27

Nov

When To Replace Your Limestone Countertops? 10 Signs

Natural stones are the most common materials people go for when they’re opting for countertops. While marble and granite countertops remain the most popular choices, many people also choose limestone countertops. So, if you have limestone countertops for some time now, then you need to know these signs that indicate your should replace them.

Signs To Replace Limestone Countertops

The Countertops Are Chipped

The first sign you need to look out for, when you’re on the fence about changing your limestone countertops, is to look for cracks and chips. But these are not normal chips or cracks you’re concerned about. You need to look for those big, very obvious scratches and deep cuts on the surface of the countertops.

A lot of the time, hairline cracks and chips can be fixed and they’re no biggie, but what can’t be reversed is the very deep indentation in the countertops that can’t be filled or even fixed to make the countertops look better. How do these cracks happen, you ask? Well, there can be a couple of reasons why that happens.

Firstly, you might have dropped something on the countertops from a reasonable height. If that’s not the case, then maybe you’re using the countertops as a cutting board and the constant cutting of things on the countertops has led to scratches.

They Have Too Many Stains

One or two stains are not the end of the world. But what you should do if your entire countertop surface is covered and littered with stains? This is not a pretty sight at all and it can be really bad for your countertops.

You need to somehow clean the stains first, but chances are that they’re already quite permanent and they’re not going anywhere. So, if that’s the condition of your countertops, then maybe it’s best to replace them before things get too ugly. If stains have been there for a long time, then you probably need to get new countertops.

There Are Uneven Ridges

If you run your hand on the surface of the countertops, you will mostly feel smoothness and that’s a good sign. But when you start to notice bumps on the countertops and you can even see them with your own eyes then that is not ideal at all. If there are sizable divots or craters on the countertop surface, then that’s going to be a hard thing to fix.

This is why you should change the countertops before it is too late, because holes in the countertops is not a good look and you don’t want to sport these countertops in your kitchen.

The Color Is Faded

Any type of countertop gets old when the color starts to fade. This is a huge sign that you need to look out for. If your countertops are very old, then you might want to see the color of your slabs too.

Chances are that they will be extremely faded and the places you use a lot will be more lighter and dim in appearance than other unused places, so that is how you can compare. Sometimes, if you use abrasive and harsh chemical cleaners on limestone countertops, the same thing can happen. So, you should change the countertops, because they don’t look good. However, if you want to keep the countertops for a bit more, refresh your old countertops.

The Damage Is Irreversible

Sometimes, you can fix the countertops be it a small scratch or a chip on the edge. However, other times, the damage is just too far gone. You can’t fix some things when it comes to a natural stone countertop, so the best thing to do in this case? Replace the countertops.

Whether it’s a chemical stain, a blister from heat, or anything else that is at the point of no return, then you need to replace the countertops, because it will stick out like a sore thumb.

Are You Remodeling Your Kitchen?

Most people don’t even change their countertops, but 9 times out of 10, the best bet to change them can be when you’re remodeling or renovating the kitchen. This is something that a lot of people do because it’s like getting done with two things at once.

You’re getting some work done in the kitchen, so you might as well change the countertops too while you’re at it. So, if you see any damage on your limestone countertops and it’s been a while since you changed them, well, now is the perfect time to do so.

It’s Been More Than A Decade

Limestone countertops last for a long time if you take care of them, but there is also a time after which you have no choice but to change your countertops. If you’ve had your countertops for more than 10 years now, the aging will show on the countertops.

They won’t be as clean. They will be faded, splotchy, and just overall not in the best condition. This is why you want to change the countertops after the 10–15-year mark. This is going to ensure that your countertops as well as your kitchen stay in good condition for longer.

Countertops Look Outdated

There is a huge difference between old and outdated. Old countertops are, well, old. They don’t look brand new, they’re not as bright and vibrant anymore and they just look worn. Well, outdated countertops, on the other side of things, look out of place.

There are classic and timeless countertops, but then there are some designs that don’t look up to date at all. So, if your countertops look outdated, it’s because they’ve run their share in the trend marathon and now it’s time for something new. So, get new and classic countertops that will never go out of style.

You’re Selling Your House

Changing your countertops because you’re selling your house? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Well, not exactly. You should look for natural stones because they are great when it comes to return on investment and they’re sought-after when it comes to potential buyers who are interested in your house.

So, if you’re looking for a good deal on your house, you need to change your countertops into something that is very much loved by people. Granite and marble are great choices when it comes to natural stone. Moreover, quartz is an excellent engineered stone. Buyers will flock around your house to seal the deal.

You Need More Space

You might be changing up your kitchen for an entirely different reason. You might want to free up some space by removing the countertops and maybe changing the layout a bit. Well, that is when you can change the countertops altogether too.

This is something that a lot of people do and it’s refreshing for a change. So, if you want to change the look of the kitchen and elevate the space of the countertops, then change the material too while you’re at it. It will look even better.

Conclusion

Limestone countertops usually last for a decent amount of time, given that you maintain them properly, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be replaced. Well, now you know the signs to look out for. If your limestone countertops didn’t last as long as you expected, you should consider more durable materials like granite. Get in touch with granite contractors Potomac to take a look at various granite grades, colors and patterns.

29

Sep

Best Places to Use Granite Countertops at Home

When it comes to granite, people automatically think of countertops. Even if it is true granite is an excellent countertop, there are popular places where it can be installed. Granite is very attractive and strong, making it a top choice for all homeowners. Granite contractors would gladly install them for you, and because of their great properties, it is important that prospective homeowners should know that there are additional ways that you can use granite as a countertop.

Granite has been used for thousands of years and it is regarded as a status symbol, of durability, and strength. The igneous rock is made of quartz, feldspar, and mica, which gives the stone a unique collection of colors.

Read on to learn more.

Use Granite as a Kitchen Island

The kitchen is the best place that homeowners can choose to install granite. The popularity of granite comes from it being strong, and resistant to heat and water, and very easy to clean. With a lot of color options available. Granite will look good in any traditional or modern kitchen, which is why a lot of homeowners want to use it in their kitchen.

Overmount Sinks

Since granite is non-porous, it is hygienic for sinks because grime or other bacteria can seep in and make it a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Since it is a natural stone, all granite slabs are unique from each other, and this gives a unique finish to any small sink space. Based on the granite weight, brackets can be used as overmount sink support.

Any rock should contain about 20% quartz so that it qualifies as granite. For instance, a lot of blue granite is larvikite or anorthosite.

Bathrooms

The second place where you will think of putting granite countertops is your bathroom. Since granite is best for wet spaces, it is a top choice for any spot where you can wash your hands and brush your teeth daily. In addition, granite is beautiful and it will surely get compliments from guests.

Vanity Top

Like the reasons for kitchen popularity, granite is a common material for bathrooms. The bathroom is also an abused room in the house, which is why having a strong and water-resistant countertop is ideal. It will also not develop mold.

Drop-ins

Drop-in sinks that are made from granite are very smooth and it prevents food and debris from getting stuck in the crevices. Even if it is a heat-resistant material, the hot utensils cause less damage when you put them straight into the sink.

Sinks are made with more seams because multiple granite pieces should be properly lined up and joined together with epoxy. This can get trickier with patterns or veining. In order to reduce costs, you need to work out the seam designs before installation.

Laundry Room

When it comes to wet spaces, it is more common to find granite countertops in laundry rooms. Granite can make a granite surface for spot cleaning stains before clothes can go inside the washer. You are going to have a convenient area where you can fold laundry when your clothes come out of the dryer.

Backsplash

The water-resistant and durable granite works great for backsplashes. It can contrast with the texture and color of the countertop. In case you have enough granite, left after you have installed the countertop, then you can save on your budget and use the same one to make the backsplash as well.

You can talk to granite countertop installers Potomac if you need them to work in different parts of your house to install granite.

18

Jul

Reasons Why Quartz Countertops are High-Quality

Quartz countertops are becoming more popular. However, the drawback is that it is expensive and its closest rival is granite.

The primary reason for the high price of quartz countertops is because it is manufactured inside the factory made from raw source and then they should be processed and cut into chips. After these chips have gone through the milling process, they will then be sent to distributors who will ship them around the world. The retailers purchase these chips and resell them, sometimes selling them multiple times the cost of producing them. Therefore, why is quartz pricey? The answer is that it is a manufactured mineral and it can be remade in case you have to.

Cost of Installing Quartz Countertops

The installation cost is about $70 to $100 for every square foot, but some factors can impact how new countertops cost. You are going to pay high prices if you want countertops that are mainly for faucets and sinks, like those or with custom edging. If you want an average quartz size for your kitchen countertop, you should be ready to pay about $4,500 for installation and materials.

It is an excellent idea to hire a countertop contractor in your local area so they can check the space before starting out. A pro who can see the space in person is important if you want to receive the right quote.

Trade Tariffs

Since the majority of materials are made overseas, trade tariffs imposed during springtime have multiple costs. For instance, quartz that was imported from China, which is mainly among the lower-end varieties had a price increase of about 300%. This is very high and it really affects the price of quartz.

High-Demand

Unlike marble and granite, quartz does not need sealing. This feature made quartz very popular among homeowners and similar to other popular items, there is a high demand for this.

The law and demand supply dictates that if there is a higher demand, the higher the price will be which is why it is expensive.

Installation

Due to lack of porosity, quartz is dense and heavy. Cabinetry or vanities should be leveled prior to installation, and a section placed directly on the cabinets should be supported securely. If you want to maximize the sleek look, the seams should be matched unobtrusively. These are the things that make quartz countertop installation a difficult project that requires the services of an equipped and qualified professional contractor.

Versatile

Quartz has a lot of styles, colors, finishes, as well as edge treatments. In terms of thickness, the stone is running from 3/8” to 11/4”. Obviously, if there is a thick countertop, the pricier it will be.

Due to the versatility of quartz, you should research and look for one that is going to be ideal for your application. If you are unsure of the one that is going to look best, you should get what the professional is saying.

Customization

In case you are looking for an unusual countertop width or shape, or maybe custom cutouts in order to accommodate the appliances you own or a special feature such as a bar sink? They are doable with quartz but it will be expensive.

Uniqueness

Quartz countertops have a distinct place among the trends of today. In the era of people not wanting to miss out, the popularity of this kind of countertop has caused a demand that normally goes over the supply. This has the tendency to drive the costs high.

You can contact quartz countertop Montgomery County MD for the best contractors and deals.

 

08

Nov

What Is A Cheaper Alternative To Granite Countertops?

Every homeowner dreams about installing granite in their homes. Unfortunately, the countertops don’t come cheap. If you have always wanted to install granite in your home, but the price is out of your reach, you must be wondering, what is a cheaper alternative to granite countertops, right? Well, there are many of them, with the common ones being:

Quartz

Also known as engineered stone, quartz is one of the most affordable alternatives you can go with. Contractors recommend it when you are looking to achieve simple luxury. The good thing about it is that it comes in different shades and colors, so you will find one that fits your style.

Quartz is also non-porous, meaning that it’s easy to clean and doesn’t stain easily.

Since the countertop is an engineered stone, you can modify it to a glossy or matte surface. And the presence of resin means you don’t need to keep sealing it, which makes it even easier to maintain.

While quartz is an excellent alternative to granite, it has its drawbacks. One of the drawbacks being that it’s easily damaged by heat. This means that if you place hot pots and pans on it, the countertop is bound to melt and burn, leaving a blackened indentation.

Marble countertops

Yes, some marble varieties are cheaper than granite. To avoid spending too much money on the countertops, avoid rare and exotic varieties.

The beauty of marble is that it has a timeless beauty, and when properly installed, it’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing countertops you can have. The countertop also comes in a variety of colors and veining patterns.

While it comes in a variety of inviting colors, it’s relatively soft and porous which means that it will chip and scratch easily when put under pressure and hard wear. The porosity also puts the stone at the risk of staining.

It will also absorb any foods, liquids, and cleaning chemicals that you put on it, making it difficult to clean.

Quartzite

If you want a countertop that looks like marble but is more durable and heat resistant, you should consider quartzite. Quartzite forms when sandstone shifts deeper into the earth’s mantle, raising the sandstone’s temperature and forcing it to crystallize.

The good thing is that, unlike marble, quartzite is exceptionally durable and doesn’t scratch easily. The countertop is also heat and stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about scratching or burning it.

While the countertop is great and might look like marble, it’s limited in the color area where it doesn’t have as many color varieties as marble.

Sintered stone

Sintered stone is engineered stone made from quartz and ceramic particles. The particles that make up sintered stone are treated with high pressure and heat to form a crystallized stone in the lab.

Sintered stone can be made from different materials, which gives it different color varieties and patterns.

With a hardened level of 7/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, sintered stone is one of the hardest and durable materials you can have. It’s even less porous, making it easy to maintain as you don’t have to worry about sealing it.

It’s heat resistant, so you can place hot pots and pans on it without worrying about causing cracks and damage.

While the stone is great, its made in the laboratory which makes it less environmentally friendly than natural stone materials.

Wood

Wooden countertops can be made from different materials such as oak, maple, cherry, bamboo, and walnut.

Since it’s soft and more forgiving, when you drop a glass on a wooden countertop, it will never break like it’s the case with granite.

While this softness is good, it can sometimes result in chips, cut marks, and cracks.

To keep your wooden countertops looking great, you need to treat them monthly with mineral oils. You also should seal the countertops to keep them clean and stain-free.

There you go

These are some of the best and cheapest granite alternatives. If you aren’t sure about the right one to go for, get the input of a professional. They will advise whether to go for wood or quartz countertops Potomac depending on the look you want to achieve and your budget.

29

Oct

What Is The Cheapest Color Of Granite?

If you have been shopping for granite countertops, you must have noticed that the color of the countertop has a significant impact on the price, where the uniform, rare colors tend to go at a higher price.

If you are operating on a budget, you must be wondering, what is the cheapest color of granite, right? The cheapest countertops are those with speckled and busy designs. The most common ones being:

Azul Platino

Azul Platino is quarried near Vigo, Spain, and it has been around for hundreds of years. This granite features an off-white background with small bluish-gray specks, and in some cases, it will have black spots scattered throughout the slab.

It’s also common to have the countertops with white or black veining. On closer examination, the countertops will have green, brown, or even pink flecks. The countertops will also have amethyst quartz crystals that provide brilliant violet flecks throughout the slab.

Azul Platino slab is usually large, making it an excellent choice for kitchen islands and other large-sized countertop needs.

New Caledonia

New Caledonia is quarried in Espirito Santo, Brazil, and the granite features a uniform appearance meaning that it’s common to find two almost identical slabs, which is not common with most other natural granite slabs.

The granite slab features a white background with gray and brown speckles that run uniformly throughout the slab.

When you look at the slab from a distance, it appears to be comprised of shades of gray ranging from light gray to deep charcoal with black and white patches throughout the slab, but on closer examination, you will notice hues of brown and sparkling crystals running throughout.

The beauty with New Caledonia is that it’s highly versatile and looks great in both contemporary and traditional kitchens and bathrooms.

You can pair it with dark wood-stained cabinetry or with light cabinetry for the charcoal flecking to stand out.

Dallas white

Dallas white granite is quarried in Aguia Branca, Brazil, and the granite has low water absorption and low porosity, making it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

The slab has a white background with dark crystals scattered throughout, and in some cases, it might have slight veining.

The countertop’s uniform flecking works perfectly in traditional kitchens where the granite’s brown, golden cream veins and lavender flecks blend perfectly, giving your kitchen a beautiful look.

For the perfect look, pair the countertops with white or dark wood cabinetry such as walnut.

The unique thing about Dallas White granite is that, unlike other granites in the market, it doesn’t need face resin due to the tight grain structure found in the stone.

The lack of resin means that you can place hot pots on the countertops without worrying about damaging the granite surface.

Uba tuba granite

Also known as Ubatuba, Uba tuba is mined near Ubatuba, Sao Paolo, Brazil. The granite features a dark green background with consistent green, gold, and brown flecks scattered across the slab.

It also has a tight granite pattern with a few veins running throughout the stone. The veins present are usually small and gold, white, or turquoise.

The minerals in the granite vary in size from as little as an apple seed to as large as half a dollar, which significantly adds visual interest to the stone.

If you have a traditional kitchen, pair Ubatuba with dark cabinetry but if looking to create a contemporary space, pair the countertops with white cabinetry.

If you aren’t sure about the look you want to create, you don’t have to worry, as the various colors found in the Uba Tuba slab create a sophisticated yet simple look that works for every home.

Don’t buy poor-quality granite.

While you are looking for the cheapest color, you shouldn’t buy the cheapest quality countertop as it’s a matter of time before the countertop starts breaking apart and they end up being too expensive in the long run. Instead of cutting the cost on the quality of the slab, stay away from fancy edges, and instead, opt for a standard sink and choose granite remnants for the small areas instead of buying an entire slab.

To avoid getting ripped off, walk with experienced granite countertop installers Rockville to these stores.

23

Aug

What Should You Know About Sealing Granite Countertops?

You should seal your countertops to prevent them from staining. What should you know about sealing granite countertops? Well, there are plenty of things you should know with the common ones being:

You should seal the countertops at installation.

Most of the granite slabs come the same way they were at the granite store—bare, unsealed, and prone to staining. As you can guess, installing the countertops and leaving them this way is catastrophic as they will be at great risk should a drink spill on them.

For you to be at peace that no stain will result should a spill happen, ensure that the contractors properly seal the countertops before they leave.

Reseal the countertops every year

Even after the contractors install the countertops and seal them, you should make it a habit to reseal them at least once a year. The reason for this is because the sealant tends to wear off with time, and you have to reinstall it to restore its effectiveness.

While it’s good to reseal the countertops, you shouldn’t do it blindly. Before you apply the sealant, test the countertops to confirm they are ready for the sealant.

How do you do this?

There are plenty of ways to go about it. One of the ways is to do the oil and lemon test. Here you need to spill a few drops of lemon juice and cooking oil on the countertops and let them sit on the surface for at least five minutes, then wipe them dry.

If there are dull spots on the areas where the lemon juice hit the surface, the seal might have worn off, and it’s time to reinstall it. The same thing applies if the surface turns dark almost immediately after placing oil or lemon juice.

If the oil and juice stay on the surface for over five minutes without sinking, the chances are high that the granite doesn’t need sealing, and you should leave it in its present form.

Another test you can do to determine if the countertops are ready for sealing is the water drop test. Here you need to drip a small puddle of water on the stone, and if the store immediately darkens, it’s time to reseal it.

If the stone takes 4-5 minutes to darken, the sealer might have worn out, and it’s time to install a new one.

You can seal the countertops by yourself?

Although sealing is such an important part of maintaining the countertops, did you know you don’t have to hire a professional to do it?

To save money and learn a skill, do the sealing yourself. Begin with cleaning the countertops. As a rule of thumb, clean the countertops at least 24 hours before you apply the sealant.

The purpose of sealing the countertops is to get rid of any damaging vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, harsh cleansers, and bleach.

Remove all the materials on the countertops and wipe them down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Then, you should mix one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and two tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol in a pint spray bottle and fill it with cool water.

Generously spray the countertop, wipe it clean while polishing in a circular motion, and then wait 24 hours before proceeding.

As mentioned above, you should do the cleaning at least 24 hours before you apply the sealant. This is to give the cleaning liquid enough time to evaporate fully.

The next morning, apply a sealant over the entire granite counter begging from the end and work your way to the other. For an easier time and ideal results, apply the sealant in sections, in a circular motion.

Once you are done, give the sealant enough time to absorb, then using a clean, soft, dry rag, wipe out the extra sealant.

If the sealant requires another coat, give it time to cure (between 2-40 hours). To avoid wiping off the sealant, granite installers Rockville recommend you wait for at least 48 hours before wiping the surfaces with a wet substance.

You also should leave the countertops for the same amount of time before returning the kitchenware.

31

Jul

What Colors Of Granite Are There?

Are you looking to install granite countertops and are wondering what colors of granite are there? Well, there are many of them, with the most common ones being:

White granite

White granite countertops are probably the most common slab types. In fact, they are the first color that comes to most people’s minds when they think about granite.

Although the slabs are white, they aren’t smooth and plain white—they contain veins of other colors while some have a darker tone.

White granite slabs are mainly made up of white feldspar and creamy white quartz, with the most popular types being River white, Juprana Delicatus granite, Ivory Fantasy, Moon white, and Bianco Antico granite.

The beauty of white granite slabs is they can fit both antique and contemporary homes and business buildings. You only need to work with your contractor and find the best way to install them professionally.

Black granite slab

Although, they aren’t as popular as white slabs, most homeowners have embraced them, and now you will find them in more homes than before.

The countertops originate from gabbro, basal, norite, and diabase. The major mineral components being plagioclase and pyroxene.

When properly installed, the slabs provide an excellent and outstanding contrast with the light colors in the kitchen or bathroom. Since they are dark, they are best suited for larger kitchens and bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, avoid installing them in smaller rooms to make the room appear even smaller than it is.

Uba uba granite

They originated from Brazil, and compared to other types in the market, they contain plenty of gold, gray, and green specs that run randomly on the black background. As a result, you have shimmering countertops that you can’t stay away from.

Bianco Antico granite

If you are looking to give your countertops a strong and classic look, these are the countertops to go for. They feature a mixture of red and brown flecks and spots that give them one of a kind look.

When properly installed, the countertops have a soft white-ish gray color with pink and brown spots.

River white granite

This granite originates from India, and it features a white background flourished with red spots and veins of a dark gray color. It’s also common to find some countertops with a combination of blue, gray, and off-white flecks on the surface.

Overall, the countertops give your kitchen and bathroom surfaces a more vibrant white appearance.

Black galaxy granite

The slab’s rich black background is filled with fine grains of white and gold specks that give it a unique look. It’s also common to find some slabs with larger grains of these specks.

Although, you can pair galaxy granite countertops with almost any other color, they look their best when paired with light brown or beige, which gives the surfaces a classic look.

Black pearl granite

The most identifying feature of these countertops is the depth and smoother tone with fewer specks and flecks around the surface, giving the countertops a unique look.

If you have always wanted to install an all-around, rich, deep black tone in your kitchen or bathroom, this is the best one to go for.

Tan brown granite

If your cabinets are wooden and your furniture dark brown, this is the best slab color to go for.

These countertops have a rich and slightly dark brown tone with an almost uniform combination of burnt orange, black and red specks.

For the perfect match, paint your cabinets and other parts of the kitchen or bathroom tan brown. The tan-brown gives an excellent contrast that you will be proud of for years.

New Caledonia granite

This is a gray granite slab that has interchanging shades of dark and light gray tones. In some slabs, you will have streaks of black placed randomly around the countertop surface.

For the best look, install the countertops in the interior of the house or commercial building.

You should work with your granite installers Montgomery County MD and find the ideal colors to pair it with, to get the perfect look.

12

Apr

Can Heat Ruin Granite Countertops?

Can heat ruin granite countertops? The simple answer is yes, heat can damage your countertops. Although granite is tough and heat-resistant, it isn’t heatproof. While the countertops might not get damaged the first time you place a hot pan or pot on them, continued heat exposure is bound to damage them.

What can you do to protect your countertops?

As mentioned above, you can get away with placing hot items directly on the granite surfaces, but if you repeatedly do it, you are pushing your luck too far, and it becomes a matter of when you will ruin your countertops.

To avoid this, make it a habit to place a trivet or hot pad on the countertops all the time. This way, even when you are in a hurry to remove the hot pot from the fire, you can easily reach the trivet and place it there instead of placing it directly on the countertops.

If you don’t have a trivet, don’t take the hot pot from the fire and place it directly on the countertop. Instead, give it a few minutes to cool down, after which you can place it on the countertops. This means that when the food is ready, you should switch off your stove and let the pot cool.

Before you place the pot on the countertops, remember to wipe the pot’s underside to remove any black or burn marks that would damage the granite surface.

What should you do to already damaged countertops?

If your countertops have already been ruined, try to restore them using pastes and liquids. There are plenty of special creams and solutions that you can use to polish your granite surfaces and remove any stains and marks on them.

The cool thing is you don’t need to hire a professional to help remove the stains—you can easily do it on your own. You should rub the burn marks from the countertops using creams and solutions, but if some marks are hard to remove, ask a contractor to look into them.

If there are burn marks that don’t come off even after using a professional service, try to use your warranty and get a replacement.

What other things shouldn’t you do to your granite surfaces?

Other than not placing hot items directly on the countertops, there are plenty of other things you shouldn’t do to keep your surfaces in top shape. Some of these things include:

Don’t work with raw meat on granite surfaces.

Raw meat looks harmless, and it’s true it will not hurt your granite, but it harbors plenty of bacteria that can get to the other foods you prepare on the surfaces. Many homeowners also cleanse their surfaces after preparing meat on them, which can be harmful, especially when they use harsh products to do the cleansing.

Don’t stand on the countertops.

The countertops are made from stone, so there is no harm in standing on them, right? Wrong. Although the countertops are made from natural rock, the rock has veins, fissures, and striations that can crack when you place a lot of weight on them.

To keep your countertops in top shape, don’t sit, stand or place any heavy item on the countertops, especially on the edges.

If you have to reach the top shelf or change the light bulbs, don’t step on the countertops. Instead, have a stool or ladder in place.

Some people sit on the countertops as they are preparing meals. Don’t do this, and to fight the temptation, have a chair in the kitchen.

Don’t wash your children in the under-mount kitchen sink

The kitchen sink might seem like a fun place to wash your kids, especially if the sink is large, but you shouldn’t do it. While the sinks are often strongly secured to the bottom of the countertops, regularly using the sink as a bathtub can loosen the sink mounting.

According to granite countertop installers Rockville, if your kids are large, they can put a lot of weight on the countertops and crack the striations.

For your countertops to last for a long time, use the sink to only wash the utensils. If you want to wash the kids in a fun way, do it in the bathroom.

06

Feb

Granite Installation Process: Steps To Follow When Installing Granite Countertops

Granite countertops come with plenty of perks. They transform your kitchen, they are durable, among many other things. If you want to install the countertops in your home, there are two ways you can go about it: hire granite installers or do it yourself.

If you are a dab hand at DIY projects, you can do the work yourself and by so doing you save money and install the countertops in your preferred manner. Is this your first time installing the countertops? Here is the granite installation process you should follow:

Get the right measurements

Begin with determining the size and shape of granite you need to complete your project. A great way to do it is to use craft paper or cardboard to create a template that you will visit the granite stores with.

Trace around the existing countertops and cut away any excess material to make an exact template. When doing it, mark any spots where you will need cuts such as the sink.

Don’t be in a hurry when taking the measurements. Take your time to ensure you get precise measurements.

After knowing the size of the granite you need, the next thing is to determine the size of the overhang you want for your countertops. An ideal granite overhang should be 1.5 inches. Avoid an overhang larger than this, as it will require you to install steel braces to support it.

The braces are complex to install and will eat up on your budget.

After taking the measurements, adjust your template to include the additional measurements of the kitchen overhang.

With the measurements in place, now head to the stores and choose the granite you want for your home. Granite is natural, so it comes in different colors and designs. It’s up to you to choose the right one for your home.

When making the purchase, avoid buying from the big box stores as they sell their products at inflated prices and often don’t have a wide selection of slabs to choose from.

Before you make the commitment to buy large slabs, first take a piece of the slab with you at home and see how it blends with the rest of the house. Only buy a larger slab if you like how the slab looks in your house.

Prepare the surfaces for installation

Now that you have your desired slab, now it’s time to install it on your surfaces. Unfortunately, you can’t install it on dirty surfaces so the first thing to do is to clean your countertops so they are free of grease, oil, dirt, and other materials.

If you had installed countertops before, remove them so you have a clean surface to work with.

Once the countertops are clean, put down plywood for the granite counters to rest on. For best results, ensure the plywood has the same measurements as the template.

Attach the plywood to the countertop cabinets and secure them with screws. Also, waterproof the plywood to keep it from swelling when it comes into contact with water.

Lay the granite slab

Lay the granite slab in place. In most cases, you will need one slab, but if your kitchen is large, you may need to lay several pieces. If this is the case, epoxy the seams to cement the pieces together. You should then use a razor blade to skim off any excess epoxy that might be left behind.

You should then secure the granite slab to the cabinets using bond block attachments. This is to keep the granite from moving around or shifting during normal usage.

If you have a special cooktop or sinkhole, you may need to make additional cuts. Use a wet saw to accomplish this.

Install the sink and cooktop

After making the cuts, install the sink and cooktop. Place the sink in the cut and ensure it fits properly. To secure it in place, use a bead of caulk around the sink edge where the sink rests on the granite.

It’s also wise to apply a bead caulk around the underside of the sink.

Finish the countertop

To complete the look, remove any caulk, dust, or epoxy on the countertops. You also should clean the counters and seal them.

The duration of the granite installation process depends on the size and complexity of the job. For a small project, it can take you 2-3 hours, but larger and more complex projects can last for up to 7 hours.

You save money and have an easy time customizing the countertops to your liking when you install the countertops by yourself, but if you find it complex or you don’t have the skills, let a granite contractor Rockville help you out.

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Jan

How Do You Save Money On Granite Countertops?

Since granite is a luxurious material, many homeowners imagine having to spend astronomical amounts on it. What if I told you it doesn’t have to be this way? Operating on a budget and wondering how do you save money on granite countertops? Here are tips on how to go about it:

Buy a prefabricated stone.

A prefabricated stone is one that has already been cut before arriving at the store. Since the supplier doesn’t have to cut the stone, they often sell it at a lower price, which sees you saving money.

Prefabricated stones also prevent unwanted delays as the supplier picks the stone from the store and delivers it to your home without working on them.

While the prefabricated stone saves you money, you should note that it might not fit your kitchen perfectly as it doesn’t have custom cuttings.

Before you go for this stone, ask your contractor whether it’s a wise thing to do. You don’t want to save money on a stone you won’t use or install it, and it gives your kitchen an ugly look, do you?

Take your time

What do most homeowners do when they are looking to install countertops in their homes? They rush to the nearest store and pick the slab that is pleasing to their eyes. You shouldn’t do this if you are looking to save money.

As a savvy shopper, take your time. Ask yourself, where can I find granite countertops? The materials are sold in big box stores, from granite fabricators and companies specializing in prefabricated granite counters, and bathroom design studios.

You should then hit these stores and see what they have to offer. As you are shopping, keep in mind that most big box stores don’t stock many countertop options and tend to be expensive, so it’s wise to avoid them.

Get estimates from different suppliers and compare them. The estimates should include the cost of the countertop, the cost of delivering it to your property, and the installation cost.

Carefully review the estimates and buy from a contractor that makes the most sense.

It’s also wise to shop in the company of an experienced contractor who will guide you on buying a countertop material that is right for your home and gives you the best results.

Settle for a simple color

If you have been shopping for the countertops for a while, you must have realized that certain countertops are more expensive than others solely due to their colors.

Some colors are rare than others, and the rare ones tend to be more expensive. And since you are looking to save money, avoid countertops with the rare color.

You might argue that your kitchen will look better with the rare color, but you should know you are better off changing the design elements in your kitchen to fit the color of a more affordable countertop rather than going for the expensive stone.

For example, you can paint or stain your cabinets to match the less expensive color, and you save money you would have spent on the rare color.

Keep an eye on the hidden costs.

When installing countertops, the price of the countertops is just one of the costs. There are plenty of other costs that come with it, such as the cost of installation, seaming, transportation, edging, backsplash finish, and many others.

To save money, buy from smaller stores with plenty of countertop options and often install the countertops at a lower price.

Streamline the project by choosing the standard eased edge instead of fancier edges such as the bevel edge. You also save money by choosing another finish for the backsplash.

Use granite tiles instead of slabs.

If looking to redo the entire kitchen or bathroom, use granite tiles instead of slabs. Although, you won’t get the same look as with the slab, tiles are cheaper to buy and install. Tiles are also thinner, which means less raw materials to deal with and easier transportation.

The light and thin nature of the tiles means you can also install them directly over your existing counters.  Due to this, granite contractor Rockville has to undertake little to no demolition work.