By Unknown in , , , on Sunday, December 29, 2013 with No comments
Finding the perfect countertop to grace your new kitchen isn’t as easy as it seems. Granite counters are, without doubt, the most popular choice because of its durability and versatility. Its unique grain adds depth and texture while giving you a virtually maintenance-free work surface.

If you need help in choosing the right granite countertops for your kitchen, there are several design trends that will help you decide. From the classic to the modern, these kitchen ideas from leading designers can help you focus on a look and determine which countertop will work best with the rest of the room.
 
Beautiful Black and White
This sophisticated color is a popular choice for modern kitchens. Dark-colored granite countertops are a perfect match to stainless fixtures and other industrial features.
Pop of color
Whether it’s a splash of yellow in the ceiling or a multi-colored backsplash, adding a focal point of vibrant hues can be a bold statement even in an otherwise simple kitchen.
Eye-catching Island
Make your island the center of attention with a countertop that is a different color from the rest of the room. You’ll have a stunning and functional granite-topped island that will enhance the kitchen’s polished appeal.

Countertops can make or break the look of your kitchen, so make sure to get the work done by trusted installers. You may opt to follow the latest trends or stick to traditional styles, but always remember to pick a style that you can live with for years to come.

By Unknown in , , , on Sunday, December 22, 2013 with No comments

Durability and elegance: these are the two words that best describe granite. This material, forged for hundreds and thousands of years by the earth itself, is also quite unique and comes in a wide variety of styles and colors that can help turn your kitchen into a majestic, personalized haven. Here are some of the most popular colors in granite countertops:

Black

Few colors can compare to black in showcasing the chic brilliance of your clothes; the same goes for your granite kitchen countertops. Such countertops, which are mainly mined in Australia and South Africa, can come in deep black for a nice, dark luster, or one with a variety of other colors mixed in smaller proportions for a nice artistic look.

Brown

This color brings about an air of nostalgia, back in a time when most home interiors were made of wood. Hence, you should go for this hue (which can range from light beige to the darker chocolate) when decorating your kitchen in an old-world theme. Brown countertops can also blend greatly with almost any wall or floor color.

Red


Red hues like rose and burgundy are often mined in granite quarries in China and Brazil. These colors, along with their varied striations ranging from white, brown, black and beige, make for a truly elegant kitchen that can be a nice combination to light-colored cabinets, walls and floors.

By Unknown in , , , on Sunday, December 15, 2013 with No comments
The installation or replacement of granite kitchen countertops is one of the most appealing and cost-effective home improvement projects to consider. After all, the kitchen is among the frequently used parts of any home. Aesthetics and functionality ought to work together, and that is where granite countertops come in handy.
There are drawbacks associated with utilizing granite slabs as kitchen countertops— the product itself and the installation can be fairly expensive. However, the benefits and features that come with it can be priceless.
Granite is one of the hardest commercially available polished stones that features exceptional appeal and ease of maintenance. Although granite is not that impervious to damage, it can be resistant to chemicals and tough stains; especially when applied with sealers.
Granite won’t simply break, melt, scratch, or chip unless intentionally and severely inflicted with damage. It’s a durable material that has a remarkable natural protective seal impenetrable by heat and stains, unlike marble and other stones.
Granite’s aesthetic properties are distinctive and striking enough that it would be hard to resist its charm. Such material won’t likely depreciate in value; instead, it will add value and warmth to your home.

You may also consider installing granite kitchen sink and flooring to complement your countertops. With the plethora of available designs and colors, it can be easy to convert your kitchen into an eye-catching and valuable room. Consult with experienced granite designers and contractors to find the most appropriate style that suit your needs and budget.

By Unknown in , , , on Saturday, December 07, 2013 with No comments
Granite attracts more homeowners looking for elegant kitchen countertops than any other materials. Its natural beauty matches pretty much any type of surface. It comes in various colors and patterns, allowing homeowners to choose what will work well with their kitchen design and appliances. Below are some of the qualities that you should look for in a granite countertop.

Experts rate granite countertops in terms of hardness, thickness, consistency of grains and patterns, and polishing. Hardness is typically not too much a concern since granite mined from the earth's crust have virtually the same properties. However, there are granite blocks that may have not undergone sufficient heating and cooling underneath the earth, resulting in much lower density.

No two granite slabs are the same, at least in their grains and patterns. However, it's important to choose granite slabs that have consistent grains, especially if you are planning to purchase several pieces and put them together afterwards. This way, you'll avoid mismatched pieces that can be a complete eyesore.


Despite granite's hardness, it can be broken when enough pressure is applied. Many would simply glue the pieces together and eliminate any sign of cracks. Nonetheless, the fractures will still be visible if you look closely. Choose a granite countertop without any signs of repair.

By Unknown in , , , on Monday, December 02, 2013 with No comments
Granite is a metamorphic rock that was formed in the high pressures and temperature of the deep earth, and as such is naturally made to be extremely durable and fireproof. It also doesn’t easily blister, nor will it be easily chipped. These are what makes it a great material for granite countertops.

Different Components

One of the best things about granite countertops is that one slab can be completely different in looks compared with another. One of the reasons for this aesthetic uniqueness is that it is made up of a wide variety of minerals interlocking together, quartz and feldspar, being among the most common. These minerals mix in together to develop the unique patterns.

Quarry

Granite is blasted out of the ground in quarries, where they are then chiseled and drilled into individual slabs of about 4-5 feet wide and 7-9 feet long. The quarry also adds to the uniqueness factor, as the granite in each one has been subjected to varying levels of geological formation, not to mention the presence of varying minerals in each one.

Countertop


There are various tools and equipment that can help turn the quarried granite stone into the countertops that grace your kitchen or bathroom counters. There are manufacturers who make custom-made granite countertops, while others let you choose from pre-cut ones. Each one will have its own pros and cons, so choose your granite source carefully.

By Unknown in , , on Monday, December 02, 2013 with No comments
A countertop is an essential kitchen element; it provides a functional surface for food preparation, while at the same time enhances the look of your kitchen. When it comes to the material your kitchen countertop is made of, you have to look for one that has the toughness, resilience, and smoothness needed for your kitchen activities — granite.

Here are some reasons why granite countertops are such a huge hit among many homeowners and kitchen lovers:

Durability

Granite is a type of igneous rock formed from cooled magma that have been deposited underground. The granite countertop you have at home is a slab of rock cut from a quarry. Because it isn't synthetically produced or process, its natural strength is preserved. No wonder more granite counters remain intact for many decades.

Impermeable

A well-prepared granite counter is impermeable. However, this is only 100 percent achieved if the surface is properly sealed with a special type of sealant. Such a task is best performed by a professional during installation. It would always be better to hire a professional to install your granite countertop than doing it by yourself if you really want it to last.

Beauty


While strength and beauty do not come together in many products, granite countertops have both of these qualities. The different patterns and colors of granite create an elegant look that match all kinds of kitchen. You can see your granite countertop outshining all other elements in your kitchen as soon as it's installed and sealed.

By Unknown in , , on Thursday, November 28, 2013 with No comments
Out of all the kinds of countertops out there, granite countertops are probably the most popular. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are also fairly durable enough to be used in kitchens and bathrooms. Aside from that, they are also easier to clean and maintain than other countertop materials, especially wood. The only thing that homeowners have to worry about are spills, chips, and cracks which can become permanent. However, the benefits of granite aren’t just limited to aesthetics, strength, and upkeep.

First and foremost, granite slabs are literally unique: no two slabs of granite are the same, even if they were mined from the same quarry. Granite stones take into account a variety of factors, like heat, moisture, and the presence of other minerals as they “grow” under the earth. Once they are mined, granite blocks greatly differ from each other in terms of hardness, color, and texture. Retailers usually sell granite slabs that came from the same block, but even then the slabs have tiny variations.

As such, granite slabs that have a consistent pattern are hard to find and they are sought after by almost everyone, especially by many real estate buyers looking for houses for sale. This is the reason why granite countertops are known to increase a home’s retail value by at least 10 percent.

By Unknown in , , on Thursday, November 28, 2013 with No comments
The kitchen is more than just a space where you prepare and cook meals; it's also one of the few spaces in your home that you’ll want to show off to your guests. Who wouldn’t marvel at a kitchen that’s not only fully furnished with equipment, but also expertly designed as well? Homeowners who want to add a little spice to their living spaces would do well to outfit their kitchens with furnishings that are both fashionable and functional.

Countertops don’t exactly come to mind when it comes to fashion, however the surfaces maintain a dominating presence on the kitchen. Simply put, a kitchen won't function as well were it not for these countertops. This is where all the preparations for those gourmet dishes happen, after all. Fortunately, there are different kinds of countertops, with their own distinctive appeal, for different types of kitchen owners.


Some of the most popular textures for kitchen countertops are slabs of real hewn stone. Of these, granite is a perennial favorite among homeowners, although marble, onyx, and quartz are also viable alternatives. These stone surfaces look simply beautiful due to the organic patterns that dot and swirl on them, and it certainly helps that they’re all immensely durable materials that last very long with regular upkeep.

By Unknown in , , on Sunday, November 24, 2013 with No comments

"Maintenance An article on Ask.com offers advice on how to maintain granite countertops: Even though it’s not as porous as marble, granite sometimes needs to be sealed regularly in order to stay stain-resistant and maintain its durability and overall appearance. When in doubt, use a warm water and soap mixture to clean your granite. Granite can be vulnerable to etching when put in contact with acidic liquids like lemon juice and vinegar. Kitchen countertops for St. Louis homes should be made of sturdy, durable, and long-lasting materials—all qualities that granite possesses. By getting a countertop installed right, and maintaining it properly, you can rest assured it will serve you well in all your food preparation, cooking, and other kitchen needs."

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/what-you-need-to-know-when-getting-granite-countertops-in-st-louis/

By Unknown in , , on Saturday, November 23, 2013 with No comments

"Besides appreciating their high strength and density, homeowners would love granite counters for their natural beauty. Each cut comes in distinct patterns and colors, which is why most designers claim that no two granite counters are the same. Homeowners can choose among styles ranging from black forest to black galaxy and decide which fits well with their kitchen interior. To get the best selection of high-quality slabs of granite in St Louis, it is crucial to visit only reliable suppliers, such as Granite Busters. Unfortunately, not all granite counter installers know the type of granite that best suits a kitchen. In such cases, the homeowner or the installers themselves can consult expert designers, who usually work with St. Louis granite suppliers. This is extremely important considering that the material is not easy to transport and install."

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/slabs-of-granite-from-st-louis-suppliers-make-the-best-kitchen-surface/

By Unknown in , , on Friday, November 22, 2013 with No comments

"In itself, granite is a remarkable material because it has a unique, luminous look and the durability that is typical of volcanic rocks. It is generally non-porous, which means it resists liquid spills rather than absorbs them. Furthermore, its non-porous surface allows it to be cleaned with mild detergents rather easily—a useful characteristic for kitchen countertops. Since it has already been pressure and heat-treated before being put on the market, granite can also resist burns from a hot pan or cooking pot. Perhaps the only downside to granite countertops is that their durability may also be a liability; they are generally too heavy and expensive to replace easily. Granite slabs that were not treated with water-based sealants can also be stained by oil-based products. Fortunately, makers of granite countertops from St. Louis, MO or elsewhere can offer these special treatments and improve the strength of the already-durable products."

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/why-should-you-bother-installing-granite-countertops-in-st-louis/

By Unknown in , , on Thursday, November 21, 2013 with No comments

"Out in the Midwest, perhaps one of the most sought-after additions to any kitchen are lovely granite countertops for St Louis homes. Folks might want to purchase these elegant fixtures from retailers like Granite Busters in order to add class and value to their houses. Such installations do not only serve as smooth and strong surfaces on which one can whip up meals. They also serve as key accents in the room. As such, they would prove important in case homeowners decide to sell their residence and want good returns. Renovating kitchens can raise the value of a property, as well as make the building look much more enticing to buyers looking for a chic and hip place. The addition of popular granite counters can truly bring out the beauty of a plain space."

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/granite-countertops-in-st-louis-kitchens-can-raise-property-values/

By Unknown in , , on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 with No comments
You can find granite in most modern kitchens or bathrooms in various homes all over the U.S. and other parts of the world. It provides some of the most beautiful countertops and walls in these rooms that can last a lifetime. In fact, granite is very durable and can withstand the usual traffic in kitchens or bathrooms.

Granite is a natural stone formed when magma or lava cools and solidifies, and comes in many colors. It is found in several parts of the world and mined from the ground at various quarries, where it is polished and sliced into slabs. These are then custom-cut to fit the required furnishings in a home or building.

Although granite is a versatile stone and can be used in many ways, it is most commonly utilized as countertops in kitchens and dining areas. Its solid strength, easy maintenance, and scratch resistance make it an ideal kitchen fixture. It also contributes to the beautiful décor of any room where it is used. You can choose various patterns and styles to suit your preference.

However, while granite is sturdy and beautiful, what really makes it popular is the cost. Granite countertops, sinks, tubs, and walls are relatively affordable.

By Unknown in , , , on Monday, October 21, 2013 with No comments
Granite is quite the popular kitchen and bathroom surface material, and it's not hard to see why. The material's appearance provides any surface with a cool, organic finish with a fascinating pattern of mineral grain patches. The material is also known for its durability and high tolerance for heat. However, this commercialized granite is far different from what geologists would classify as naturally-occurring granite.

Natural granite, also called true granite, is an igneous rock of specific composition. It features the same telltale characteristics of commercial granite, such as its crystalline structure and visible grains. True granite is also rich in dark minerals, like biotite, hornblende, and pyroxene. Simply put, natural granite has a peculiar mineral makeup befitting of a rock that's formed beneath the earth.

Commercial granite, on the other hand, is a lot more loose in its definition, and could include a variety of other rocks with features similar to real granite. Some folks might feel cheated about not having “real” granite, but what can be ascertained is that all commercial granite products exhibit first-rate durability and are visually appealing due to their visible mineral grains. Homeowners can rest easy knowing that their granite countertop or surface is a superior product, regardless of its true composition.

By Unknown in , , , , on Sunday, October 13, 2013 with No comments
Amongst construction materials, it is usually the ones directly harvested from nature that offer the best in terms of beauty and function. Rocks such as slate and granite are particularly notable for their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, it was only about a decade ago when granite countertops for kitchens and bathrooms became popular with homeowners in Europe and the US.

The primary reason granite was only widely accepted just a couple of years ago is because it is much harder to work with than more common materials such as vinyl and wood. Granite countertops are also heavier, which means that kitchen and bathroom furnishes need to be built as sturdy as possible to support their weight. Professional interior designers may have been using them for decades, but it was only when granite became much affordable did it finally catch on with average homeowners.

Granite is a material that can reliably resist microbes and moisture thanks to its sterile and semi-porous surface. Since most granite slabs are treated for extreme heat and pressure, granite countertops can also resist flame damage from stoves and ovens. Their natural, luminous surface can also catch the eye of real estate or home buyers, which would be useful when the house is put on sale.

By Unknown in , , , , on Sunday, October 06, 2013 with No comments
A kitchen looks inviting and cozy with a well-designed countertop that is ideally installed to make kitchen tasks more convenient and catch attention at the same time; hence, you need to choose the right material for your countertop that matches all other elements found in your kitchen. Here are three of the most popular countertop materials you might want to consider:

Granite

The most popular among the commercially available countertop materials, granite continues to uphold its reputation of being elegant and durable. While everything else in your kitchen may deteriorate after several years, your granite countertop will remain in great shape as long as you maintain it regularly. Granite countertops match almost all kitchen designs, so you really don't have to do extensive changes just to create balance and harmony.

Quartz

Engineered to exceed the qualities of natural stone, quartz possesses both beauty and durability just like granite. It can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance and use. A quartz countertop can be an ideal alternative to granite if you can find one in your area.

Recycled Glass

A recycled glass countertop is not purely made of glass. They are pieces of shattered glass bound by cement binder, producing a smooth, glazed surface that is comparable to that of top stone countertops. Recycled glass may even be used as flooring and backsplash for your bathroom.
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