07

Dec

How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?

If you are asking how much do granite countertops cost, you must be looking to renovate your bathroom or kitchen and not sure how much to budget for it. As much as we would like to give you a definite answer to this question, the unfortunate thing is the price of the slabs varies depending on plenty of factors that include:

Source of the stone

Ask most homeowners where to buy the granite counters, and the first thing that comes to their minds is the big box stores. While the stores are large and popular, they often don’t have plenty of countertop slab options to choose from. The stores also tend to be more expensive, with most of them charging up to 40% more than specialist stores.

These big-box stores also often outsource the fabrication and installation work making the installation process too expensive.

To save money and get many countertop options to choose from, buy your countertops from the countertop specialists. These professionals have staff, skills, and the necessary equipment, making them a one stop shop.

When you visit these stores, you get top quality unique slabs at a lower cost, and you have expert contractors ready to install the countertops for you expertly.

Thickness

Most of the granite slabs vary between 2 cm and 3 cm. As you can guess, the thicker slabs are more expensive than, the thinner ones. This means you can buy many thinner countertops than thicker ones.

Unfortunately, the thinner slabs require a lot of support and easily break especially when you place them over a large area.

Rarelity of the colors

Although most homeowners install white countertops, granite slabs come in all shades of colors where the rare and exotic colors such as red, blue, and black tend to be more expensive than the standard hues.

Cut

Most people associate granite with long slabs of stone, but these are just the most desirable cut for the kitchen countertops. Manufacturers cut granite in many ways, including tiles, modules, and many others.

Slabs are the most popular, followed by modules, then tiles, where the only advantage granite slabs have over modules is that slabs look better as they require fewer seams hence presenting a smoother, sleeker look.

The modules and tiles might seem less durable than slabs, but this isn’t the case. Remember, they are made from granite.

If operating on a tight budget, go for tiles that also work excellently for backsplashes.

Granite quality grades

Granite comes in different grades defined by pits, veins, colors, soft material content, marks, thickness, and the quarry. While there are many grades, we can summarize them into three primary levels:

Level 1: The low level or entry-level granite is also known as the commercial-grade or the “builder’s grade,” often from china.

Level 2: This is the mid-grade level that is more unique than level 1, and it’s often from Brazil and India.

Level 3: Also known as the high-level grade, it’s the finest quality and comes from India and Brazil.

Obviously, level 3 is the most expensive as it focuses on the quality of the stone.

Demand and supply

Like any other product in the market, the granite countertops’ price is affected by the demand and supply forces. If you buy the slabs when they are in high demand, you will pay more for them than when another person would buy when the demand is lower.

Finishes

Most countertop specialists give the countertops a glossy or polished finish, and in rare cases, they will give it a matte finish. These are the most popular granite finishes, and when you buy them, you won’t pay extra for them.

Unfortunately, if you choose another finish, such as hammered or leathered, you will have to pay an extra fee as the finish is out of the ordinary.

Can you save on your countertops?

The good news is you can save on your countertops. One way is to be more flexible on the countertop’s color, size, grade, and texture. You also should be cautious of the store you buy from.

To avoid costly mistakes, hire expert granite installers Rockville to handle the installations. The professionals will help you with the installations and guide you into buying the right slabs for your home.

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.

28

Aug

What Are The Different Grades Of Granite Countertops?

It’s a fact granite can transform any kitchen or bathroom surface, but before you rush to install granite countertops, you should know granite comes in different grades that include:

Level 1 granite

Often referred to as builder’s grade or commercial grade, level 1 granite is a lower quality granite, often imported from China and sold through big box stores, granite liquidators, or cut into tile.

This granite has a consistent pattern, but it comes in a variety of colors to choose from, including beige, green, brown, grey, and black.

One of the most popular colors is Santa Cecilia, a light beige stone with bursts of burgundy, gold, yellow, and black. There is also Ubatuba that features an elegant dark green background with speckles of brown, gold, and black.

You may also find White Fiorito attractive. It features black and brown speckling on a soft white slab base.

The material is usually pre-fabricated and used in apartments, furniture, and prefabricated models. This granite is usually of a thinner cut, usually 3/8 inch, and it requires you to install a plywood backing to provide it with more strength.

Although, the slab comes with an entry-level price, it’s durable and highly versatile. This makes it an ideal choice for indoor and outdoor projects both in commercial and residential applications.

Level 2: Mid-grade granite

From its name, this is a mid-grade granite with a thickness of ¾ inch. The material is usually imported from India or Brazil, and it’s characterized by unique colors, more uniform patterns, and a variety of markings.

Granite at this level is known as the silver, and as a homeowner, the best stone to buy is one between “single silver” and “double silver.” At this level, you can find most of the colors available in the market ranging from light to absolute black.

The silvers have speckles, veining patterns, or flecks. They might also be uniform with plenty of options to choose from.

Mid-range granite slabs are ideal for projects throughout the house from kitchen islands to vanity tops and Jacuzzis, to hearths and fireplace surrounds.

Since they are imported, the slabs vary between shipments, so you should avoid buying them online. The best way to go about it is to visit the stone yard and see the individual slab and determine whether its ideal for your application.

Level 3: High-grade granite

This is the finest quality of granite, and it’s often referred to as the gold.  Granite of this level often comes in rare colors, unique, striking patterns, or a combination of both.

The best place to use this granite is in the kitchen as a countertop or as a signature piece for islands. You can also use it on smaller vanities, around fireplaces, and tub surrounds.

Level 4 exotic granite

Exotic granite is naturally rare, with quarries producing limited quantities. This makes it the most expensive countertop material and often common with homeowners that want to make a bold statement in their house. Most homeowners install the countertop on fireplaces, coffee tables, and accent pieces.

Choosing a high-quality granite countertop

For the countertop to last for a long time, you should buy a high-quality one. When making the purchase, you should pay attention to several things that include:

Size: A good quality granite slab should be square, rectangle, or any of your desired shapes. The tolerance shouldn’t exceed 1 in length, and the breadth and thickness tolerance shouldn’t exceed 155 inches.

Color: A good quality granite slab should have a uniform color, uniform thickness, and homogenous crystalline texture.

Hardness: The slab should be hard, dense, and sound. You can check the hardness of the stone by pressing it with a hard object. If you press it and chips of the stone split, stay away from the slab.

Polishing: The stone should have one face properly polished and the edges straight and perfectly at a right angle, which can be achieved by machine or hand cutting. This not only gives the countertop an elegant appeal, but it also makes it easy for granite contractors Rockville to install it.

Talking of installation, ensure the stone is installed by experienced contractors. You don’t want technicians to destroy a stone you have spent a leg and arm on, do you? The contractors should also be insured. This way you are sure you will be compensated in the event of an accident.

30

Jun

Common Types Of Granite Countertops Damage

Like any other countertop material, granite countertops suffer different forms of damage. Some are simple, and you can easily fix them on your own while others are complex, and you have to ask a professional to take a look at them. In some cases the damage is so extensive you have to replace the entire countertop slab.

Some of the damage your countertops can have include:

Separating seam joints

This happens when the adhesive is falling apart. If the seams are coming apart several years after installation, it could be due to old age, but if you recently installed the countertops and they are coming apart, it might be due to improper installation.

Seams come apart if they are too large, the contractor used the wrong epoxy, or the contractor didn’t put enough work into them.

To fix the problem, you need to contact a reputable professional and ask them to inspect the countertops and find out what they can do to fix the problem.

Chips along the countertop edges

Countertops will develop chips along the edges, especially where most of the cooking happens. The chips come about due to constant contact of the cooking utensils with the countertops.

To fix this issue, ask a professional store technician to inspect the chipped surfaces carefully. The contractor should then prepare the area and apply a color matching epoxy material. An experienced professional won’t have a problem fixing the area and hiding the etched surfaces.

Dullness around the sink

It’s normal for countertops to dull around the sink area due to the activities that take place there. Since the surfaces are in constant contact with water and exposed to cutting activities, granite tends to dull and even wear and tear out fast.

Luckily, you can restore the dullness with a diamond refinishing system. Ask a professional technician to help you out, and you will restore your countertops to as good as new.

Cracks

Cracks completely spoil the aesthetic appeal of the house. Luckily, if the cracks are small, you can fix them, but if they are large, you have no way out other than to replace the entire countertop slab.

Cracks on the countertops come about due to plenty of reasons that include:

  • Poorly glued joints
  • Installation of the countertops on uneven surfaces
  • Failing to give glue enough time to settle
  • Putting a lot of weight at the center of the countertop

If the cracks are small, you can easily fix them with adhesives; however, if they are deeper, you may have to remove the damaged portion, then replace it with a better one. Countertop installers sometimes use special fillers when they feel the cracks aren’t too large to warrant replacement.

When choosing filler, choose one that sticks effectively to your countertops.

Staining

You will have your countertops staining around stoves and cooktops. If you haven’t sealed your counters, the surfaces will absorb oil-based stains and darken. To restore your countertops to their former glory, you need to use Poultice.

Apply the material on the stained area and cover it with a plastic seal. Over time, the solution will dry and turn to powder that will absorb the oil stain. If you find the stain isn’t going away, you can reapply Poultice as many times as you want until all the stains are gone.

Water damage

They say water is life, but did you know it can be deadly to your countertops? The effect is worse if you have a small kitchen. If you haven’t sealed your countertops, water will get to the inner layers and stain your surfaces

Luckily, in most cases, the stain goes away when water evaporates. If water was stained (such as in juice), you have to ask a professional technician to help you out.

High-temperature effect

Granite counters are known for their toughness and ability to withstand high temperatures; however, when you introduce extremely high temperatures at once, the counters are bound to get damaged.

For example, when you carelessly place a hot pan (straight from a flame), directly on the surfaces, you will damage the countertops. Granite companies Potomac recommend you try salvaging the ugly spots using toothpaste. If this doesn’t remove the spots, replace the countertops.

15

May

How Far Can Granite Countertops Span Without Support?

When you are installing granite countertops, it’s common to wonder, how far can granite span without support? This depends on the thickness of the granite slab that you have. If your slab is 10” thick, you can get away with an overhang that is 1-1/4”.

The thicker the slab, the longer the overhang you can have without worrying about the countertop being unbalanced.

In addition to adding the supports at the right places, there are plenty of other tips you need to consider:

Rod the countertops

Rodding aims at reinforcing the countertops to prevent cracking and breaking of the countertops in areas where the stone could be more susceptible to pressure. One of the most effective ways of reinforcing the countertops is by using fiber rodding.

If you don’t know how to do it, there are plenty of guides online that you can follow. You can do the reinforcement by yourself or hire an expert to help you out.

Work at hiding the granite seams

When you bring two slabs together, you are bound to have seams. The big issue is, how can you make the seams less noticeable? Luckily, there are plenty of tricks you can use:

One of the ways is ensuring that the edges of the stone are clean. When they are clean, you are more than likely to have a cleaner seam. As you are bonding two slabs, pull the stones together. This way, you narrow the gap between the stone edges, making the seams less noticeable.

Another highly effective technique is dressing the edges, so they are as straight as possible. When choosing the adhesive color, go for one that closely matches that of the stone.

One of the highly effective ways of hiding the seam is putting it on a 45° edge. When you combine the edge lamination with clean edges, color-matched adhesive, and tight seams, you are bound to have excellent results.

Invest in high-quality slabs

Granite is a natural stone that varies greatly in color, veining, and patterns. It also comes in a variety of grades that include: commercial, builder, standard, and premium. For you to get the most from the stone you are installing, you should invest in a high-quality stone.

When you are shopping, be on the lookout for a stone selling at meager prices as it’s most likely of cheap quality. For you to buy a high-quality stone, only shop at reputable stores with a proven record.

Work with a reputable granite company.

Unless you are an expert, you should refrain from installing the countertops by yourself. Instead, hire an expert countertop company to help you out. One of the prime mistakes homeowners make is being in a hurry when hiring the contractors. Don’t do this.

Take your time to visit as many contractors as possible. As you are interviewing them, ask them for their past work. You also should visit review sites and see what other customers have to say about their experience with the countertop installation company.

For excellent results, ensure that the company is using the latest and properly maintained equipment. This ensures that the cuts are clean and accurate. This way, you are sure that the contractor will get the work done fast and accurately.

Consider granite remnants

If you are looking to install the countertops on a small countertop and you don’t have a large budget, you shouldn’t stress yourself over it. Instead, get granite remnants from friends and family. You also can ask a granite company whether it has any granite leftovers that you can use.

Most of the companies will sell you the remnants at meager prices. If you have a good relationship, the company can even give them to you.

Take good care of the countertops.

Installing the countertops isn’t enough—you have to take good care of them. In addition to protecting the countertops from the heat by placing pans and trivets when cooking, granite installers Rockville recommends that you also regularly seal the countertops so that spills don’t stain the countertops.

Also, regularly clean the countertops. When doing it, take care not to use abrasive materials that can etch the surfaces.

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.

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.