Marble Countertops Enhance the Beauty and Appearance of Your Kitchen

A themed kitchen is the upward trend in the kitchen decor department. Keeping the theme in mind, people obviously would want their countertops to be a part of the theme or be in coordination with the colors. There are so many materials available for the thing that it becomes difficult to choose the one, which would turn your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary. Along with that, aesthetic appeal and cost are also considered while choosing. If budget is no problem for you then you can easily go for marble tabletops.

A marble tabletop is a luxury to have. They have a very high price tag attached to them, but the look displayed by them is such that people cannot resist having marbles in their kitchen. That is why like granite countertops, many people place marble counter tops in their Island or small counter, which would not be very heavy on their budget. This crystalline is not as durable as granite and can stain very easily, but it is aesthetically appealing and stimulates all your senses. The staining sealers are used these days that retard staining to an extent. Crystalline made things are waterproof, headroom and are absolutely beautiful. Constant maintenance should be provided and it may need periodic revealing to prevent staining. Surfaces of thematic stone are ideal for you if you are interested in baking, because it makes rolling the dough and making pastries quite easy. Traditional to contemporary, all sorts of these handy and decorative items made from this stone are present and in such natural colors, that is beyond your imagination. Crystalline made items of this type can be used to complement any decor. Because of their hardness, excellent and lasting finishing and durability, marble ones are used throughout the world.

To keep up a royal look, hard crystalline countertops need to be conditioned, cleaned and well looked after. If you take good care of your crystalline-made thing on a regular basis, you do not need to worry about restoration costs in the long run, as good maintenance will keep your crystalline stones for a long time. Follow a daily and periodic cleaning routine. Always rinse using clean warm water. Use abrasives, bleach and mild soap only on honed crystalline and not on polished surfaces. They can be rubbed in by a scouring pad without worrying about their getting damaged. You should rinse it well and dry by soft cloth. Honed crystalline stones are easy to take care of.

Marbles are pieces of beauty. The legacy of these stones can outlast the human race anywhere and at any time. They can be easily mind out, and are easy to work with and are definitely in high demand for homes. The luxurious look offered by the crystallized stone is unmatched by any other material. Any atmosphere can be created and any mood can be shaped up by their presence only. Due to the wonderful properties and attributes, marble surfaces are extensively used. Like granite countertops, quartz stone countertops marble countertops Maryland are simply versatile.

Granite Kitchen Countertops: Add Value to Your Home

Kitchen is an important part of your home. It is an extension of your personality. If it is elegantly planned and furnished, then it can add value to your home. Most of the homeowners believe in enhancing the overall look of their kitchen. One such item that is given utmost care is Kitchen Countertops. It is the place where the majority of activity takes place. Granite Kitchen Countertops can make all the difference to the look of the kitchen. Cheap stones can demean a kitchen countertop, while granite slabs can make your kitchen countertops look stunning.

Granite is one of the ideal choices for countertops in the kitchen. It is widely being used by house owners as it has so many advantages over other cheap stones. Granite countertops Virginia is truly a valuable addition to your home. Granite is valuable because it is a hard porous substance that is capable of lasting for many years and the best part is that it needs little bit of care. Granite countertops are bacteria and heat resistant and it needs small amount of attention. Granite countertops such as kitchen countertops Maryland and vanity countertops come in many colors and styles. Granite countertops are really affordable. It can be used on the exterior as well as the interior of your home as it is easy to clean and maintain. It is also resistant to stain, scratch, and heat. Due to granite strength, high durability, availability of many colors, they have become ideal choice for all types of homeowners. Granite countertops are one of the most valuable possessions which add beauty as well as functionality in your home.

Installing granite countertops in your kitchen is a perfect way to add life, glamour and value to one of your most important assets - your home. Choosing a qualified granite fabricator can make all the difference in the world between regretting your decision and enjoying your investment for many years to come. This stresses the need for availing the services of experienced granite professionals with the right materials and equipment, the right skills, and great workmanship. If you hire the services of a reliable granite fabricator, it means that you are in safe hands. 

After all, your hard earned money is going to get involved in it. A trustworthy granite fabricator will be with you right from the measurement of kitchen to the installation. He will not surprise you at any stage of installation. To end with it can be said that it is always better if you avail the professional services of a trained granite fabricator to install your granite kitchen countertops. Discuss your needs and budget with your fabricator so that you get one of the finest kitchen countertops Baltimore at the end of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Granite Countertops

1. What makes granite ideal for making countertops?
   Granite is the second hardest Granite when compared to diamond and this means it can make one of the toughest and a long lasting countertop. Granite is also very unique because it's highly unlikely that you will find two similar granite slabs depending on the quarry and the minerals components. Another reason that makes granite ideal for making countertop is it’s easier to maintain. Granite is stain, heat and scratch resistance which means you can place a hot pan and not worry about dulling it. You can use it as a cutting board for vegetables and the only thing you have to worry about is dulling your knives.
   
2. What are the different types of granite countertop finishes?
   Granite countertops surfaces can be finished in using different techniques, you can have it honed, polished, flamed or brushed surfaces and each technique is meant to give the granite slab a unique look and feel. The most common finish is the polished finish because it's easy to maintain and it gives the granite a sparkling and a mirror like appearance that makes your kitchen radiate and more elegant. The Honed finishes is gaining popularity because its less shiny giving your home a casual feel while still maintaining originality and elegance. You can also go for flamed finishes whereby granite is exposed to extreme heat that it melts and crystallize making it rough, textured and slip resistant.
   
3. What are the best maintenance practices for granite?
   Granite is very easy to maintain for it only need to be sealed once a year, the installer will seal for you during installation which is one of the most important step. Sealing is important because granite is porous and without the sealing agent it has a small possibility of staining and absorb water easily. Other maintenance practices are the daily wiping with a soft cloth and a neutral cleaner to remove dust or any spillage. Ask your supplier or installer to recommend the best cleaner ideal for granite and will not remove the sealer.
   
4. How long granite countertop does last?
   Granite countertops are considering a onetime investment because once you have it installed in your home it will last for a life-time.
   
5. Which are the available granite colors?
   Granite countertops come in a wide variety of colors and no matter the color you choose its luster and originality never fade. Our granite slabs are unique and the color ranges from black, green, pink, yellow, white and blue but you can get many more colors. The color choice can complement the interior décor of the room and at the same time brighten a darker room.
   
6. What are the available granite countertops DC thicknesses?
   Granite slabs vary in thickness but the most popular thickness is the 3 cm also known as 1 ¼ thickness, you can also get the 2 cm also known as ¾ thickness. The weight of the granite slab will also vary with the width but the general weight is 12-13 lbs per square feet to 18-19 lbs for the 2 cm and 3 cm respectively. The advantage of going with a 3 cm granite slab is you will not need to reinforce it with plywood unlike the 2cm that must be reinforced to support the granite itself.
   
7. How much does it cost to install the granite countertop?
   The price will depend many factors such as the area you are in, how large your countertop is, the color of granite etc. An average granite countertop will cost between $2500.00 to $4000.00 to have installed. This should include sink cutouts, cook top cutouts. Do understand though depending on the granite you get it could cost more a lot more.
   
8. Can I avoid the seams on a granite countertop
   It's hard to avoid seams on granite especially if you have to join two granite slabs but there are ways to make them less visible. One of the ways is having them hidden away from view, sometimes if possible you can have the seam run on a diagonal sometimes making the seam harder to see.
   
9. What is the granite installation process?
   Granite countertops Baltimore need to be installed by a highly a qualified professional for it needs accurate measurement to ensure it fits and last for a lifetime. Installing it yourself is not recommended because if you make a mistake it will be very costly to correct. Normally the granite fabricator will install your granite for you.
   
10. What are the available granite edges?
    We offer wide variety of edges available and each is used to give the countertop a unique shape but if you have kids around the best edge will be the double bullnose and it's hard to chip. Other edges available are Bevel, Ogee, Eased and straight.

Marble Countertop Information - The Paradise Stone

A warm and soft stone, marble is beautiful and luxurious. Marble is durable and long-lasting, and offers subtle color choices and veining patterns to create unique designs. Similar to other natural stones, marble can be an expensive choice. It is often used on specific areas of a room, instead of on all of the surfaces. Marble is waterproof and heat resistant, but does require regular maintenance.

Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks, either dolostone or limestone. The process causes a total re-crystallization of actual rock. Marble comes in a variety of colors such as white, grey, pink, green, black and brown. It is a naturally decorative material distinguished by its vein-like patterns.

The Differences between Marble and Granite

Although both natural stones, marble and granite have many different qualities that should be considered when it comes to countertop surfaces. Granite's density and hardness help make it resistant to scratches, acids, stains and heat. Marble's density makes it more vulnerable to such damage but allows more detailed designs to be carved into the stone.

Because of marble's weaker build, it is often used for more delicate items such as vases and fireplace mantels, or designs in bathrooms. Marble is better when used in low-traffic areas because it softer and more porous than granite. The beauty of marble can still be enjoyed despite its sensitivities; it just requires a little extra delicacy.

While granite is used for entire rooms, marble is usually not, but can be easily incorporated into a room. Advancements are being made available to protect marble surfaces, such as new treatments to eliminate cracking in marble that were not around in the past. New sealers can better protect marble as well.

Marble Maintenance

Although not best for frequently used countertops, marble is a unique choice that adds a sophisticated look. When in doubt of marble's strength, it is safe to use it on an island or inset at a baking center.

Marble countertops Baltimore and tabletops are easily stained by acidic foods like fruit, tomato sauce, coffee, and wine. Blot, do not wipe, any spills up immediately, and then clean with mild soap and hot water. Do not set hot pans directly onto marble. And place a mat or pad between marble and anything which might scratch it, like a pan or utensils.

Use coasters between marble and any glasses, especially ones containing acidic compounds like fruit juices, wine, or coffee. On marble countertops, avoid harsh cleaners and acidic cleaners, including vinegar. Marble is a sensitive stone, but with proper care, these surfaces can last a lifetime.

Pick out Your Fresh Kitchen Countertops

Have you recently made the choice to remodel your kitchen? If so, what would you like to remodel? There are some homeowners who only choose to have certain parts of their cooking and eating area remodeled, but then there are others who want everything changed. Whether you want to only upgrade a small part of your kitchen or if you want a totally different looking galley, there is a good chance that you may be looking for a new countertop for your kitchen. If so, have you decided on the specific type of countertop you would want?

When it comes to picking new countertops for your kitchen, there are a number of important factors that need to be taken into consideration. One of the most important things to remember is the cabinets in your kitchen. Countertops are almost always placed on top of kitchen cabinets or cupboards. If you are looking to remodel your cabinets as well, it may be a good move to pick out all of your supplies and materials at once same time. This will help to make sure that your new kitchen countertop not only looks great, but that it also goes well with the kitchen cabinets that you will have put in.

The most important thing to consider when choosing your new countertop is the price. Laminate countertops are often considered the cheapest. And despite being the most affordable, they are often considered boring. If you are looking to not only change around your kitchen, but improve the way it looks, you may be or marble.

Although it is smart to zone in on the eye appeal and overall looks of a countertop, it is also important to make sure that you can pay for it. If you are reworking your whole kitchen, it might be a good move to make a list of materials that you will need or want, in addition to a budget. If you mistakenly throw away too much money on kitchen countertop materials, you may find it tough to afford to remodel the rest of your kitchen.

While there is a chance that you may already know the type of countertop you would like to have in your kitchen, there is also a possibility that you may not. If this is the case, you are urged to start shopping. Whether you look for kitchen countertop materials on the internet or in one of the local home improvement stores, there is a likely chance that you will encounter a wide selection of materials, all with different designs and appearances. Shopping or at least looking around is one of the top ways to get ideas. In fact, doing your shopping and browsing at the place where you plan on purchasing your remodeling supplies from is a great way to get price estimates, which are essential when kitchen remodeling is being done a budget.

Once you have chosen which type of materials you want to utilize for your kitchen countertops Maryland, whether they be a traditional white laminate or a beautiful green granite, you will need to decide how your kitchen countertop will be put in. If you want, ask assistance from a professional kitchen remodel design ideas expert or a general contractor; however, you may want to install your countertop yourself. With a set of good instructions, you will discover that it is relatively simple to install your own kitchen countertop, even if you do not have any experience with home improvement. Many kitchen countertop materials come with directions, but if not, you could easily buy a guidebook for a relatively affordable price, or find one online for free. 

Whatever Kinds of Granite Countertops makes Popular Kitchen Installations?

Granite from different countries like Brazil, China, Italy and India is used as a popular natural material for various installations at homes. Granite kitchen countertops, for example, are popular among homeowners for a number of advantages they offer. These countertops installed in kitchens aid in a number of ways for those who are highly engaged in cooking activities.

The cost of granite countertops may exceed those constructed from other materials. However, the advantages that granite adds to these installations are enough for one to overlook the price factor. Here is a discussion about various advantageous features of having a countertop made of granite in the kitchen area.

Huge Variety of Patterns

Granite is one natural material known for its beautiful designs and patterns. While choosing among granite countertops DC, one can find unlimited variety of natural colors and patterns that complement with all types of settings. Granite slabs used for constructing countertops have varying color depths and crystal designs. A unique surface can be added to the kitchen area by choosing any of these styles. As a result, one ends up adding beauty to the kitchen area with these installations.

Durable Installations

Countertops made up of granite are highly durable in nature which makes them perfect for working environment in a kitchen. These countertops are resistant to heat and high temperature. One can place hot cooking utensils on granite kitchen countertops without any need to worry. Moreover, they can be easily sealed to prevent scratching and chipping. Even the rough treatment doesn't spoil these countertops in any way.

Longevity

One wonderful aspect of granite countertops Baltimore is that their colors and patterns don't fade away with time. One can expect granite to maintain its brilliance for long time. The durable nature of the material further adds to its longevity. This means that one doesn't need to replace the countertops even after few years. Moreover, granite is a non-porous material which prevents the growth of bacteria and molds on the countertops made of it. This further enhances the life of these beautiful surfaces.

Easy to Clean and Low Maintenance Required

It is easy to clean kitchen countertops made up of granite after regular usage. Use of warm water and dish soap is enough to maintain these countertops clean. One can also think of buying special stone cleaning solutions for the same. At the same time, it is easy to maintain granite kitchen countertops. Resealing can be done after one or two years to refine the beauty of these installations. Low maintenance cost and efforts add to the advantages of their advantages.

Addition to Property Value

Countertops made up of granite add significant worth to the property value as they are beautiful, durable and last for long. Apart from kitchen areas, granite countertops can be installed in bathrooms and other areas. Installing granite countertop may be expensive initially, but it definitely offers long-term cost-effective solution. All these advantages make granite a sought-after material for countertops at homes. There is indeed a big market for them, due to ever-increasing interest of homeowners in them.