The most popular natural stone used for countertops is granite. He is not afraid of sharp knives and pots of boiling water. The color range of granite countertops is truly wide: there are hundreds of shades, bright and calm, including white, black, gray, green, blue, red, pink, yellow and brown. Granite can be spotted, mosaic, veined, etc. Each granite tile is a unique piece of art with its own mineral composition. If you are looking for experts in granite countertops near me, you are in the right place. Continue reading our article or if you want to talk, call us immediately. Call Us 1 (908) 231-6677
What it is? It is a volcanic rock (formed by the cooling and solidification of molten materials), consisting mainly of quartz and spar. Granite is one of the hardest stones on Earth. It is very diverse, so before you make a decision, visit a workshop that makes natural stone granite countertops – this way you can familiarize yourself with all the options available.
Granite is resistant to high temperatures and scratches. It gives the kitchen a touch of luxury.
Content
- Granite Kitchen Countertops
- Things to Consider When Choosing a Granite Countertop
- Advantages and disadvantages of a granite countertops
- Frequently asked questions about countertops made of natural stone
- What types of services does a professional who works with marble and granite? Where’s the granite countertops near me?
- What are the differences between marble and granite?
- How to hire a professional in granite countertops work?
- What precautions to take when hiring a professional who works with marble and granite?
- How to know if the price charged is fair? What factors determine the price charged by a professional specialized in marble and granite?
Granite Kitchen Countertops
A favorite in the world of kitchen worktops – granite surfaces that are highly durable and particularly aesthetically pleasing.
Spectacular detail
The richly colored polished granite worktop is an eye-catching feature in the kitchen. The integrated sink makes cleaning a pleasure. Sample in the photo: Golden Beach countertop (3 cm).
Durable surface
A dark granite bar countertop is the perfect fit for this stylish kitchen. The surface is treated with a special protective impregnation, which increases the resistance of the countertop to dirt.
Bold elegance
Traditional black granite is combined with gray and silver details. The elegant surface of the worktop is set off by a striking kitchen backsplash made of tiles.
Exotic options
Limited line – Brazilian granite with an unusual pattern. This option will suit top-class kitchens. Sample in the photo: volcanic granite slab.
Luxurious shades
Dark granite gives this kitchen a touch of luxury. This surface is highly durable and resistant to high temperatures and scratches. Sample in the photo: Blue Opal granite slab.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Granite Countertop
Pros
Granite is non-porous, resistant to scratches, heat and stains (when properly treated with protective impregnation). It is durable and available in a variety of colors. Increases the value of the house / apartment.
Cons
This is an expensive material. Since this is a natural stone, the result may differ from the specimen due to natural variations in texture. The seams between the slabs may be visible. The knives can become dull quickly if you cut food directly on the countertop. Granite needs to be impregnated every year. A strong impact can create a crack or chip in the worktop.
Cost / care
The cost of manufacturing and installing granite countertops is from 270 to 1000 $ / sq.m. The cost differs depending on the region. Rarer colors are more expensive. Wipe the countertop daily with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Use of mild cleaning agents is possible. Natural granite needs to be treated with protective impregnation every year.
Thickness, protrusion and edge. The thickness of the countertop depends on the geographic location and ranges from 1.9 cm to 3 cm (the thicker the better). Thicker countertops are more expensive than thin counterparts. The standard shoulder width is 2.5-3 cm.If the shoulder is wider (for example, for work or dining areas), additional support may be required – with a shoulder width of 20 to 30 cm. The shape of the edge can be different, including straight , beveled or rounded.
Forms. Granite countertops can be slab or tile designs.
Plates. Granite slabs provide a single monolithic look. They are usually 3 meters long. If your countertop is longer, or needs to be L-shaped, bend or notch, there will be a seam between the slabs, but if done properly, it will not be conspicuous.
Tile. If you like granite but can’t afford it, consider buying a granite tile countertop. Granite tiles are slightly more demanding to maintain, but they are cheaper than slabs and can be used in a variety of countertop configurations.
Finishing finish. The following three finishes are recommended for granite countertops.
Polishing. The smooth, mirrored surface reveals the color and texture of the stone, giving it a rich look. Such a surface is the most resistant to dirt, because polishing makes it less porous. However, any imperfections are visible on it (and crumbs are visible). Polishing is the most popular finish to make cleaning easier.
Grinding. The sanded surface is smooth, but not shiny. Sanding does not emphasize the color content of granite as much as polishing, but helps to mask defects. This is a more porous surface than polished.
Leather finish. The manufacturer sweeps over the surface with a diamond-tipped brush. This surface feels like textured leather to the touch. Like polished granite, a leather-like surface is less porous and reveals the color of the stone. On the other hand, this finish masks imperfections and veins, as does sanding.
Care. Wipe the countertop daily with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Use of mild cleaning agents is possible. Some oils and acids can stain the surface. Natural granite needs to be treated with protective impregnation every year.
Bottom line. Granite is a durable, stylish surface ideal for traditional and classic interiors. It is smooth and cool to the touch, so it is very convenient to roll out the dough on it – this is important if you like to cook dough dishes.
Advantages and disadvantages of a granite countertops
advantages | disadvantage |
---|---|
+ unique design | – comparatively expensive |
+ mostly scratch and cut resistant | – must be impregnated regularly |
+ Natural product | – susceptible to acid |
– The weight of the plate makes planning more difficult |
Frequently asked questions about countertops made of natural stone
What types of natural stone granite countertops are there?
The most common are countertops made of granite, slate and marble. They impress with their durability and individual grain.
How much does a natural stone granite countertops cost?
Every natural stone worktop is unique – and that has its price. You can get cheap models for around 200 and 300 dolar per square meter. Depending on the material and origin, the price can also be significantly higher.
Where can countertops be cut to size?
In the kitchen studio, the worktop is precisely cut – including any cut-outs, for example for the sink. In addition, the kitchen professionals take care of the installation of the worktop. With natural stone in particular, this should be left to the experts due to its heavy weight.
How do you clean granite countertops made of natural stone?
When cleaning kitchen granite countertops made of natural stone, acidic cleaning agents should be avoided as they can attack the substance. Instead, special natural stone care products are recommended. Liquids such as water splashes should be removed immediately, otherwise stains may form.
What types of services does a professional who works with marble and granite?
Where’s the granite countertops near me?
Where’s the granite countertops near me? Look out for these heads for the right granite provider for you. We have been working in new jersey as a granite countertops provider for many years. Our experts are happy to assist you
The main ones are as follows:
- Installation: placing the stones in the desired places, from tables and counters to floors, baseboards and columns.
- Polishing: a service that aims to make marble and granite pieces even brighter, which significantly improves your look.
- Cleaning: removal of dirt and superficial and deep impurities that impair the beauty of the pieces.
- Revitalization and restoration: services for older stones or that have suffered with the action of time, so that they again present aesthetic characteristics close to those they had when they were new.
- Renovation: renovation of furniture, floors, baseboards, columns and other marble and granite items .
- Bonding: joining different pieces of granite and marble, so that they can compose the desired furniture and elements.
- Exchange: replacement of stones with new ones, either because their conditions are not as they were before or because of the desire to renovate the environments.
What are the differences between marble and granite?
Technically, marble is a metamorphic rock originated from the exposure of limestone to high temperatures and low to moderate pressure. It is composed of calcite and dolomite, although it usually also has quartz, feldspar and mica, and the texture can vary according to each piece.
Granite, in turn, is a magmatic / igneous rock, formed by cooling the magma and composed of quartz, mica and feldspar. Its hardness and resistance are highlights of the material.
Its use is practically interchangeable, that is, marble and granite can be used in kitchens, living and dining rooms, among other rooms, in a series of applications, which will certainly make these environments even more beautiful.
How to hire a professional in granite countertops work?
It is essential to ensure the experience that the professional has in granite countertops work , granite cutting service or whatever you wish, as this directly interferes with the quality of the final product.
Both rocks have a high price and, therefore, they need to be worked well. Otherwise, they can break, crack or be damaged in other ways, which impairs their added value.
In addition, be it for granite countertops work , granite cutting service or any other involving these two rocks, it is necessary that the professional has experience to be able to meet the demands of customers, whatever the desired application.
What precautions to take when hiring a professional who works with marble and granite?
It is important to ensure that he is knowledgeable in the desired service, as both materials are so versatile that they can be used in a variety of applications.
For example, a professional specialized in granite cutting service for floors, baseboards and columns is not always able to meet the needs of customers regarding the installation of sinks, countertops and islands, as there are wide variations in terms of size and thickness. of the pieces.
This experience is also important so that the professional who works with granite and marble can make as few amendments as possible through gluing, as it is common for larger pieces to also have greater added value, in addition to being more beautiful.
As marble and granite can have their characteristics varying according to the composition of that particular rock, the skill in this type of service is indispensable so that the material is not damaged.
In addition to technical and practical skills, the marblework service should not be paid for in advance, in order to avoid problems and misunderstandings. The best thing to do is to clarify all the details with the professional first and only then proceed with the payment according to what both have agreed.
How to know if the price charged is fair? What factors determine the price charged by a professional specialized in marble and granite?
To find out if the price is fair, you can compare with quotes you have already obtained in the past, with your previous knowledge on the topic or compare between the quotes received here at GetNinjas.
Regarding price variations, this happens due to several factors, but we can highlight the complexity of the desired marble service and the type of material to be worked with.
For example, the composition of a granite countertop is technically simpler than that of a staircase, since the first consists of a plate with the respective finishes, while the second needs more cuts and adjustments for the delivery of the final product.
The type of material also interferes greatly in the price. Gray granite costs around $ 250 per m², while absolute black granite is around $ 900 per m². In relation to marble, there are simpler options, from $ 250 per m², to approximately R $ 900 per m², such as the super-known Carrara marble.
We have been working in new jersey as a granite countertops provider for many years. Our experts are happy to assist you
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