15

Nov

6 Steps On How To Polish Granite Countertops

Polished granite gives your kitchen a sleek, subtle look. Unfortunately, polished countertops are expensive hence not many homeowners can afford them. Luckily, you can install rough countertops then polish them later on. Interested in learning how to polish granite countertops? Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Clean the countertops

Everything begins here as you can’t polish dirty countertops. Thankfully, cleaning the countertops is easy. You need warm water and a mild detergent. Mix the two, then apply them on the surfaces using a soft cloth.

Once you are done with cleaning, dry the surfaces with a microfiber cloth. You should never leave the surfaces wet or damp as you put the surfaces at the risk of staining.

Step 2: Make or buy the polish.

You can get the polish in two ways: you can make it or buy it. To make the polish, get a small bowl, baking soda, warm water, and fork. Mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water until you get a smooth thick paste. Ensure the paste is smooth before using it.

If you aren’t a dab hand at DIY projects or you don’t want to go through the trouble of making your own polish, buy the polish from your local retail store. When making the purchase, ensure the polish is suitable for granite. As a rule of thumb, avoid general-purpose polishing products as they have been shown to damage granite.

Step 3: Apply polish.

Once you have your polish, your next step should be to apply the polish on your countertops. Place a thin, even coating of the paste on the surfaces. If using baking soda paste, place small dollops of it across the countertops using a spoon.

If using retail granite polish, spray it lightly over your countertops and let it sit there for at least 2 minutes.

Step 4: Buff the countertops

After applying the polish, use a clean, soft cloth and work the polish into the granite. Start from one corner and work your way evenly over the countertop. Rub the polish into the countertops in small circles, making sure you buff the edges as well.

You should note that you should always use a soft cloth for buffing as using a more abrasive cloth will scratch the granite and damage it.

Step 6: Wipe off excess polish

It’s normal to have an excess polish, and the excess streaks can easily ruin the polished surface’s appearance. To remove the excess polish, use a soft cloth and dampen it lightly with warm water.

Use the cloth to wipe down your countertop and eliminate any remaining baking soda paste or retail granite polish.

If you find excess water on the countertops after wiping it down, dry it off using another cloth.

In most cases, your countertops will polish up nicely, but if your countertops have deep scratches, the above remedies won’t get the work done. In such a case, you have no way out other than to hire a professional to polish the surfaces for you.

The professionals use specialized tools, and they can either wet or dry polish the countertops.

Tips on retaining the shine

Polishing the countertops isn’t enough—you need to take care of them to retain the shine. How do you do this? Here are tips for doing it:

Clean spills as soon as they happen: Leaving liquids on the countertops for a long time causes the granite to develop dark, shadow-like marks that mess with the countertops’ look.

You should note that even bright-colored beverages can stain the countertops, so don’t take any risk. As soon as there are spills on the countertops, get rid of them. When wiping the spills, use a soft cloth as a rough one will damage them.

Buff the countertops: To create a nice shine and temporarily reduce the staining risk, buff the countertops with cooking oil. To do it, apply cooking oil to a clean cloth, then make circular motions across the surface. For best results, granite contractors Potomac recommend you do this periodically, such as daily or once a week.

It doesn’t matter the type of oil you use. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or even avocado oil. It’s all up to you.

07

Nov

6 Tips On How To Prepare Cabinets For Granite Countertops

So, you have settled on granite? Good choice. But before you place your newly selected countertops in their assigned area, you have to ensure the space is ready for the new guest. How do you do this? Here are tips on how to prepare cabinets for granite countertops:

Remove the old countertops.

If you are replacing the countertops, you must first remove the old countertops before installing new ones. Start with removing the seal anchoring the countertops to the wall using a knife or any other sharp object.

Depending on the countertops, you may be having screws anchoring the old counters to cabinets. The screws will most likely be underneath, so look them there and remove them if present.

Once the screws are off, it’s time to remove the old countertop.

If the house is new and you are installing the countertops for the first time, the only thing you need to do is to ensure the cabinets are in good condition and level. Place a flat slab on top of them, and it should contact the cabinets in all areas.

If the cabinets aren’t level, you have a reason to worry as installing granite countertops will create pressure points that increase the chances of the countertops breaking.

Level the surfaces

To ensure your countertops have a long life, work on leveling the surfaces. One of the things you can do is to place shims under the cabinets to level the tops. You can also place plywood over the cabinets and place shims underneath the plywood.

You should note that placing plywood over the countertops will add height to the cabinets. Before installing the countertops, ask yourself whether you are comfortable with the added height.

Have enough supports

Granite is heavy, so you shouldn’t have large portions of it hanging over thin air. In areas where the countertops don’t have cabinets to rest on, add supports. There are plenty of materials you can use for this. Consult your contractor.

Remove plumbing

If you already put the plumbing systems in place, you may have to remove them as they often get in the way during installation. Over the years, we have seen homeowners removing the faucets and other plumbing appliances without first turning off the water.

Don’t do this as it often creates a huge mess that takes a lot of time to clear. Sometimes the water causes serious cabinet damage that you have to hire a contractor to help you fix them.

To be safe, turn off the water before you remove any plumbing appliance.

If installing the countertops for the first time, you obviously don’t have sinks or faucets in place. So have them delivered and be ready for installation to make it easy for installers to make a template to the sink’s exact specifications, so you have a perfect installation.

The same thing goes for faucets. If the granite installers have to cut space for them, they need to be on the site at least a day before installation.

Remove the dishes from the cabinets.

If you are like other homeowners, you don’t want your dishes exposed to the chaos of countertop installation so remove them before the installation process begins. Of course, you should place them in a different room.

If you have many dishes and don’t want to go through the trouble of removing them, then returning them, cover the top drawers with a protective sheet to protect them from dust and other debris.

Be present on the day of installation.

Even if everything is in order, you may still have to make last-minute decisions. For example, if you don’t want a lot of sink to show, you have to ask the granite contractor Rockville to move the granite edge flush with the wall of your kitchen sink.

If you don’t mind the top flange of the sink showing, let the contractor know about this to make the necessary adjustments.

The other decision you need to make is the location of the seams. Even if you bought the largest granite slabs, you have to deal with seams as long as your kitchen is large. Discuss with the contractor about the location of the seams. For an even and beautiful look, aim to hide the seams as much as possible.

31

Oct

How To Shop For Granite Countertops

Granite always delivers: It brings exclusivity, adds a touch of elegance, and improves the value of your home. To get the most from it, you have to buy the right one. Not sure how to go about it? Here are tips on how to shop for granite countertops:

Know what you want

You can’t buy any slab you come across—you need to know what you want and what will look the best for your home. Remember, granite comes in a wide array of colors and patterns. It also comes in plenty of edges, with the most common edges being: square, rough, bullnose, and rounded.

You also need to know the size of the countertop you need. This will require you to take a tape measure and measure the number of square feet of surface area you need. As you take the measurements, remember to include edge allowances, overhangs, backsplashes, seam allowances, and other things.

If you aren’t sure about the right countertop that will look the best for your home, get a professional’s input. The technician will even help you choose the right shape of slab, the right size, the appropriate slab thickness, and many other things.

Once you know what you want, start visiting different countertop and home improvement stores asking for quotes. Most companies will give you a free quote, and all you need is to compare the quotes and settle on the most sensible.

While the cheapest quote might be attractive, be cautious about it as the contractors might be selling substandard products.

Simultaneously, avoid extremely priced countertops as the company might be trying to rip you off.

Don’t buy the slabs countertops.

While online shopping is convenient, you shouldn’t buy the countertop slabs online. This is because a slab might be looking good in the store photos, but have a completely different look in your kitchen or bathroom, often due to lighting.

When looking to buy granite, the best way to go about it is by visiting the local showroom and physically inspecting each granite slab. Even after inspecting the slab at the store, don’t make the final commitment to buy the slab.

Take a sample of the slab to your home and see how it looks on your surfaces. If you like the look, go ahead and make the purchase.

Pay attention to the seams.

Seams make it easy to join different countertop slabs, but they can also mess with the counters’ look. If you have to use more than one slab, you have to deal with seams. The seams’ quality will vary depending on the length and width of the cabinets, the actual physical size of the slab, and access to the property.

To ensure your property doesn’t have ugly seams, work with experienced contractors who will help you minimize the number of seams in your countertops. They do this by ensuring they work with whole slabs as much as possible.

Before installing the countertops, enquire from the contractors where the seams will be located and how visible they will.  This will ensure everyone is on the same page, and there are no surprises once you have installed the countertops.

Invest in a good thickness

Thin countertop slabs are not only cheap-looking, but they also don’t hold a lot of weight. When you are at the store, always go for a thick slab. Thankfully, you can tell how thick a slab is by looking at it.

Other than thickness, also touch the slab. If it feels weak or has an abnormal texture, stay away from it.

Work with a professional

Buying the right countertops is one thing and an entire ball game to properly install the countertops. Unless you are a dab hand at DIY projects, you should let granite installers Rockville handle the installation.

As you are hiring, ensure the contractor knows geometry. This knowledge will come in handy at ensuring you have as few seams as possible. To find such a professional, take your time and ask them as many questions as possible before hiring.

After installing the countertops, remember to take good care of them. As a rule of thumb, avoid placing hot items or weighty items directly on the surfaces. You also should avoid cleaning the surfaces with vinegar and other tough products that can etch the surfaces.

17

Oct

How Do I Calculate How Much Granite Countertops I Need?

How do I calculate how much granite I need? Is a common question you will hear from homeowners looking to install granite countertops for the first time.

Granite is sold in square footage so what you need to do to determine the amount of granite you need is to find out the overall square footage of your countertop area.

How do you do this? Here is a guide on how to go about it:

How to calculate the amount of granite you need

  1. Measure the length of your countertops along the wall, taking the measurements in inches. The measurements should include the one-inch overhang for any countertop edge that isn’t against the wall.

If the counter is broken up into sections due to the presence of an oven or sink, subtract the occupied space from the overall length.

Measure the width of the countertop beginning from the wall, extending outward to the front of the countertop.

Multiply the length of the countertop by the countertop width. The resulting number is the area of the countertop in square inches.

2. Measure the height of your backsplashes. The measurement should reach from the countertop surfaces to the top of the backsplash.

Multiply the length of the countertop to the height of the backsplash to get the area of your backsplash.

Add the area of the backsplash to the area of the countertop, and the resulting number is the total amount of granite you need expressed in square inches.

3. Finally, convert these results to square feet. To do this, divide the number of square inches by 144.

If this is your first time buying the countertops, you should know that granite comes in slabs, and chances are your measurements won’t exactly match the available sizes of your granite slab.

The good thing is most countertop sellers will only charge you for the section of the slab you use.

What should you look for when buying a granite slab?

Thickness

You want a thick countertop that won’t break when you install it. Avoid the popular ¾ inch countertops as they are fragile and often require laminate edges and supports. While they are affordable to install, they don’t last long enough, and you have to replace them more often.

For best results, buy 1-inch countertops. While they will be more expensive to buy, they will give you a long service making them affordable in the long run.

Cracks and natural pits

Most hairline cracks and pits are natural and add natural beauty to your countertops, and you have nothing to worry about when you see them. Unfortunately, sometimes the cracks are too deep, which compromises the integrity of the countertops, especially if your countertops are less than 1 inch thick.

At the time of purchase, carefully go through the countertops, and if you notice an imperfection, ask the stone seller or fabricator how it affects the stone and how it can cause harm.

Seams

If you have the money, opt for seamless granite slabs as they tend to look better. While the seamed countertops look good at the time of purchase, it’s not the case five or ten years down the line.

Edges

To have an easy time installing the countertops, get a custom-designed edge that will fit your cabinet detail. Most fabricators won’t customize the edges, so you need to visit different stores and ask them whether they are willing to customize them for you.

If, on the other hand, the standard edges are okay with you, go with bevel edges.

Installing the countertops

After buying the countertops, the next step should be to install them. If you have the skills, you can install the countertops by yourself, but for best results, let experienced, and certified granite installers Rockville handle it.

You should note you have to seal the countertops at the time of installation to prevent them from staining and getting damaged. For best results, use a high-quality sealer. Most manufacturers tend to seal their countertops, and you don’t want to waste money resealing them.

Before installing the countertops, first test whether they are properly sealed. You do this by pouring water on the slabs. If the area darkens, you need to seal the surfaces.

16

Sep

Will Granite Countertops Increase Home Value?

You have been doing your research and found that granite is one of the best materials you can go with. It’s tough and will instantly transform your kitchen and bathroom countertops. If you are thinking about selling your house, later on, you must be wondering, will granite countertops increase home value?

The answer to this question is yes. Properly installed granite surfaces will increase your home value. Here are some of the reasons the countertops may add value to your property:

They have a timeless appeal.

Granite has been around for centuries, and over the years, it has retained its natural strength, beauty, and durability. Since the countertop is natural, it has unique veining, marbling, and colors. This means if you are looking to add value to your home and make it more appealing to potential home buyers, what better way than installing unique granite slabs?

They are low maintenance.

There is not a single homeowner that wants to spend hours maintaining their countertops. They want pieces they can easily clean with a damp rug then go on with their daily activities. This is granite. To keep granite in top condition, you only need to clean, seal, and polish it.

This is attractive to most homebuyers, as most are looking for beautiful surfaces that don’t require complicated care.

They are strong and durable.

There is no homebuyer looking to buy a material that they will have to replace after a few weeks or months—they want countertop pieces that will last for years if not their entire lifetime. Compared to laminate, solid surface, and butcher block countertops, natural stone countertops last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

Granite surfaces are environmentally friendly.

Unlike many countertop materials on the market that require harmful manufacturing, granite is a natural product quarried from the earth without harmful chemicals. You can polish or hone granite before installing it, but you don’t need to take it through any other manufacturing process to get it ready.

When properly maintained, granite can last for as long as your home stands, which reduces waste in the landfills.

How can you maximize granite countertop ROI?

For you to increase the value of your home for as much as possible, you need to choose the right countertop slab. Some of the tips to put into place include:

Go for natural colors and patterns that complement your cabinetry.

A neutral color palette will appeal to more buyers, which increases your potential ROI when you sell your house. If you have lighter wood or white cabinets, go with black or dark gray countertops as they add eye-catching modern contrast to your home. On the other hand, if you have dark wood cabinets, choose beige, gray, or light cream countertops.

Avoid stains

Like other natural stone countertops, granite develops stains from contact with heat and moisture. If you love cooking and your kitchen has a lot of activity, choose countertops with a simple pattern as they will show less staining over time.

To reduce the stains from developing on the surfaces, seal the surfaces with a high-quality sealer. Granite experts recommend you seal the surfaces once a year but if the kitchen experiences large spills or strong chemicals, seal your surfaces more frequently.

Choose a polished surface.

A polished surface comes with plenty of benefits. For one thing, it makes the slab pop, so it’s more appealing when you install it in your home. A shiny, reflective surface also makes your kitchen look cleaner, newer and bigger.

The polished finish is also the least porous finish you don’t need to apply a lot of sealant. The surface is also easy to clean and maintain.

Buy slabs that are at least 3-cm thick

Stone slabs come in different thicknesses. Usually, 2 cm, 3 cm and 5 cm. Two centimeter slabs are the thinnest and they are best used in small surface areas and bathrooms. If looking for good quality pieces for your kitchen countertops, granite installers Rockville recommend you go for 3 cm slabs.

The slabs don’t require extra support, give your kitchen aesthetic appeal that your buyers are looking for, and won’t run you as much as the thicker ones.

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.

29

May

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

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

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

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

Completely remove the old countertop.

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

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

Take precise measurements

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

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

Know your countertop options

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about the installation time

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

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

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

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

Repair or replace the countertops?

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

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

Understand about stone quality and grades

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

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

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

09

May

Can You Put Hot Pans On Granite Countertops?

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

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

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

Protecting the countertops from damage

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

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

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

Restoring damaged countertops

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

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

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

Other ways of keeping your countertops in top shape

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

Don’t cut meat directly on the countertops.

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

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

Get rid of the spills as soon as they happen.

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

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

Don’t sit or stand on the countertops.

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

24

Apr

Countertop Replacement Services: Understanding Faux Stone Countertops

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

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

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

How is stone veneer made?

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

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

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

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

Is the stone veneer right for your home?

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

How does veneer compare to natural stone?

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

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

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

Can you install the veneers by yourself?

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

10

Apr

Tricks On How To Save Money When Buying Granite Countertops

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

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

Shop around

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

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

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

Buy the countertops in wholesale

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

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

Don’t waste the countertop material

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

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

Scour the boneyard

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

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

Buy a more common color

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

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

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

Go for a prefabricated material

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

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

Buy from a local supplier

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

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

DIY wherever possible

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

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