Kitchen Granite Countertops Add Real Value to Your Home

Rewritten Article
Since granite is a accustomed material, it is hasty just how abounding colors are accessible for kitchen granite adverse tops. Because granite is quarried from so abounding locations of the world, the abundance of colors is remarkable. Anniversary kitchen granite countertop can accept its own altered arrangement of colors, with speckles, splotches and veins.

There is annihilation added admirable than granite for its accustomed adorableness and refinement. Kitchen granite countertops are accessible in dozens of affluent and affected textures and colors alignment from light-colored accents to the added added and darker tones.

Kitchen granite countertops can accomplish a absolute absorbing architecture statement. Granite kitchen countertops accept absolutely become the countertop of best for a lot of kitchen designers because with granite countertops can add to the amount of your home. Granite is attractive, simple to maintain, and durable.

Kitchen granite countertops are a beautiful, and affordable accustomed rock which will add amore and actualization to any kitchen. The colors and patterns alter from rock to stone. A kitchen granite countertop is altered in that no two pieces of granite are absolutely the same, accordingly no two countertops are alike. It aswell brings a affluence and arrangement to your home that is incomparable by any added material.

Granite is an ablaze rock-originating abysmal in the apple from magma, again cooled boring with ample pressure. It makes up about 60% of the Earth’s high crust. Although it has been about for centuries, granite has been a applicable absolute for kitchen granite countertops just in the accomplished 30 to 40 years.

Granite can be begin all over the world. Granite is acutely abiding and is the hardest of accustomed stones for kitchen granite countertops. Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar. It has a absolute close grain, which makes it about impervious to stains, because it has absolute little porosity. It takes a awful able accomplishment and already able it is absolutely aggressive to liquids.

Other allowances of kitchen granite countertops are the mirror-like finish. Granite countertops can abide acute calefaction from frying pans.

A granite kitchen countertop is absolute simple to advance and affliction for. For circadian charwoman you just clean with a bendable bolt or cardboard anhydrate with bubbling water.

Some added advantages to accepting a kitchen granite countertop are that they are affordable, beautiful, the rock changes actualization in altered ablaze during the day. One affair you accept to watch for is than anniversary granite rock is unique. This can beggarly that the blush in the granite can attending altered from one day to the next depending on the lighting situation. Lighting can could cause a absorption in the granite authoritative one blush added dominant. So in acrimonious a blush it is a acceptable abstraction to accept from absolute slabs not samples

There can be some added architecture factors in accession to blush that you may charge to consider. One is selecting an bend profile. An bend contour is the apparent bend of the countertop. You ability aswell wish to accede an undermount bore for your kitchen granite countertop. An undermounted bore would sit beneath the granite accordingly there would be no lip to hit if charwoman about the sink.

To sum up; whether you are adjustment or designing a new kitchen allotment kitchen granite countertops for your home you access its re-sale amount with this important accession to your kitchen.

November 21, 2008. Tags: . granite countertops. No Comments.

QuEsTiOnS ReLaTeD To GrAnItE

Will bacteria grow on granite? 

Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live.  Bacteria cannot eat granite.  Unclean, unkempt countertops can harbor bacteria regardless of what countertop material is used.  Granite has performed extremely well in testing; performing second only to stainless steel in its ability to resist bacterial growth. 

 

How do I care for my granite countertop? 

For everyday use, wipe your countertops up with a wet washcloth just like you would your laminate countertops. To check if you need to seal your granite, put a small amount of water on the countertop in a space that it will not be disturbed. Let it sit for 15 minutes. If the water is absorbed, you need to re-seal your granite countertops.

 

What is the difference between “cast stone” and natural stone?

Cast stone is made up of finely ground stone mixed with resins or cement-based products, then poured into a mold to create either a slab of cast stone or to create sinks, mantels, etc.  Natural stone is strictly cut from the earth then cut and polished in its original, natural form.. 

 

Are engineered quartz surfaces natural? 

Marketers contend that quartz surfaces contain 93% quartz.  However, this number is calculated by mass, not volume.  Therefore the true ratio of quartz is approximately 67 – 73%.  It is also important to note that “quartz” refers not only to natural quartz but glass and mirror particles as well.

 

Is granite more expensive than man-made materials? 

It depends on the granite.  Availability, color, and country of origin are major factors that affect the price of granite.  If the supply of a particular stone is short and demand for it is high, the price will reflect that.  Given that stone is a natural product imported from all over the worl, the price spectrum is wide.  However, many granite colors are offered at the same price or sometimes less than man-made products.

 

What is a “pit”?  Will I have them in my countertops?

Most granite has some degree of pitting, whether microscopic or visible to the naked eye.  With today’s advanced processing, the natural pitting or tiny craters in granite are greatly reduced.  These natural pits pose no maintenance or wear issues.  The depth of these pits is virtually immeasurable.

 

Are veins weak spots in the stone?

Not necessarily.  some veins are strictly color variations in the stone.  However in some materials natural flaws can exist within the vein, which enhances the color and is characteristic of that stone.  Structurally, with today’s processing, these materials do meet the strength requirements for countertop use. 

 

How often do my granite countertops need to be re-sealed?

All granite tops are sealed at our facility before being loaded into trucks for delivery. We use a high quality sealer to ensure maximum protection against stains. We recommend that you re-seal your countertops once a year to maintain maximum protection. 

 

Is it difficult to re-seal my granite countertops?

The process can seem daunting but it is relatively simple. If you did not receive a “Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone Surfaces” brochure when your countertops were installed, please contact us and we will send one to you. You can purchase cleaning and sealing products through ElegantStoneProducts.com.

 

Can I hire Elegant Stone Products, Inc. to re-seal my countertops?

Absolutely. Call or contact us today for a free estimate. Be prepared to provide:  1) square footage of countertops, 2) job location, 3)stone color & type, 4)original date of install.

 

I heard that Quartz Surfacing products won’t stain and that Natural Stone will. Can you clarify?

No surface is bomb-proof. Be very careful with anything acidic, oily, red wines, fruit juices or food coloring. These items will also stain laminate, Corian® (and other solid surface brands), and Silestone® (and other quartz countertops). Rest assured, most stains can be removed.

Will the polish on my countertops wear off over time? 

That depends on whether you have granite or marble.  Granite, with normal wear and tear will not lose it’s polish.  That doesn’t mean that if you attack your granite with a belt sander that it wont dull the finish.  The only things that could scratch granite are typically not found in the kitchen.  Marble, on the other hand, is a calcite which will react with acidic liquids, etching the polish.  Proper sealing and maintenance is more crucial with marble countertops.

 

What is “Antiqued” Granite?

Instead of the normal process of polishing granite, the polishing bricks are replaced with abrasive brushes which leave a satin textured finish.

 

Help! I have a stain in my granite!

Many stains can be removed from your granite countertops. You can purchase poultice products designed to remove a variety of stains from ElegantStoneProducts.com. It is important that you follow the directions exactly as they are written on the package. You can also call or contact us today and we will give you a free estimate to remove the stain(s) for you.

 

Can granite crack or chip?

Yes, granite can crack or chip.  However this is usually caused by severe settling, excessive impact or abuse.  Most minor cracks or chipping in natural stone can be repaired by a specialist in the stone renovation business or by a qualified fabricator.

 

What do I do if my countertop chips?

Most chips are repairable in granite and quartz surfacing countertops. If you happen to get a chip, save the pieces and call or contact us for a service call. Our service technician will come out and repair the chipped area using the pieces you saved. Many times, after the repair is complete, you can’t tell a chip ever happened.

 

Does granite scratch easily? Can I cut directly on my granite top?

In order to scratch granite you would need to use something as hard as it or harder. While cutting on your granite top won’t scratch the surface, it will dull your knife. Because of this we recommend always using a cutting board. Should a scratch occur, it can be repaired without resurfacing the entire area. In the event of a scratch, contact us and we’ll send out a technician.

 

Can I have the stone that remains from a sink or cooktop cutout?

Sure! The pieces removed from sink or cooktop cutouts however do not have finished edges. If you would like the piece(s) re-cut to size and finished we will be happy to give you an estimate. Some customers will use these pieces as cutting boards, table tops, plant stands, garden pavers, etc. Keep in mind that we can laser etch any image you desire into these products. — some colors etch better than others – 

 

Will my stone countertops look like the color sample?

Since granite, marble, onyx, slate, travertine and soapstone are natural products, with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. these variations are expected and are the source of its natural beauty. The samples you see will vary either slightly or to a large degree from the actual slabs used in your project. We STRONGLY encourage all of our customers to preview their actual slab before we begin the fabrication process.  We offer the option of a Stone Waiver in the event that you do not want to preview and approve the slabs designated for your project.

 

Is it okay to mix different colors of stone? 

Absolutely.  When mixing stones, it is a good ideal to consider which material would be the most practical for the space.  For example, when mixing granite with marble, the granite would be best siuited for the area around the range because it is the most durable.  The marble could be used on the island or as a dining table.

 

Will you remove my existing countertops prior to measure & template?

We will gladly remove your existing laminate or solid surface tops. Call or contact us today for a free estimate on removal. Be prepared to provide:  1) square footage, 2) type of countertop, 3) location of removal.

 

If I perform my own removal, how much do I have to remove?

All countertops, build-up, screws, nails, and backsplashes must be completely removed. If wall patching or skim coating is needed after everything is removed, it will be easier to complete before the granite countertops are installed. If your install date is already set, but you need more time to complete the removal work we can reschedule the installation appointment with you as long as you call or contact us 48 hours in advance.

 

Can I install my own countertops?

Only you know your skill set and limits! Working with stone and quartz surfacing requires special tools, skills and a strong back. We highly recommend that you let us do your project from “soup to nuts” – including the final installation. Keep in mind that we have nearly 80 years of combined experience working with stone and our finished products show it!  Fabricating and/or installing natural stone or quartz countertops really is not a “do-it-yourself” endeavor.

 

How much does stone weigh?

3cm granite weighs approximately 18lbs a square foot.  An average kitchen of 80sf will weigh approximately 1450lbs. 

 

Do I need extra support added to my cabinets to support the weight of the granite?

Most cabinets should be strong enough to support the weight of the granite countertops. Additional support will be needed for any overhangs larger than 10″, or if you are having granite installed on a half wall with overhang to create a sitting area. If at the final measure appointment you do not have adequate support, your measurer will let you know what kind of support is needed and where you can get it.

 

How thick is granite and quartz surfacing?

The standard in the US is 1 ¼” (3cm) material. Depending on the application, however, we can utilize materials as thin as 3/8”.

 

Is Elegant Stone Products, Inc. Insured?

Yes. We will be more than happy to give you any proof of insurance that you may require upon request.

 

How far can granite extend beyond the cabinetry without additional support?

According the Marble Institute of America, corbels or structured support should be used when an overhang exceeds 10″ for 3cm material or 6″ for 2cm material.

 

Do my cabinets need to be emptied for my installation?

We require all cabinets to be completely emptied and all drawers removed. This is to allow for easy access for the installers to set the countertops and sinks. This also ensures that if any glue, caulk or sawdust falls down into the cabinets, anything that is generally stored in the base cabinets will not be damaged. 

 

Does someone have to be at the jobsite during both the final measure and installation appointments?

Yes, we require either one of the homeowners or your representative over the age of 18, to be at the job site for the final measure. Keep in mind that many decisions need to be made at this appointment. We would like someone to be present for the installation as well to answer any questions that may arise during the install.

 

I want to install a new tile backsplash in my kitchen, when should this be done?

This should be done after the granite countertops are installed. This will allow you or your tile installer to know where to start the tile backsplash and what size cuts are needed.

November 21, 2008. Tags: . Relared question. No Comments.

TYPES OF GRANITE COLOUR

Granite countertops are unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same and it adds a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other granite product. The most common uses for granite today are vanity and kitchen countertops. Granite adds an interesting design element to your kitchen and is more durable than laminate countertops. Whether you are remodeling or involved with new construction, granite countertops will make a beautiful addition and increase the re-sale value of your home.dfsdfsdfsfsdfsdfsdfsfsdf

November 19, 2008. Tags: . GRANITE COLOURS. No Comments.

how to clean granite countertop

washing graniteWith the proper care, your granite or marble countertop will stay new-looking for years. Stone is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain. And granite, being 7 on the Mohs hardness scale of 1 to 10, is virtually unscratchable.

Step1

Blot up spills immediately, before they penetrate the surface.

Step2

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available in hardware stores or from a stone dealer), or mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.

Step3

Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the granite. Rinse after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Step4

Remove a stain on granite, basing the method on the type of stain. Mix a cup of flour, 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with water to make a thick paste. Put it on the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight.

Step5

Scrape away the mixture with a wooden utensil and rinse. If the stain is oil-based (e.g. grease, oil, milk), use hydrogen peroxide in the paste instead of dishwashing liquid – or try ammonia on it.

Step6

Try a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with a couple drops of ammonia for an organic stain (e.g. coffee, tea, fruit).

Step7

Use a lacquer thinner or acetone to remove ink or marker stains from darker stone. On light-colored granite, use hydrogen peroxide to these stains. This also works for wine stains.

Step8

Mix molding plaster and pure bleach into a paste and spread over a wine, ink or other non-oil stain. Leave on for 30 minutes, then remove and rinse.

Step9

Paste a mix of molding plaster and water over an oil-based or fat-based stain. Mold it into a bird’s-nest shape and allow to stand for 3 hours. Remove and rinse.

Step10

Reseal the countertop every year or two years. Check with the installer for recommendations. Use a non-toxic sealer on food preparation areas.

Step11

Consider using a new disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite.

Call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

November 18, 2008. Uncategorized. No Comments.

Kitchen Granite Countertops Add Real Value to Your Home

granite2Granite is an igneous rock, once molten and formed and cooled deep inside the earth. Some types of granite can look very similar to marble.

Granite is believed to be second only to diamonds in its hardness. Kitchen granite countertops are becoming increasingly popular because of this unbeatable toughness. Granite is a durable stone that requires little maintenance and can be highly polished or finished in a variety of ways.

Since granite is a natural material, it is surprising just how many colors are available for kitchen granite countertops. Because granite is quarried from so many parts of the world, the quantity of colors is remarkable. Each kitchen granite countertop can have its own unique pattern of colors, with speckles, splotches and veins.

There is nothing more beautiful than granite for its natural beauty and refinement. Kitchen granite countertops are available in dozens of rich and elegant textures and colors ranging from light-colored accents to the more deeper and darker tones.

Kitchen granite countertops can make a very impressive design statement. Granite kitchen countertops have certainly become the countertop of choice for most kitchen designers because with granite countertops can add to the value of your home. Granite is attractive, easy to maintain, and durable.

Kitchen granite countertops are a beautiful, and affordable natural stone which will add warmth and character to any kitchen. The colors and patterns vary from stone to stone. A kitchen granite countertop is unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore no two countertops are alike. It also brings a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other material.

Granite is an igneous rock-originating deep in the earth from magma, then cooled slowly with considerable pressure. It makes up about 60% of the Earth’s upper crust. Although it has been around for centuries, granite has been a viable material for kitchen granite countertops just in the past 30 to 40 years.

Granite can be found all over the world. Granite is extremely durable and is the hardest of natural stones for kitchen granite countertops. Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar. It has a very dense grain, which makes it virtually impervious to stains, because it has very little porosity. It takes a highly polished finish and once polished it is completely resistant to liquids.

Other benefits of kitchen granite countertops are the mirror-like finish. Granite countertops can resist extreme heat from frying pans.

A granite kitchen countertop is very easy to maintain and care for. For daily cleaning you just wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel with soapy water.

Some other advantages to having a kitchen granite countertop are that they are affordable, beautiful, the stone changes appearance in different light during the day. One thing you have to watch for is than each granite stone is unique. This can mean that the color in the granite can look different from one day to the next depending on the lighting situation. Lighting can cause a reflection in the granite making one color more dominant. So in picking a color it is a good idea to choose from actual slabs not samples

There can be some other design factors in addition to color that you may need to consider. One is selecting an edge profile. An edge profile is the exposed edge of the countertop. You might also want to consider an undermount sink for your kitchen granite countertop. An undermounted sink would sit under the granite therefore there would be no lip to hit when cleaning around the sink.

To sum up; whether you are remodeling or designing a new kitchen choosing kitchen granite countertops for your home you increase its re-sale value with this important addition to your kitchen.

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Kitchen Island Design Ideas! Kitchen island plans, kitchen remodeling kitchen island. Information on kitchen design ideas, where to find suppliers of materials,kitchen designers and kitchen plans

November 17, 2008. Tags: . ideas. No Comments.

Granite Tile Countertops

In recent years, granite tile, along with marble has quickly gained in popularity as a decorative finish for walls, floors, table tops, and more. Granite tile countertops in particular have become especially popular and practical in modern kitchens for many reasons. Foremost among these reasons is the seemingly endless decorative options available with granite tile.

Polished granite has a sheen and beauty that rivals some of the more expensive types of marble tiles. There are countless different colors of granite, and each type is unique due to variations, streaks, and splotches of supporting colours in the form of various unique patterns found in each tile. No two granite pieces ever have exactly the same colors, patterns or appearance.

Tile patterns range from swirls and swooshes, to more evenly textured and dispersed patterns – veins and striations that streak throughout the piece. Observers have noted that some patterns in their tile often give the illusion of movement, much like one of those optical illusion patterns found in art books. Larger patterns draw the eyes attention, while smaller patterns tend to be gentle soothing and uniform in appearance.

Durability is another reason for granite tiling popularity for kitchen countertops. Granite is second only to diamonds in terms of resilience amongst natural materials. Raw granite is, of course, even tougher than polished granite, but even cut granite tiles feature good durability over slate or ceramic products. It can take heat extremes, which makes granite tile ideal for holding hot pots and pans during kitchen cooking – without surface damage.

Of course, like any stone, granite is subject to being chipped if bumped with a hard object directly with sufficient impact. In the event of such damage, there are products manufactured that boast claims of being able to repair such chips, and they probably do a great job.

Granite tile kitchen countertops are ridiculously easy to maintain, and while other countertop materials usually require some form of protective coating like varnish, polished granite remain a slick and smooth finish without any additional chemical coating. Check the warranty, but granite tiles should remain stain free with just a little cleaning. Usually, applying a wet rag to a granite countertop is enough to restore it’s shine.

Important note – do not use ammonia based cleaners on a stone tile countertop. Ammonia based products, if used over time will dull that brilliant finish. If you are unsure about the cleaning product you are using, then play it safe and purchase cleaning products specifically designed for granite tiles

One last thing… There’s no disputing the fact that granite tile kitchen countertops increase the resale value of any home. It’s obvious that the kitchen is one of those deal-maker rooms when it comes to home sales – second only perhaps, to master bathrooms. Cut granite is more expensive than other tile materials, but because of it’s durability, its value is not depreciated over time when properly cared for.

After purchasing a set of granite tiles for your countertop, self installation is not recommended unless you are quite confident in your skills. For instance, cutting the tiles to fit remainder spots of the countertop requires the use of a diamond edged saw. Tile saws are available for rent or even purchase at any tool rental shop – and slicing up tile to fit is fine if you have the skills

If you’re unsure of your abilities to cut and fit granite tile to suite the kitchen countertop, then by all means, at least talk to a professional and get an idea of the cost involved in the hiring of a professional tile installer. A professional tile installer will also be able to offer loads of information and guidance if the tiles have yet to be purchased.

Granite tiles are a great product of choice for kitchen countertops. A professional can help with information specific to the tiles available in your area. Furthermore, installing granite tiling requires the use of special adhesives, and during the installation the tiles must all be set level with the countertop surface to avoid risking the tiles chipping off during normal usage.

November 10, 2008. Tags: . tiles countertop. No Comments.

Designed Granite: Solid-Surface Countertops through Compression Molding

Molding Resins Division, Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc., DIC Building, 7-20, 3-chome, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103 Japan

In this paper we introduce the novel molding material “Designed Granite;” a combination of high performance resin and natural granite. In kitchen countertops, furniture or interior decoration, natural stone, with its high-grade image, is widely used but it has some severe disadvantages: e.g., heavy weight, brittleness, porosity, nonuniform surface pattern, along with poor workability.

We have now developed a unique aesthetic material which overcomes these disadvantages of natural stone. This material was developed using both material and process to combine:

(a) High filler content of crushed natural granite of large diameter

(b) A new compounding and mixing process to produce BMC

(c) Special tool design

(d) High pressure and temperature compression molding

(e) Polishing and cutting operations

In comparison with a natural granite, DIC HICERAMI8 stone has better durability, stain resistance and workability. It is the best material for kitchen countertops, walls, floors, furniture and other high fashion surface-decoration applications.

November 5, 2008. Tags: , , . designed countertop. No Comments.

What Are Granite Countertops……?

granite countertops are the things or materials which are used to make horizontal surface in which we do certain daily stuff.the granite countertops are very durable with attractive finishing which make you kitchen and bathroom more attractive.

November 4, 2008. Tags: , . granite countertops. 1 Comment.