This is why people Should consider Granite Countertops!
by: Mike Yeager

This is why people Should consider Granite Countertops! by: Mike Yeager Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can add to your kitchen. Kitchen countertops gain a beautiful glow from these pieces of art. They are made in nature and, once harvested by people, are refined into beautiful kitchen countertops that will add value to any kitchen. They come in many colors, colors that are made in nature and of true iridescent quality. Of course there are other options beyond granite countertops. Other choices include anything from concrete countertops to corian countertops to laminate counter tops. Whatever choice you make for your solid surface countertops, take some time to research your options. Many of these choices are expensive investments in your kitchen. Learning some about your options will benefit you in the long run. Some information about each of your choices is here. Corian countertops, also known as DuPont, are a blend of natural materials and acrylic polymers that together create a smooth, clean, seamless work space. It is available in 90 colors and will need to be specially ordered. They also boost of their nonporous surface that is easy to clean and stays new looking for years. Or, if you want something more art like, look into concrete countertops. Basically in any shape or style you can imagine, they are what their name suggests, made out of concrete. It is a completely different look then the granite or corian. Here you are only limited by your imagination. Yet another choice is laminate countertops. This is the most common kitchen countertop available. It is synthetic, made up of colored plastics. It is available in many colors and even patterns and finishes. It is easy to upkeep and tends to be less expensive then the others mentioned. Lastly, while considering your choices, choose whatever fits your budget and tastes. With so many choices and options available, it is definitely worth the investment of time in choosing kitchen countertops that you will love for a lifetime. Discount Granite Countertops - by: Jason Gluckman The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal countertop material for aesthetic and practical purposes in most any kitchen. In addition to its natural strength, granite is a very beautiful stone that adds color and warmth to a room. Although granite countertops are quite popular, a homeowner may not want to spend the premium price for granite, or may live in an area subject to limitations on resale values. In cases like this, discount granite countertops are an attractive option. Granite is relatively expensive, with prices starting at $60 a square foot. The majority of the cost is not in the stone itself, but in the quarrying, transportation, polishing and installation. Typically homeowners will contribute labor on improvements to reduce costs, but installing granite countertops should be left to the professionals. However, a large marketplace with numerous suppliers and substantial discounts creates a price range that allows anyone to have granite countertops in their home. Granite suppliers will typically have three or four groupings of granite to choose from. The suppliers will refer to their groupings or “tiers” by numbers. The first tier will include the premium products that sell for the highest price. A stone is grouped based on several criteria, including country of origin, color, veins or patterns, thickness of the slab, amount of soft minerals in the stone, and fashion trends. Granite from lower tiers has the same beauty and utility as the slabs in the upper groupings. Additionally, stones in a lower tier could be harder than some stones in a first tier, so it pays to get out and look around. While granite from the lower tiers exhibits the hardness granite is known for, the presence of softer minerals may require additional cabinet supports or a penetrating sealant. Thinner cut stone may be a little less than two centimeters instead of a recommended three; if so, the installer can provide additional stability by laminating it to plywood backing. Discount granite suppliers will typically deal with a thinner cut stone, and many suppliers now carry stones that are intentionally cut thin and laminated at the quarry. Another option would be having granite tile countertops. Tiles are fashioned from the same desirable stone as solid granite countertops. All elements of the granite remain the same, with exception to the size of the granite slabs. Granite tiles, while needing special care, can be installed (with the right tools and preparation) by a homeowner. Granite tiles are laid in the same manner as ceramic tile, with consideration for the additional thickness of the stone. All of the countertops in the kitchen can be covered in tile, or a few large tiles can be inlaid to other countertop surfaces such as Formica. Strategically placed twenty-four inch granite tiles inlaid near the range or oven allow for searing hot pans to be placed on an otherwise delicate countertop. A thirty-six inch granite tile set into the counter work area serves as an excellent surface for rolling dough and working with confectionery. The homeowner on a tight budget has many options for to providing a touch of luxury with discount granite countertops. Today, many manufacturers will fabricate the countertops in the country of origin, which reduces the costs attributed to waste and shipping fees. Although prefabricated countertops are made with thinner slices of stone, they are laminated to plywood for strength. Prefabricated pieces are also cut to fit basic lengths and L-shaped counter layouts of most kitchens, allowing for lower costs related to installation. Another benefit with prefabricated pieces is that the country of origin will typically have lower wages for labor, which greatly saves on installation costs. Discount granite countertops have proven to be a wise investment for any homeowner. Clever design and planning allow homeowners to enjoy the benefits of granite without the traditional large expense. Granite Countertops: An Overview - by: Jason Gluckman Home remodelers and builders have experienced a boom in the demand for granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design, and the durability and easy care of granite countertops keeps them a favorite for homeowners who are looking into the future. Though adding granite countertops to any kitchen can be quite costly, they remain the premiere choice in upscale homes, as they retain their value better than most other improvements. Granite, like marble and other popular stones, are as old as the earth. Granite is found all over the world. As a preferred material, granite was used in the construction of temples and other public buildings in ancient societies. In the recent past many builders continued to use granite for pillars and exterior finishes. Stone suppliers didn’t begin experimenting with polished granite until 1831. The preference for polished granite began in 1851, when a finished piece of granite was displayed in London at The Great Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations. Granite makes an excellent medium for countertops, as it is the most durable of all stones. The hardness of granite is rivaled only by the hardness of diamonds. The durability and versatility of granite countertops makes it a favorite of professional and home chefs. Granite can withstand the placement of a hot pot and serves as an excellent surface for handling doughs and confectionery. The natural beauty of granite countertops complement any tone of wood or style of cabinetry, from French country to sleek modern styles. Granite is an attractive stone that adds color and warmth to any room. A popular choice of designers for decades, granite countertops have now become popular with the public. There are literately hundreds of colors of granite, from variations of white through browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. Brown and beige tones are the most popular, as they work well with most any kitchen color scheme, allowing greater flexibility in redecorating over the years. Some of the granite colors exhibit "movement," or a design within the natural color. Movement from large patterns can carry the eye quickly over the surface of the countertop, while small patterns have a more sedate appearance. The combination of color and movement means that no two countertops are exactly the same. While granite countertops are a favorite choice due to their beauty and durability, they are not impervious to damage. Regular care includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining. Although granite is quite hard, it can be easily be chipped. A skilled professional can perform repairs that are nearly invisible. Granite countertops can cost more than other countertop materials, with prices starting at $60 a square foot installed. The majority of the cost is not in the stone, but in the quarry work, cutting, transportation, polishing and installations. It is not recommended that the do-it-yourself homeowner to take on this project. Despite the strength of granite, the oversized slab sheets must be precisely cut to fit the counters, and are very delicate when transported. Special care must be taken to reinforce the base cabinets, and the slab must be set perfectly level. Failure to properly set a granite countertop could cause it to break during regular use. When a homeowner desires the utility of granite countertops, but is unable or unwilling to pay a premium, discounted granite for countertops may be a good option. Retailers maintain groupings or tiers of stone based on popularity of color and movement. Lower tiered cuts of stone maintain the consistent characteristics granite is known for, but the shade of a color may vary according to current fashion trends. Granite countertops will continue to remain a favorite of homeowners, architects and interior designers. The ageless beauty and durability of granite makes it a home improvement treasure to last a lifetime. Granite Tile Countertops - by: Jason Gluckman The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design. Granite has been a popular choice of designers for decades. Adding solid granite countertops to a kitchen can be quite costly, with prices starting at $60 a foot installed. Although granite countertops are very popular, solid granite countertops may not be for everyone. A homeowner may not be willing or able to invest in granite, or a home is in an area subject to limitations on resale values. In cases like this, it may be best to consider granite tile countertops as an acceptable alternative to the solid stone installations. Granite tile countertops are fashioned from the same desirable stone as the solid granite countertops. All the desirable elements of the granite remain the same in the tiles. Not all blocks taken from the quarry are large enough for the slabs for the solid countertops. Smaller blocks and broken slabs will be cut into square tiles measuring 12, 24 or 36 inches in diameter. Granite tiles have a variety of uses that include premium flooring and shower installations. Hundreds of color choices are available to fit with most any design scheme. Granite tile countertops can withstand a hot pot without a trivet, and serve as an excellent surface for handling dough and confectionery. The natural beauty of granite tile countertops complement most any type of wood or style of cabinetry. The versatility of granite tiles creates a wide range of options for installations. Entire sections of kitchen countertops and backsplashes can be crafted from granite tiles, just as ceramic tiles would be used. To lessen the labor of installing tiles in a large kitchen, only add granite tiles to the island for a focal point, setting it apart from ordinary material choices on the other countertops. Granite tiles provide a grand solution for the homeowner on a budget, allowing the home chef to enjoy all the benefits of granite countertops. Twenty-four or thirty-six inch tiles can be inlaid or set into any other material, such as laminated countertops or solid wood. Strategically placed twenty-four inch granite tiles inlaid near the range or oven will protect ordinary countertops from searing hot pans. A thirty-six inch granite tile set into the counter at a work area serves as an excellent surface for rolling dough and working with confectionery. The practical and aesthetic choice of granite tile countertops has proven to be a wise investment for homeowners. Clever design plans allow homeowners to enjoy the benefits of granite without great expense. Granite tile countertops offer matchless appeal. About the author: Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.a1-kitchen-cabinets-4u.com/