The
epitome of luxury, granite countertops add a touch of class to any
kitchen, no matter what style or feel you are trying to achieve for the
rest of your kitchen. Granite offers a hard, durable, and easy to care
for countertop that makes a statement in any kitchen.
Granite
countertops come in a wide variety of grains, patterns, and colors.
Granite slabs are imported from all over the world, each having its own
unique characteristics. The best way to pick out the granite countertops
for your new kitchen is to visit a granite importer and sift through
their inventory to select the piece, or pieces, that will make your
kitchen pop. Once you have the granite slab selected, a granite
fabricator will cut the slab to the exact dimensions needed for your
kitchen, shape and polish the edges to your specifications, and install
the countertops into your kitchen. Because of the nature of any natural
stone and the weight involved, the installation is best left to the
experts.
You can also buy prefabricated slab granite countertops Howard County
which offer a wide choice of patterns and colors, but are more limited
in length and edge details. You trade less customization for a lower
price, and this option may offer you the best value for the elegant look
that you want in your new kitchen.
A
less expensive choice is using granite tiles for your kitchen. Handy
homeowners can install granite tile countertops themselves, and have the
look and feel of real granite at a much lower cost than slab granite.
The edges can be polished with common tile laying tools or can be
trimmed with wood counter edges which match the cabinets, both of which
give an excellent finished look to the countertops.
The
cost of granite countertops can vary as widely as the look of the
granite itself. Granite tiles (12"x12") can be purchased for $4 to $25
per piece, depending on quality and rarity of the granite. Granite slabs
are also sold by the square foot and can run from $25 for common
granite slabs to well over $300 per square foot for more exotic
granites. In addition to the cost of slab granite there are fabricating
and installation charges, which can also be pricey if you desire
elaborate edges or contours in your granite countertops.
No
matter which type of granite you select for your new kitchen, taking
care of it is relatively easy. Granite is very hard and durable, making
it hard to chip or crack, but you still need to be cautious not to drop
heavy cookware on the surface. Because granite is very hard, items
dropped on it are more susceptible to breakage, especially china and
glassware. Granite is a natural substance and it is susceptible to
staining and needs to be sealed periodically to minimize stains. With
minimal maintenance your granite countertops will give you a lifetime of
service while retaining its look of luxury.
It
is important not to lose sight of the overall look and feel that you
are trying to achieve for your new kitchen. You may fall in love with a
particular color or pattern of a granite piece, but if the piece doesn't
compliment your cabinet choice or the style of kitchen that you want,
you will need to look for something else. The coordination of all of the
components is the key to a successful kitchen remodel. Granite can fit
this requirement for any kitchen; just take the time to find the right
granite countertops for your new kitchen.
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