Showing posts with label countertops st louis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label countertops st louis. Show all posts

One of the most popular and widely used materials for countertops is granite. Harder than marble, and with a wide variation in its patterns, this sturdy rock is one of the most suitable options for kitchen and bathroom use.

How is granite formed?

The term “granite”, when used commercially, refers to any type of crystalline rock formed from mineral grains that were compressed and subjected together to high temperatures. Because of the way they were created, these rocks are much harder and tougher than sedimentary rocks. The latter are formed by the compression of sediments under less extreme conditions, and include such varieties as limestone and sandstone.

The nature of its formation makes granite an igneous or metamorphic rock. Marble also falls under the same category, but is not as hard as granite. While granite and marble have very similar qualities, one property that officially sets them apart is hardness.

True Granite

To a geologist, however, true granite is not one that was formed from other rock particles, but from different minerals in liquid form, cooling to become rocks under the earth’s surface. Its mineral components include quartz and feldspar.


Other stones, such as gabbro, pyroxenite, and schist, are stone varieties different from granite, but are sold commercially under the general category of “granite”. Regardless of the variety, commercial granite can be expected to provide the same qualities of sturdiness and beauty that has made it a much sought after material for the home.

Looking to give your kitchen a new style and feel? You might want to start with the countertops because they’re one of the things that most people notice when they visit a home. If you’re having a hard time finding a suitable material for your countertops, remember that you can’t go wrong with granite slabs.
Granite is an igneous rock and is one of the most widely-used construction materials in the world. It’s an excellent choice for kitchen countertops because it can withstand the significant heat and action that kitchens are normally subjected to. Granite is also easy to clean because it does not have pores where dirt, grime, and spilt liquids can lodge into. Finally, it is very beautiful to look at and hardly depreciates over time, making it a worthwhile and solid investment as far as home improvements go.
However, granite is also not perfect. Despite, or perhaps because of, its traits, granite is fairly heavy and can cause weaker kitchen counters and tables to buckle under the weight. Granite may also get damaged and leave permanent marks when scratched with a sharp object. To avoid these, make sure to consult with experienced contractors, and entrust the installation only with these pros.



Match either the dominant countertop color or one of its secondary colors with a floor tile that is similar in hue. Use black galaxy granite containing speckles of bronze against a porcelain tile floor with a muted orange base that accents the bronze. Install a ubatuba black granite countertop over white cabinetry and finish the look with white porcelain tiles, preferably with a pattern to prevent slipping.

Choose only the most durable St. Louis countertops and floor tiles that are bound to last for a long time. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of your new color-synchronized kitchen without the disadvantage of having to take everything out for repairs or replacement every so often. Always remember, though, that in the end, quality should have precedence over style and aesthetics.

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/kitchen-colors-choosing-floor-tiles-and-countertops-in-st-louis/

Granite countertops

According to Godbole, a granite countertop is the first thing that comes to mind when people plan to set up a bar at home. Granite countertops are already popular among kitchen remodelers for their ease of maintenance. If you want your home bar to be an extension of your dining area and kitchen, consider countertops that are of the same color as those of the areas mentioned, for consistency.

Seamless design

Some remodeling experts recommend keeping the wet bar countertop as seamless as possible. This usually means designing a cabinet with typical bar features such as a mini refrigerator, drawers for the utensils, and a sink. Your contractor can cut a large hole through the countertop to accommodate the sink fixture and other accent pieces.

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/granite-countertops-in-st-louis-providing-the-jazz-in-your-home-bar/

Probably the reason you chose granite over other countertop options is that you’ve heard from some reliable sources that it’s a very tough material. While this is true, you still need to know how hard it is so that you will also have an idea of its limitations. 

Granite is not invincible, and if you put too much pressure on its surface using a tool that’s more than its toughness can bear, this naturally formed stone might break off. Granite is hard, yet its hardness can be its weakness. The crystalline structure forming every block makes granite so vulnerable to strong impact. However, since you’re not expected to use your granite countertop for any other purpose than for preparing food, you won’t see cracks or chips on its surface anytime soon. 

 The previous problem with granite, and practically all other countertop materials, is that its surface tends to form tiny pits. Thanks to today’s polishing technology, you can prevent this from happening. Most granite countertop manufacturers apply a thin, mirror-like finish that protects the surface of the material from dents and scratches and also gives it a stunning glaze. 

One interesting feature of granite is that it doesn’t easily get dented by knives. Unless the knife is made of diamond or any other material harder than granite, you can’t expect it to slash through the countertop so easily. In fact, knives are known to sustain damage from a forceful contact with granite.

A huge percentage of American homes have granite countertops installed in the kitchen – and for good reason, too. Granite is one of the strongest rocks on earth, and it’s virtually indestructible, allowing homeowners to save big bucks on what could have been costly repairs, replacement, or regular maintenance for substandard countertop materials. This being said, though, thorough cleaning and sealing is still necessary for granite countertops in St. Louis homes.

Unclutter

Before starting with your sealing project, you should first make sure that the entire granite surface that needs moisture protection is free of clutter that might impede the sealing process. This means you should seal it on a day and time when the kitchen won’t be in use too much, since after uncluttering, you will also have to clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry at least overnight.

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/important-tips-in-sealing-kitchen-granite-countertops-in-st-louis-mo/

A kitchen won’t be complete without an elegant-looking countertop. This is often a kitchen's focal point, as well as the most functional element. No wonder many homeowners spend a lot of time, effort, and money just to look for the countertop that perfectly fits their kitchen. Although most countertops are exquisite-looking, not all of them may fit certain kitchen designs.

Granite countertops are the most preferred type due to their wide array of colors and patterns. Granite comes in around 3,000 different colors, which means it can have a match for the same number of kitchen designs. This makes it easier for homeowners to take their pick and be completely satisfied with their choice.

Depending on the size and design of the kitchen, there are various shapes and edge designs that a homeowner can choose from. Be it egg and ogee or bevel, you just have to make sure it won’t affect the functionality and look of the entire kitchen. Square edges, however, are standard and may match any type of kitchen.

To make a more accurate choice, the homeowner should go to a store and mix and match different types of granite and surfaces. Most stores allow their customers to choose this way. Some even provide expert advice on how to choose the ideal granite countertop to ensure the customer will make an informed decision.

A lot of homeowners and real estate agents will agree with the concept that the kitchen is one of the most important parts of a home. In fact, a well-designed a cooking space will help in boosting the value of the house come reselling time. This is why when you are designing or remodeling a kitchen, one aspect that needs careful thought and consideration is choosing the best material for the countertops.

Slab granite offers a more solid and dandyish look to your kitchen, although installing it can be very hard due to its sheer size. This is why you need the help of contractors who specialize in granite countertops in St. Louis, like those from Granite Busters, Inc., when handling slab granite. They can properly install the countertop at your desired corner of the kitchen and apply the necessary coating to increase its resilience. Granite has infinite gradients and patterns. If you're looking for one that goes well with your kitchen's existing surfaces, consult companies like Granite Busters Inc., who offer granite countertops in a variety of colors and styles. Such companies are well-versed in the qualities of the products they sell, and that's how you can be sure you're not picking the wrong one.

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/granite-st-louis-countertops-rule-the-kitchen-with-timeless-qualities/

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.

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.

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.

"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/

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.