31

Mar

Expert Tips On How To Make Granite Countertops Shine

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

Why granite shines at initial installation

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

Can you retain the shine?

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

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

How to make the countertops shine

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

Clean the countertops

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

Scrub the surfaces

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

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

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

Use a blade

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

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

Disinfect the surfaces

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

Buy granite polish

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

Apply the polish

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

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

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

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

16

Mar

Forget Granite Countertops For A Moment: 7 Features That Make Laminate Countertops The Best Countertops In The Market

When looking to install countertops in their homes, many homeowners only think about granite countertops. What they don’t realize is that there are plenty of other countertop materials in the market they can go for.

One of the best materials is laminate. Laminate countertops come with plenty of attractive features that make them one of the best materials in the market to go for. These features include:

They are easy to find

Regardless of the texture, color, or print you are looking for, you will find laminate countertops that match your desires in hardware supplies or kitchen supplies store in your local area.

You can also easily find the countertops in your walk-in and online stores. As long as you know the countertops you want, you will find them in a store near you.

Plenty of options to choose from

The countertops are not only easy to find, but they also come in plenty of choices to choose from. Some of the common options include:

  • High-pressure laminates
  • Color core or color through laminates
  • Post-formed or drop in laminates
  • Marbled, glossy, or matte textured laminates
  • Thickness based graded laminates

If this is the first time installing the countertops, you should discuss it with your contractor and agree on the right ones for your home. As a rule of thumb, avoid those that don’t give your home an elegant appeal.

They are affordable

When they ask for a countertop quotation, most homeowners are shocked by the amount of money they have to part with to install their preferred stone countertops. Laminate countertops are affordable, with most of the brands costing less than half the price of most natural stone countertops.

This makes them an ideal choice when you are operating on a tight budget.  The countertops are also cheap and easy to maintain.

They are easy to install

If you have installed quartz countertops or any natural stone countertops, you have to hire a countertop installation professional to help you with the installation, which is added to the cost.

This isn’t the case with laminate countertops

Due to their ease of installation, you can even install them by yourself, especially if you are a DIY enthusiast. During the installation, don’t shy from getting creative with the design and color combinations.

You also should create different edge options such as the bullnose, beveled, eased, and ogee. It’s all up to you to decide what looks good for your countertops and go with it.

They are easy to clean

Laminates have a highly moisture repellent surface. This comes in handy at preventing grime and dust from sticking to them. As a result, you have an easy time cleaning the countertops.

You can easily clean laminate countertops using basic cleaning supplies such as water, vinegar, and other household cleaning agents.

Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals that can damage the surfaces.

They are impact resistant

Even the mighty Quartz, Dekton’s, and granite countertops easily chip or crack when you drop heavy pots or ceramic bowls on them.

This isn’t the case with laminate. Laminate countertops can take a literal pounding. Even when you drop a cast iron skillet on them, they won’t even flinch. Also, when you accidentally drop your tools on the countertops, they won’t get damaged.

They have antibacterial properties

Most of the manufacturers produce countertops with antimicrobial protection backed into them. This means that the countertops kill pathogens, which comes in handy at reducing your chances of getting sick. This also eliminates the chances of mold and fungi growing on the countertops.

They allow you to have an under-mount sink

Years ago, you could only have a drop-in sink when you installed laminate countertops. Courtesy of great innovation strides, it’s now possible to install an under-mount sink in your home. This gives your home an elegant, modern look.

Conclusion

If you are looking for affordable but elegant looking countertops, laminate countertops are your best bet. You can install them on any surfaces but not in the wet areas of the house, such as in the bathroom. For you to get the most from the countertops, ensure the pieces are installed by expert granite installers Rockville or any other professionals.

27

Feb

How To Polish Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the toughest materials in the market. Unfortunately, with time, it succumbs to scratches and etching. Dull spots also start showing giving the countertops an ugly appeal.

When this happens, you don’t have to replace the granite countertops. Work with granite experts and polish the countertops and restore the factory shine.

For you to do it effectively you should religiously follow a set of steps that include:

Clean the countertops

You can’t polish the countertops while they are still dirty, so you should start with cleaning them. Mix warm water and mild soap and use it to get rid of any spills and stains. Take caution not to use harsh chemicals on the countertops. Avoid products containing ammonia, bleach, lime, vinegar, lemon, and glass cleaners.

Get the granite polish

You can get the polish in two ways: you can make your own or buy already made polish from your local home improvement and kitchen stores. When purchasing the polish, avoid general-purpose polishing products as they have been proven to damage the countertops.

When it comes to making your polish, there are plenty of recipes you can follow. Regardless of the one you follow, ensure that the polish you make isn’t too acidic.

To make your granite polish, begin with three cups of warm water then add ¼ cup of baking soda.

Apply the solution

If your countertops are dull due to superficial scratches and light etching, you can restore the original countertop shine using granite polishing powder.

Make a paste by mixing the polishing powder with water then apply the polishing solution using a soft cloth. If using retail granite polish, spray it lightly on the countertops and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.

You should then buff the countertops with the polish using small, circular motions. Use a very soft cloth to do it as a more abrasive material will scratch the granite.

Once you are done, wipe off the polish with a damp cloth to get a streak-free finish. It’s normal to have excess water on the countertops after wiping the countertops down. If this happens, use another cloth to dry it off.

In most cases, your granite will polish nicely even when you do it by yourself, but if the countertop is profoundly scratched or damaged, the home remedies might not work. In such a case, contact a home restoration professional to professionally polish the countertops so that they look as good as new.

Professionals use wet or dry polishing techniques together with specialty tools. These tools cause irreversible damage, so you should only ensure professionals use them.

Tips on how to preserve your granite countertops

To reduce the frequency you polish the countertops, you should observe a set of tips that include:

  • Clean the spills immediately to prevent marks and stains from coming about. If you leave liquids on the surface for a long time, they cause dark, shadowy marks that give the countertops a cheap, ugly look.
  • Buff the countertops with cooking oil. This will make the countertops shiny and stain-resistant. Apply some cooking oil to the cloth and wipe it across the granite countertop surfaces. When doing it, apply gentle pressure. This will give the granite a nice shine, which also reduces the chances of stains coming about.
  • Although it’s tough and durable, granite is easily damaged when you cut directly on it. To protect it, always use a cutting board. You also shouldn’t leave any sharp objects lying around.
  • Place hot pans, pots, hair straighteners, and curling irons on an insulated mat. This is to protect the surfaces from getting burnt. It also prevents micro-scratches from coming about. According to granite installers Rockville, using an insulated mat also prevents the sealant from eroding quickly.
  • To prevent chemical damage, avoid keeping any cosmetics on the countertops. This is because most of the cosmetic products contain chemicals that can tarnish the countertops and break the sealer. Just like with hot products, place the cosmetics on a mat or tray. You can also lock them in a cabinet.
  • Keep the countertops sealed to protect the stone from everyday use. For peace of mind, do a bead test once in a while to confirm that the sealer is working optimally. Pour a few water drops on the countertops. If beads form, it shows that the seal is working properly. On the other hand, if the water drops get absorbed by the countertops, you should re-seal the countertops.
06

Feb

8 Types Of Granite Countertops

When homeowners visit countertop stores, they want granite countertops. Did you know there are many types of these countertops in the market? The most common ones are:

Tiled granite

Often cheaper than other countertops in the market, tiled granite is made by placing tiles edge to edge then securing them with epoxy.

Although, it’s more affordable, tiled granite isn’t popular with most homeowners. This is because it’s high maintenance. Also, many homeowners don’t like its look so most homeowners opt for other types that are more grandiose.

Slab granite

These are the go-to countertops. When homeowners say they have installed granite in their homes, these are usually what they install.

They are made of a solid piece of granite fabricated off-site then customized to fit the dimensions of the surfaces you are looking to install —whether kitchen or bathroom.

Due to their design, the countertops are expensive. Fortunately, they are elegant to look at.

Since they are heavy and difficult to install, you should only have them installed by a professional. The professional will also ensure they don’t break or crack. After all, you wouldn’t want your countertops you have spent a huge chunk of your cash to get damaged, would you?

Modular granite

These are pre-cut mini slabs that are often already fabricated into standard sizes and shapes to fit most standard kitchens and bathrooms.

If your surfaces don’t meet the standard sizes, you can still install the countertops, but you should be ready to deal with large seams that may be ugly to look at.

Since they are light and easy to install, they are loved by many DIY enthusiasts.

Black

Many homeowners shy away from black granite as it doesn’t show the veining like the lighter slabs. While the veins aren’t as visible as when you have white countertops, black comes with plenty of benefits. One of the benefits is that it sparkles more than the other types.

If considering installing the black color in your home, pair it with white cabinets for a modern classic look.

White granite

This is the go-to color for most homeowners, especially those looking for an elegant look. Some inexperienced homeowners avoid it as they have the impression that it will be plain and featureless.

Since granite is obtained from a natural stone, it doesn’t come in only one color. It has plenty of other minor colors in it that give it more character and make it more interesting.

For a great look, pair it with wooden cabinetry or with white or black cabinets.

Beige granite

Although, it almost resembles white granite, beige is more welcoming to homeowners. This is because it has more colors that give it more character. The countertop tends to have spots of black, gray, and black mixed in.

Due to its color, you can use it in a wide range of applications including traditional, country, and even in classic homes.

Brown granite

A tad darker than beige, brown granite looks excellent when paired with light wooden cabinets. Although, you can use it in different applications, it looks excellent in rustic and country style kitchens where it makes the house feel homey and warm.

Since it doesn’t contrast too strongly, it highlights the woodwork in the room which gives any house an inviting look.

Jewel-toned granite

You won’t find this granite in most homes but it’s excellent when used as a focal point in a toned-down kitchen. Green or red based granite looks excellent in an Asian style kitchen. For an elegant look, go for cabinets that aren’t too bright as they will clash with the countertops.

The secret to finding the right granite

With so many options to choose from, it can be confusing to tell the right one for your home. When making the purchase, you should note the countertops might look perfect in the countertop store but otherwise in your home.

To avoid shelling out a lot of cash for slabs you won’t be proud of, before you place a huge order, granite installers Rockville recommend you first go with a few pieces to your home and see how they blend with your floor, cabinets, appliances, and other parts of the house.

30

Jan

How Can You Get The Most From Granite Countertops?

In addition to being beautiful, granite countertops offer an excellent return on investment. When you install the right countertops, you significantly improve the look of the entire room and keep it looking fabulous for years, if not decades. It’s no doubt granite is a significant investment and one you will be proud of for years.

The only catch is that you have to buy the right countertops and install them professionally. Luckily, you can do it using these tips:

Always view the entire granite slabs

When you visit the granite stores, the countertop company will show you countertop pieces. If you aren’t experienced, you will be satisfied with the pieces, which ends up being problematic.

Since granite is a natural stone, it varies widely in color, veining, and patterns. These variations don’t appear accurately on countertop pieces, so you might be mistaken about how the countertops will look upon installation.

To avoid surprises, ask the countertop company to show you the entire slab so you can be aware of the color variations and veins. Keenly inspect the slab keeping your eyes out for areas that show significant variations and where the contractors will place a seam between two slabs.

To reduce the number of seams that will be on your countertops, select the largest granite slab. Granite slabs are often available in sizes of up to 10 feet in length. You should note that while they significantly reduce the number of seams, they are often brittle and heavy to handle and transport. So you should be ready to make the sacrifice.

Strive to keep the countertop prices down

Due to the popularity of the countertops, some sellers tend to markup their prices to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. For you to avoid buying the countertops at extremely high prices, take time to do your research.

Visit different companies and see what they have in store. Expect the prices to vary depending on the location of the company and the quality of the stone.

Of course, avoid companies located in high-end areas as they will be more expensive due to the high rent. You also should avoid the big chain stores. In addition to selling countertop stones at high prices, they also don’t have variety, so you are stuck with only a few options.

While you should strive to keep the prices as low as possible, be cautious of a company selling the countertops at meager prices. The chances are that the slabs aren’t genuine and will come apart after a few months.

Take time and hire the right installation company

If you are like other homeowners, when you are looking for an installation company, you go online and key in your search term. You then proceed to contact the first company that shows up first in the search results. Don’t do this.

You are better off working with a contractor with a proven record. So the first thing you should do is to ask your friends and relatives that recently installed countertops about the contractor they used.

You also should visit the review sites and see some of the top-rated contractors in your area. Select a few and schedule an interview.

During the interview, ask them how they are going to install the countertops, how they are going to address the issues in your kitchen, and any other questions that will help you gauge their expertise.

Once you have found an ideal contractor, have a written quote. This will protect you from future attempts by the contractor to increase the price.

Go for a simple design

Although every homeowner wants a new look for their home, you shouldn’t go for an intricate countertop design that is not only expensive, but also hard to execute.

You should note that the countertop installation professional charges depending on several factors such as the size of the work surface, presence of matching backsplash, presence of cutouts for fixtures and plumbing, and other details.

A design doesn’t have to be complex to be elegant. Work with experienced granite countertop installers Rockville and install a simple design that will cost you less to install and last for a long time.

Parting shot

For you to install countertops, you will be proud of for years, buy a high-quality slab, and ensure an experienced contractor installs it.

06

Jan

7 Things To Consider When Buying Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are elegant to look at and extremely easy to maintain. Unfortunately, you can’t buy any slab you come across. You need to take your time and find the right one. What should you consider when buying the countertops?

Your taste

Everything begins here. You want a slab that you will be proud of when you get in the house. The slab you go for depends on what you like and how you live. Before you buy the granite, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you want straight lines or right angles?
  • Are you looking to install a top-mount, under-mount, or drop-in sink?
  • Do you prefer countertops with details on them?
  • Are you into light or dark colors?
  • Do you want the countertop to be stable or moving?
  • What type of vein style do you like?

Your preferences and the look you want to create will come in handy at helping you choose the right material from the thousands that will be thrown at you by the fabricator.

Size of your kitchen

Do you have a large or small kitchen? The size of the kitchen will help you determine the right granite slab and its pattern. If you have a small kitchen, go for light-colored granite such as Giallo ornamental. The countertop will make the kitchen look larger and more appealing.

If you like dark colors, go with dark granites with light veins. They will also give your kitchen a large look.

Do you have a large kitchen? Experiment with dark colors. You also should try out different patterns depending on the size of the kitchen.

Three of the best patterns are: marbled, solid, and speckled.

Amount of lighting

The lighting in the house will also greatly determine the type of countertops that you will install in your home. If your kitchen doesn’t have any natural light, go with gold or white countertops.

Does your kitchen have substantial light? Darker colors such as black, mahogany, and deep blue will give the kitchen the look you want.

You should note that you can add more light to the kitchen by installing more lights. So, before you head to the stores to make a purchase, consider the chances of adding more lights to the kitchen to improve its look.

Color

You can’t buy a countertop of any color—it has to match the cabinets, floor, and other parts of the kitchen. You can carry a sample to your home or bring the cabinet door with you into the showroom so that you can see how it will look with your cabinets in place.

The color of the cabinets depends on the look you want and the lighting in your home.

Countertop edges

In addition to the look they give to your kitchen, the countertop edges also affect how people interact with surfaces. If you have small children, you want round corners other than sharp edges that will hurt the little ones.

Type of sink

The sink you install in your kitchen or bathroom needs to be stylish and functional. The type of countertops you are looking to install depends on the type of sink you are interested in.

For you to buy the right design, size, and color of granite, work with your contractor, who will guide you.

Finish

How would you like the countertops to look like once you have installed them? Are you looking for a honed, polish, or leather look?

The honed finish is also known as matte finish, and when appropriately done, it leaves the surfaces smooth and feeling like satin. You need to reseal the countertops regularly. This finish is ideal when installing the countertops in a casual, low traffic area.

The polish finish is meant to hide smudges and fingerprints. When done right, the polish reveals the true character and color of the countertops.

Finally, there is a leather finish. It’s much more effective at hiding smudges and imperfections than any other material. The finish looks much better in dark granite. For you to maintain a great look, countertop contractors Potomac recommend you clean the surfaces daily with a microfiber cloth and cleaner.

24

Dec

What Should You Look Out For When Hiring Granite Installers?

Choosing the right granite slab for your kitchen or bathroom is fun. You see the slab in the showroom, you take a sample home and see how it looks on your counters, then go back to the store and make the purchase.

After buying the most appealing countertop slab, you move onto the next stage—finding the best granite installers. The contractor you hire can make or break your project; therefore, you should take your time and ensure you hire the right one.

What should you pay attention to when hiring?

References

Has the contractor worked with other homeowners in the past? This is vital as it will give you peace of mind that the contractor knows what they are doing. An experienced contractor will have references of people they have worked with before.

Ask for their contacts and go ahead and reach out to them. Ask them about their experience with the contractor, how long the contractor took to complete the project, and any other details that will help you make an informed decision.

While an installer affiliated with a showroom will be experienced, you should avoid them as the showroom often pays them less; hence they are less likely to give you an excellent service. If you have the budget, you are better off finding your contractor.

Photos of previous work

In addition to asking for people the contractor has worked with before, you also should ask to see pictures of projects they have handled before. Experienced contractors will be eager to show you their work, and this is a good sign.

Carefully go through the photos and confirm they aren’t all the same. If they are similar, it means the contractor is only experienced at installing pre-cut counters, which isn’t good. You want an all-around contractor.

You also should be on the lookout for the nature of the installation. If most of them are counter installations, that is a good sign, but if most of them are flooring installations, you have a reason to worry. For a great experience, go with a contractor who is more concerned with countertop projects.

Ask about cuts, edging, and seams

The granite batch you buy from determines how the contractors will handle the project. If the batch requires the contractors to join many slabs, you should discuss it in length before the project commences.

Experienced installers will be excited telling you about the different joining options that will result in a seamless surface based on the pattern variations on the slabs.

When discussing the edges, the experts will present ideas that are not only possible for the grade of stone you bought, but those that will also be aesthetically pleasing depending on your kitchen cabinets.

You also should get to see their equipment. Modern equipment creates accurate and clean cuts and beautiful seams. Even if you have never seen any granite cutting tool, you can easily tell a modern from an antique tool, so don’t be scared about asking to see the tools of work.

Area of expertise

Granite technicians can specialize in two areas: installation and fabrication. While you will be more interested in a person who specializes in countertop installation, you also want someone with fabrication experience.

This is because you are bound to come across areas that the contractor will need to fabricate.

Price

How much is the contractor charging for their services? The amount charged greatly determines whether you will hire the contractor or not. You should note that high fees don’t always mean the contractor will give you an excellent service.

At the same time, you shouldn’t go for the cheapest contractor as they are most likely inexperienced; hence they will most likely provide you with substandard services.

The best way out is to identify a contractor who provides you with excellent service at an affordable price.

You should note that some contractors will give you a low quotation but end up selling you later on, so the project ends up being too expensive.

To lock the price, get a written quotation from the contractor.

When you are searching for good granite countertop installers Potomac, you should get quotations from two or more contractors. This way, you have an opportunity of comparing their services and fees.

19

Dec

7 Ways You Are Destroying Your Granite Countertops

Did you know you could be destroying your granite countertops without even knowing? Here is how you could be doing it:

Failing to use a cutting board

Granite slabs are tough, so nothing can destroy them, right? Wrong. When you cut directly on the countertops, fine scratches develop that disrupt the waterproof sealant on most countertops. This makes the countertops more susceptible to damage.

Placing vegetables directly on the countertops is also harmful as the vegetables tend to contain acids that etch at the countertops leading to damage.

For you to keep the countertops in top shape, avoid cutting anything directly on them. The best way out is always to have a cutting board in place.

Putting the car keys on the countertops

After a long day at work, what do you do? You throw the car keys on the countertops, right? This is wrong because the keys cause scratches on the countertops.

Just as you shouldn’t place keys on the countertops, you also shouldn’t place handbags there either. The metal dots on the bottom of the bags scratch the countertops leading to damage.

What should you do?

You should create a specific area to place the keys after work. Most people have a unique bowl at the door entrance to place the keys. You should place one there too. For the handbags, hang a few nails on the door where you will be hanging your bag after work.

Using the wrong cleaning products

Did you know that the cleaning products you use to clean kitchen countertops has a significant impact on the life of your countertops? As a rule of thumb, don’t use vinegar as it dulls the countertops. You also should avoid products that are too acidic as they are known to destroy the countertops.

If you regularly clean your countertops, soap and water are enough to leave your countertops in top shape. If you have to use cleaning products, find those that are specifically designed for your countertops.

Placing frozen food on the countertops

It’s common for homeowners to place frozen foods on their countertops when unpacking their groceries. This is wrong as the moisture from the frozen foods ends up damaging the countertops.

You should place the foods in another area way from the countertops such as on the floor. If you have to use the countertops, lay a plastic paper before placing the foods. This way, you prevent the water from getting to the countertops.

After unpacking the groceries, wipe the countertops thoroughly to prevent stains from coming about.

Placing hot appliances on the countertops

Even if your countertops are tough, heat from heat-producing appliances such as ovens can destroy them. So always work at preventing damage to the countertops as much as possible. You can easily do this by placing a barrier between the appliances and countertops.

You can use a dish towel, plate, or cutting board.

Failing to clean the spills when they happen

When spills happen, some homeowners ignore them as they feel that their countertops are sealed; hence they can’t allow the liquids to get in. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Even if you have sealed your countertops with the highest quality countertop sealing products, liquids are bound to pass through if you allow them to sit on the countertops for a long time.

As you might guess, for you to prevent the spills from destroying your countertops, you should get rid of them immediately. To prevent spills, have coasters in place all the time.

Placing heavy objects near the edges

This often happens when homeowners are from grocery stores. They will come with heavy grocery loads and put them on the sides of the countertops. If the edges or joints are unsupported, they will fracture, crack, or even rupture.

When you are back in the house from the grocery store, place the groceries on the floor. If you have to put them on the countertops, place them at the center—not on the edges.

Just as you shouldn’t place heavy loads on the countertops, granite countertop installers Rockville also advise against standing or sitting on the countertops. You also shouldn’t place heavy kitchen appliances such as microwaves on the surfaces.

06

Dec

9 Things You Shouldn’t Place On Your Granite Countertops

While granite countertops are tough, certain things can destroy them hence you shouldn’t place them on the countertop surfaces. These things include:

Raw meat

No. Raw meat won’t damage your countertops. When you place the meat on the countertops, salmonella and other bacteria are left on the surface, and they can spread to the other food you place on the countertops.

If you have ever placed meat on the countertops, you always have the urge to cleanse the surfaces with harsh disinfectants, right? This happens with most homeowners.

The disinfectants and cleansers dull and damage the countertop sealant. In some cases, the products are too tough that they discolor the granite.

For you to keep your countertops in top shape for a long time, never place raw meat on the surfaces. When cutting the meat, put it on a cutting board.

Knives

Due to their look, the countertops might seem like the perfect areas to chop your food. Unfortunately, the surfaces are prone to chips, cuts, and scratches that can dull them.

When you cut on the surfaces, you can also dull the knives, which increases your risk of lacerations.

For you to protect your countertops and knives, avoid chopping directly on the granite surfaces. Just like with meat, have a cutting board in place. When placing the blades on the countertops, keep them inside a protective knife block.

Spills

It’s hard to avoid water spills on the kitchen countertops, but you can stay away from juice and wine spills. You can do this by avoiding placing the products on the countertops. When the spills happen by mistake, clean the countertops immediately.

The reason for this is because the spills leave a dark shadowy spot that gives the surfaces a cheap, ugly look. Of significant importance, avoid wine and cranberry juice spills as they leave light-colored stains that are hard to remove.

Acids

Soft drinks, citrus fruits, vinegar, lotions, perfumes, nail polishes, and soaps are acidic, and can etch the surfaces and damage the granite seal, making the countertops stain more easily.

In the kitchen, keep the acidic products in a drawer where they can’t get into contact with the countertops. When cooking, be cautious that you don’t spill them.

In the bathroom, put the personal care products in a cabinet or basket with a secure base that won’t leak in the event of a spill.

Impact damage

It’s true granite is extremely hard, but the impact of a heavy object can cause it to chip. Chipping is common around the sink and edges. The visibility of the chips depends on the color of the countertops.

For you to prevent the damage from coming about, be cautious when lifting heavy objects above the countertops.

Oil

When cooking, it’s common for oil used in cooking to leak down the bottle. The oil can stain the countertops leaving ugly stains. For you to prevent stains resulting from the oil, keep the oil bottles and oily sauces in the cupboard.

Hot pans

Granite is an igneous rock that can handle a lot of heat; thus, a brief encounter with a hot pot won’t hurt the countertops. While this is the case, exposing the countertops to excessive heat weakens the sealants, which not only means that the liquids directly flow into the countertops, it also gives the countertops an ugly look.

For you to prevent the countertops from getting damaged, always have trivets and potholders nearby when cooking. When spills happen when cooking, wipe them immediately.

A lot of weight

The countertops are tough and can take a lot of weight, but this is no reason to stand or sit on them. When you place a lot of weight on the edges, the countertops can easily crack, forcing you to replace them, which is expensive.

Keep heavy loads off the countertops. If you can’t, place the load at the center (not at the edges where it can easily crack the surfaces).

Soap

If you are like other homeowners, you use soap to clean your countertops. While there is nothing wrong with this, regular use of soap leads to soap accumulation. According to granite installers Rockville, excessive soap gives the countertops a murky look.

To keep the countertops in top shape, use the soap in moderation. After using it, clean all of it off.

27

Nov

5 Granite Countertops Colors You Can’t Go Wrong With

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

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

White

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gray

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

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

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

Beige

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

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

Black granite

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

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

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

Red granite

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

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

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