Granite Worktops

Natural Stone Worktops

March 22nd, 2010

natural stone worktops

When selecting the various construction materials for a home building project, or home remodelling project, don’t forget to consider natural stone worktops. Have you ever wondered why marble, or granite, or slate became such desired building and furniture materials? Take marble, for instance. It has been used in buildings and homes for many, many thousands of years. It has been popular in Asia and Europe for literally centuries. Back in the days of the Roman Empire heyday, it was used for sculptures and paving materials in the homes of the wealthy. The reason for such enduring popularity can only be ascribed to its beautiful elegance. For instance, a marble or granite topped table, as in natural stone worktops, polished to perfection, can add class, and awe inspiring admiration to your home. The timeless beauty, found in many varieties of stone, such as granite and marble is not, one that will ever diminish, nor will it cease to be coveted by designers for personal use products in homes. The number of counter-tops, vanities, sinks, tables, building columns and kitchen counters, which are constructed using these materials, is staggering but, not surprising. The ultra rich have been known to spare no expense in decorating with marble, as in luxurious fountains and garden settings with marble topped tables. Many have attempted to duplicate the look and feel of granite or marble, but sadly, it cannot be counterfeited.

natural stone worktop

The natural stone worktops favoured by cooks is, marble and a close second to that is granite. The durability of natural stone worktops is of primary importance. You can work it over for years, and it will retain its beauty. It will always convey the feeling of wealth. When you see pillars of ancient buildings still standing in older European and Asian cities, you can appreciate its classiness. Now, a piece of that same granite in your walkway or private sinks can really amp up the value of your home. In China, a whole industry is committed to marble and granite and they are greatly desired as both imported and exported commodities. One should seek out experienced masons who are secure with their supplier and are able to complete the job. When making plans to install such materials in your kitchen, don’t forget that you and your decorator, can create some very lovely borders for your kitchen counters and in the bathrooms you can dream up some very luxuriously well placed, and stunning designs in the tile work upon the floor, and working up to the wainscoting. Its natural composition creates a very homey and comfortable ambiance in whichever room it’s used, and in any natural stone worktops it is attached to.

natural stone vanity tops

Many are also unaware of the temperature keeping properties of marble and granite. In addition to that, most are also appreciative of the low maintenance of marble and granite. It is very easy to keep clean, and sanitary, too. The floors stay cool in the heat of day. Did you ever notice that hospitals have marble floors? Most also have natural stone tabletops, because they can be kept clean and sanitary, although, the cleaners are specialized, but worth the expense Perhaps at one time, there was a concern about radon emissions. Those fears have been put to rest, there are studies which can be researched, which show that any emissions are so tiny, they are far from risky.

Manufacturers and factories work on the huge slabs of granite and marble which is retrieved from quarries all over the world. This means that you will have some really varied types of stone designs to choose from. The large blocks of granite can be sliced down to 2 cm or 3cm thick. Some of these are then glued and all are polished prior to installation. Natural stone worktops can be configured to utilize, the many different natural designs of marble your interior decorator can recommend skilled tradesmen who specialize in custom fabrication of counter tops, sinks, tiles, steps, rails.

Whether you’re selecting granite or marble for your residential or commercial building, you will be very happy with the results. Nothing adds classy style like a stone top.

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Star Galaxy Granite Worktops

March 19th, 2010

Star Galaxy Granite

When you are renovating your home, one of the best places to start in is the kitchen. There are many changes that can be made in the room that will change the overall look: cabinets, sinks, appliances, wall tiling, floor tiling and more. But the one thing that could have the biggest effect on the look of your kitchen would be changing your counter tops from what you currently have to something new and different. Having new countertops to correspond with the rest of the kitchen or the rest of the house will completely change the way you feel when you walk into the room.

Granite is one of the best and most clean-looking materials you can use for countertops. It will last for a very long time because of how hard and tough it is. Having granite counters will also increase the value of your home, because the stone appeals so much to many people. There are so many different types of granite to choose from that you may have trouble picking just one, but one of the very best is star galaxy granite.

One of the best features of granite is that is so low maintenance and durable. This is no different with star galaxy granite. Like most types of granite stone, star galaxy is highly resistant to heat and scratches. Because is it such a hard stone, it is non-porous and can handle lots of moisture without absorbing it, so you can spill to your heart’s content on your new counters without having to worry about damaging them. Unlike with wood countertops, which quickly absorb liquids and can be very difficult to clean up, star galaxy granite only requires a quick wipe and any spills are taken care of.

star galaxy granite worktop

No two slabs of granite are ever the same, but star galaxy granite is especially unique. The sleek black stone is covered with gorgeous golden and silver-coloured flecks, making it shine and sparkle like few other stones do. This granite earned its name for its resemblance to a view of outer space; stars and planets sparkling in the night. Using it will give your room an almost ethereal quality, adding beauty and mystery in a place where you would not normally find it.

Star galaxy granite comes in various forms for your home décor needs, including slabs and tiles in many shapes and sizes. A great way to use slabs and tiles in your kitchen would be having the countertops made from the slabs and use the tiling on parts of your walls. This will give the kitten a sleek, modern look just by changing a few things. In this case, the addition of stainless steel appliances would add to the space-age look of the granite.

If you want to continue the “star” theme throughout your home, you can easily find other places to use this gorgeous granite stone. You can use it as shower tiling, counters in other rooms, and even as floor tiling. Granite is more than durable enough to be up to the job. Due to its mostly black colouring, you will be able to use nearly any other colors in your home that you might want, and the black granite will emphasis the colours even more without clashing at all.

Using any kind of granite in your home is a great way to dress up your house. Star galaxy granite will give you the perfect mix of modern style and mysterious atmosphere. The style, durability, and low maintenance nature of this beautiful stone makes it a lovely choice for any part of your home.

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Granite Worktop Colours

March 16th, 2010

There is no other stone so luxurious and prestigious for surfaces in the home, office or commercial establishments as granite. It is as durable as it is beautiful. It won’t burn from hot pans, scratch from the sharpest knives, is stain resistant and cleans up like the first day it was installed even after years of use. Surprisingly, there are many different shades and textures of granite so it is suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, hotel lobbies, side tables as well as coffee tables and vanity units. The possibility for different granite colour has expanded because of the availability of granite from mines all over the world. The colour depends on where it is quarried and what chemicals are in the earth where is formed. Granite is a texture of different crystals packed tightly or loosely together and when machine polished has a depth and clarity that is unmatched in any other living stone.

Dark coloured granite is generally less porous than light coloured granite. If you choose a light color you may need to have it heavily sealed. You can test the how porous the granite colour you like is with a few drops of lemon juice. Squeeze a few drops on a sample of your granite and see how long it takes to turn darker under the juice. If it darkens quickly, the granite is porous and will need a strong sealant.

Some of the softer granites are from Spain, Italy, Brazil and India. From Italy there is Bianco Sardo white with grey and black markings and Rosa Beta white with gray, black and pink/peach features. From Spain there is Rosa Porrino pink granite with black and white markings and Azul Platino, a light blue with white and black markings. Brazil has Giallo Imperial which is gold with black markings and red spots, Giallo Veneziano, gold with black markings and Giallo St. Cecilla, light gold with black markings and red spots. From India there are many soft granites of gold, red, green, light brown, dark brown, ivory, pink all with white and black markings. Even from the same quarry, granite colour can differ but there is a large selection.

Gold granite from Brazil has an especially luxurious look and contrasts well with dark wood or painted cabinets. Green granite varies a lot. From Norway it has blue tints while from India it has gray and rose tints. Red granites are the rarest granite colour available. It is highly prized in China and is quarried there as well as coastal Africa and Brazil. Burgundy is a darker form of the red with brown, grey and black as secondary colours and brown is very popular for worktops because it is strong, easy to find and elegant with light wood or painted cabinets. Because granite is a natural stone, colours may vary from different quarries and countries. If you are looking for a particular granite colour it is good to find as many samples as you can before you make a decision.

Black is the most dense and strongest granite colour. It is quarried in countries all over the world including Italy, China, India, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola among others. Any black granite may be called Nero Absolute no matter where it is quarried, so if you want something specific you need to know. The top quality is very expensive and comes from India, Africa and China. Black granite is the most elegant and becomes the focus of any room. It suits any décor from minimalist to Mediterranean and will look elegant in a hotel lobby or a side table in a foyer. All granite has texture because it is tightly packed crystals but some black granite looks solid. Some has amazing silver chips that shine like the night sky.

Depending on how much use the granite worktop gets, it will need care and cleaning over time. Especially light porous granite colours will need resealing. This can be done by a professional to keep the luxurious look of your natural stone surfaces. The cost of granite has come down considerably over the years because of its availability. There will be a colour that you love in a price range that will fit your budget. Please view our extensive selection of granite colours.

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Supply granite worktops

March 13th, 2010

Supply of Granite Kitchen Worktops

Macchia-vecchia rossa

Granite worktops create a fashionable finish in any kitchen. Discovering the granite kitchen worktop that you desire stocked and in supply can be one of the most enjoyable of experiences. The right granite kitchen worktop will be durable and stylish and will also add value to your property. The right supplier of granite kitchen worktops will have in supply a stock of cut and polished slabs or granite available for viewing before you purchase. Granite worktops meet the highest quality standards and add a graceful finish to any home’s kitchen. Supplies usually come in a large assortment of colours to go well with any design and can put you on your way to really add a touch of sparkle and elegance to your family’s kitchen.

Crate a kitchen that is the envy and desire of all your friends and family members and show off your new granite worktop. You will soon become aware of the quality that granite comes with. With a very smooth, luxurious and durable finish, granite is the ideal surface for the work space in your kitchen. Add a stroke of class while increasing the value of your property and enjoying the natural stone splendour of granite every day.

Generally, supplies of granite can be found in a large array of colours and are selected with premium grade which adds a smart finish and quality to every kitchen worktop. If you are renovating or redesigning you kitchen, once you have placed all units and the equipment is installed, you ought to consider the best worktop for your kitchen. A number of factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing the right granite for you worktop. For instance, a survey of your kitchen plan will be required to take down the appropriate measurements. Furthermore, you may want to consider how the light shines in your kitchen and how that may affect the look, style and colour of your premium grade worktops. This stage in the process is when you can you can show off your flair by choosing a colour and the accessories for your granite kitchen worktops.

block of natural stone

Granite is a strong material and is ideal for use as a kitchen worktop. Granite is admired for the practical properties it has as well as a marvellous look. Granite is now affordable by all individuals; today granite not only appeals to every taste, but is high in supply and more affordable than ever making it a possibility for every kitchen. The sheer delight of the natural stone feel and exquisiteness are the main reasons to select a granite worktop. Flawlessly installed and refined, your kitchen worktop will be transformed into a durable and above all an enjoyable top to work on.

Choose from our range of extensive Granite types available in a variety of colours and shades that will suit any kitchen style. Suppliers source the finest Granite from around the world to offer an exclusive range of style and quality. Granite kitchen worktops are usually cut from whole natural stones giving the granite a truly exclusive look. Granite is very durability and is like no other kind of worktop, scratch resistant and renowned for its robustness, up until recently granite had carried a high price. Well, today it still holds the same notability and regard, but at much lower prices and affordability.

star galaxy granite supplier

Whether you are creating a new Kitchen or merely renovating your existing kitchen, why not create your ideal kitchen with a supply of granite as your worktop for much lower cost than you might believe. If you are looking for inspiration when in the kitchen, why not consider the encouragement you will gain while working on a beautiful and durable worktop like that which can only be created by granite.

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Granite Worktops UK

March 12th, 2010

Granite Worktops in UK

Granite worktops are the designer’s choice for beauty in the home or office. They add elegance in restaurants, hotels and palaces because of the beautiful natural combinations of crystals and igneous rock is a wide variety of colours. No other material, man made or natural, has the cache of polished granite.

granite worktops UK

Machine polished granite is the most luxurious and elegant worktop for a residential kitchen. You can choose the texture and colour from pale gray to pink, orange and brown combined with white crystals. Black granite is also very popular and can look solid black or have tiny flecks of crystal that sparkle in the light. It can be on all the worktops as well as the side tables and dining table. No hot pan can burn it and knives and cutting instruments cannot scratch it. That makes it easy to work on while you are cooking and very easy to keep clean. Your kitchen will be the showcase of the neighbourhood. Granite worktops in the kitchen, bathroom or entry hall will also add value to your property.

Hotel lobbies in London UK are another place where polished granite worktops look good and last long. Thousands of people over the years use the worktops in hotels including bathrooms, table tops and lobby furniture. Granite will not wear and the shine will not be dulled no matter how many tea cups come and go. A hotel needs to look fresh and new to each guest and granite is the only stone that can promise this year after year.

granite work surface UK

When you are going to make a selection of granite for any room in your house, first consider the décor, shape and size of the room. The colour you choose will be light or dark depending on the size and lighting in the kitchen but you also need to consider the type of sink and taps you have as well as how it will be mounted. Will your granite worktops have cabinets underneath or a dishwasher? Will they stand alone as an island in the middle of the kitchen? Will there be several metres of workspace or only one small area? Only after considering all of this should you choose your colour or texture.

All granite has texture even if it is so tiny that you can hardly see it. It may not be possible to get a good idea of the colour and texture from photographs online. If there is any granite outlet near you, it is better to see the stone in person. Most granite suppliers in LOndon UK will let you take home samples from a variety of specimens. If you shop around, you can take samples to other outlets and compare. Since granite is a natural product, no two will be alike. Even from the same quarry, there will be differences in colour and crystal combinations. Since this will probably become the focal point of whichever room you install it, you need to take your time to make the best selection.

granite worktop UK

Another great aspect of granite worktops is the edge. You can have a choice of seven standard different edges depending on the thickness of your piece of granite. The flat edge is the most popular. It is a square edge with slightly rounded corners but for a thick piece there are very elegant edges that add depth and grandeur. A Bull-Nose edge is completely rounded, mainly for kitchen surfaces and an Ogee edge has a gentle slope usually for vanity and desk tops. For a palace or very large mansion any table top or worktop could have a Double Combination edge with a Bull-Nose edge on the bottom and an Ogee above it. Any double edge needs thicker slabs of granite.

To get a price quote you need to make a little map of the space where you want the granite. If it is simply for a table or island top the measurements will be enough, but if it is in a kitchen or bathroom where there are sinks, taps, accessories, stoves, window sills, corners and more, you need to make a drawing of the area with each measurement. Different colours and thicknesses will have different prices, so you might want to have two or three choices for price quotes. Granite worktops, table tops and counters will add value and dignity to your home and you will never regret the day they were installed.

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Cheap Granite Kitchen Worktops

March 11th, 2010

Cheap granite worktops
The beauty and durability of granite makes it the ideal addition to the kitchen worktops. Granite has been used in homes from as far back as the ancient Egyptians that used granite tile on their floors and used granite for their pyramids. Today granite is still being used to make memorials, sculptures and in the home on countertops and floors. However, in our present economical crisis remodelling a home has to be done as cheaply as possible. If granite is the choice for the worktop than cheap granite worktops must be the proper choice.

In making a decision as to your granite worktops, you should consider why you want to make a particular kind of granite your choice. If you are using the granite to make the kitchen look good for our own use for many years, than perhaps you would like to choose a better grade of granite. However, if you are using the granite to make the kitchen look good because you are selling the house then you should perhaps choose the cheap granite for the worktops. The granite worktops would certainly bring the cost of the house up to what you may be asking for it. This would be an asset, if the area in which the house is located warrants the added price of the house.

If you are planning to do the installation yourself why not consider the slab granite worktop supplier. The installation of the slab countertop is without a doubt, a job that needs more than two people to do properly. If you are planning a do-it-yourself installation than consider granite tile. The last option for cheap granite worktops is.

Installing granite tile is much the same as installing regular tile. Because of the many colour choices that granite offers the tile can be put down in any design or colour scheme you would like. It can introduce a new decor to the kitchen or match the existing decor. You can match the design of the countertops to the floor. Granite tile is the answer to cheap countertops. These are definitely options for cheap granite worktops. There are various ways of finding cheap granite. A good place to start looking is online. There are many regular price and discount price companies touting their granite wares online and with some serious searching, you can find one you are comfortable using. Another way to find the cheap granite is by checking out wholesale granite companies. Many times these wholesale companies will give you a sample, so that you can bring it home to see if it fits in with your new or old decor. The cost between the online or home improvement companies and the wholesale company can vary with a savings of about fifty percent. Search for your granite provider carefully. Some of the wholesale granite providers will match the price of another provider if you can prove, in writing, that the other provider’s price was lower.
When you have found the supplier that offers the most cost efficient product, you want to talk with them about arranging for templating and fitting. Without a doubt, all of this will take time and patience but, once you have done the research and the leg work you will feel good about getting a quality cheap granite worktop.

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Granite quartz worktops

March 10th, 2010

Granite and Quartz Worktops, the differences & similarities
Granite is a natural stone, it is a hard surface measuring 6 on the MOH’s hardness scale however, it being an igneous rock, i.e. rock formed after the cooling down of molten rock, it consists of numerous minerals including , feldspar, augite, hornblende, etc. Some are hard, others not particularly. It is held together by the interlocking of the crystal structure of the various minerals. The material won’t burn/scorch; it is crystalline in structure, so it always has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. It also contains natural fissures that may appear to be cracks, but they are not structural defects and will not impair the function or durability of the material. They occur naturally and are considered to be part of the beauty of stone, while the material is ordinarily considered to be stain-resistant, some pigments or oils can be absorbed into the surface. This could cause discoloration and sealer does not prevent this discoloration, so of course it is more vulnerable to staining, even after it has it’s required sealing, it is less resistant to growth of bacteria, is not available in a uniform color surface, but the add more value to wherever they are placed, the material is more expensive per square feet then other leading worktop materials.

luxury black granite worktop

Quartz worktops(Engineered Stone Surfaces) is made up of 93% quartz and 7% resin binders and pigments, it will often be made of these more pure crystals, yet they can also be made by combining crystals with resins and other combining agents to create a super-hard surface that will resist scratches that can mar other worktop materials. Additionally, this manufacturing process further strengthens the resistance to water damage, making this style of this worktop one of the most non-porous surfaces available, as if this wasn’t colourful enough in its natural state, the manufactured worktop can be imbued with even more varieties of hues, Pigments can be added during the manufacturing process along with the bonding agents – the result is a selection of color shades that is unequaled in any other natural stone construction material. The material does not stain so easily, more resistant to growth of bacteria, are available in a uniform color surface, engineered worktops do not need sealing and are less expensive then other leading worktop materials.

Some similarities with both worktops you will not get a completely uniform look to the worktop, they are both natural materials and many people buy them for their natural appearance and this means variation, the seams are always visible and both of the materials are very durable but not indestructible and they both will last a lifetime with the proper maintenance, that about does it for the similarities of these two worktops.

quartz worktop

In most individuals opinions, Quartz is the better worktop to go with, it has been used in Europe for more than 40 years, but it is just now starting to move across the Atlantic and gaining market share in America, it is an abundant mineral that’s much harder, on a hardness scale of 1 to 10, with diamonds a 10, quartz is at 7 and granite is 4, less expensive than granite, the list can go on and on to prove which material proves the opinions of individuals to show which is the superior material.

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Cheap granite supplier

March 9th, 2010

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or building a custom home, it is important to find a cheap granite supplier who won’t do a bad job or rip you off in the process. Sometimes people skimp on quality and choose the cheapest supplier but this isn’t the best idea. Purchasing poorly made granite can give homeowners the opposite effect from when they first decided to decorate with this beautiful stone. Granite gives homes a more luxurious feel and it has been proven to increase home equity with proper installation. While granite typically makes homes, especially kitchens, look better, if it is installed wrong it can make the house look cheap and not well put together. Learning how to find the cheapest prices on granite suppliers is essential if you want the job done right and on the budget you have.

cheap granite worktops supplier

The first step to finding a cheap granite supplier is to do your research. The internet is typically the best place to start because it gives the homeowner a huge selection of businesses to look into and even read past customers reviews on them. This gives the buyer the chance to understand what they are really paying for, so they don’t end up being disappointed in the poor job or unprofessionalism of the company. Once you have read through several reviews, you can begin to narrow the businesses down to a small number. After a list has been created, you can begin calling the company or checking their websites to see if they fit into your budget. Narrowing down companies which are cheap is important so make sure that you don’t keep any expensive businesses on the list, even if they are reviewed well. Renovating your kitchen is all about giving it a fresh new look and if you spend all the money on granite slabs, you may not have enough money to give the extra attention elsewhere.

There are several things in common with quality suppliers. An extreme attention to detail is an important feature with granite suppliers. Purchasing cheap granite doesn’t always mean that you are getting the best pieces. Finding granite slabs which are in excellent condition and look just as good as the more expensive slabs is essential if you want to make a significant improvement in your house. Skimping on quality can often lead to an actual downgrade in your house.

When you spend the time to research different companies, you will be more confident that you have purchased granite which will give your home a new look instead of making it look cheap. Reading reviews and ensuring that they have an excellent reputation is important when finding any company to purchase from. Along with that, you must be sure that their prices fit into your budget. If you can’t afford a business’s granite, then it is a waste of time to even look and do the research. A cheap granite supplier should be able to provide the homeowner with excellent prices on top of the line granite.

Granite has always been recognized as one of the most attractive countertops seen in kitchens. Granite is a huge improvement from tile and can increase a home’s equity dramatically. Finding a cheap granite supplier rather than a more expensive one doesn’t mean that you are giving up on good quality. It simply means that you are on a tighter budget and need to find the same materials for less. Luckily with research and plenty of calling around, you can find several businesses which can supply your house with beautiful granite at a fraction of what you would find at home improvement shops.

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Cheap granite work surfaces

March 7th, 2010

cheap granite worktop and granite vertical panels

granite supplier

Granite Hard Features for your Kitchen Work Top.

Have you ever heard of the expression “granite hard”? Most people when building new homes or remodelling their old kitchen use granite worktops because it is hard and lasts long. What people want is a kitchen that looks neat, clean and tidy. Homemakers love to receive comments on their housekeeping skills especially in the matters of kitchen maintenance. Homeowners have started to realize the compliments gained with clean and blemish free worktops in their kitchen. Of all the places where diseases can spread in the kitchen, badly maintained worktops are at the forefront. The majority of work done in your kitchen requires a worktop. You cut and clean vegetables, fish and meat on worktops. You place hot pots and pans from the stove or oven on worktops. Even without a trivet, you can place these pots on granite worktops. Granite is a good option for using as the material for worktops because it will not melt, chip, crack, blister, burn or break. It is also very easy to care for and can withstand a lot of pressure. Unless you plan to use a sledgehammer on it, its pristine quality will last forever. This is because granite is the hardest stone on earth after diamond.

Granite is the solid state of liquid magma, which comes out of the earth in a real hot state and later cools off. The minerals that are contained in granite are quartz, mica, feldspar and plagioclase feldspar. These minerals make granite hard. The formation of granite requires high pressure and then slow cooling. Since the molten lava comes out of rocks, traces of rock are stuck to the liquid magma. Once it becomes cool this feature makes granite one of the hardest rocks ever found. This feature also makes each granite worktop unique from one another because so many elements are involved in the process of granite formation. The other minerals found within granite are garnet, pyrite and zircon.

The feldspar in the granite makes it impossible to scratch with a knife, but a windowpane can easily scratch it. The presence of quartz makes the granite very beautiful. Since the hardness in granite is due to the quartz in it, the piece of granite with less quartz will be softer than the piece of granite with a higher amount of quartz. Thus, there are different types of granites based on the quantity of quartz present.

So if you are planning to remodel your kitchen with a new worktop, choose granite. They make the most beautiful worktops and your guests would applaud you on your selection. They are priceless, timeless and durable. These are not the only reasons why people love granite. They remain one of the most practical options for a kitchen worktop. Granite is nearly scratch-resistant making it perfect for a kitchen worktop as this is the most highly trafficked area in the kitchen. It cleans easily and after many years go by it will retain its striking beauty. Granite worktops stand as one of the most hygienic options because they have absolutely no joints. What a relief for people who do not have much time to thoroughly clean their worktops after heavy use. Since bacteria and germs hide in joints, they make jointed worktops one of the most dangerous places on earth. However, with granite worktops you have no such worries. Since granite is stain resistant, you can easily maintain its sterilized look by quickly wiping it with disinfectant and use it for preparing food repeatedly. Besides using granite as a worktop, you can also use it around the sink, near the draining grooves in the sink and near the tap unit.

Ever wondered how granite worktops are manufactured?

Companies began manufacturing worktops made of granite with the intention of making something that maintained the same quality for many years. Its strength, beauty and durability incomparable with anything else make it useful in many fields. You will be very amazed by its elegance and versatility because it comes in many colours. These worktops cut from large blocks are actually stones extracted from the earth in their respective quarries. The price of granite depends on supply and demand. Generally, red and blue toned granite are more expensive because they are rarer to find.

How shall we maintain these worktops?

Granite worktops respond well to the use of neutral Ph cleaning products. You can clean with these products using warm water. For hard tough stains, apply a cleaning solution and leave it over night, then wet it and scrub it down with a soft scrubbing pad. Wipe off stains as they happen so they do not stick. You can apply a sealant once or twice a year depending on usage. This maintains the quality of the stone surface and works as a barrier to protect the natural properties of the stone. Do not use it more than twice a year because it can give a cloudy appearance to the stone. There is a special silicon impregnating system used for sealing so that you do not have to seal the granite often; it is widely available in the market.

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Granite Worktop Prices

March 7th, 2010

As far as surfaces go granite provides the quality and durability that is required for almost any task, with minimal chance of damage, cracking, or scratches of any kind. The advantages of using granite for your worktops are virtually endless. Being that it is a “polished” surface it is typically considered nonporous in most descriptions, meaning you have little to worry about when it comes to spills of any kind, as they can be wiped up very easily. While it is not recommended that granite surfaces be used as a cutting board, they are frequently used as prep and set-up areas in many kitchens.
Granite can be used in commercial and residential applications and any situation that beauty and durability are priority factors in the design or construction of your project. The cost of this extremely beautiful and durable surface material is comparable to many other custom counter top and worktop choices available, but it is worth spending a little bit extra, if need be, for who’s performance you will never need to worry about.

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Granite worktops are available from many different suppliers, stores, websites, and wholesalers, across the country and internationally providing many price options, and design assistance. When shopping for your new granite worktop make good use of all your resources, find the right one for your needs, at the cost that fits your budget. Many discounts and deals can be found on the internet and through stores, it’s a competitive market, and that always benefit’s the customer, so take advantage of that. Choose a supplier that provides all the benefits you need, such as installation, seaming, polishing, sealing or special edging details that will enhance your particular project.
The installation of granite is not as easy as your general worktop, special tools, experience, and materials are needed to seam two pieces together (if that is applicable to your situation) and contractors should be queried to the amount of experience they have in regards to your type of installation needs and an estimate as to the amount of time required for your project. Always check references for any potential contractors, and ask for photos of installations they have performed in the past, this gives you an idea of what type of experience that you can expect.

One way to save a great deal of money on your new granite worktop is to look at your local home improvement store for left over pieces or remnants, and special ordered items never retrieved, as often they can be worked into many different design and colour schemes with the added benefit of a cost savings to you. Most all manufacturers and suppliers stock remnant and cut pieces that they will sell at deeply discounted prices to the pubic or contractors. Searching for factory seconds or unused special orders can add money to other areas of your budget that can assist in furthering your overall design project.

Granite is a beautiful and incredibly durable surface that can be used for counter tops, work surfaces, desk tops, and many other applications. The colour selection available for granite is amazing with so many different options, you really can find the right color pattern to fit any decor, while providing a beauty that will last for generations to come.

It is important to compare surface choices to ensure that you get the type of results that you are looking for and that they provide the lasting value you deserve. Solid Surface worktops and counter tops are available that are extremely durable and available in many different colours, and patterns. They were created to be a comparable material to granite, and in many ways they have succeeded, but they can be the same price or even more expensive than an appropriately chosen granite surface. The main question is would you want to pay the same price or more for something that is imitating granite, when you could just get the granite surface?

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Traditional laminate and Formica counter tops and worktops can provide a beautiful result but are not without major pitfalls. Moisture is an enemy of this type of counter top. Once penetrating the seams or edges, moisture and liquids start to breakdown adhesives and even worse, can start to deteriorate the wood, leaving you with unsecured laminate. Using primarily wood as the substructure brings other dilemmas such as the ability for the growth of mold spores or fungus. Anytime water is left in humid situations and unattended in porous objects or materials you run the risk for this health affecting hazard to rear its ugly head, which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to have professionally removed.

Granite is not without its faults, while previously referred to as non porous, granite’s porosity is directly defined by the amount of polishing and sealing completed during the manufacturing process. This should be discussed with your potential manufacturer or supplier to ensure you receive the type of finish that will meet the use requirements for your project. This is also important for granite that will be employed in higher use applications, such as commercial kitchen or dining applications. For general home or residential utilization, standard sealing and polishing methods will generally meet above average standards.

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