What should I know about granite?
Choosing a material for your kitchen or bathroom countertops shoud be done carefully since these surfaces can shape the look of room and must endure everyday wear and tear.
Countertop material of choice; a mixture of natural beauty and elegance.
Holds up to heat and is scratch resistant. Permanent and substantial look.
Very durable.
Unique; no two granite tops are exactly the same.
Coloration will never change; it will always remain as bright and vibrant as when first installed.
What colors can I choose from?
Granite is not only a perfect material for countertops because of its durability, but also because of its aesthetic appeal. Granite can be elegant and luxurious, or casual and contemporary, depending on the color and finish you choose. Also, no matter what look you go with, you will be lucky to have countertops that will last forever and never dull.
Today there are countless colors of granite to choose from imported from all over the world. Each piece of granite is unique; no two slabs will ever look identical. From greens, blues and blacks, to pinks, whites and yellows, the options are endless. Slabs also vary in patterns – some have large and intricate designs and movements while others are more subtle.
What are the different types of granite finishes?
Granite surfaces can be finished in a variety of ways; polished, honed, or brushed; each with its own unique look and texture.
A polished finish is most common due to a few key factors. Polished finishes will give your home an elegant and formal look. This finish is also a great option, especially for kitchens, because it is easier to maintain than other finishes and its shiny appearance brings out the color of your granite. Many people describe polished finishes as mirror-like.
Honed finishes are gradually becoming more popular for granite countertops. This finish is smooth but less shiny than polished finishes and gives your home a more causal and contemporary feel. One drawback of honed finishes is that they are known to show stains more than others. But, don’t let this deter you from choosing a honed finish; as long as you make an effort to clean and care for your countertops, you should be fine. Certain sealers and treatments will also help keep your honed countertops stain free. As with all granite countertops and finishes, honed countertops are durable and will last a lifetime.
Brushed finishes (also known as antiqued finishes) are created by brushing the granite’s surface to obtain a worn-in look. This finish gives countertops a dramatic look
What is the life expectancy of granite countertops?
When granite enters your home, not only is it already thousands of years old, but it will probably last another thousand years. To begin with, granite is tough. It is stain, scratch and heat resistant, just to name a few of its impressive features.
Experts say that using your granite countertops as a cutting board won’t hurt the countertops only dull your knives, and unless you try cutting granite with a diamond or smashing it with a sledge hammer, it won’t crack or break. Furthermore, it can withstand temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482.22 degrees Celcius ) without causing damage. These are just a few of the reasons why granite countertops can last a lifetime.
Do granite countertops add value to my home?
Countertops made of natural stone, especially granite, add more resale value to your home than any other material. Second, granite countertops will last you a lifetime, which means that after the cost of the initial installation (with proper maintenance and care) they never need to be replaced.
How does the price of granite compare to that of other materials?
Lower-end granite countertops are very affordable in the scheme of countertop material pricing.
Concrete: $75-200 per square foot
Soapstone: $50-200 per square foot
Solid Surface: $40-150 per square foot
Engineered Stone: $40-125 per square foot
Granite: $40-200 per square foot
Marble: $40-100 per square foot
Laminate: $5-20 per square foot
Can Granite surfaces be damaged?
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp tipped hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Fortunately, under typical household use, granite is not subjected to such events. Also, heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
Can damaged piece of stone be repaired?
If any damage occurs it can usually be fixed with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of stone. In most cases the repair is hard to spot
Can I cut on my countertop?
If your countertop is made of granite, you can. Granite is extremely hard and can withstand even the sharpest knives. It’s not a good thing for your knives though. They can get dull in as little as one use. We recommend using a wooden or plastic cutting board. Other stones are not as resistant to scratching and so we do not recomment cuting on them.
How do I clean my granite countertops?
To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off countertop surfaces. Wipe down the granite countertops daily and as needed using water. Once a week wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone.
What is the ordering process?
The whole process is designed for quality and speed. First, get an estimate by giving us your layout and dimensions (online, fax or in person). Come visit our yards to select the stone of your choice. After that an order can be placed and we will schedule a templating appointment. From the time the template is made you can expect a turnaround time of 5 to 7 business days.
To place an order with our company, we require you to have the following steps complete in your home.
- Cabinets need to be installed.
- All of the appliances in the kitchen need to be on location. That includes the stove, dishwasher, fridge etc.
- The sink needs to be on location so that we may take it back to the shop and use it as a template for the sink cutout.
If you have a current countertop on your cabinets, you can use it until the new countertops are ready to be installed.We can remove exsisting countertops of extra cost or you can hire another party. We do not specialize in plumbing and electricity.
Once the above requirements are satisfied, you can give us a call and we can be out to template your kitchen the next day! Our installers will provide you with any technical information and will work with you to make sure all the specs and technical details are taken care of, so please have someone knowledgeable present. At the end of templating we require a 50% deposit based on the estimate price.