18

Jan

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Granite Counter top Color for Your Kitchen

Installing a granite kitchen countertop in your home will increase the appeal of your home and make it more functional. It’s imperative to ensure that you get the right color of the granite to give your house a fantastic look. Granite is available in different unique colors that give your kitchen an artist look. Make sure that you choose the color that works for you and that matches your kitchen cabinets or complements the appliances in your kitchen. Consult the granite contractor on the best color for your home. In this article, we tell you the factors to consider when choosing the color of granite to use in your kitchen. Whether it’s a new kitchen or a, remodel its important to choose the right color.

How to Pick the Right Granite Countertop Color

  • Get all the Materials

It’s important to ensure that you get all the details about your kitchen. Be detailed oriented about the features, appliances, cabinets, and flooring in your kitchen. Visit the granite companies with aspects of your kitchen, and they will guide on the best color for your home. Make sure the color you choose complements or matches on the features in your home. If you have dark cabinets, a dark granite countertop will make the kitchen appear dark. Depending on the color of the cabinets ensure that your kitchen doesn’t look too dull. You can take pictures to the granite countertop installers and consult on the best granite color.

  • Visit Different Showrooms

It might be tempting to check the website of the granite company and see what they have. It’s, however, better to visit the showroom. Fine patterns may not be very clear even in the best photo. Visiting the showroom will also give you first-hand experience, and you can select the granite color for your kitchen. Consult the granite contractor on what color is best for your kitchen.

  • Consider the Lighting

No matter how beautiful the granite slab is, poor lighting will make the kitchen appear dull. Investing in good lighting is important. If there is natural light that penetrates your kitchen, then you can use dark colors like black, blue. However, if there is no natural lighting consider using brighter colors such as white. Additional pendant lighting will make your kitchen more gorgeous. Adding a pendant will enhance the beauty of the granite and the kitchen.

Other Considerations to Make When Choosing Granite Countertops

One of the major consideration you should make when choosing a countertop is the color. Granite comes in endless colors. Make sure the color you choose coordinates with other features in the room. Ensure that you match the color well to bring out a coordinated kitchen. Below are other considerations you should make when installing a granite countertop

  • Countertop Edge

There are many edges you can choose from. Ensure that the edge you choose doesn’t make the countertop less functional. Consult the countertop dealer on the best edge for your home. A beveled edge will give your kitchen a contemporary look. Choose an edge that will bring out your style and one that will make your countertop functional.

  • Countertop Finish

The countertop can either be honed, leathered or polished. A polished surface is the most popular countertop finish. Visit the granite company and choose a finish that will fit your home.

  • The Granite Countertop Installer

The installation process is key, and it’s paramount to ensure that it’s done professionally. Work with a licensed granite contractor who has experience in installing and sealing the granite countertop. Make sure that the seams are not visible.

Selecting the right color of the granite will require skills and expertise and its therefore important to visit the granite company. The experts at the granite company will help you choose the right countertop color that will bring out your style and give your kitchen a gorgeous look. The right installation is key to a beautiful outcome, and you need to ensure that the granite is installed by a professional granite installer Rockville. The granite installer should also seal your granite countertop to make it stain resistant. Consult the granite contractor on the right care procedure to follow. A well-maintained granite countertop will last a lifetime.

 

10

Nov

How to Take Care of your Kitchen Counter tops

It’s essential that you take care of your countertops to ensure they have a timeless look. Different countertops require different care procedures, and it’s important that you understand how to care for your countertop. In this article, we look at how to take care of different countertops and ensure they last longer.  Consult the granite contractor on how best to clean your countertop. The care procedure you follow will depend on the function of the countertop.

How to Take Care of Your Countertops

Granite Countertop

  • Cleaning

Use a warm, mild detergent and a soft cloth to clean the granite countertop after use. Avoid abrasive scouring pads because that may scratch the countertop.

  • Removing Stains

If you notice stains on your countertop make a paste from baking soda, water, diluted ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide and apply on the stain. Scrub gently and then rinse thoroughly. You may need to apply it often to remove the stain. It’s however important that you consult the granite countertop dealer on how best to deal with the specific stain on your countertop

  • Sealing the countertop

The granite installer will seal your countertop after installation. If your countertop needs to be sealed after years of use its best to let the granite countertop installers do the sealing process. Make sure the sealant used is of high quality.

How to Clean Marble countertops

  • Cleaning

When cleaning the marble use warm, mild detergent and a soft cloth to clean after use. Don’t use acidic cleaners on the countertop.

  • Stain removal

Depending on the kind of stain make a paste using baking soda, water, and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste on the stain and cover it for a while and then rinse it off. It’s important that you consult the countertop installers before using the mixture to avoid damaging the countertop

  • Sealing

Sealing will help protect your countertop from stains, and it’s important that it’s done professionally. Let the contractors do the sealing to ensure that it’s done professionally.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops and Engineered stone countertops

Below are simple steps on how to maintain your quartz and engineered stone countertops

  • Cleaning

The countertops are made of quartz crystal and resin, and they require minimal maintenance. They can be cleaned using mild soap and water.

  • Stain Removal

Quartz and engineered stone countertops are stain resistant but in case of a persistent stain use a nonabrasive sponge or glass cleaner.

  • Sealing

Quartz countertops and engineered countertops don’t require sealing because they are nonporous.

Tips to Keep Your Countertop Looking Good

  • Refinish your old countertop

If your countertop is old cleaning may not give it a good look. Give your countertop, a new look apply a new layer of the sealant and polish the countertop. Consult the granite countertop installers on how best to refinish your countertop.

  • Understand your countertop material

It’s important to know the countertop material you have and how to maintain it. Clean the kitchen countertop with materials that will not cause damage. consult the granite installer on how best to maintain your countertop

  • Develop a Maintenance Schedule

It’s important to ensure that you care for your countertop often. Create a cleaning schedule for daily cleaning and monthly cleaning. You can deep clean the countertop once per month. Make sure you follow the sealing schedule.

  • Organize your Kitchen

Avoid making your countertop a storage place. To make your countertop last long avoid placing heavy items on the countertop. Organize your kitchen and ensure that you declutter your countertop.

  •  Use Natural solutions to clean your countertop

Unless your countertop is stained avoid using detergents with strong chemicals to clean your countertop. Natural cleaning solutions will leave the countertop looking good for long. It’s therefore important to ensure the detergent use don’t cause the countertop to lose their shine.

  • Clean spills immediately

You can’t avoid spills, and it’s important to ensure they are cleaned immediately. If a spill sits on the countertop for long, it will cause a stain. Use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to clean the spills.

Proper cleaning and care of your kitchen countertop will ensure they last longer. Make sure you consult the granite-quartz installers Rockville on how best to take care of your countertop. Make sure you develop a cleaning schedule and follow it diligently. The above simple Maintenance tips will make your countertop more durable.

20

Oct

How to Seal Your Granite Counter top

Granite countertops are one of the most beautiful investment you can add to your kitchen. It’s important that you follow care and maintenance procedures to ensure that it last longer. Sealing your granite countertop will not only make it last longer but will also ensure that it doesn’t harbour bacteria and will look good for longer. The granite countertop installer will seal the granite before installation to make sure that your countertop is nonporous.

Why You  Should Seal Your Granite Countertop

  • Make the countertop stain resistant

Sealing the countertop will ensure that spills don’t penetrate the granite countertop.

  • Prevent Etching

When sealed the countertop will not etch due to acidic spills

  • Durability

Sealing the countertop will help prevent the countertop from exposure to elements that will damage the countertop.

Choosing the Right Sealant

There are different kinds of sealant to choose from and it’s important you ensure that the granite contractor uses the right one. The sealant needs to penetrate as deep as possible because that will ensure that the countertop is stain resistant, and keep away bacteria. After sealing wash the top with mild detergent, water, and a soft cloth. Make sure you use the detergent meant for granite countertops.

Make sure that the sealing process is done by a professional who knows how to seal the granite using high-quality sealing products. A high-quality sealant will keep away moisture and ensure there are no bacteria. Other liquids such oil that may cause stains will also not penetrate the countertop. Below some qualities of good granite countertop sealers. Its best to buy the granite from the granite company, the experts will do the sealing and installation for you.

  • Doesn’t alter the colour of the countertop

A good sealant will not alter the colour of the countertop. Make sure the sealant used will not change how the veins of the countertop appear

  • Dries quickly

The sealant should dry quickly. The sealant that takes too long to dry may not be effective

  • Efficient

The sealant should seal out water and any other liquids after application on the countertop

  • Usable on most countertops

Use a sealant that works on most countertops

How to Test Whether a sealant is Effective

Pour ¼ cup of water on the countertop. Leave the water for a while to see whether the water will be absorbed

After waiting for about 30minutes check whether the water has been absorbed. Depending  on how fast the sealant is absorbed seal your countertop often

How to Seal Countertops

It’s best to let the granite countertop dealer seal your kitchen countertop. That will ensure a successful sealing process with no risk of the countertop absorbing liquids and staining. However below is the process  to follow while sealing your countertop

  • Clean the counter with water, mild soap and a cotton cloth. Get a dry cloth and make sure there is no water on the countertop. You can give it a few minutes to ensure its dry
  • Make sure the countertop is completely dry and using a clean cloth apply the sealant. Use a lint free cloth when applying the sealant
  • Dip the cloth into the sealant and wet it. wipe the sealant on the countertop making sure that the whole surface has the sealant. Make sure even the edges are soaked.
  • Give the countertop time to dry and then apply a second coat of the sealant. Let the second layer dry. Give the sealant 24 hours to dry completely. During the 24 hours don’t use the countertop to prepare food.
  • You can carry out the water test to ensure the sealing process is effective.

Sealing your granite countertop properly will ensure you keep out bacteria, prevent staining giving your countertop the chance to last a lifetime. Make sure after you seal your countertop you follow the right maintenance procedure.

Most granite installers  Rockville will seal the countertop before installing it, however, if you already have a granite countertop installed the granite contractor will advise you on the number of times you seal your countertop depending on how often you use it. The countertop dealer will assess how often your countertop is used and advise how often it should be sealed. Make sure you follow the sealing schedule to avoid staining and damaging the countertop with liquids

 

09

Jul

How to Choose a Vanity that Will Make Your Bathroom Stand Out

A bathroom vanity can help you make such bold statement and make your house stand out. The bathroom vanity will add value to your home and complement the style of your house. Its imperative that you choose one that is unique and gives your house a regal effect. The best place to start while choosing the vanity is at the granite companies as you will be able to meet an expert who will advise on the various aspect of a bathroom vanity. We give you expert advice on how to choose a bathroom vanity that looks good in your bathroom and suits your needs

Steps to Choosing the Bathroom Vanity

When choosing a bathroom vanity, consider the following;

  • Consider the use of the bathroom Vanity

It’s important to consider who will be using the vanity. When remodeling the bathroom it’s important to consider who the users of the bathroom are and how they will use and what they will place on the vanity. Get a design that works for you

  • Decide where the vanity will be placed

The plumbing will determine and dictate where the vanity will be placed. A wall mounted vanity may require extra works of plumbing. The floor mounted may use the previous plumbing structure.

  • Look out for obstacles

The design of your bathrooms can be changed but it may hard to move walls and doors. Consider how the door swings, decide where you want to place the toilet in relation to the toilet position. Make sure the vanity doesn’t become a hindrance when the bathroom is in use. Visualize the final look of your bathroom. A granite contractor will help you design the bathroom and suggest ways to make the most of the space.

  • How much Storage do you require

A vanity will add storage and before you settle, decide which kind of storage you need. Consider the kind of storage you will need and whether the vanity will fit in the space available

  • Pick out the Material you want for the Vanity

Your vanity will come into contact with makeup, cleaning products and water. The material you choose should be able to withstand the kind of activity in your bathroom. Granite countertops are the all-time favorite, but quartz countertops and engineered stone countertops are also materials you can use. The granite -quartz countertop installers will be able to guide you on the best material to use to ensure you achieve the style you want.

  • Personal Style

The choice of vanity should make you happy, and bring out your personal style. Make sure the end result is what you hoped for by inviting the professionals even as you choose the material you want to use.

How to Choose the Right Bathroom Vanity

There are many aspects of a vanity that you have to consider

  • Size

The size of the bathroom vanity will depend on the size of the bathroom. Check that the width, depth, and height of the vanity you choose and confirm that it will fit without overcrowding your bathroom. Ensure that there is enough space for traffic. Make sure the shape of the vanity will not hinder movement.

  • Number of sinks

How many sinks do you need? The number of sinks will determine the size of the vanity. Two or more sinks will require a bigger vanity space.

  • Mounting Design

There are three designs you can choose to mount the bathroom vanity. The freestanding is the easiest, the wall mounting and corner mount. Choose the style and design that is easy to implement and bring out the classic style you want.

  • Countertop Material

Choose the countertop material that will work for your vanity. Quartz countertops will withstand soap and makeup. Granite countertop will bring nature into your bathroom while engineered stone works well if the traffic flow to the bathroom is high.

Tips for Easy Installation of the Bathroom Vanity

Make sure the design you choose brings out the best design and comfort to your bathroom. Make sure the design you choose is functional and makes your bathroom stand out.

29

Jun

Granite Counter top Installation Process

Installing a granite countertop in your kitchen is one of the best investment to perk up the value of the house. The process of choosing and installing the granite can be overwhelming and in this post, we guide you on what to expect during the installation. The first step is to get a professional granite installer to help you choose the best granite edges and the best color for your kitchen. Your choice of granite should leave your kitchen trendy and up to date.

Granite Installation Process

  • Visit the Showroom

You start by visiting the granite company and visiting the showroom to see the various granite samples available. Learn about the various granites available, various colors and the pricing for each. Ask the granite  countertop installer the price per square foot for each color and the labor cost for installation.

  • Decide on your Sink

Choose the sink that you want to be installed in you’re the kitchen countertop. It’s important that you decide the sink to use because the granite contractor will need to cut the granite out of the space occupied by the sink.

  • Choose the Granite Edge profile

The edge profile is the outer edge look of the kitchen countertop. Choose the edge that works for your depending on the kitchen size and safety.

  • Install the Granite

On the installation day, the granite fabricator will bring the slab home and set in place. The cabinets that hold the weight of the granite should be ready and installed. The granite countertop should handle with care to avoid breaking or cracking. The granite countertop installers will make sure there is space for the faucet and the granite is properly placed on top of the cabinets. It will take approximately two hours to complete the installation but that depends on the size of granite. If you have the time, it’s important that you take part in the process. Let the expert explain the process to you as that will guide you on what to expect.  Confirm details such how the granite countertops will be attached to the cabinets, what will be used on the backsplash and any other query that you may have.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Granite Countertop Installation

  • Prepare the cabinets for the granite installation before the granite arrives. That will save you hassles of storing the granite
  • Talk to the granite installers on where the seams will be to make the cutting of the granite easier
  • Choose the sink before you choose the granite
  • Let the granite installer visit your home to determine how the countertop will line up with the oven

How to Choose a Granite Installer

The result of your kitchen countertop will depend on the expertise of your granite countertop installer and it’s therefore important that the one you choose has the required skills and knowledge

  • Expertise and Knowledge

Make sure the installer you choose has previous experience and the required expertise for a professional outcome. Granite is a huge investment and you, therefore, need a person who is a granite who will bring the best out and leave your kitchen looking trendy. Ensure that the installer has all the required tools that they will need during installation. Ask family and friends for a recommendation and visit the previous site to view the works done

  • Labour Cost

Before you choose the installer to get several quotes from the granite companies and compare. Choose one that charges a fair price and ensures all the cost are included. Make sure the granite cost, transportation, installation cost and any other accessories cost is part of the quotation.

The first step to a professional installation is understanding the process and clearly stating the expectation. View other installations to have a visual picture of what you expect and ask questions during the installation process. It’s imperative that you make sure your installation is quality and perfect and its therefore important that the granite company you choose should have the skilled granite installers Rockville. That will make the installation process easy. Make sure you gather as much information as possible as this will help you know the perfect installation. Once the installation is done add all the accessories your kitchen need and enjoy your beautiful kitchen.

09

Jun

8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Granite Counter top for Your Kitchen

Your Kitchen is the focal point of your home and the materials and appliances you choose will give your house style and value. One of the most crucial parts of the kitchen is the countertop and the material you use on the countertop determines the value of your house. Granite countertops are among the hottest high-end options for kitchen countertops and if you are looking to perk up the value of your house then granite is the ultimate kitchen countertop choice.  Despite the many options available for kitchen counter granite has remained the premier kitchen countertop material. The kitchen is one of the most commonly used room and its therefore imperative that the kitchen countertop you choose id durable, easy to clean and maintain. Before you choose a new countertop, we take you through what you need to know about granites and why Granites countertops are still the most stylish kitchen countertops.

Why You Should Choose a Granite Countertop for Your Kitchen

  • Durability

Granite is made from hard rocks and its second to diamond in terms of hardness. When well installed by the granite installers then you can be sure that your kitchen will stay in style for the longest time. Granite is extremely strong and therefore durable and the only time you will call your countertop replacement company is when remodeling your kitchen. It resists chipping and cracking and thus it will last you a lifetime.

  • Easy to Maintain

When properly sealed after the installation then it’s easier to clean and maintain the countertop. Proper sealing will ensure there are no bacteria on your kitchen countertop. To clean the countertop, you need to warm water and a piece of cloth to clean any spills. Sealing makes granite countertops nonporous and that makes it easy to clean.

  • Exquisite Beauty to your Home

Granite countertops are one of the best additions to your home as it adds style and exquisite beauty to your home. Granite comes in a variety of colors and that gives you the choice to choose one that will give your house the regal effect and compliment with the cabinets and floor. Choosing granite will give you the advantage of having a unique countertop that you will not find elsewhere.

  • Boost the value of your home

If you remodel your home with granite countertop you can be sure that the value of your home will go up. With expert installations, your home is going to get a sale more quickly when it has a granite countertop.

  • Heat Resistance

Granite is able to withstand heat from pans and other hot objects from your kitchen making it a viable material for your countertop. You can set hot pans and pots on the granite without causing any damage.

  • Easy Installation

As you will notice, when the granite installer is installing, it’s relatively easy and fast to install granite tops.

  • Cost of Granite

Granite is relatively cheap and it can cost from $ 40 per square feet depending on the granite company you buy from and the size you need.

  • Long-term investment

When you remodel your kitchen countertop with granite, you can be sure that it will last a lifetime and thus its longtime investment. Granites will last more than any other countertop.

Tips for Taking Care of your Granite Countertop

  • Seal the Countertop

The first and most important step in ensuring the countertop is clean is ensure your granite installer has sealed the top. Sealing will protect the countertop and make maintenance easy. After the sealing then follow the below steps to keep your granite shiny and stylish

  • Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners and sponges.

Acidic cleaners like lemon, ammonia, and bleach should not be used to clean the granite as this will destroy the sealant and dull the top. While cleaning use warm water and mild soap to clean the top. The granite contractor will advise you on the best cleaning materials for your countertop if you want to purchase cleaning products meant for granites.

Granite remains the leader in the pack and you can never go wrong when you install a granite countertop in your kitchen. It’s however important that the installation and sealing are done professionally by the granite installers Rockville to ensure there is no damage to the countertop and outcome gives your house the stylish look.

29

May

6 Most Stylish Kitchen Counter top Edges

The shape of your countertop edge can have a huge impact on your kitchen as it plays a major role in safety, cleanliness of your kitchen and the aesthetics of your kitchen. Your quartz kitchen countertop edge is important to the final visual look of your kitchen. The edge profile is the surface you will come into contact as you make the delicious dishes in your kitchen and it’s therefore important that the edge you choose can be maintained easily and guarantee safety. The granite installers or the quartz countertop installer will play a key role in helping you choose the edge profile that suits your kitchen.

Types of Countertop Edge Profile

  • Eased Edges

The profile has all sides squared and its one of the most basic kitchen countertop edges. The basic edges are square with a slightly eased top and it’s the simplest and most commonly used edge profile. The edge profile will give your granite countertop a thick look especially if you have a small kitchen. If you want minimal cleaning then this is the profile to have on your quartz countertop.It’s important that you involve an expert to be able to choose the right edge for your countertop.

Advantages

  • Gives your kitchen a clean, contemporary look
  • Easy to clean and maintain

 

  • Bullnose Edges

The edge profile works well with different kitchen countertop materials and its one of the versatile edge profile. Its characterized by rounded edges from the top to bottom making it delicate. Its suitable for high traffic areas, and where you have kids going in and out of the kitchen. The half bull nose is mostly used on granite countertops giving your kitchen a more elegant look. The bullnose edges will make your countertop thicker and highlight the beauty of your countertop. The edge profile is not recommended for wet areas.

Advantages

  • Gives your countertop timeless appeal
  • Soft rounded edges for safety

 

  • Bevelled Edges

The clipped flat corner shaped with a 45-degree bevelled edges will give your kitchen a contemporary look. They are easier to clean but when there are spills they tend to spread too quickly. You can ask the granite installer to customize the countertop edges and angles to match your needs and enhance the edges. The bevel can either be single bevel or double bevel

Single Bevel is a popular edge used on granite countertops usually has a 45 degree

Double Bevel will work best if you want a greater impact and extra dimension for your countertop. It has double 45 degrees at the top and the bottom. It will make your kitchen appear more luxurious and brighter

Advantages

  • Gives your countertop greater accent edge and also gives the countertop a classic look

 

  • Ogee Edges

The profile has a waterfall like an appearance with a dip and then a less gradual dip. Its labor intensive and is considered one of the classic and dignified profiles. It will be more expensive than the other edges as it requires more time and labor. The ogee edges work best in large spaces and require greater care when it comes to cleaning and maintenance

Advantages

  • Gives your kitchen a classic and regal effect

 

  • Chiseled Edges

The chiseled edges resemble rough stones and it gives you a more natural look. Its perfect for that outdoor kitchen. To ensure safety you have the edges sealed. The chiseled edges are unique and it’s perfect if you want to make a design statement.

Advantages

  • Gives your outdoor kitchen the natural look you are trying to achieve

 

  • Laminated Ogee over the full Bullnose

When the second layer of granite is placed over the bottom edge of your countertop, then it’s said to be laminated. That will make the countertop appear thicker allowing you to have a variety of edges. The edge profile will be costly but gives your house a complicated and elegant look.

It’s important that your edge is done by the granite installer with the expertise to avoid damaging the kitchen countertop. The quartz-granite countertop installers Rockville will advise the best countertop edges for each countertop material and what suits your kitchen depending on the traffic, kitchen style you want and the budget. The edge profile that you choose will greatly impact the final look of your kitchen, therefore choose a design that makes you kitchen elegant and outstanding.