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

As part of any home upgrade project, granite is definitely worth every extra penny. Despite busy chores done on its surface, the low-maintenance material exhibits strength and resistance to stains and damage. Its versatility also makes it possible to mix and match it with cabinets, wall paint, and other fixtures to either yield a timeless rustic appeal or a more contemporary interior.

Due to the nature of the stone, only professionals with enough experience in granite handling can guarantee satisfactory results when it comes to installation. Established companies like Granite Busters offers a wide variety of St. Louis granite slabs in their inventory. Maximize the potential of this popular countertop material by purchasing from industry leaders and entrusting its installation only to experts.

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/show-me-some-stone-tips-on-remodels-with-granite-for-st-louis-homes/

The housing industry is making strides, as prices are slowly but surely reaching pre-economic-meltdown averages. Homeowners who were previously hesitant to enter the market are now more than welcome to list their homes for sale. Many of them, however, understand that selling a house can become an arduous task, despite the recovering rates and rosy outlook.

Buyers are picky, and it can take a significant amount of time before a home seller can reel in a potential buyer. For this reason, homeowners who want to attract buyers should consider having a kitchen and/or bathroom renovation, and should approach a St. Louis granite supplier for bath fixture and countertop materials.

http://www.granitebusters.com/industry-news/st-louis-granite-suppliers-can-help-boost-the-value-of-your-home/

In the kitchen countertop arena, experts say that granite’s long-standing reign at the top has been finally been ended by quartz. Today, quartz is considered the most popular type of countertop material. It has garnered a loyal following because of its many good qualities such as durability, beauty, and the fact that it doesn’t possess some of the inherent weaknesses of natural stone. 

Quartz countertops are also known as engineered stone countertops because they are manufactured instead of quarried like most stone slabs are. The manufacturing process allows for the wider range of colors than what you’ll find in natural stones such as granite or marble. The appearance of the finished product is rich and luxurious. 

Quartz is nonporous, so it is highly resistant to staining. It stands up well against juice, wine, oil, coffee, and other common sources of stains in the kitchen. This nonporous quality also benefits the material’s cleanliness—it won’t harbor bacteria or viruses, and it’s easy to wipe clean. The surface also feels sleek and doesn’t have the same hardness that many find unpleasant in other types of stone countertops. 

Granted, granite isn’t going away anytime soon, and it still has many die-hard fans. However, quartz has now become a suitable alternative for those looking for something different in their countertops.

    Hunter advises homeowners to be “careful with your accessories” and vary materials. Mix white pottery or ceramic fixtures with stainless steel, and use furniture pieces such as bar stools to soften the space for a more comfortable look. “Use fabric that incorporates stripes with a little black to tie everything together,” Hunter adds. This will bring “lightness and a little more color” to your space.”

Gone are the days when kitchens were simply for cooking. Today, they define a lifestyle. Talk to St. Louis granite experts from leading companies like Granite Busters to discover the kind of countertop that will best suit your home – preferably black, but any lovely color will do.

http://www.granitebusters.com/industry-news/st-louis-granite-countertops-2014-kitchen-trends-say-go-with-black/

From the quarry site, huge granite slabs are transported to countertop manufacturing facilities to be cut into smaller slabs. These slabs are then shaped according to the design the suppliers requested, which is mostly based on their customer’s preference. Besides the top surface, the shape of the edge is essential in the overall appearance and function of a countertop.

The majority of countertops are rectangular in shape. This is the most efficient design since it can accommodate essential fixtures and provide sufficient working space. It also follows the shape of the kitchen area, allowing for a wider space for movement.

Like any stone cut along the side, a sharp edge is formed on virtually all edges of a countertop during the first stages of manufacturing. These edges are smoothened to prevent risks of cuts and bruises on people preparing food or doing other kitchen chores. Granite countertops can have either eased edges or square edges.

An eased-edge countertops is characterized by its slightly rounded edge, while a square-edged countertop has sloped edges. Either provides safety for the family members and guests. In most cases, this characteristic is even improved when the polish is applied. The polish can create a smooth surface across the countertop and around the edges.



Granite has been widely used as kitchen countertop material for a long time and it has certainly been matching up to homeowners’ expectations. Its exquisite look and sturdy structure stir a sense of security and pride. However, do you have any idea how your granite countertop ended up being the resilient and elegant-looking material it is today?

Like many other rocks and minerals being excavated in quarry sites, granite is a naturally occurring material. It’s found deep in the Earth’s crust, formed by cooled magma that had been flowing back and forth into the crust for thousands of years. The cooling stage allows the granite to achieve its resilience and durability.

Granite contains quarts and feldspar, which give it a light shade and different patterns. The color these elements produce range from pink to white, while others are dark-colored. They can form thousands of combinations that allow for a wide selection of styles that homeowners can choose from. Unlike other materials, it’s easy to find a granite countertop that perfectly matches their kitchen due to the multitudes of selections.

The smooth or glazed surface of granite, however, is not natural but a product of finishing. There are many ways to give granite a marketable finish, including, polishing, honing, and flaming. Each results in a different texture or appearance that make granite countertops perfect for almost any type of kitchen design.


Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most favorite areas homeowners want to play around with when it comes to infusing their design ideas using some of the finest and most elegant materials available – specifically granite. As you may already know, granite is a naturally-occurring material that varies slightly in strength, color, composition, and the like depending on where it was harvested. In essence, shopping for the right type of granite countertop in St. Louis that perfectly fits your kitchen or bathroom can be a tall order, considering the many different styles that are available in the market.

If you are undecided as to which type of granite will match your cooking space, then it is best if you go for suppliers and providers who offer an extensive catalog. Aside from the more common options like black, and other popular styles, you should also consider checking out other colors that are not commonly used. Retailers of granite counters usually have a long list of options that come in unique, lovely colors that will surely transform any space.


If you have limited knowledge regarding granite and choosing the best one, on the other hand, it is highly advised that you talk to experienced retailers for guidance right at the start of the selection process. Tell them what you want to see in your bathroom or kitchen and share some of your ideas. This will help them choose the right kind of granite countertop for you.

Visit the full slabs of the stones you have selected. Inspect them for color to see if you enjoy the color in the slab with your samples. Look at the veining or color patterns; stones with busy grain work better in contemporary kitchens with simple cabinets and tile, while tight-grain patterns work better in traditional or busy kitchen designs. Getting stunning St. Louis granite countertops doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of time and effort to choose the right color that will work for your kitchen. Remember, though, that aesthetics isn’t the only reason to buy granite; in the end, you should also consider quality and durability.

http://www.granitebusters.com/info-articles/tips-for-choosing-the-color-of-your-st-louis-granite-countertops/


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.

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.

"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/

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.