subject: Granite Countertops: An Overview [print this page] Home remodelers and builders have experienced a boom in the requirement for granite worktops in kitchens and loos. The beauty and heat of granite makes it the ultimate material for cultured appeal in home design, and the sturdiness and simple care of granite counters keeps them a fave for house owners who are taking a peek into the future. Though adding granite counters to any kitchen can be relatively expensive, they remain the premiere choice in upscale houses, as they keep their worth better than most other enhancements.
Granite, like marble and other popular stones, are as old as the earth. Granite is found all over the world. As a preferred material, granite was used in the construction of temples and other public buildings in ancient societies. In the recent past many builders continued to use granite for pillars and exterior finishes. Stone suppliers didn't begin experimenting with polished granite until 1831. The preference for polished granite began in 1851, when a finished piece of granite was displayed in London at The Great Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations.
Granite makes an excellent medium for countertops, as it is the most durable of all stones. The hardness of granite is rivaled only by the hardness of diamonds. The durability and versatility of granite countertops makes it a favorite of professional and home chefs. Granite can withstand the placement of a hot pot and serves as an excellent surface for handling doughs and confectionery. The natural beauty of granite countertops complement any tone of wood or style of cabinetry, from French country to sleek modern styles. Granite is an attractive stone that adds color and warmth to any room.
A well-liked selection of designers for dozens of years, granite counters have now become favored by the general public. There are literately loads of colours of granite, from variances of white thru browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. Brown and beige tones are the most well liked, as they work best with many any kitchen color range, permitting bigger pliability in redecorating over time. Some of the granite colours exhibit ""movement,"" or a design in the natural color. Movement from massive patterns can carry the eye quickly over the outer layer of the worktop, while little patterns have a rather more sedate appearance. The blend of color and movement implies no 2 counters are the same.
While granite worktops are a favourite choice due to their beauty and sturdiness, they aren't immune to damage. Regular care includes correct cleaning and the utilisation of sealers to stop marking. Though granite is sort of hard, it can be simply be chipped. A talented pro can perform repairs that are almost invisible.
Granite worktops can cost more than other worktop materials, with costs beginning at $60 a square foot installed. Most of the cost isn't in the stone, but in the quarry work, cutting, transport, polishing and installations. It isn't suggested the DIY householder to take on this project. Regardless of the power of granite, the outsized slab sheets must be exactly cut to fit the counters, and are extraordinarily fragile when transported. Special care must be brought to fortify the base cupboards, and the slab must be set completely level. Failure to correctly set a granite counter could lead it to break during regular use.
When a house owner desires the use of granite worktops, but is not able or not willing to pay a premium, discounted granite for worktops could be a nice choice. Outlets maintain groupings or tiers of stone primarily based on acclaim of color and movement. Lower tiered cuts of stone maintain the consistent traits granite is understood for, but the shadow of a color may change according to current fashion trends.
Granite worktops may continue to remain a favourite of house owners, designers and interior designers. The timeless beauty and sturdiness of granite makes it a renovation treasure to last a life-time.
