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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