Wednesday 27 March 2013

Home Upgrades And Advice On Granite Countertops

By Timmerman McNiel


Your kitchen may be the soul of countless homes, and it is where the the majority of specialized fixtures, kitchen appliances, as well as components are usually bought within the house. Moreover, no matter the regularity which you make meals, it is the one location that you make use of daily. That said, many individuals disregard their kitchen--a mistake that will not only affects day to day life but also drives down the reselling value of lots of homes. Nowadays, granite counter tops are a symbol of high quality in just about any stylish kitchen.

As you go to choose a type of countertop, there are obviously many different materials to choose from. Simple Formica countertops are inexpensive and can often replicate some of the appearance of granite. Many Formica models effectively mimic the gloss and texture of granite but lack the characteristic hardness and durability of granite. Marble is another popular and quite expensive option. These countertops have a more homogenous texture and are also quite hard.

Granite is a type of rock that is mined from the earth in large chunks. These large, unrefined pieces of granite are then cut into slabs which make them usable as countertops. Before they are installed, they are usually sealed and finished so as to prevent any absorption of moisture--granite can otherwise be a quite porous rock. When selecting granite, research vendors in your area using terms like granite installation. This way, you will be sure and pull a list of vendors from your area.

As a mined rock, granite is quite distinct. A coarse-grained substance, granite is in the class of igneous rock and contains at least 20 percent quartz, in addition to which it usually contains about 35 percent feldspar. The distinctive aesthetic of granite--its color and texture--can involve streaks of deep pinks and greys, as well as occasional green and blue notes. For a serious cook, the surface is super-heat resistant and can handle essentially any stress that comes its way, allowing you to place even hot dishes directly on the countertop.

After you decide to go with granite countertops, the choice of appearance and thickness of your countertops become important decisions. Meshing the countertops with other aspects of the kitchen can be tricky as you try to coordinate other design elements in backsplashes, cabinets, and wall coloration.

Thickness is another consideration. Contractors in a given area generally have their own guidelines for this, but remember that kitchens really require a thickness of over an inch, perhaps around an inch and a half.

We hope you enjoy your new countertops and your newly renovated kitchen. The joy of cooking is great in any space, as is the joy of entertaining, but you will be reassured to know that you are doing either on solid granite countertops.




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