For many years, the industry of interior design has been trying to break the addiction of homeowners from buying granite countertops. They try to introduce concrete, glass, stainless, wood, marble, quartz and many other ideas just to wean the people away but still, these alternative surfaces failed to exude the same luxury that granite can offer.
If this is the first time that you will get these kitchen countertops made from granite, there are a few things that you have to know.
Buying Granite Countertops 7 Secrets Revealed
Pick the Right Stone for your countertop
Just so you know, granite is the general term being used to refer to a certain kind of granular igneous rock formed by indigenous materials and cooled magma. Depending on the place where the granite has been quarried, it could be aesthetically appealing with streaks of pink, red, blue, gold or gray. The rarity of the granite vein can dramatically increase its price as well as the type of fabrication and the thickness you choose.
Check and Choose from Whole Slabs
When buying granite countertops, refrain from choosing from a sample. You will basically buy the entire slab so this is how exactly you should shop. Look at whole slabs since fabricators are going to use as much as they can to minimize waste and match sections. There are cases when you can also purchase two or more slabs from a similar lot. These are sliced like pieces of toast for them to accommodate bigger kitchens. When put back to back, these can form mirror or butterfly images of each other.
Consider the Granite Pattern
The real beauty of granite countertops lies in the movement of color and the pattern of dapples and streaks so you have to be very wise in your selection. Strong graphic patterns are very energizing while softer pattern and color will be calming.
Install the Cabinets
Your cabinets must first be installed before the fabricator goes to your house. Many appliances can fit under countertops but if you will install a new cooktop or sink, the fabricator will need some important measurements. Allow the fabricator to take the necessary measurements to guarantee a perfect fit.
Don’t Forget the Slab Thickness
Not every granite slab is sliced the same so you can expect to spend more for one with a thickness of three inches compared to the one-inch option. When you pick a thick granite, you have to ensure that your cabinets will be able to support that much weight. Check this site to get some more info on your cabinets. Click Here
Other Pointers
You will have to choose an edge that is beveled or ogee, raw-edged or bullnose. The finish also changes the overlook of granite countertops. Polished granite is reflective and glossy. Leather has textured finish while honed granite has smooth matte finish.
If you will be doing a bigger area like your kitchen, you would want to use as few seams as possible in order to have a less interruption on the granite color and pattern. Seamless slabs in kitchens look beautiful and will hold more valued compared to seamed pieces since this is simply like a stunning piece of art. You can request the fabricator if any part of the job can be performed without a seam. There are times that this is very possible though this will depend on your kitchen design.
At New View Marble and Granite, you can choose from a wide selection of topnotch and high quality granite countertops that come in the most reasonable prices.