About Granite Countertops – The Paradise Stone

If you think there might be a kitchen remodeling project in your future, then you really should consider granite countertops. Granite kitchen countertops are not only beautiful and durable, but also add value to your home.

A Little about Granite

Granite is a tough and durable stone, but it does come in varying grades. This is primarily concerned with how much calcite is in the granite. Calcite is a mineral which makes limestone and marble. The problem with having calcite present in the granite is that it reacts to acids. The other issue with granite is how permeable it is. Some granite requires the application of an impregnating sealer before they can be used for a granite countertop. Generally speaking, lighter shades of granite are more likely to require a sealer. Fortunately, there are a couple of tests that you can perform on samples of the granite that you are considering using. These tests can be done at the same time.

Testing Your Granite Countertop

For the first test, after thoroughly dusting off your sample, place a few drops of lemon juice on the polished side of the granite, and wait for 5 minutes. While you are waiting, put a few drops of water, and a few drops of cooking oil on a nearby spot. Allow these to sit for 5 minutes also. While you are waiting, keep an eye on these test spots. If you notice the water or oil spots darkening within the 5 minutes, then you will need to seal the granite to protect it from spills. If neither darkens, then your granite may not require sealing. If, after 5 minutes the lemon juice spots have become dull, then you will need the impregnating sealer for protection of the granite.

For your kitchen countertop project there are basically 3 ways you can go. Choosing one depends upon what granite countertops DC cost you can afford or want to spend.

Granite Countertops Cost

The least expensive option is installing granite tile countertops. For around $4 per square4 foot, you can take what are basically granite floor tiles and epoxy them to your counter. While this can be a stunning look for your counter, it does have the disadvantage of having many seams. Seams are usually something to avoid on a countertop, because they are more likely to be a place where a leak could occur.

The next step up in cost would be to choose modular granite countertop pieces. At around $25 per square foot, per-cut pieces of countertop are put down with adhesive. This results in fewer seams, and smoother look. The advantage to these first 2 choices is that they both can be accomplished as do-it-yourself projects.

The final method is to hire a remodeling company to design and cut a granite slab countertop. At about $60 per square foot this is the most expensive option, but it is the option that will yield the most impressive result. Due to the immense weight of a large marble slab, it is simply impractical to pursue this option as a do-it-yourself project.

Ways to Attract Customers for Granite Kitchen Countertops?

Kitchen countertops are worthy additions to a property. These countertops are not only functional, but add to the contemporary kitchen designs with their beautiful appeal. Granite, because of its numerous advantages, has long been an ideal choice for kitchen countertops. Installing these countertops is fast becoming a fashion for home improvement.

Granite kitchen countertops can help you to make good profits as a dealer or contractor in your region. However, there might be other dealers who will compete with you to offer the best in granite countertops. Here are some useful tips that you can utilize to attract more number of granite countertop buyers.

Offer them Variety

To begin with, you must offer a variety of granite kitchen countertops Maryland to your customers to gain their attention. With a lot of varieties in terms of colors, hues, shades, patterns and textures available in this category, you can't restrict the options you want the customers to explore. Every homeowner visiting your store should be able to find something exclusive for his or her kitchen. For this, you can contact the countertop manufacturers and suppliers in different regions and countries. Online business directories, websites and catalogs can make it possible for you.

Offer them Quality Services

Apart from dealing in granite kitchen countertops Baltimore, you can offer quality installation services to your customers. Remember that installation of these countertops is an important step to achieve an attractive kitchen. Sealing and other countertop safety standards must be a part of your services. Help them to make all required preparations and offer time-bound installation services to further make your customers interested.

Offer the Best Quotes

Granite kitchen countertops are among the most economical choices and your customers must be able to realize it while dealing with your store. Offer them the best industry quotes for countertops and their installation. Different customers may visit your store with different budgets in hand. You should be ready with customization and negotiable prices while keeping your own profit in mind.

Offer Guidance

The first-time buyers of granite kitchen countertops may seek advice and guidance from experts to support their decision. You must be ready with loads of information in this direction that you can share on your website or in person. For example, you can help them choose among the best countertops that will match the existing arrangements in their kitchens.

At the same time, you can guide them on how to take care of granite kitchen countertops in some easy and efficient ways. Guide them on how to remove different types of stains caused by oil, grease, liquids and other sources. You can also share expert information on how to prevent the countertops from bearing scratches and marks. Finally, you can teach them the cleaning products and solutions that must be used and that must not be.

Providing them further information on kitchen improvement by changing sinks and faucets to match the new granite countertops will also be appreciated by your customers. All these things will make your customers happy and content about the decision of choosing granite kitchen countertops from your store.

How to Restore Etching on Marble Countertops

Unlike stains, discoloration, and water spots, restoring etching on marble countertops can be much more difficult to address. This is primarily because etch marks are the result of the marble corroding due to acidic substances, such as chemical cleaning solutions or acidic fruits.

Etching on marble is actually quite common on kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. The main reason for this is that most individuals are unaware that traditional, household cleaners can actually harm the marble surface over time. As the acids penetrate the marble stone, the surface will eventually corrode and the appearance of the marble significantly dulls. And because marble is a softer natural stone, the risk of etching is even greater compared to granite and slate countertop alternatives.

If you are noticing etch marks on your marble countertop or vanity surfaces, first determine how the etching occurred. Pinpointing the cause of marble etch marks can help you prevent it from happening in the future. Next, you'll want to evaluate the extent or severity of the marble etching. Minor etch marks can typically be restored with a designated marble gloss restorer or polisher. However with severe instances of etching, you may need to invest in a marble restoration kit to buff and refinish the countertop surface.

D.I.Y. Solutions to Remove Etch Marks from Marble

By equipping yourself with the proper tools and marble restoration products, you can remove etch marks from marble without needing to spend hundreds on restoration services. An economical solution is investing in a specially-designed marble gloss restorer. Most stone restoration compounds are formulated with advanced polishing powders and harmless extracts that effectively restore light scratches and minor etch marks. Depending on the quality of the compound, most marble restorer products cost between $15-30 and are fairly easy to apply.

In cases of severe marble etching, a restoration or refinishing kit may be required. Typical do-it-yourself marble restoration kits include buffing and refinishing tools, as well as the gloss restorer compounds to completely renew the natural stone surface. Even though most marble refinishing or restoration kits range from $150-300, the expense a kit is still less costly compared to hiring a professional to do the job.

Being aware of how to clean and protect your marble countertops is the optimum defense. Although you can always restore etching on natural stone countertops and vanities, the best way to protect against etch marks is proper care and maintenance.

Before hiring a professional to restore severe etch marks on your marble, check out some of these do-it-yourself marble restoration kits. For minor etching on marble, this marble restorer works wonders and costs about $18 to purchase.

The Realistic Styles and Designs That Are Popular - Kitchen Countertops

Different natural kitchen countertops designs and styles that are particularly popular today with corresponding materials used for their manufacture:

As the owner of a custom fabrication company these are the designs and styles that are frequently commissioned by home owners for their remodeling and construction projects. And you can see these kitchen countertops designs are the most featured projects in recent issues of architectural digests and home interior design catalogs.

Natural Stone Countertops: Elegant and Sophisticated

Natural stone countertops although expensive are still preferred by those who want to add more value to their kitchen in particular and to their house in general. Custom kitchen countertops from natural stones are exceptionally durable; can withstand all the pounding, thumping and scratching they will be subjected to. Although marble countertops can be easily dented, cut or scratched compared to granite and quartz all these can be easily prevented or repaired if you just follow your custom fabricator's expert advice. Heat will never be a problem with natural stone kitchen counters. Appropriate polishing, sealing and edging will bring out all the best features of a natural stone countertop. And the elegant sophisticated look that natural stone countertops will impart to your kitchen is just an added bonus. Or sometimes the look is what many people fall for.

 Ceramic Tile Countertops: Classic and Ageless

Comes in a variety of textures, colors and sizes that can be easily organized and installed, ceramic tiles can effortlessly enhance any customized kitchen design and style. Require high level maintenance but loose or cracked tiles can be easily replaced, and repair/replacement work can be limited to the one, two or more damaged tile only. Not as costly as marble or granite, ceramic tile kitchen countertops are also another inexpensive option in addition to laminate countertops.

Stainless Steel Countertops: Sleek and Streamlined

Heavy duty stainless steel kitchen counters have seized quite a voluminous following with its sleek and streamlined styles and designs. Moderately sturdy, practically low maintenance surface, extremely heat resistant and ultimately stain repellent stainless steel kitchen counters attract more attention with these features more than with its smooth and polished looks. The stainless steel's glossy looks, which can be easily ruined by scratches is an extra bonus next to its physical structures.

Butcher Block Wood Countertops: Classic and Timeless

Butcher Block Wood Countertops were popular in the past and are still popular up until today. The tree's life's essence never leaves a block, stick or any cut part of a wood; a small or substantial block or lumber will depend on the uses they are intended for. Cut dents and scratch easily but all these will soon be forgotten after you run a sander over the surface then make the surface glossy by an application of mineral oil.

Solid Surface Countertops: Low-Maintenance and High Endurance

Easy to maintain and cost less than granite, marble and quartz. It can easily get scratched by sharp and pointed knives and burned by hot pots and pans. Aside from these drawbacks solid surface countertops are also acknowledged as one of the most preferred kitchen countertops styles and design today.

There are other available styles and designs of kitchen countertops offered by custom countertops fabricators using different materials. Get the one that suit your lifestyle and budget best to avoid future complications. You need to balance your available funds and available time to devote to maintenance against your aspiration for a kitchen counter design and style.

What You Need To Know About Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most durable and elegant stone materials used for making kitchen surfaces. It is an igneous rock formed when molten rock cools, and the cooling speed, pressure and temperature of the molten rock provide a variety of appearances and determine the density of this stone. Because of its wide variety of colors, granite is able to blend in any type of kitchen décor. Granite countertops can give your kitchen an outstanding look. Its rarity, high quality and versatility make it an expensive addition to your kitchen. To get the best out of these countertops you've installed, you'll need to know a thing or two about choosing, maintaining and installing granite countertops.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Granite Countertop

You should always consider the type of Granite used to make your countertop. Your budget primarily determines the type of granite countertop that you'll have in your kitchen. This is because there are several types of granite stones, each with different prices depending on its unique and natural design pattern. The most expensive granite is one with an unrepeated pattern of color known as "movement."

Always consider the substances used to treat the granite used to make your countertop. Some substances change the color of the granite with time while others react with the granite to create a very unpleasant "cloudy" appearance. 

You should also choose a color that suits your kitchen. You can check whether your granite has been artificially dyed by rubbing some nail polish on the surface of your countertop. Make sure that you test the quality of the stone. You can perform a simple test by pouring lemon juice on your countertop. The desirable varieties of granite will take more than one minute to stain. If the stone absorbs the lemon juice quickly and its color darkens, you'll want to cover your granite countertops DC with a good sealant.

Installing Granite Countertops

Unless you have experience, it's not recommended that you install the granite by yourself. Your dealer can recommend a qualified installation contractor or may include professional installation as a part of the purchase price. You should always inspect the stone before you have it installed. This enables you to locate any problem such as cracks and stains.

Maintaining Granite countertops

Although these are not as porous as marble, they still need to be sealed so that they maintain their overall appearance. It's always a good idea to ask your supplier about the type of sealant and PH cleaning liquids appropriate for the type of granite you are using. Though most types of these countertops need to be sealed and polished every three years, you should always ask the dealer how regularly you should polish and seal your countertops. Because of their dense nature, not all types of granite countertops need to be sealed. You should never for whatever reasons use your granite countertop as a substitute for a cutting board. With proper care, you'll find your countertops an attractive, functional choice for your kitchen.

Kitchen Countertop Ideas for a Great Kitchen

Probably the most popular place in the house next to the bathroom is the kitchen. It is perhaps the most functional area in your house and it has lots of uses. Of course, we all know that this is where we cook, prepare and create the sumptuous and delicious dishes that we all love. But for most homeowners, this is also a place in which they would hang out and talk about almost anything and everything under the sun; together with their family members, friends or even guests. Additionally, the kitchen is the place in which they place their children to play and run along. I don't know about you, but most of my childhood memories are often times in the kitchen. Our nannies love to yap along with their colleagues, together with the kids that they're babysitting in the kitchen. Knowing these things about it, it is only righteous for a homeowner to beautify or get the best equipment’s and materials for their kitchen. This is very much true whenever you want to give your kitchen a classy look.

Perhaps the most noticeable part of the kitchen is the countertop. I don't know how to explain it but apparently countertops are one of the largest parts of the kitchen. That is why if you want a dramatic change or a significant upgrade of attractiveness or whatever you want to call it in your kitchen, start with the kitchen countertop. And fortunately for you, I have here some kitchen countertop Maryland ideas that have certain emphasis on materials that were used to create countertops.

First, we have the granite. Granite is perhaps the most popular amongst all the materials that are used for countertops. If every homeowner could afford it then we would probably see it in every house in the United States of America. The reason behind the popularity is its natural and unique elegance and it's very classy look. This is attributed from the natural composition and properties of granite. However, granite is pretty much expensive and difficult to install that is why you won't find it on a normal person's kitchen.

The stainless steel countertop however, is perfect for commercial setups and situations. This is because it has some sort of industrial look to it because of the stainless steel material. One look at it and you know that it's clean. So for those homeowners who wanted a hygienic feel to their kitchen, this one's perfect for you.

For that exquisitely modern, sexy look and feel, the glass countertop is perfect for you. Most people call it the "sophisticated choice" because of its unique appearance. It is very flexible in terms of compatibility with existing interior design and color; and also, it makes the room appear more spacious. This is absolutely perfect for modern houses with modern theme kitchens.

Laminate countertops on the other hand are the most common and cheapest type of countertop material. However, it is very easily damaged and needs regular maintenance. Compared to the ceramic tile countertop which is also inexpensive, the ceramic tile is much tougher and most people think that it is a must for kitchens.

Using the best granite countertops for your

Countertops are obtained from different varieties of natural stones like granite, marble, travertine, limestone, onyx. Especially granite countertops are said to be the essential and most required countertops by the people. Most of the people suggest granite countertops and marble countertops for their homes, buildings and monuments. Granite countertops are a durable material, with good resistance to scratch and stain. Granite countertops play a significant role in both interior and exterior decoration of houses, buildings and monuments. Most of the home owners and builders suggest granite countertops for their houses and building is that, its durability and resistance to heat, scratch, stain and spills.

Natural stones come in different colors, designs and varieties to satisfy the taste and requirements of the customer. Specifically granite countertops expose the natural beauty and originality of the natural stones in different colors and designs. Granite countertops are the prominent material required all the home owners and builders. Since granite is a durable material, most of the home owners and builders prefer to install granite countertops for their buildings. Granite countertops are highly a resistance material to heat, moisture, scratch, stain and spills. Even any stains or spills occur it can be easily removed using quality cleaning agents. Granite countertops add everlasting beauty to your houses with easy removal of scratches.

Installation of granite countertops should be made properly and correctly. Installation is the important factor to be considered by the home owner or builder. Nowadays, trends have been changed and most of the people prefer to install granite countertops and marble countertops for their houses and buildings. Granite countertops can be used as either countertops or tiles or slabs. Granite countertops DC are used for sinks, kitchen and bathtubs. Granite Countertops varies as per color, design and specification. Granite is one of the natural stones which come up with tremendous differences with other natural stones. All natural stone countertops are not same and they differ in their durability and resistance power.

Granite countertops are easy to remove and install. Since granite comprises of heat and fusion, it has good durability and resistance power. Installing granite countertops for kitchen and bathrooms has more advantages like everlasting beauty, durability, and resistance and so on. Granite countertops should be installed through quality expert, professional or installer. So, there are many reasons for choosing granite countertops for kitchen and bathrooms by home owners and builders. Granite countertops provide an efficient and prominent service to the house owners and builders. Therefore, granite countertops is said to be the best countertops for kitchen and bathrooms as per professionals or experts knowledge.

Why Granite Countertops?

While picking the right edge material for your kitchen, washroom or bar region, you have a wide arrangement of choices. Likewise, a wide variety of worth core interests! Showing you on the choices and their costs - both early on hypothesis and lifetime quality; will be an effort for the most part favorable. In this article, we will plot the distinctive decisions, and show to you how stone can be a high-regard decision, without the high cost.

Overlay Countertops 

We should start with spread. Overlay edges are your basic, negligible exertion edges. Routinely made of a plastic spread material adhered to a pressed wood surface, overlay edges offer a clearly limitless bunch of shading and sample choices. Today's spread can even duplicate the look of basic stone with photographic representations of rock, and edges that are relative in style to those you see on trademark stone edges. In any case, since spread is the most negligible esteemed edge decision, it has its repressions. Spread is easily hurt, and not successfully repaired. Edges and other sharp dissents can scratch or gouge overlay and warmth from hot holder and dishes can smolder or air stash its surface. Since spread is like a veneer, there is no space to buff out damage. Spread edges won't bear everlastingly, either. You should plan to need to supplant spread within 10 to 15 years.

Solid Surface Countertops 

Next we have designed solid surface edges. The most extensively known solid surface edge thing is Coria. Solid surface edges are made on a very basic level out of plastics with bits of glass, plastic and distinctive materials to give shading and case assortments. While solid surface edges don't look like trademark stone, the give a steady look. Since solid surface edges can be extraordinarily made to near any size and specific, long or peculiarly shaped edge domains can be secured with one solid piece. Solid surface edges are scratch and singe safe, and can be repaired if hurt. Various people assume that solid surface edges are a 'stage underneath' rock from a tasteful perspective, and along these lines its evaluating may stun you. Evaluating for solid surface edges; starting at about $40 per straight foot; is truly higher than various rock styles!

Quartz Countertops 

Some spot amidst normal stone and produced edges is planned stone, or quartz edges. DuPont's Zodiaq edges are an understood quartz edge choice, and are open in stunning shading and sample assortments. Quartz edges are made out of ground quartz which is blended with shading, built and distinctive materials to shape a remarkable, trademark look not found in solid surface edges. Quartz edges are costly, be that as it may. With esteeming starting at about $45 per direct foot, it too is truly higher in expense than some stone.

Reused Glass Countertops 

Another edge elective that is getting popularity is reused glass edges. For home loan holders choosing to 'end up ecologically agreeable', reused glass edges look awesome, and also feels incredible! Reused glass is definitely what the name proposes. Used glass of different sorts and tones is broken and ground, and joined with concrete masters and shading to casing emerge tints and illustrations. Be that as it may, subsequent to there are only a couple reused glass edge producers; and the thing is looked for after - esteeming is on the high side.

Stone Countertops 

In conclusion, we have our undisputed top decision - rock edges. Stone's class is second to none. Walk around a kitchen with Granite Countertops Howard County and you will immediately pay regard. Since rock is normal stone, it's shading vacillations and sporadic illustrations are unmatched by any man-made material or method. Searching for rock is fun, too. To pick the right shake for your home, you can visit quarries and showrooms that have far reaching segments to see. By review the stone piece totally, you can see wide illustrations and assortments not observable in little swatches. Stone is exceedingly solid and impenetrable to recoloring, scratching or burning. Stone can be repaired n a couple cases, unless the mischief is significant or split all through. Rock is an in number worth, also. Since it is considered by most to be a lavishness thing, stone edges will build the estimation of your home. Moreover, what a considerable number individuals don't comprehend is that this 'indulgence thing' can truly cost not precisely diverse less immoderate looking materials.