Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Is replacing my whole worktop for a chip on one corner a good idea?

Granite is quite a pricey material and replacing the whole worktop for just a chip on one corner is not at all economical. Granite is carved to make hardest and luxurious worktops that you can choose in variety of colours and patterns. And thus replacing a complete worktop is not cheap. This is when you could consider repairing your worktop instead of replacing it. Let’s find out what are the pros and cons of repair over replacement of granite worktops.

Repair or Replace – Which one is going to take more of my time and money?

Replacing a complete worktop for a little chip can be extremely costly, this the main reason why people may consider repairing the damage. As mending a granite chip is significantly quicker than replacing the granite worktop you will not be paying for the hours of labour costs involved in replacing the a worktop.

Another significant benefit of granite worktop repair is the hassle free factor of repairs. If you chose to replace then inevitably you would need to take the cupboards off the wall, the sink would need to come out and potentially some of the plumbing also. When you are a building contractor you will see how these advantages are applicable to you also. It goes without saying that a lot of damage to kitchen worktops isn't spotted until the eleventh hour and speed is of the importance so that you can hand your buildings over promptly.

Can all damage be repaired?

That will depend on the nature of the damage occurred. Most sorts of damage that include chips, scratches, dents, dullness, cracks, colour fading can be fixed by yourself or by hiring a granite installation and maintenance company.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Factors one would need to bear in mind while choosing granite colour.

Granite is an ultimate choice for kitchen worktops, kitchen counters and bathroom counters not only because it is one of the hardest stone but also because it matches the aesthetic elegance as desired by the designers. Granite can be found in a wide variety of colour options starting from shades of white, blue, green, brown up to grey and black. Since it a natural stone, such subtle variations are obvious to be found and thus increases the challenging task to decide upon the right granite colour.

What would be the factors which one would need to bear in mind while choosing granite colour for a kitchen worktop?

The first factor would be to walk in to a granite supplier near-by which stocks, imports and deals with a large selection of granite slabs. Ideally you would like the granite colour to match up with your kitchen's cabinets; hence it would be advisable to carry a cabinet sample along.

Keep in mind that dark colour granite worktops for light coloured cabinets and light colour worktops for dark colour cabinets is an accepted standard and liking of most individuals as it aesthetically look more attractive. Also keep in mind that the same would apply in case of your granite colour having to match with your existing flooring.

Once you are done with your colour selection you could request the granite supplier to draw out a couple of similar slabs to check for variation in colour tones. Ideally run through the slabs which are a near match or a perfect combination before you intend to freeze on the granite colour, as it is a one time investment and you need to make the most perfect selection which won't make you repent later.