There are so many options when it comes to kitchen countertops that trying to decide on just one can be a confusing process. There are so many different types of stones and each type has subcategories as well as a range of colours to choose from. Read the full story courtesy of Napa Valley Register
When it comes to redesigning or building a new kitchen, cost is often the number one factor that needs to be considered. The fact that granite is a durable and fashionable substance makes it appealing in many ways. That said, the one possible drawback is the fact that it tends to be more expensive than certain other materials. When weighing up the cost of granite versus other materials, it is important to understand that the money you spend will in fact prove to be an investment. If you take proper care of your granite worktops, they really can last you a lifetime. Certain other types of countertops (like wood) will need to be replaced after a certain number of years which means that you will need to fork out a load of cash and endure the inconvenience of renovations yet again. Another factor to consider would be the type of
Different types of stone require different degrees of special treatment. In order to make sure that your worktops maintain their beauty and value, it is essential that they are properly treated. Read more courtesy of Consumer Reports
Black granite is an extremely attractive material when it comes to worktops in your home. This is particularly true if you have just the right fixtures in your home to compliment the black finish. In many cases, pairing a dark worktop with light coloured furniture helps create the perfect look. That said, some homeowners are concerned about just how they can keep their black granite looking great. First things first, black granite is still granite so you should treat it exactly the same as you would any other stone. In other words, always use chopping blocks, never place hot pots and pans directly on the surface and always use non-abrasive, pH neutral, stone safe cleaning products and a soft cloth. After cleaning, make sure that you dry your worktops off to prevent watermarks. Dust has a way of showing up more prominently on any black or dark surface. This can
Granite worktops can completely transform your entire home. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing but they are also durable and will add value to your home in more ways than one. With this fantastic value for money, it’s understandable that you should wish to care for your fine worktops as best you can. In order to make the most of your granite worktops, make sure to follow the care tips below. Daily cleaning should be done with a soft cloth, warm water and a stone friendly cleaner. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive cleaners or cleaning materials. Clean up spills immediately to prevent them from taking hold and make sure that you always use a chopping board or block. Never cut or prepare food directly on your granite surfaces. Preventions is better than cure so, as soon as your granite worktops are installed, make sure that they are
Both limestone and slate are popular options for kitchen worktops. There really is nothing like the elegance and style that a natural stone brings to your home. Of course the initial investment will seem substantial to start with but you will enjoy the benefits from day one! Not only will your kitchen feel more luxurious but it will also add to the value of your home. If you are trying to decide between limestone and slate worktops for your kitchen, you may have already done some research regarding prices. Prices of each product vary depending on the quality of the stone. In many cases, slate can prove slightly cheaper. Of course, a high quality slate will cost more than a low or medium quality limestone. So, since the prices are so closely matched, it’s a good idea to weigh the other pros and cons. Limestone gives your home a very
With the New Year around the corner, we can expect to see a number of trends on the rise. Natural stone has been a popular home feature for years and this is likely to continue. For more on these hot trends, read thefull story at La Jolla Light
br /> Both marble and limestone are formed under similar circumstances and are products of nature. That said, there are a number of ways in which they differ and, when choosing worktops for your kitchen, it is important to understand these differences so that you can make an informed decision. In terms of colour, limestone is generally available in different tones of grey, brown or tan. Marble, on the other hand, is available in a wider range of colours including different shades of white, pink, blue, red, green and even black! When looking for a specific colour, marble is quite often the winner. In terms of density and durability, limestone and marble don’t differ much. Marble, due to its formation under heat and pressure, is slightly more durable and somewhat less porous. This means that marble is marginally less susceptible to stains. That said, both can be sealed upon installation
When deciding between granite and quartz for your kitchen worktops, it’s important to understand where each of these materials come from. Granite is mined directly from the earth while quartz is manufactured by combining resin with crushed quartz. While granite and quartz are equally tough, quartz is more flexible which makes it easier to install. Quartz is non-porous while granite needs to be sealed in order to prevent substances from leaving their mark. Quartz is heavier than granite and, in order to ensure proper installation without damage, it is important that you have these worktops professionally fitted. If your worktops consist of more than one solid piece, you can expect seams to show. Darker quartz makes these seams less visible than those of granite worktops. A drawback of fitting quartz is that it may fade in time if exposed to the sun’s UV rays. As for granite, you need to
Due to the nature of granite, kitchen countertops made from this material are designed to last you a lifetime. As a result, removing them without breaking them can be tricky. That said, it’s not completely impossible but it will take time and care. The first thing you need to do, after clearing your countertops, is to remove the backsplash. This is because it will obstruct the removal of the granite countertops and make it that much more difficult to remove them in tact. You will also need to remove any fixtures like faucets, sinks and so on. Up until this point you can do it all on your own if need be. For the next step, however, you will need a few people to help you. Place pry bars under the countertops at the corners of the cabinets. Since granite does not bend in any way, you each need to
