Friday, August 26, 2011

Why Granite?

Natural Granite has Unique Beauty

If you have ever walked into a new kitchen with granite counter tops, then you know how beautiful granite counter tops truly are. Granite comes in an endless variety of colors and combinations to compliment any decor. Because granite comes from nature, you can rest assured that no one has the same counter top that you have. Granite is always beautiful and unique for every design project.


Granite Counter tops are Scratch and Stain Resistant

Granite is the hardest material available for kitchen countertops. Because it is naturally hard and dense, granite will not crack or stain under normal wear. When you invest in granite, you are investing in a material that can last the life of your home. Granite is a heat resistant natural stone and will not discolor or burn even if hot cookware is placed directly on the counter top. Granite also has natural scratch resistance and under normal circumstances, will last a lifetime.

Granite Counter tops are Easy to Clean and Maintain

Granite counter tops are easily cleaned with mild soap and hot water. Because granite is dense and does not harbor bacteria, just wiping your counters with soap and water is sufficient for keeping them clean. You can dry your granite counter tops and then shine them up with some Windex and they will continue to look as shiny as the day they were installed.

Granite Counter tops Can be Restored if Damaged

If you have bought a fixer upper and your granite kitchen needs restoration, you can have a professional stone restoration company repair, polish, seal, and protect your granite. Because granite is so durable, a professional can bring your granite counter tops back to life. You'll just love the restored luster of your granite counter tops.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Kitchen Counter Top Choices

If you're ready to get new kitchen counter tops, there are many styles and materials to choose from. Natural stone, laminate, solid surface, and wood are all possibilities and they all have their advantages. Here are some tips and explanations of the different types of kitchen counter top materials available.

First, natural stone (granite, marble, or quartz) makes an absolutely beautiful counter top. Granite countertops are extremely hard and durable and highly stain, scratch and heat resistant. Granite is visually appealing and comes in many one of a kind designs. Some types of generic granite need to be sealed yearly. However, higher end granite counter tops often come with a seal that is good for 15 years or more. Quartz is another natural stone counter top that is great for the kitchen. Because Quartz is naturally nonporous and stain resistant, it does not require sealing. Quartz is ideal for counter tops and comes in a variety of colors. It can also be treated to be antimicrobial. However, do not use chemical cleaners on your natural stone counter tops. Only use cleaners that are specifically for your stone counter top. Marble is a softer stone but as long as it is properly sealed and cleaned (only use marble cleaner!) it makes attractive counter tops.

Laminate counter tops are a good choice if you are cutting costs. Laminate is durable and good for homes with children and busy kitchens and cost less than natural stone. Solid surface counter tops like Corian can mimic the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Solid surface counter tops are easy to care for and clean, but are susceptible to scratching and heat damage, so use a trivet for the hot pots and pans. Wood adds warmth and beauty to your kitchen. New woodein counter tops are treated with oils to make them water and stain resistant.