granite is made up of quartz, feldspar, pulverized minerals, and mica. Quartz and feldspar are two main constituents found in the deep layers of Earth and feldspar is a main component of magma. Mica, on the other hand, is added to impart color to the stone, giving granite its characteristic color and appearance. There is a huge variety of mica that can be incorporated in granite which in turn can lead to different colored granite slabs.

Granite Countertops Are The Hardest

Granite is considered to be the hardest countertop surface material used in the kitchen. It has a hardness of 6-8 on the Mohs hardness scale and it’s pretty up there with diamond, the hardest rock on the planet with the hardness level of 10 on the Mohs scale.

This quality of granite is owed to the immense heat and pressure under which magma is cooled and formed into rocks and this is what gives granite its strength and durability. If you invest in granite countertops for your kitchen, then you can rest assured that they’re going to last you a long time.

The Countertops Are Durable

Along with hardness, granite countertops are also quite durable. Durability is a great feature of this rock and it’s one of the biggest selling points of granite. Granite, once installed in your kitchen, can last up to 60 years if maintained properly.

Durability is a huge deal for people and they want something that’s going to outlive everything else. Because granite is expensive and people spend a mini fortune on it, it’s only fitting for the countertops to last for a long time without any major problems. All you need to do is seal the stone every few years.

Knives Can Get Damaged By Granite

Granite is a hard material and while you can scratch it a bit with your knife, the rock will be doing a great deal of damage to your knife as well. Granite is known to ruin and break knives if the two things are always in contact with each other. A sharp knife can get blunt in no time if you’re constantly using it on the surface of granite.

This is why it’s advised to use a cutting board for any chopping and slicing because granite countertops can quickly damage your knives to the point of no return, and that’s quite something. And of course, the granite surface and the seal can be damaged by the knife as well if you use the knife directly on the countertop.

Countertops Are Naturally Fractured

The beautiful veining you see on the surface of granite, which is a major attractive feature of the rock itself is a fault. These are natural fissures and fractures present on the topmost surface of granite that are later filled with mica and give rise to an intricate veining pattern.

Granite, because it’s formed under high temperatures and pressures, can easily get cracked and form fissures on the surface. This is also what makes this rock porous, which is why you need to seal it to make it waterproof. Talk about an imperfection being this beautiful.

Heat Resistant Countertops

Granite countertops are also quite resistant to heat. Since they’re made inside the Earth where temperatures are higher than in any man-made furnace, granite can sustain high degrees of temperature without getting damaged and that’s a great quality. Heat resistance is important to think about when getting countertops for your kitchen because there is handling of all types of food on the countertops and you’re not always careful or mindful about not putting hot things on the countertop surface.

With granite countertops, you don’t need to worry about anything, because it’s going to sustain the high cooking temperatures and your countertops will always remain good as new. But to protect your countertop, don’t get carried away by the fact that granite is an ingenious rock and don’t put hot pans directly on the countertop.

Adds Value To Your Home

If you have granite countertops in your kitchen and you’re thinking about selling the house, then be prepared to get a lot of offers that will sound too good to be true. Granite is one of the few materials that can add value to your house.

It is an extremely popular material among people and they will appreciate the fact that the kitchen of the house they’re trying to buy already has granite countertops. You will get a good deal for your house.

Conclusion

Granite is a durable countertop material and it’s loved by the masses. These interesting things will surely pique your interest in this material. And if you want to see it in your kitchen, well, get in touch with granite installers Potomac.

14

Mar

What to Consider When Replacing Kitchen Countertops

What will you do when it is time to replace the kitchen countertops? In general, you should upgrade when your countertops are not matching the design vision, are too hard to maintain, and/or become irreparable. Solid-surfacing quartz kitchen countertops with deep cracks, scorched marks, and pitted areas are the best for replacing, which are badly stained and broken. Laminate countertops suffer from outdated patterns or colors, water damage, deep knife cuts, or staining that might need replacing as well.

Before you go shopping, you need to do your homework. Find out if the old countertops can be revived or repaired. If you require new countertops, you should shop with the right measurements in hand so you can estimate material costs. Learn more now.

Consider the Existing Material

The high-definition laminate countertops, or materials with a solid surface, screw into place, so changing them is easier, especially if you will replace them for selling. Hard stones will fall prey to pitting or cracks. Therefore, even if it is not the easiest countertop to replace, you might want to do that instead of just repairing it. This is especially true if the countertop is very old and not properly maintained.

The Cabinet Quality

Before you choose the kitchen countertop material, the first thing you need to consider is the quality of your current kitchen cabinets. One thing is that you will need to decide if you want to replace or keep them. If you want to replace the cabinets within the next couple of years, you should replace everything all at once so that you can avoid paying double installation fees.

You should also be sure that your cabinets are able to support the weight of new counters. Other lower-grade cabinets might not have the structural integrity to hold up other countertop materials.

Precise Measurements

Before taking out the tape measure, you need to make a sketch that represents countertop placement in the kitchen. You need to mark off sections of sink countertops, continuous countertops, and peninsula and island countertops to separately measure them. You need to measure the depth and length of each section, then multiply the depth and length to find out the area in inches and write the measurements. Divide the measurements by 144 to determine the square footage of each section. You can add up the square footage numbers so you can get the total square footage of the materials you need. This is going to help you estimate the cost of different materials, which is going to guide you in choosing countertops that can fit your budget.

Backsplash

A new countertop means that you will also need a new backsplash. These two elements go together with one another, and you want to make sure the materials will either match or coordinate.

Normally, the backsplash should be replaced at the same time as your countertop because it is mounted on the top. When you are planning a budget for the countertop replacement, you should not forget to consider the backsplash material cost and installation.

Sink Configuration

You also have to consider the sink configuration when you are ready to replace the countertop. If your sink sits below the countertop level, you might have to replace it when you replace the counters. However, sinks that sit on the counter will normally be replaced or have the plumbing reconfigured before you put in new counters.

The new counter could be taller compared to the previous countertops, which means the sink drain pipe will not reach the bottom.

You can check quartz countertops Rockville anytime when you are ready for new countertops.

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.

15

Feb

Tips for Achieving a Rustic Kitchen

When you create a modern rustic kitchen, the balance can be tricky, but it has the proper design elements and some creativity. You will be able to achieve the right blend of contemporary and rustic style. A modern rustic kitchen adds character and warmth to your home, while you feel fresh and contemporary. You can also incorporate quartz kitchen countertops when you pay for a renovation.

Rustic kitchens celebrate antiques and reclamation while highlighting beautiful materials. It is not surprising that they are one of the most sought-after kitchen ideas. Think of repurposed furniture, wooden cabinetry, antique hardware, and open shelving. It gives a functional look, leaning towards industrial, but it also keeps the inherent warmth from traditional kitchen ideas.

Go For Natural Materials

Using natural materials like wood, brick, and stone into renovating your home adds a rustic feel to your space. You can consider using reclaimed wood for backsplash, countertops, or cabinets. A stone wall or brick also adds character and warms up your space. You can have a lot of ideas when it comes to using natural materials.

If your kitchen has enough space, you can give the space an informal dining space.

Use the Empty Wall to Your Advantage

When you make coffee first thing in the morning to clean up dinner dishes when the night ends, you are going to spend a few hours every day in your kitchen.

Since it is among the busiest rooms in your home, you can bring in art pieces that you love. Art is not only for formal spaces and you should hang it where you will see it a lot. Hanging art on the wall feels fresh in the best way. If possible, you should hang pieces at eye level so you will have a focal point.

Add Color and Interest Using Reclaimed Tiles

It is important that when you collate rustic kitchen ideas, you should choose designs that keep the space warm. Exposed stone flooring and brick walls can cause the kitchen to feel unloved and cold. Color is an excellent way to inject warmth. Choose a palette that will evoke a fall garden and you will not make a mistake. Warm oranges, rich browns, and burnt umbers against a cream backdrop create a cozy environment.

Mix and Match the Finishes

Mixing and matching finishes add depth and interest to your kitchen. You should consider using a combination of paint finishes on the cabinets, or mixing two kinds of hardware, lighting fixtures, and more. For instance, pairing wood tones and cabinetry create a timeless look.

Stone Countertops and Organic Lighting

Similar to the delightful wooden cabinets that are a must in a rustic kitchen, you also have stoic stone countertops that are a must for any setting. You have to combine wood cabinets and stone countertops with exposed ceiling beams, cozy lighting, and brick walls that have a rugged charm to complete a relaxing rustic kitchen.

Painted Cabinetry

Painted kitchens have a moment. The traditional shaker-style cabinetry in a russet shade brings warmth to any rustic kitchen. Finding the best-painted kitchen ideas for your space breathes life back to dull cabinetry and it is easy to update it in the future.

When you pair it with wooden floorboards or a worn wooden table, it gets exposed to plaster walls so it counteracts with the modern look of the cabinetry. You can make a dark kitchen dark when you paint the window surrounding it with warm tones.

You can check qranite kitchen countertops Rockville anytime if you want to change your countertop for a more rustic design.

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

Jun

Benefits of Sealing Granite Countertops

The beauty and durability of granite countertops are well-known, but that does not indicate that they do not need any TLC and proper maintenance. Even if granite is resistant to moisture, it is porous as well. Therefore, spilled liquids, especially the ones with colors, can get damaged by dirt.

As a homeowner, you should regularly clean and maintain your granite while you mop up spills while they happen while protecting the surface. It is also wise to use the services of cleaning and polishing experts.

Normally, customers are advised to “seal” countertops. When you have thoroughly cleaned your granite countertop, contact a professional to seal it. This will make it effective against oil-based and water stains.

Read on to learn more.

Prevents Stains

Granite is known to be porous. Sealing it is going to make the liquid bead on the surface, which prevents it from staining. This is important for granite with a lighter color since it is more prone to stains.

In addition, you should practice wiping up spills while they happen. In the bathrooms, you should not leave containers of cosmetic containers and beauty aids on the granite countertops. That is because they could leave chemical residue that can cause stains.

In case you see stains, you can attempt to deal with them on your own. You can create a water and baking soda for some of the oil stains, and then a baking soda paste and hydrogen peroxide for water stains. You can leave the paste there overnight, sealed in plastic, and then you can wipe it off when you wake up.

Cleans and Disinfects Your Granite Right Away

Similar to other natural stones found in homes, like limestone and marble, granite has tiny open spaces in it because of its porousness. Stones that are highly porous can attract bacteria because of the small openings. This is something that you do not want granite countertops to experience.

When you properly seal granite countertops, they become hygienic, which makes it easier to disinfect them. The sealing can penetrate deeply into the stone to create a protective layer against bacteria, dust, and dirt.

Once those pores are sealed, dirt, moisture, and bacteria cannot penetrate the surface of your countertops even further.

Reduces Etching Threat

The etching of the granite countertop will happen when you spill acidic food on it, such as lemon juice. Vinegar, juices, coffee, wine, soda, and cleaners also cause etching. If you are using the cutting boards and other food protections on the preparation surfaces, that goes a long way to prevent any etching. However, accidents happen, and sealing your granite is going to shield it against spillages.

Prevents Your Countertop from Getting Dull

Granite countertops are luxurious and they rarely show any signs of wearing. Sometimes, people have an impression that their granite lost its shine and has become dull. In case that happens, you just might have to polish it. With a lot of polishes out there, it is hard to find out which is the best polish to use for countertops.

After polishing your granite countertops, the shine should return. If you want to maintain the shine for a long time, you would want to add granite sealer. Protecting your granite countertop properly with the right sealer and polish keeps your granite countertop looking new for a long time.

These are the top reasons why you need to seal your granite countertop. You can call granite companies Rockville so they can do it for you. This is something you want to be done professionally because granite is an investment and you want to make the most out of it.

 

30

May

Why Granite Countertops are Better for Outdoor Kitchens

Among a lot of common modern-day design themes, the outdoor kitchen has become popular over the years. There are a couple of important features to consider if you are making this type of home upgrade, and one of them is which countertop is best for an outdoor space. Granite countertops are ideal for an outdoor space because of their material and durability.

Aside from that, there are other reasons to explore why you should choose granite for your outdoor countertop. In this article, you will discover what those reasons are and you will not mind paying a bit because of the benefits and quality you will get.

Read on to find out more now.

The Design is Beautiful

Granite is very unique and it offers various specks, patterns, and swirls that are different in each slab. That means each slab you have is unlike anyone else’s. There are endless possibilities in terms of individual design and style from the granite, and they can be made in any size or shape. Therefore, no matter the layout or size of an outdoor kitchen, granite makes it happen.

Heat, Moisture, and Stain Resistant

Granite is resistant to heat, stains, and changes in moisture levels, which makes it suitable for an outdoor space. Since it is a porous stone, it is recommended that you have your granite countertop periodically sealed to make sure it can resist stains from the regular kitchen spills. Therefore, it is in your best interest to wipe them up right away as they occur to retain the beauty of a countertop over the years and prevents discoloration.

In addition, this natural stone stands up well against any heat so it is not necessary to worry about the damage produced by hot pots and pans. However, you should still use hot pads and trivets to protect the sealant.

Compatible with the Outdoors

Granite has excellent durability, and it can withstand different natural elements, from snow and rain to heat and sleet. Aside from it being strong and sturdy, granite is heat resistant as well, which means it is not phased by exposure to hot summer all day. The truth is, that granite can actually benefit from sunlight. Once it shines on countertops, the beauty and depth of each piece are instantly revealed.

Another reason why granite is appropriate for an outdoor kitchen is that countertops can be built around ovens, stoves, pizza ovens, and other appliances that are hot. When granite is sealed regularly, granite can also repel rainwater.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

Granite does not give you a host of harmful bacteria and it remains sanitary, so it is safe to prepare and cook food on granite countertops. Cleaning a granite countertop is always easy even if you just use soap and water. You do not have to use a special cleaner.

Maintaining the quality of granite countertops is simple and it only needs the application of a sealer once every year. This sealer protects your countertops from spillage or rain, which can happen at some point in your kitchen outdoors.

Resistant to Germ and Bacteria

Cooking can get messy, whether you are outside or inside. Some of them are harmless, and others can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, Listeria, and e.coli. Specific materials like laminate or tile can harbor these by providing the right growing conditions. In these instances, it is important to disinfect your kitchen countertop regularly so it is safe for food prep.

You can contact granite installers Potomac to have them work on your outdoor and install the granite countertop you love.

21

Mar

How to Choose the Right Granite Kitchen Countertop

Granite countertops have a huge impact on your home’s value, which is why it is important to choose the right material for you and for any future buyer in case you sell your home. Many people love granite for their kitchen countertop, making it a safe option.

The issue is that granite has a huge range of patterns and colors. There are neutral colors like black, white, and brown to even exotic and bold ones like greens, reds, and blues. You might have a hard time choosing the right granite slab because it is a big investment. In this article, there are tips here you can use so that you will not have a hard time.

Gather the Materials You Need

A great selection of countertops calls for attention to detail. Buying a slab and wanting the best results is a big risk. When it comes to choosing granite, you should take color samples of the finish, flooring, wall paint, and kitchen appliances. In case there are no samples available, take a picture of them. You need to place the samples around or on the granite so you can have an idea of what the decoration is. Dark cabinetry made of cherry wood and black granite can be overpowering.

Choose a Theme

Most of the time, designers choose an element as a foundation for a color scheme. When you are choosing granite, there are 2 options for you. Choose the main granite color that matches the kitchen’s dominant color, which is normally the cabinets, or opt for a more subtle approach by looking for matching streaks or veins. For instance, if your cabinets are white, you can go for a granite background or white veins.

Visit Showrooms

Online shopping for granite is convenient, but it should not be a replacement for seeing it on your own. It is hard to photograph the color patterns and the small differences in textures and shades are not accurately seen. When you shop in-store, there are still some challenges when it comes to color selection. Slabs with the same color and category usually vary greatly. After choosing your preferred color, like brown, black, blue, yellow, or green, you should ask to see the samples in the color subset.

Choose Light or Dark

In other cases, the granite you choose might be more influenced by its effect on the kitchen instead of the color scheme. If it will be for a small kitchen, you might want to choose a light color, like gray or beige. That can also be for bathrooms. The only thing to be concerned about is that a light stone granite countertop will show stains more. In general, granite is resistant to stain, so that is a good point to consider. You can use dark granite to add a little drama to your kitchen, especially if you have a large kitchen. It might not be good for a small kitchen or if there is no natural light coming in.

Make Sure it Blends with the House

When you are choosing the granite countertop color, it can help to consider other parts of the house. This is also true when the kitchen has an open sight of the other rooms. Having color consistency in your home keeps it cohesive. So, your home is going to feel like a living space instead of only individual rooms that are connected by doors. You should think about bringing a color shade from a different room to harmonize them together.

You can contact granite contractor Potomac if you want your countertop done right.

 

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Advantages of Replacing Your Kitchen Countertop

Every kitchen and the majority of bathrooms have built-in countertops. If you want a perfect workspace, you need solid countertops and wooden cabinets that are waist-high. They are useful, beautiful, and smooth. The majority of stone and granite countertops add some elegance to your kitchen, as well as any design of a kitchen. It is also good to replace your countertop and make it a major remodeling project to revamp your kitchen.

Homeowners want to install new countertops even if they already have one in their home, but people certainly know why they want to replace their countertops. If you want to know the benefits of getting a new one, this article will tell you.

Chip and Scratch Resistant

One reason why people want to get granite countertops is that they have the durability to resist scratching and chipping under normal circumstances. Granite is the 2nd hardest material, and the first is diamonds.

You should be cautious about using very sharp cleavers and knives since they might cause marring. That is why you must use a chopping board when you chop, slice, and dice foods. Are you aware that granite countertops last almost forever if they are installed together with the right support bracket? Now you know.

It Will Match Your Island Countertop

When you have installed a new kitchen island, it is a good reason to get new countertops as well. You will require a newly installed countertop surface to match the island. Therefore, you want other parts of the counters to match them. Adding a kitchen island is a great opportunity to have completely upgraded the look and feel of your kitchen. Your existing cabinetry can get a fresh paint job and then pick a countertop that is beautiful on the island and your entire kitchen countertop.

Increases the Resale Value of Your Home

If you want to sell your home in the future, take into consideration that your kitchen is one area that greatly influences the decision of a buyer. A kitchen remodel can add thousands of dollars to your home’s selling price, with a significant ROI. Even just a minor remodeling project, like replacing countertops, can have the same effect.

Resistant to Moisture, Heat, and Stain

Aside from being chip and scratch-resistant, a granite countertop is also resistant to moisture and stains when you use the right sealant. Since granite countertops are porous, sealing is important to guard protect them against staining and etching by acids and alkaline. You must remember that sealant should be reapplied yearly to keep the resistance.

In addition, food and liquid spills should be removed right away with mild detergent and water. When spills dry on the countertop, it is very easy to scrape them off. In addition, heat and pressure are used to form granite which means they are heat resistant, so you can place hot pots and pans on them.

Replace Low-Quality Materials of Countertops

Some homes do not have a high-quality countertop, to begin with. A lot of older homes were created with Formica or laminate countertops, and they are both less desirable inside any home. Aside from being low-quality, they are also poorly made so they become less attractive as time goes by. Any homeowner who sees a shabby and low—quality countertop has all the reasons to replace the counters with attractive countertops. You should replace every countertop in your house because Formica is not only limited to a single installation job.

If you are looking for countertop replacement services Potomac, you can contact them right away for the best outcome.