Granite Countertops Tips And Ideas
Granite counter tops are arguably the best countertops for both elegance and durability
. The natural beauty of granite countertops is simply unbeatable and it is the preferred choice by many homeowners, builders and architects. Granite counter tops are tough and quite indestructible.
Granite is found in various shades of natural colors that range from white to reds, browns, blues, greens and black. These colors make granite countertops blend with no effort with the rest of your wooden kitchen cabinetry and decor. Examine how the granite color appears against the wall color, floor color and cabinet finish. A strikingly contrasting color will make the entire atmosphere appealing to the eyes. A dark colored countertop looks great on a light colored cabinet, and vice versa.
Granite pattern makes a lot of difference as well. Refrain from picking a large pattern for a small room or small kitchen. The countertop could overwhelm the space and make a person lose sight of the other decors. While choosing a color and pattern of granite countertop, remember to consider the cabinetry in the kitchen, to make sure that your countertop complements the rest of the dcor.
Go through some magazines or take help from a professional interior designer to choose a color and pattern that blends with the color scheme and theme of your kitchen.
The granite that draws your eye in the supply store may not be the best one for your kitchen. Ask the retailer for a small sample to test it at your home. Since granite is comprised of light reflecting minerals, the stones look in the store will often be at variance with the look in ones home.
The National Training Center for Stone and Masonry Trades (NTC) advises you carry out a simple test before buying granite countertops. Spill a few drops of lemon juice on a scrap of granite stone. If the juice is quickly absorbed and leaves dark spots, the granite is porous, demanding vigilant sealing. If it takes more than a minute to stain, it is a relatively better quality countertop. If the stone has a permanent dull spot from the acid, it is better to avoid the stone.
Some oversea suppliers dye and oil their black granite to further darken it to enhance shine. Take a clean white rag and apply a little nail polish remover. If black residue comes off, the granite countertop is artificially dyed and you should avoid buying it.
The price of a granite countertop is influenced by its origin and rarity, as well as its quality, which is based on its structural integrity. You will be required to pay more for thick countertops and curvy edge treatments. To get the best price, you may want to go straight to the granite yard and do not visit retail shops. Buying granite from a granite yard/fabricator will quite often fetch you a more competetive price.
Here are some useful tips to maintain granite countertops and add to their longevity:
1 Although granite is extremely hard and strong, it can be chipped and even broken, if you drop any heavy objects on them. Exercise care when placing heavy objects on granite counters.
2 Do not cut vegetable or bread or meat directly on granite surface. While the cutting is unlikely to damage the granite, it can scratch the sealant and cause some streaking.
3 Avoid placing hot utensils on granite countertops. It is impossible to burn or melt granite counter tops but heat can damage the sealer.
4 Granite counter tops are known for their beauty and durability, but to keep them looking new and lustrous, wipe them daily with a piece of cloth using a mild cleanser or stone soap.
The granite counters are normally sealed at the time of installation, but a reapplication of sealants should take place every few years.
by: Aemuthu
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