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.

Finding the right granite worktop that coincides with the proper price

Granite worktop pricing by and large needs to be well thought of, particularly when you map to fit all your expenses within a budget. Always keep in mind to choose granite worktops wisely since it is not feasible to constantly keep changing them.

First of all, there are a lot of online and traditional markets to get them and the price on granite worktops usually differs from one supplier to another. Knowing the size and the use you have for granite is perhaps a good start to know the amount you should be setting aside.

Measure the size of your slabs to know the amount of the granite you want to use. Price is by and large determined by the amount that you would actually need. The bigger the cut of granite, the more expensive it would probably be as well.

Measure the thickness you would need. By actually identifying what you will be putting on top of your granite is also a smart thing to know. Certain uses of granite worktops need certain thickness in the cut as well. For example, if you are going to use the granite as a countertop for your kitchen, you would need a thicker granite worktop for it to look nice and be assured that it is sturdy for kitchen activities.

Have an idea of the design you want for a kitchen worktop. The good thing is that you do not need to design the granite itself, they are usually presented with different designs, patterns, textures and colours to choose from.

Frequently asked questions about Granite Worktops

Why is granite the best stone for kitchen counters?
The elegance and style offered by this natural stone to kitchens, baths and other areas is unparallel to any other variety of stones found on this earth. The richness and properties like high resistance to heat, cracks and scratches makes this stone the best option to use fearing no problem while carrying out your daily kitchen activities.

Are Granite worktops expensive than other synthetic stones?
Wisely speaking - Yes! But the cost you pay to buy these pieces is worth every penny than repeatedly paying for the replacements that you will make after installing some other synthetic stones. However, improved stone-working technology has made granite countertops very affordable as compared to the other cheap man made hard surface materials available in the market. Moreover, with the installation of granite kitchen worktops in your home you will get the resale benefits too as the value of your property will increase.

The granite delivered to me does not resemble exactly to what I had been shown as a sample. Why is this difference?
If you have seen the sample on the computer, the samples will differ a bit in colour due to the variations in computer monitors and software. Granite is a natural stone created by the forces of nature. These natural stones are composed of various minerals hence the reason why they can be found in wide varieties of colour, veining, texture and patterns.

Is it possible to cantilever granite slabs?
Yes, with a large enough piece and with proper support on the fixed end you can cantilever granite up to 12 inches. Make sure not to cantilever unsupported granite where it might receive excessive stress. If there are chances of stress like someone sitting on the granite counter, you must have some support underneath for such situations.

I have heard people saying that granite can harbour bacteria? Is there any truth in it?
The CDC (center for disease control and prevention) has never come up with any records for granite worktops harbouring bacteria and there have never been any reports of people getting ill from bacteria in granite. Regular cleaning is all it needs to be approved and used in food and medical applications.

Tips To Choose the Right Granite Company

Finding out a granite company in your town is not a difficult task. But choosing a granite company that satisfies your requirements completely depends a lot on the granite required - what type of granite is to be used, where is it to be installed, the location and the timescales involved and what other work is being carried out. Two possible conditions when you might require a granite company to assist you in purchasing and installing granite can be:

Granite required for a complete new kitchen

If you are buying kitchen worktops to go with your new kitchen units you are getting through a large company, the possibilities are that kitchen supplier will suggest you their own granite worktop provider to get a more profitable deal in every sense. And probably they will not be very happy if you say you will get the granite from elsewhere. They might possibly make it complicated for you to buy the granite yourself by refusing to return after fitting the units to reconnect services and connect the plumbing for the sink. However in my opinion if you are getting a granite deal that will make you save enough on the granite, it may well be more sensible to get a corgi registered installer to come and do the final connections rather than using the kitchen fitters service again.

Granite required when replacing worktops in existing kitchen

If you want granite to replace only the granite worktops and plan to keep your existing kitchen units as it is, it is worth contacting a granite supplier with a very quick turn round time to reduce the time you will be without the full use of the kitchen.

Most of the granite installers usually take around 10-12 days to cut and polish the granite, however there are some companies that send the granite to cheaper countries to get the worktops made and then brought back into the UK, as using foreign labor is cheaper but this means a turn around time of up to 3 weeks. You need to choose the right company that can make it possible to get the granite cut, polished and installed in around maximum of 3-5 working days.

Factors Affecting Granite Pricing

Numbers of different factors influence the pricing variance seen in various granite stones. The most important factor being the quality of the granite, which can differ from manufacturer to manufacturer depending on from where they have obtained the granite. Granite from some areas of the world is highly prized than granite stone from other areas and the price of the granite will reflect the area from where the granite was mined.

One more factor that will have an affect on the cost of the granite kitchen worktops is whether the granite worktop will be constructed out of granite tiles or granite slabs. Granite slabs are highly priced because they are throughout rock-solid granite while granite tiles are cut to a thickness so as to ensure that the overall strength of the granite remains and then adhered on to a worktop form using a robust epoxy.

The last thing considered to have an affect on the granite pricing is the pattern, texture and colour of the granite stone. More colourful, more brighter and more brilliant flecks a granite type contains within it, the more expensive it is than the granite that is dull and monotonous. Some granite types like pink, black or white which are quite rare to be found in nature are more expensive because they are hardest to be found.

Designing your Granite Stone Layout.

Everybody wants to design their dream kitchen in a very unique way selecting the best stone that suits their own personality. An expert advice in helping you out with the design plan for your stone layout will make things easier for you. While discussing your plan for the kitchen granite stone layout with your consultant, things you need to have and steps you need to follow while planning are:

1. Blueprint or a drawing of the area to be tiled clearly marked including the elevations and the dimensions. Specify the room or location if it is not marked on the blueprint.
2. Discuss with your stone consultant the style of home you have; or the look you prefer i.e. elegant, rustic, traditional or contemporary.
3. Whether or not you have already chosen your stone. If so, tell your stone advisor about the stone you have picked up and of what size? If not, ask for your stone consultant to make suggestions for you? Make sure to be very open with your set budget.
4. Are you looking to use decorative trim pieces in your granite worktops also? Have you selected one yet? If so make aware your expert stone advisor with the dimensions of a piece or pieces you have selected. If haven’t selected any, ask you consultant for suggestions to bring the best in your stone layout.

Granite - A Combination of style and beauty.

These days, various different types of tiles and stones are used to beautify the homes and offices. When we consider tiling for kitchen, bathroom, floor etc., granite tiles leave all other competitors behind and come on the top. Features like smooth-shiny surface, resistance, toughness and durability when compared to other types of tiles, makes granite tiles fit for use in your offices and homes. Granite worktops and tiles are among the most admired building resources that are used for designing and decorating the interior of a building. Granite is the most appropriate material for your kitchen worktops and floors since it is highly long-lasting and can resist dust particles.

It really doesn’t matter where you want to use the granite; it is surely going to serve you for a very long period of time. Due to its outstanding qualities, granite has become the first choice for the architects as well as people in the construction business. Today, every person wants to make his/her house appear as good-looking as it can be, so whenever you plan to remodel your kitchen you will make your best endeavor to make your kitchen attractive. Granite tiles are best material that can be used to make your house or office stunning and classy.

Granite looks very glossy and soft particularly after polishing; that is why it is suitable for floors, kitchen worktops and sinks. The surface of the granite tiles becomes really smooth when polished and helps in giving an elegant look to your kitchen. Numerous websites are offering granite tiles at very low price; you just need to visit any online granite store where you will find the catalogue of the granite tiles, containing all the necessary details about the prices, colors and other essential features of the granite tiles presently available in the market.