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.
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