Granite kitchen

Kitchen granite countertops are created by nature and fashioned by man are a beautiful, durable and cost effective choice for kitchens and baths. The term granite comes from the Latin root word granum, which means "grain."

Granite is often imported from Europe, Africa, Brazil and other regions of the world rich in natural stone. Granite is an attractive natural stone that will add color and warmth to your kitchen. Granite is an extremely hard material that will not blister, scratch or crack.

The hardness of granite is rivaled only be the hardness of diamonds. In fact diamonds are used to cut and polish granite.

Over the last 10 years kitchen granite countertops have become popular with homeowners, after first being popular with designers for decades. Granite is available in hundreds of colors, from various shades of white to browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. The most popular tones are brown and beige.

As well as being hard kitchen granite countertops can take hot items, like pots and pans, and is very stain resistant to hot grease and oil if it is sealed with a silicone-based impregnator. It can easily be cleaned and cut for a basin. Granite has a cool polished surface that makes it an excellent surface for rolling out pastry dough. The polished finish of granite will not wear off.

Kitchen granite countertops are unique because no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore granite provides an interesting design element and adds certain richness and texture to your kitchen not found in other surfaces. Kitchen granite countertops can create a brilliance and elegance that is only found in nature. Granite adds a personality and character to kitchen countertops that is unsurpassed. Kitchen granite countertops have a natural beauty that is capable of complementing any tone of wood or style of cabinets.

It doesn't matter if you are planning a new home or remodeling an existing kitchen, with granite kitchen countertops you can be sure that you will add to value of your home.

Kitchen remodelers and home builders have experienced a boom in the demand for kitchen granite countertops. Although it can be more expensive to put in granite countertops, they remain the odds on favorite choice for more upscale homes, since they keep their value better than most home improvements

The investment you make in kitchen granite countertops should pay you back at least three times what you invested. If you are selling your home you will find that home buyers wanting kitchen granite countertops will be willing to pay more for your home than if you have ceramic tile or plastic laminate.

Planning out your kitchen granite countertop first involves selecting the right granite color. You should concentrate on the most popular colors. Even though granite tones are usually neutral, you may find that a certain color goes well for your kitchen design.

Countertops

Today, countertops are no longer considered extravagant and exclusive only used by the rich and famous to showcase their wealth and aesthetic tastes but even normal middle class people can afford them. People usually want to decorate their kitchen and bathroom tops to match the color, theme and environment of their residences. But there are so many options available in the market that more often than not homeowners get confused while choosing the best counters that suit their demand. So how do you choose the most suitable countertop to make your kitchen or bathroom look more glamorous?

Things to consider before choosing:

We use countertops almost all the time - while assembling our meals, using the toilet and hence they get a lot of beating. So, the most important thing one should consider while choosing is the durability and resistance power of the material that has perfect edges. The material should have smooth surface, be easy to clean, resistant to stain, scratches chemical, heat and water.

One should also look at the material and how it is manufactured. Some counters need simple processing and some require lengthy processing. Naturally, the one with simple processing will take less impact and remain strong during customization.

Installation is another important aspect while choosing the perfect countertop for you home. While most of the materials can be customized and installed, one should still consider which material is best suitable for which part of the house.

You must choose a renowned company that has the best qualified crew and good track record of customer service not to mention good bargaining offers.

Most importantly you want choose a unique surface that will set you apart from your peers and make them envy of your prized possessions.

So which Material?

Countertop materials can be divided into two broad groups and almost all have their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Kitchen counter tops

Kitchen counter tops are one of the most used items in your kitchen. Whether you are preparing the evening meal, storing appliances, or just enjoying that first cup of coffee in the morning, kitchen countertops serve many uses. Aside from multi-uses, kitchen countertops are an important aesthetic element of the kitchen. There are a plethora of styles, types, edges, and materials for countertops. Selecting the one that is right for you can prove to be a challenge. An excellent starting point is to research online as well visit home improvement stores to determine what style, cost, and material fit your budget.

Kitchen counter tops are available in a wide selection of materials and finishes. One of the most popular materials is Formica counter tops. These are easy to clean and maintain, not to mention easy to install and even easier on the wallet. With a wide selection of color, Formica counter tops are available to match nearly all color schemes that a kitchen may have.

Granite counter tops are another popular type of kitchen counter top. Be prepared that granite counter tops cost significantly more than the Formica counter tops. Granite counter tops are more durable and even scratch resistant than Formica. Slabs of granite are used for the counter

top. They are polished and generally available in a variety of edges, such as bull nose, blunt cut, or even knife edge. As you can see, granite countertops can offer more variety in the form of looks than compared to a Formica counter top.

A third option for a counter top is the tiled counter top. Similar to tiled floor, it is laid as individual tile and arranged in a number of patterns and color schemes. Installation of this type is more time consuming and difficult than the previously mentioned counter tops. Aside from installation, tiled counter tops can easily show dirt within the grout. It is important to seal the grout and tile after installation to help prevent the visibility of dirt and to allow for easier cleaning.

New kitchen counter tops are a great way to make a statement in your kitchen. With a wide range of pricing, materials, finishes, patterns, and more, rest assured you will be able to find a new counter top that is not only functional, but also practical. Be sure to shop around and compare prices when you are looking to make a purchase for a new kitchen counter top. In the end you will not only save money on your purchase, but you will have a new kitchen counter top to complete your kitchen.

Stainless steel kitchen

Work space, it is essential in the cooking process because if you run out of room to do your thing, then it ends up throwing the whole process off not to mention getting you frustrated. So, if your kitchen seems to be a bit on the small side from time to time, turn to fabulous stainless steel kitchen carts to add some more cooking space.

Stainless steel kitchen carts are extremely practical and provide that extra work space that you have always been looking for. Generally, one will feature a very large counter top that is perfect for slicing, dicing, chopping, mixing, and doing whatever else that you might need to do in the kitchen. Some will even come with drop down leafs to give you even more space to work on. Another practical feature about this furnishing is that it is easily moved from place to place because it has wills and it also will provide you with a lot of extra storage space since they come with shelves and cabinets where you can stow away anything that you want including pots and pans, cook books, and even canned goods if you want. Some other additional features that one could have include towel racks, spice caddies, knife and utensil racks, wine racks, and you can even get ones with drawers.

Now, practicality is not the only reason why stainless steel kitchen carts are such a nice furniture option because they are also a nice way to add a decorative element to your space. How so? Well, it is because they are crafted from beautiful stainless steel and can be finished off in a number of different ways, like brushed or polished, that are all very pleasing to the eye. This steel is then paired up with different stunning materials, like granite or wood, to create eye-catching pieces of furniture that are sure to please. Like, you can get one that has the stainless steel base with a wood or granite countertop.

If you are not into stainless steel, but still like the idea of having a kitchen cart in your space, no problem because there are actually a lot of other nice options available. For example, you can get ones that are crafted out of wood that are hand painted beautiful colors including yellow or red. There are also lovely vintage options that feature distressed finished and hand painted designs

and others that are more on the modern side that is painted a bold, black color. When it comes down to it, there are just a lot of wonderful options and for a stress free way to check them all out, just hit the world wide web for some comparison shopping. Just by the slide and click of the mouse you can browse the different online stores.

Solid surface kitchen countertops

Solid surface kitchen countertops have come a long way since the days when laminate was king. The combination of usability and design set a tone and a standard. Be it the classic elegance of granite or wood, a colorful solid surface or laminate, or the sleek feel of stainless steel, solid surface kitchen countertops abound with options.

With hundreds of options for solid surface countertops and kitchen surfaces, there are four main points to focus on:

- how long the kitchen countertops should last
- how durable they will be
- difficulty of the install
- how costly

Durable solid surface kitchen countertops typically carry a ten year limited warranty. If you plan to be in your current house for years to come, solid surface countertops may be your best choice.

Damage and stain resistance features insure your countertops will remain beautiful for many years. Elaborate edge treatments, unique inlays, coved backsplashes and integral sinks provide an infinite array of custom touches

The difficulty level to install will be determined by yourself and the countertops installer. A professional kitchen or bathroom countertops installer will provide all the details for you to make an informed decision for your remodeling project.
Cost, though not necessarily the most important factor, always plays a part in your final decision.

OK I WANT SOLID SURFACE, SO NOW WHAT?

Once you’ve determined that solid surface countertops are the best choice for you, you’ll want to pick the best type for your kitchen. This can be a difficult task with so many options to choose from. To help with these decisions, I always recommend following this pattern:

-Pick your material
-Pick your colors
-Pick your features

First, select the material to use. Obviously, the material will determine limitations on the colors and features you can select. (I haven’t seen many purple colored stainless steel kitchens lately).

Once you have your material, now select your color scheme. The most important factor color will have on your kitchen is the mood. Research on line how colors affect a persons mood. Using this information, and your personal preferences, you’ll be able to select the right color for your countertops.

Finally, select your features. Think about what is necessary for the functionality of the kitchen, and what are desires. Perhaps you need a large backsplash,, or a cutout for a drain, etc.

Limestone kitchen countertops

There are many different countertop materials on the market today and choosing between them comes down to personal style, needs, and budget. For those who wish to make a statement that answers to both form and function, stone material is often the first choice for kitchen renovation. The limestone countertop, in particular, adds a touch of elegance and beauty to the kitchen while still offering durability and functionality.

The limestone material used to make the limestone countertop in the United States is imported from Canada, one of the largest producers of natural limestone. Like any natural stone, limestone is strong, durable, and uniquely beautiful; it comes in a variety of natural color combinations and textures from which consumers choose those pieces that will best complement their home’s décor.

Any natural stone countertop is likely to be a more expensive choice than a laminate or engineered material. But in many cases, those who have such countertops in their home will tell you that the price is well worth the low maintenance, timeless elegance, and unmatched durability inherent in these stones.

Limestone has a long association with great monuments and architecture; and this same unwavering resilience and beauty is what makes it so popular in private homes. The limestone countertop equals a sophistication and unrivaled quality that is well worth its expense.

The durability of the limestone countertop allows it to withstand humidity, heat, and moisture - common elements in a kitchen environment. It is also relatively resilient against scratches.

However, there are some areas in which the limestone countertop is especially vulnerable. Since limestone is made of a large portion of calcium, a limestone countertop generally does fare well when it comes in contact with acidic or corrosive substances. Should the limestone come into contact with anything of this nature it can be easily corroded or marred.

That is why it is so vitally important to address any spills immediately so as to maintain the integrity of this beautiful stone. Additionally, limestone is easily stained so spills of any kind should be addressed with mild, natural cleansers.

As with any stone material, installing the limestone countertop can be something of a challenge. Experts recommend that do-it-yourselfers stay away from this particular project unless they’ve had experience in handling limestone and installing this particular countertop. This installation job is something that is best left to the professionals.

A professional contractor can be found through the retailer where you purchased your countertop or through independent resources. Just be sure that you are dealing with someone who is knowledgeable about limestone and has the experience to expertly install your countertop.

Kitchen remodel countertops

If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen and you want “to make the room both comfortable and practical,” “picking a durable and good-looking countertop” is a key ingredient. So said the Associated Press in a recent article titled “Countertops speak for the kitchen.”

“Durability, ease of maintenance and appearance are important aspects to keep in mind when choosing a countertop. And the nicer and more expensive countertops … can also add value to your home.” Indeed, countertops have an enormous impact on the look and feel of your kitchen. The many choices available offer varying cost, weight, durability, upkeep and aesthetics. So which types of countertop materials best fill the bill? The right countertop choice for your kitchen remodel project depends on what’s most important to you as a homeowner. Here are some of the most popular countertop options, with their pros and cons outlined:

• Laminate – “Still the most affordable countertop surface,” laminate is easy to install, simple to maintain and comes in a wide range of color choices. DuPont™ Surfaces come in hundreds of patterns and colors and can be custom cut and installed for limitless design possibilities. What’s more, the durable, seamless surface resists heat, stains and scratches.

• Granite – The National Association of Home Builders says that granite is fast becoming the most popular countertop material in new homes. Because it adds value to your home and can last a lifetime, granite is a good option for kitchen remodelers who can afford it. Granite Certified by DuPont offers you the beauty of natural stone, is carefully selected and comes backed with the DuPont limited warranty. The caveats: “Granite can cost in the hundreds of dollars per square foot, including installation. It is porous, so it must be treated with a sealant to resist stains; if not, stains can be very difficult to remove.”

• Solid surface countertops – Corian an acrylic solid surface made by DuPont, is the standard for style and can be customized to create unique and seamless surfaces, intricate inlays and trivets. It is nonporous and easy to clean, but may not stand up well to heat.

• Quartz ¬– Gaining in coutertop popularity, quartz is a natural stone that is as sturdy as granite. Zodiaq® by DuPont incorporates pure quartz crystal, making it exceptionally durable and scratch resistant as well as beautiful. And because it is non-porous, it does not require sealing.

• Butcher block wood – “Handy for chefs and their knives,” this material can be hard to keep clean.

• Ceramic tile – “Easy to clean and stands up well to heat,” ceramic tile’s downsides are that it “is uneven and can chip or crack.”

When deciding which countertop surface is best for your kitchen remodel project, look for an online resource that provides kitchen remodeling ideas and links to top manufacturers. Browse through its gallery showcase of kitchen countertop selections before making a final decision. The ideas, inspiration, choice, assistance and advice, such a resource affords you can help ensure that your kitchen remodel is the one of your dreams.

Formica kitchen countertops

You are about to finish your dream home and you are looking at Formica countertops for your kitchen. But are Formica countertops the right choice for you? Do you want a durable countertop that will not chip or stain easily. Or are you on a budget and you are looking to cut costs by saving money on the price of the countertops. What will drive your decision between Formica countertops or stone or laminate countertop?

Formica countertops are made of laminate and Formica is the brand name of the material. The Formica Corporation, which began in 1913, is located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For a while almost every home in America had a Formica countertop unless they had the money to use a more expensive surface like granite of concrete. Home builders, housewives and interior decorators are attracted to Formica countertops because you can find them in almost any color to match a home owner's decor.

In June of 2006, the Formica corporation added exciting new colors to its line of Formica countertops. These new colors moved away for traditional countertops that mirrored colors found in natural materials such as stone and granite. According to a press release from the Formica Corporation, the new Formica countertop colors reflected man-made colors. The colors for the Formica countertops ranged from metallic to gray to bright colors from the Art Deco period. There are some Formica countertops that look like their more expensive countertops, such as granite or concrete.

But Formica countertops are not as durable as granite or concrete countertops. The laminate surface can be a challenge to clean. For light stains, Formica countertops can be cleaned with mild soap and water. If it is a tough stain, try baking soda and a household cleaner. The downside is if it is a tough stain, using an abrasive cleaning solution will damage the Formica countertop. If you have questions as to how to handle a stain, you can look at the manufacturer's instructions that came with your Formica countertop.

While cleaning Formica countertops is easy, keeping them free from cuts, scratches and burns is not. If a can falls out of your cabinet, it can damage the surface of your Formica countertop by chipping it. You will have to use a cutting board when preparing dinner to prevent cuts. You will also want to keep hot pans off the Formica countertops to protect them from burns.

The downside to Formica countertops often outweigh the main advantage to many homeowners and builders-price. Many new homeowners turn to Formica countertops not for the design or color, but simply because they are reasonably priced. Formica countertops run about $7 to $20 per square foot, while granite countertops are about $70 to $100 per square foot. You can check prices and special offers from home improvement stores for the best deals. Ultimately, the homeowner will have to make the choice between a more expensive granite or concrete countertop or the less expensive Formica countertop.

Kitchen remodeling countertops

Kitchen granite countertops in tiles or slabs provide a unique and long-term home remodeling solution. This remains one of the toughest, most sophisticated natural stone choices on the market. Best of all, no two slabs are alike - you will therefore be creating a unique-looking, luxurious kitchen. You can also be sure that with good care, the splendid looks of your granite kitchen countertops will not fade over time.

What are the main benefits of this product and why is it so popular?

1. Value Set In Stone

It is a given that kitchen granite countertops will add to the value of your property. This makes it a sound investment. It adds such elegance to a kitchen, that it will pay for itself once you erect that For Sale sign outside. If you have funds from a home improvement loan available, this may be a sensible way to spend it.

2. Affordable Aesthetic Appeal

Granite is a natural material that is freely available. It has been around for centuries, yet the trend towards home use has only taken hold in the last forty years or so. While it may seem expensive compared to other options, it can be one of the best investments a homeowner can make. If you take the durability into account, this truly becomes one of the more affordable home improvement options. It is a practical and attractive solution for kitchen cabinets.

3. Nature's Unique Designs

The slabs come with subtle elements of color and variety that no man-made product can duplicate fully. It makes a individualistic design statement in your home and adds character to kitchens. You will note that the colors change constantly, as the light in the room changes. The color, specks and other patterns are all the way through the stone, not just a layer on top as with most man-made alternatives. These characteristics are different in every piece of stone.

An amazing array of colors are available. This is in part due to the fact that the material is quarried from all over the world. Each area's stone has its unique qualities. Shading varies from light to all the rich, warm and deep tones. The kitchen granite countertops can be coordinated with almost any sink finish and accessory type, from ceramic to copper and stainless steel. This is not simply a new fad. It has been around for ages and has a solid track record, so to speak.

4. Banish Bacteria

Due to its texture, this is one of the most sanitary materials for a kitchen. As it isn't porous, it won't be prone to harboring bacteria and other kitchen no-no's. Mold and mildew won't get a grip here. Of course, if you make use of granite tiles, you will still have grout lines that are prone to mildew problems and staining.

5. Cleaning Is A Cinch

Maintenance is fairly simple, provided you use some common sense. Daily cleaning will involve little more than a quick wipe with a soft cloth or some paper towels. Use ordinary soapy water. Due to the dense grain the stone isn't very porous and staining therefore isn't a major problem. Once it has been sealed or polished, it is resistant to moisture. The sealing needs to be repeated every 1 to 3 years. Learn to clean as you go along. It is just so much simpler and safer to wipe a mess immediately.

Laminate kitchen countertops

Laminate countertops are the most popular countertops on the market today. Laminate is made up of several layers of synthetic material, including Kraft paper that is used in making paper bags. Laminate is such a versatile material that it is used for much more than countertops. Bowling alleys have replaced wood for laminate. Boat interiors are lined with laminate.

Laminate countertops come in more colors, patterns and finishes than any other type of countertop. No matter how unique your decor is you can find laminate countertops to match. From reds to blues to blacks, there is a laminate countertop for everyone. If you desire the look of granite, stone or hardwood, there is a laminate countertop that can satisfy you. You will particularly love laminate countertops if you do a lot of entertaining. The cleanup and maintenance of this surface is foolproof.

Laminate countertops are easy to clean but don't use abrasives. Any type of mild soap and a paper towel or dish cloth should do the trick. If you have a tough stain, you can use baking soda and a mild household cleaning. Swipe the area with a nylon bristle brush. You can use bleach, but using too much bleach can discolor your laminate countertops. Laminate countertops are nonporous and do not need to be sealed like stone countertops.

Unfortunately, if laminate countertops are damaged, they are difficult to repair. This is because the material is layered. These layers can also break apart if exposed to hot items or hot water. You should never place a hot pot, pan or other item directly on a laminate countertop. Make sure you place a pot holder or trivet between the countertop and surface. Laminate countertops are susceptible to cuts so if you are cutting vegetables, use a cutting board. If you do cut the laminate, it cannot be repaired and you will have to replace it.

Since the layers of laminate are made of Kraft paper, you may see dark lines at the edges. To avoid this, install the countertops from wall to wall. You can also trim laminate countertops with a wood or steel to hide the dark lines. When laminate countertops are edged properly, it is hard to tell them from higher priced stone countertops.

Laminate countertops are the most inexpensive type of countertop on the market today. The cost is between $5 and $30 per square foot at most retail outlets. You can also save on labor costs because laminate countertops are easier to install and take less time. Many homeowners install laminate countertops themselves.

Most local home improvement stores sell laminate countertops and can provide samples. Laminate countertops have also become a popular exhibit at home shows. Vendors will demonstrate how easy they are to clean and how durable they are. They will compare the look of laminate countertops to more expensive stone and solid surface countertops. If you want to research you purchase before you go to the store or home show, You can search online for laminate countertops.

Quartz kitchen countertops

Silestone countertops are the latest trend in kitchen design. Silestone is unique because it is made of quartz which gives it several advantages over other kitchen countertops. Only diamonds, sapphires and topazes are harder than quartz. Silestone countertops are stronger than most countertops made from natural substances such as granite or marble.

They are less likely to chip or crack while being installed. And they can take the punishment of an out-of-control preschooler who likes to bang pots and pans or the occasional can that falls out of the cabinet. Silestone countertops are naturally scratch resistant because of the quartz in the material. That means you won't need a cutting board while chopping vegetables. However, a strong jab may scratch the surface.

Unlike other kitchen countertops, Silestone countertops do not have to be sealed. This means silestone countertops are maintenance free, an attractive option for the homeowner who does not want the hassle of resealing their countertops every few years. You will see seams in the silestone countertops. But the seams will not be as noticeable as in granite countertops, where the natural changes in color make the seams obvious.

You do not have to worry if you accidentally set a hot pot or pan on silestone counters. Limited exposure to heat will not scorch a silestone countertop. But if a hot item is going to be on the countertop for an extended length of time, place a trivet or pot holder there.

Cleaning silestone countertops is easy. But like any kitchen countertop, you will want to avoid using abrasive cleaning products. Silestone countertops are highly resistant to the toughest stains including coffee and grape juice. If you do have a difficult spill, use a mild household cleaner and soak the countertop for about 10 minutes.

Since silestone countertops are not easily scratched, you can remove hardened food by scraping the countertop. If you are worried about germs, silestone countertops have "Microban" protection. Microban is a trademarked product that fights germs 24 hours a day and was added to Silestone countertops in 2005. The Microban minimizes the growth of germs and bacteria between cleanings. Microban does not affect the look of silestone countertops.

You can find silestone countertops in almost every color from bright red hues to traditional stone colors. This means you can be as unique and daring as you want in your kitchen or bathroom without having to worry about finding a matching countertop.

Most silestone countertops have a polished finish. However you can purchase silestone countertops in a "Leather" finish. This finish is a more textured finish that resembles the matte look of some stone countertops.

You can find Silestone countertops at most home improvement stores. Many retailers sell silestone countertops online. A contractor to install your silestone countertops can be found in the phone book or by referral. Self-installation is not recommended since silestone countertops are a relatively new product. Most silestone countertops come with a limited 15-year warranty. Ask potential contractors if they are certified to install silesstone countertops.

Kitchen countertop

One of the most important parts of kitchen that indicate and has great impact to over all appearance of the kitchen is countertop. Kitchen countertop represents taste and lifestyle of the house owner. This is due to kitchen countertop use most of space in a kitchen so it is essential for you to carefully consider when you have to choose one. Moreover, kitchen countertop could change atmosphere of the kitchen and countertop materials is also important as choosing the right kitchen counter make most of your renovation dollars can be something of a challenge.

There are two materials that popular among home owner for making kitchen countertop. They are granite and ceramic. Both of materials are unique in terms of durability as well as colour and design. Even though they are much more expensive than other materials but these two kitchen countertop materials are still the first choice among home owners due to the uniqueness and benefits already mentioned above. There are also other materials that also becoming popular, marble. Even though marble is a kind of hard material that can be used for kitchen countertop, but marble may have disadvantage because marble may not resist to some kind of acid and comes from cooking activities.

However, some of people still would love to have other kind of materials for their kitchen countertop such as wood, vinyl, plastic etc. In fact this materials still OK for countertop but they may not durable as concrete countertop. This is because, for example, wood could not resist to moisture and some other chemical agents and it is also sensitive to the weather that always changing. So today we rarely see the kitchen that uses wood for kitchen countertop. Instead, they prefer to choose concrete countertop as they know that how well they hold up under a myriad of conditions typical in the kitchen environment.

There are two main types of counter top available in the market today. You have to be careful when considering because these two types are much different in terms of price. The first is generally called pre-made countertops. This kind of countertop normally available in one piece and then installed into your kitchen. This type is much cheaper than the second type as it is quite not flexible for custom made countertop. You may need to hire professional contractor to help n installation but there are some designs that specially designed for easy install so you can do by yourself.

The second type is fully custom made countertop design. For this case, the only way id you have to hire professional contractor to build kitchen countertop for you. You have to bare in mind that this type of countertop may have a lot more flexibility because you can ask designer to create any style that you want but it is also very expensive and may not suitable for ones that has very limited budget. However, there is one thing that you have to carefully consider if you choose this type. That is you have to make sure that you get professional with enormous skill and precision to achieve the outcome you desire.

Granite kitchen countertops

For renovated or new homes alike, granite has grown in popularity more and more. There are many reasons for this due to the many benefits of of granites use as a kitchen countertop material. The entire list would be too long for this article, so we've compiled the top benefits listed below.

1. The natural beauty of a granite counter top. Vast arrays of shades, colors, and textures are available. Colors to compliment any decor can be found weather its a neutral color or something bright, your personal tastes can always be satisfied. One note here, if your counter top will need more than one slab to complete, make sure they come from the same mine batch or color shades could be objectionably different between slabs.

2. The durability of kitchen granite countertops. Granite is one of the most durable materials available. Unlike Formica, it isn't subject to burning by hot pots or pans being cooked with. Granite is resistant to staining and discoloring when properly sealed on a regular basis. Sealing is easily done by anyone, and a properly sealed granite countertop will maintain a beautiful shiny luster for a lifetime.

3. Every slab of granite will have different feature from the next. Patterns, color textures, distribution and depth can all vary from slab to slab, providing different character. Any type of cabinet hardware fixtures can be complemented as well as cabinet finish or flooring. A richness is added to your kitchen, one that simple cannot be duplicated with other materials.

4. Although granite will add some expense to your kitchen remodel project, there are few better investments in your homes value. Using granite for your kitchen granite countertop will increase your home value, whether you're planning on selling your home soon or not. Home shoppers are more inclined towards a recently remodeled kitchen void of repair needs. They're more likely to pay more for the home, or go from feeling indifferent to preferred.

Builders and contractors have noticed an increase in demand for granite countertops over the recent decade or so, and it's no wonder with all the benefits of granite. Weather using granite to enjoy the luxury yourself, or looking to sell your home, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Consider the decor of your home while choosing the pattern and color of granite to be used. Will you be changing the decor or do you have something new in store. Neutral colors are more flexible with any decor changes due in the future.

2. Always make sure you are the one who chooses the actual granite slab to be used in your kitchen countertop. Since every slab is different, sample chips wont match exactly what's available. If your countertop is big enough to require more than one granite slab, make sure the slabs are from the same quarry batch. Different granite quarry batches will vary in hue for the same granite type. It would be a disaster if slabs from different batches were used.

3. Never try to recycle fixtures such as the faucet or sink. With granite applications, an undermount sink looks best - mounted on the underside of the granite, with a silicon sealant preventing leaks. An undermount sink can not be installed or replaced after the granite is in place. So purchase the best quality sink you can afford.

Tile kitchen countertops

Granite kitchen counters are making an impressive come back these days, many people understand the perfect usability of a granite counter in the bathroom, kitchen, or any other place in your house, granite counter tops make a great addition to any living space.

The granite counters offer great visual appeal and are also very durable. If you have not made up your mind yet if you are ready to spend the big price for this wonderful counter top, this will give you a great opportunity to see many of the advantages they bring.

With granite prices more affordable than ever, this market is experiencing a bloom in business and interest, the unique qualities of granite are now more available to the general public. Granite kitchen countertops are more affordable than ever. Previously you could easily spend a small fortune on buying the granite and then paying a professional to install the new counter. There have even been cheaper alternatives that look like granite but are made of various other materials that completely take away from the earthenware feel of your granite counter.

Because of the new easiness of installation and the lower price you can find more professionals to install your granite counter top and you can buy the granite slab that you need and anyone with a fair amount of carpentry skills can even install their new counter top for a fraction of the price that it would have cost just a few years ago.

The granite counters offers quality, durable and very elegant features to your kitchen of bathroom, the durability of the granite allows you to assign many different tasks to it once installed in the kitchen. Whether you need to roll dough, cut meat, or just need another place to set that hot pot, you will not have to worry because granite is just the perfect material to handle these kitchen tasks, and while other materials may be a cause of worry once working in the kitchen, granite is almost always a perfect working tool in the kitchen. So not only do you have a great looking counter top but it also functions location to do all of your kitchen tasks.

Granite counter tops make a great addition to any kitchen or bathroom or really any place that you see fit. Hard to damage and easy to maintain, this is really what you have been looking for in the likes of counter top replacement. The only real problem is looking and finding a granite counter that you like and then thinking of how you want it installed and placed. Once you have added this functional yet stylish addition to your home, it will definitely be hard to you to imagine life without it.