Granite Countertops
Granite is ideal for countertops due to its durability and beauty. Adding granite to bathrooms, kitchens and bars will add value and elegance to your home. There are many factors to consider with granite such as color, finish, edges and thickness, all of which you must understand before installation.
First, shop for the best value and someone with many color options. Most granite installation companies offer free in-home estimates which allows you compare prices and samples. The goal is to get the highest quality stone for the lowest price. Ask for granite samples, pictures of completed work and customer references.
Pick a color compatible with the décor of your home. Granite is a natural stone, so color variation is common. Your granite countertop will not necessarily look like the showroom sample.
However, many granite suppliers will allow you to pick the slab out personally which will allow you to see the variations in color so you are not surprised on installation day! It’s also recommended to pick your granite color and type prior to picking the cabinet finish (whether you ar buying new or refinishing). Granite is typically more colorful and artistic in quality than the cabinetry which makes it such an important purchase.
Decide on a sink style. Whether you choose a drop-in or undermount sink, the granite fabricator will charge extra to make required cuts in your stone. Undermount sinks require more granite work, resulting in additional cost. You must provide your fabricator will sink templates, so purchase you sink before work begins.
Choose a thickness. Granite countertops are typically referred to as 2 or 3 cm., or ¾ to 1 inches respectively. 3-cm. granite countertops are more expensive to buy, but are stronger and more attractive since 2-cm. countertops usually require plywood supports and laminate edges.
Determine what type of edges you want. If you don’t like any of the standard choices such as half-bullnose and bevel, ask your fabricator to custom design an edge. You may want an edge to match cabinet detail or another architectural feature of your home.
Ask the fabricator if he can install seamless countertops. Seams in granite are visible; you may want to pay extra for seamless fabrication. Some granite workers place seams near sinks to minimize their appearance, but this gradually may damage the grout due to water exposure.
Although granite is durable, it can crack if you strike it with a heavy object. To be safe, use cutting boards and store heavy pots and pans in cabinets rather than on pot racks that hang over the countertop.
Most granite fabricators will seal your granite. You should reseal the surface every few years for maximum protection from stains and other damage. it’s also recommended to clean the granite with an approved product that will not remove the sealer.
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