Category: Company News

Factors that affect granite countertop prices

When shopping for granite worktops, you will notice that there are a number of different products from which to choose. Each of which has its own price tag. If you are wondering what exactly determines the price of that slab, here are the main factors. Grade The grade or quality of the stone is the top factor. The grade is determined by the porosity and natural imperfections found in the stone. First Grade is the most expensive while Commercial Quality is of the medium price range and Second Grade is the cheapest option. Supply and demand This is a general principle in all products and services. The greater the demand and the lower the supply, the higher the price. A stone with certain rare qualities will fetch a higher price because of the fact that it is in limited supply. Thickness This should come as no surprise because thicker slabs

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What makes granite great for kitchens

Whether you are building a new kitchen or renovating your existing kitchen, it’s important to know where and how to make the most meaningful investments. Your worktops are extremely important and quality is just as valuable as style when it comes to these surfaces. Granite is easily one of the most popular of all surfaces. Here are some reasons why. Durable Granite is a natural stone which means that it is naturally durable and quite resistant to scratches and heat. Yes, it’s true that you can damage granite but it is far more difficult to damage than inferior products. Value The strength and aesthetic appeal of granite makes it a true investment. It will add value to your home in more ways than one. Firstly, it will make your home worth that much more to potential buyers should you wish to sell. Secondly, it will make the room that much

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Why granite slabs are so unique

One of the main reasons why people choose granite over any other natural stone is the fact that they are each so unique. Each slab has its on pattern which means that homeowners do not need to worry about their worktops looking identical to those of their neighbour or friend. What you might be wondering is just how this stone achieves such a unique appearance. Granite is formed naturally and it is not engineered. Engineered stone is made using a kind of template to create the illusion of a random design. In natural stone, the proximity to the surface will influence the colour of the stone. For example, if the stone is closer to the surface, it will be dark in appearance whereas stone formed lower down is lighter in colour. The mineral composition of the stone will also determine its textures and hues. Some of the slabs also contain

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How is granite processed

Granite is one of the most popular of all natural stones. It can be seen in homes and commercial properties around the world. While the finished product looks amazing, many people do not realise the steps involved in ensuring that perfect final result. When you place your order for new granite worktops, you will need to provide your supplier with accurate measurements. These measurements are then used in order to cut the granite slabs to the appropriate size. Since it’s so important to make sure that your worktop is the perfect fit, many people agree that an expert should take the measurements on your behalf. It’s not only about cutting the slab to the correct size, but also cutting the appropriate holes for things like the sink, drainer, and any other fixtures. Once complete, the edges are filed and shaped according to the wishes of the client. There are various

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What to be careful of after your granite worktop is installed

Before you install your granite worktops, you will measure with care, plan every last detail, and then you delight in the beauty once they are perfectly in place. Not many people realise that your not quite done yet. After your granite surfaces are installed, there are still a few things you need to do. The first thing is to have your surfaces sealed. Sealing them will make them less porous and add an extra layer of protection. Regular cleaning should be done using clean water and a soft cloth or sponge. You can ask your stone supplier for recommendations for stone cleaning solutions if you want to use something more than just water. It’s also important to avoid placing hot items like pots and pans directly on your granite surfaces or use your fine granite as a chopping block. Always use the appropriate cutting board or support so that you

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Bring that old kitchen back to life

Homeowners around the world all know that the kitchen is one of the top selling points of any home. That said, we should not restrict ourselves to kitchen renovation purely for selling purposes. A newly renovated kitchen can bring back that joy of cooking, create an overall greater sense of happiness, and it’s the perfect space for families to enjoy quality time each day. Even if you are on a tight budget, there are a number of changes that you can make to give your kitchen a brand new look. If the cabinets are still sturdy but the doors are not as appealing as they once were, you can simply replace the doors without replacing anything else. Even new doorknobs can make a huge difference. Depending on your budget, you could also replace the worktops if necessary. Natural stone worktops can last a lifetime if they are properly maintained. This

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How do worktop sealers work?

When you install natural stone worktops, your supplier will most likely recommend that the stone be sealed immediately after the installation is complete. This is done in order to protect the surface and keep it looking its best. The sealant will need to be reapplied as needed in order to maintain its effectiveness. What many people wonder is how these sealers work. Stone worktop sealers are composed of a resin component that has been dissolved in water or a petroleum based solvent. When this solution is applied to the stone surface, it is absorbed. This clogs any open pores in the stone and makes the surface more resistant to stains. Resistant does not mean that stains cannot take hold. It is still recommended that spills be cleaned up as soon as they occur. Since stone like granite is known for being naturally porous, sealing is essential if you want to

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How to clean granite worktops

Keeping your granite worktops clean is essential if you want them to look great for as long as possible. Sure, you might need to have some touch ups done from time to time but you can do your worktops a favour by keeping them clean. To clean your worktops, you will need pH balanced dish soap, rubbing alcohol, essential oils (if you want to avoid the strong smell of the alcohol), and clean water. Mix ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol with an equal amount of dish soap. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, and mix well. Pour into a spray bottle and top with water. You should use twice as much water as you do alcohol. Mix well and, when you are ready, use this solution to clean your granite. For stronger stains, you can use some of this mixture and mix it with warm water (about

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What to think about when buying black worktops

Granite worktops are available in a wide variety of colours. Black is one of the most popular options. That said, while black is wonderfully elegant, there are some factors to consider before making this selection. The first thing to remember is that there are different shades of black just as there are different shades of all colours. Some shades have elements of blue, purple, and brown in them. You could ask for samples to find the right match for your cabinets and the rest of your décor. You will then need to make sure that you are using the right stone supplier. Somebody with experience will be able to offer you professional advice and you can be sure that your worktops will be perfectly cut to size. You should also be able to choose from various finishes and edges. Quality is also an important factor and it’s good to remember

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What to look for in a kitchen worktop

We spend more time in our kitchens than we do in most of the other rooms in our homes. Not only do we use this space as a communal and entertainment area when guests arrive, but we also use it regularly for meal preparation. Therefore, your kitchen does not only need to look great, but it also needs to serve its practical purpose. The right worktops play an important role in both of these aspects. First things first, when looking for a kitchen worktop, you need something that will prove durable. The last thing anyone wants is for their worktop to warp or become damaged after just a few years. It should be an investment that can handle the demands of daily use. Another important factor is heat resistance. Some materials are more resistant to heat than others. That said, this is more of a safety measure rather than a

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