Using Granite Countertops In Your Upcoming & Kitchen Remodeling Project

In terms of material hardness, granite is second only to diamonds. This toughness is a big part of the reason why granite countertops are so popular with kitchen remodelers these days, and also why people have been using granite as a building material for thousands of years. If you are looking for a durable, easy to clean countertop surface that will add value to your home granite is the first and most often the best option. Granite is quarried from all over the world in a seemingly endless variety colors and patterns so that there will always be a stone to fit any type of kitchen project.

Do you want your countertop to look clean and last forever with minimal maintenance? Granite is most likely your material of choice. When deciding on granite there are many different options to choose from according to your budgetary needs and aesthetic desires. There are three basic ways to install granite countertops: tile, modular, and slab. Granite tiles are the easiest to install and can be done without professional installation at a fraction of the cost of the other options. Modular granite has less seams than tiles and is more expensive, although not prohibitively so. Slab granite countertops must be professionally cut, transported and installed, incurring extra charges.

There are other decisions to be made that will also affect the final price tag, so it's important to lay out a budget when beginning your kitchen remodeling project and determine what you value most. More rare stones will cost more than common varieties, so if the color is not as important it would be wise to eliminate the more expensive colors first. The type of edge you desire will also affect the final cost, with more rounded designs resulting in extra charges. If it is important that you have a curved edge, go modular or try to stick to a more common stone variety. If you are fine with the standard beveled edge, place more emphasis on the durability and the pattern of more rare granites.

Make sure to talk to your supplier about properly maintaining your granite countertop when purchasing and installing. If you are getting slab granite, make sure to ask for special cutouts for sinks or stoves. Also have an estimate of the dimensions ready when walking into the showroom so that you can get a more reliable estimate of the final cost. If you schedule a consultation, rather than just walking in, you are bound to receive more specialized attention and a more accurate idea of what you need from your countertop.

There are enough colors and patterns of granite to fit in with any kitchen decor, so make sure you choose the right one since it will be lasting forever. Take a sample home and compare it to your existing set-up. Also make sure to sample the different finishes available with your type of granite, as they can affect its appearance more than you may think. If you are starting from scratch, the granite is most likely going to be a centerpiece, so make sure to find materials for the rest of your kitchen that work well together. Making the right decisions will go a long way towards not only increasing the value of your home, but increasing your appreciation of time spent there.

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