Granite Kitchen Countertops
We may want to use the most popular way of making the kitchen attractive or use the most preferential material for kitchen countertops which is granite, the single largest market for countertops The best solution is the granite kitchen countertops. A kitchen is a busy, active, and often easily stained and dirtied place. The properties of the granite stone is best suitable for using in such places. It is solid, sturdy, and does not scratch easily like soft marbles, splinter or blister like wood, or crack, like softer stones, melt or deform like plastics and some laminates.
Granite kitchen countertops are also highly heat-resistant, and once sealed with a standard oil-repellent silicone-based impregnator/sealer, they develop great resistance to oils and grease. Needless to say, granite is also water resistant and a smooth surface, which makes it easy to clean and keeps the surface fresh. Most importantly for kitchens, the smooth granite surface is ideal for kneading dough.
Since no two slabs of granite are identical, neither are granite kitchen countertops, which add an element of individuality to any kitchen with their unique design and texture. That fact notwithstanding, the most popular colors of the granite kitchen countertops seem to be beige and brown, probably because they go well with other wooden components of kitchen furniture. Hues of black, brown, white, green and red are also popular, since they complement popular shades of kitchen cabinets.
Other than the patterns and colors, installing granite kitchen countertops, augments the stature and resale worth to a home. Granite is a symbol of expensive living and wealth, and after installing granite kitchen countertops, you will agree with that opinion. You are sure to get a much better offer for your home from the prospective buyers if you want to sell your home. All this added prosperity means that the rest of the kitchen will have also have to compare with your costly new addition. It is suggested to have undermount sinks, as compared to the overmount models, as undermount sinks are much easier to maintain. The next change will have to be made in faucets and other visible plumbing, and they will have to be matched suitably. Usually, color-matched ceramics or stainless steel sinks and faucets go well with most shades of granite surfaces.
Lastly, to highlight the look of the new kitchen, cabinet hardware can be changed and you can use finer handles, knobs and hinges. There is no doubt that installing a granite kitchen countertop is the simplest and most effective home improvement that can be done in a snap.
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Marble Countertops ” They Are Special
Like what one would expect from marble, they have a gleaming surface which can be polished to brilliance. Marble countertops are very attractive and also augment the exquisiteness of other furniture, by complementing them. It gives the room, in which it is kept, a major face lift which is imprinted on the minds if the eye ever meets it. They are used in the kitchen counters, bathrooms, Jacuzzis, bars and fireplace.
They are available in various colours, or to be more accurate, in rich tones of colour like cream, yellow, white, neutral (almost transparent), and black. It constituent of odd designs, but is also stunning, coupling itself with the theme of the room to bring out an outstanding radiance that is nothing but heavenly. On the other hand, before getting one of these stones it is essential to match it with the dcor of the room where you want to use it.
Marble typically comes in the form of slabs of different length, breadth, and thickness. Its radiant quality is due to the fact that it is a crystallized limestone and can be polished to an extent that you can clearly see your image on it. When the marble is polished, its looks are renewed which adds more colour and glamour to the stone. Keep in mind that even if you want to polish it, to make more brilliant and stain resistance, it is advisable that kitchen countertops are not subjected too much of polishing. The reason being that calcium carbonate is very vulnerable to reaction with acid, bases and other chemical agents. If marble kitchen countertops are regularly subjected to polishing they will start to etch. Etching is seen as tiny dull areas and they become quite numerous on the marble surface. It is also a fact that marble counter tops in the kitchen are more at risk of scratches in the kitchens, which is very different to the granite kitchen countertops which are able to withstand coarseness.
A marble countertop is the best to be installed in an avid bakers kitchen because it is the best to roll dough, and also pound it to softness. It may look like a very expensive option for the baker; it has other qualities that it will confer on the kitchen that will make time and money spent on it worth more than any other bakers tool.
The ultimate good news is that with time marble countertops will imbibe the essential colour of your home by absorbing the normal stains of the household only to reflect more of your home in its quality and becomes a natural element of beauty.
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Keeping Granite Counter Tops Stain-Free
You can unwind in your arm chair feeling relaxed and happy after installing striking granite counter tops in the bathroom surface and kitchen of your home. The glossy-finished and sturdy granite counter tops are a reasonable as well as an imaginative decision. But you will have to be careful about taking proper care of the surface and get rid of stains immediately otherwise your happiness will turn into gloominess. Granite surfaces are also sealed to prevent the harmful effects of most household stains, but the following tips will ensure that they keep looking as good as new till the day you feel the need to replace them.
Every kind of stain on granite counter tops has to be dealt with in a different way, since stains are caused by different things. To counter most kinds of stains, keep the following things handy " flour, mild dishwashing soap, hydrogen peroxide (mild, regular and 12%), ammonia, lacquer thinner (or, even acetone would do), some plastic wrap, a wooden utensil, some molding plaster, bleach, and of course, that universal cleaning agent, water. With this arsenal and some willpower, your granite counter tops are insured from stains.
For most common stains on granite counter tops, make a thick paste of a cup of flour with not more than 2 tablespoons of mild dishwashing soap, and water. Apply this paste on the stain, and leave it overnight, covered with a plastic wrap. In the morning, use the wooden utensil to scrape the mixture off the stain, and rinse with water to get your beloved surface back to its original look. For obstinate oily stains, perform the same steps as above, except an equal amount of mild hydrogen peroxide should be used in place of the dishwashing soap, to get the stain off granite counter tops.
When the stains result from organic things like tea and coffee on the granite counter tops, you can take help of a mixture of 2 or 3 drops of ammonia and 12 percent hydrogen peroxide. Ink stains need another approach, and also depends on if they are on darker or lighter shade of granite. Acetone or lacquer thinner is effective on ink stains on dark-colored granite counter tops, and on the light granite, you can use normal hydrogen peroxide. Just apply them to stains to see the ink vanish.
Wine can be unkind on granite, and you can apply a paste of bleach and molding plaster mixture to the stain, and remove and rinse after half an hour for radiant granite.
Granitetopia offers much more information regarding granite countertops and tips for buyers and homeowners interested in countertops. The website also has information about many varieties of discount granite countertops and their benefits.
How to Care for Granite Countertops
A granite countertop is one to be recognized for its functionality as well as attractiveness. The money and time you spend in buying it proves to a large extent of ones appreciation for its values. However proper management of it during use will reinforce and serve as insurance for all that is spent on it, as this will give a longer lifespan to the granite countertop.
The first thing step in maintenance is to uphold the dazzling look of the granite countertop so that its brilliance is unblemished and it stays beautiful for a long time. Dont allow spills especially which have chemicals to remain on its surface for long, as this will result in chemical reaction between the spill and the surface. Blot them out the very instant they are spilled or noticed.
Keep in mind that even if you are very concerned about keeping the surface clean, you must be careful about the agents you use for cleaning the granite countertop. Ensure that you use neutral cleaners, stone soap in warm water to clean its surface. After cleaning, wipe the surface dry with soft and clean material till it is dry.
If it is a vicious stain which is difficult to get rid of, make a paste of some flour with water and apply it on the stain. Cover it with a nylon wrap and leave it overnight. If it still persists apply Hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to annihilate it completely, even though this will take some time. You should also monitor news about new agents that are made cleaning granite countertops. A good illustration is a recent disinfectant cleaner which is made just for this stone.
It is vital to reseal granite countertops to attain maximum durability of its lifespan. This should be done once in two years as people make mistakes by resealing it too often. This shouldnt be so. The stone has water proof quality of resin-coat, and that offers a lasting defense against moisture.
There is a mistake when people keep hot pots and pans from the stove or cooker straight on the granite top, believing that it is a very durable stone and can take the high temperature. Yes, it will endure and will not crack but the damage is to its visual value whereby the gravel present between the pot and the granite can result in irreversible scratches which will diminish its beauty.
You should call an expert if there is a damage which is difficult to be solved yourself, to correct it immediately.
At Granitetopia, you can now find marble and granite countertops for a fraction of the cost. Add a touch of style to your kitchen countertops, visit the site today!
Granite Countertops For A Warm Kitchen
Of late, theres been a craze for granite counter tops. The demand for granite counter tops have risen astonishingly and more and more people are buying them for their homes.
There are many reasons why one chooses granite as the best option for making countertops. Some of the features of granite countertops are:
Granite is a natural material so every granite countertop is different from the other as far as the design and color is concerned. Granite countertops are very durable and have great resistance to heat, acids and other such elements. They are easy to clean and stain resistant. The maintenance cost of granite is very less due to its durable nature. Granite gives the full room a very elegant look Increases the resale value of the house recovering much more than you spent on it.
Granite countertops are creating a fashion statement and are quite a rage in the market. Other than being strong and attractive granite is a multipurpose material and is also easy to clean. Its an excellent option to be used in any part of the house. One might add that there isnt a material, man made or natural that can match a granite counter top in practicality as well as artistic beauty.
The most popular granite counter tops are brown and beige colored with a polished or a high gloss surface. Also besides the more popular solid granite counter tops; one can also opt for granite tile counter tops which may be used for shower installations and also premium flooring.
Because of all these advantages of granite it is as expensive as 60 USD per square foot. Due to its high price granite cannot be afforded by the common man, also the installation charges of granite is too high and needs to be done in by a professional. However one also needs to look at the fact that granite counter tops are virtually indestructible and once installed are a lifetimes investment. Also, they add value to the house and when set for resale, fetch almost three times the money spent on buying and installing it.
Given its warmth and natural beauty, granites are ideal materials for adding aesthetic appeal and beauty to your homes. It blends itself completely with the surroundings and provides a touch up to the look and feel of your place. That is to say with granite counter tops, there isnt a chance of going wrong.
Granite is known to be the hardest substance and this property makes it best for making kitchen countertops as they are durable. Granite kitchen countertops make the best kitchen accessory.