Granite Kitchen Worktops to Offer Your Kitchen a Grand Look

The word 'home' is always associated with the word 'hearth' and where there is ‘hearth’ at home is called the ‘kitchen'. It is actually the place where various innovations regarding food and beverages are born. It is the place where the basic needs of the body, delicious foods are cooked. Therefore, it must be the duty of all to give kitchens a perfect outlook and for this reason modern kitchen worktops are primarily necessary.

There goes a proverb if a kitchen is neat and clean the total health of a family remains sound. With this view in mind the kitchen is the place on which perfect notice is a must. Not only that worktops are necessary in hotels and restaurants but they are needed in the kitchens also to offer them a gorgeous look.

The basic uses of worktops are to cut vegetables on it or to prepare foods. So these must have to be scratch proof. Granite, marble and even stainless steel can be used as the base material. Water resistance is a big plus for all these materials. There comes also the crucial factor 'look'. It is really ridiculous if your kitchen looks completely out of shape. But this is also achievable since kitchen worktops come in different colours and combinations to beautify your kitchen.

It is essential that your kitchen worktops are sturdy and robust so as to withstand cutting on, heat being applied where hot pots are taken straight from the oven and placed directly on it, they will also need to be stain and scratch resistant as well as waterproof. It may well prove useful for you to get a professional company to fit worktops for you as it can be a job requiring some skill, for buying kitchen worktops it is probably best if you have a good shop around online.

Tips to Repair Chips in a Granite Worktop

Most of you might agree that it is impossible to repair granite chips especially by yourself at home. Well, I do agree that granite can be a hard material to care for when it becomes damaged and unlike other worktops and countertops chips and scratches can not be sanded away or the worktop surface cannot be just replaced easily with new product. There may not be many options to mend major chips in the granite surfaces but minor scratches can be buffed out by using special processes. There are filler products like Epoxy that are used to repair minor chips on the kitchen worktop surfaces.

Epoxy is a kind of thermosetting resin that is used chiefly in strong adhesives and coatings and laminates that dries to an extremely hard finish. It is found to be one ideal material for repairing granite chips.

Steps to repair chips in a granite worktop

Step 1: Match the colour of the epoxy to get the closest shade matching the colour of your granite worktops while purchasing it.

Step 2: Clean your granite kitchen worktop thoroughly and make sure the dust particles and kitchen scraps are not lying anywhere near the damage to be treated. Any impurity will weaken the epoxy patch.

Step 3: Once checked open the epoxy tube and squeeze a line of epoxy suing medium but steady pressure from the bottom of the tube along the chipped area of granite worktop. Make sure to cover the chip on the surface with a bit more epoxy than needed, not less.

Step 4: Use a putty knife to shape the epoxy over the chip. Smoothly level the epoxy surface while trying to match the shape of the worktop so that the epoxy blends in perfectly.

Step 5: Once the application is correct, leave this epoxy patch over the granite surface to dry for two full days. Check if it is dry before trying to wipe away extra epoxy. Use a cleaned blunt putty knife to chip away any excess epoxy.

Granite Kitchen Sinks – Is It the Best choice for you?

Well in all previous posts I mostly talked about granite worktops or granite counter tops. However, there is one more important part that cannot be ignored when you think of remodelling your kitchen. Yes, you are guessing it right! Kitchen sinks are that important thing. To get a complete remodelled look in your kitchen you cannot ignore thinking about what material of sink would be best to match your worktops. If granite is your choice of kitchen worktops, then granite would be a durable material for sinks and a classic choice too since granite offers many functional advantages over other materials, as well as an attractive appearance.

Traditionally granite sinks had some problems like chipping and staining; however with the stone engineering advancements in modern treatments and installations these have been overcome.

Why should I prefer to install Granite Sink in my kitchen?

You can find granite sinks in any size or can custom order the size and dimensions as per your needs. 6 feet long and 9 inches deep trough sinks are a common choice in UK. However, no matter what shape or size your kitchen has, a granite sink can be made to fit it elegantly. Sinks with multiple levels can also be made for different tasks.

One best thing about installing granite worktops and granite sinks is obviously the unique natural material that has its own beauty of the stone and its ability to go with existing granite worktops thus completing the whole kitchen elegance.

Granite kitchen sinks are quite versatile as they allow offsets to be easily made in them to hold any accessory like a cutting board, colander, draining rack etc. You may even add a cutting block for faucet accessories, spray hoses or even knives.

Granite Sinks Vs Stainless Steel Sinks

Granite sinks and stainless steel sinks have become customary choices for kitchens and bathrooms for homeowners. Both types of sink materials have visual appeal and durability that many other sink materials cannot match. Moreover the availability of stainless steel and granite sinks is easy and can be found at almost any hardware store. Here are some points to compare both type of sinks in the form of usability and versatility in the kitchens.

Appearance

Granite is more appealing in appearance than a stainless steel sink and since most of the people prefer to have granite kitchen worktops, granite sinks match well with them. Though granite sinks have much distinguishing looks than stainless steel, but we can say that stainless steel sinks have more versatility to go with almost any type of decor.

Cost

No doubt, stainless steel sinks are cheaper than granite sinks, as granite sinks are made from natural granite. But granite composite sinks, which include synthetic materials, are a more affordable alternative to pure granite sinks.

Durability

Stainless steel and granite sinks offer extreme durability; they can withstand hard impacts and resist scratches. However, granite sinks do occasionally chip, particularly around the corners.

Cleaning

Due to their angled corners, granite sinks are more difficult to clean than stainless steel sinks, which have a smooth, simple surface and design.

Worktop Colour - The defining element of your kitchen

So, you have decided to use granite for your kitchen worktops. And are now confused which colour to choose among so many combinations and textures available. Well, I would say that the choice of granite colour is rather one of the most important design factors in any kitchen. Here are some important things to keep in mind when choosing a kitchen worktop colour for your home.

1) First of all, look out for granite warehouses around your city with a large selection. Warehouses will have full slabs of granite for you to see and thus you will be able to see all of the available colours and not just a few little samples on a board as found mostly on the retail shops.

2) Do not forget to carry a sample of your kitchen cabinet while visiting the warehouse. This would help you to choose the granite colour that compliments your kitchen cabinets, as you can hold the sample up to the granite slab as you search for ones that you like. This way you can make a choice right away if the chosen ones are is a good match for your kitchen or not.

3) Once you have decided the granite colour that works well, make sure that you are really finding it appealing and are not settling down on something that looks good but you may not like. The colour of the granite to be used in your kitchen will make a defining element of your kitchen and hence you must love it in order to live with it.

4) The colour of the floor should equally match or compliment the worktop colour. If you are building a new home or working with an existing floor, make sure to bring a colour sample of the floor tiles so as the granite goes well with that. Although the floor tiles will not be directly next to granite slabs, you still want to make sure the colours work well together.

5) Granite worktops are a great investment for your new kitchen, hence the choice of the granite colour should be an informed decision made after viewing all of the available selections. For more colour ideas and suggestions, visit http://www.granite4less.co.uk

Looking for a granite supplier? Read on...

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 labour 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.

Granite Worktops – Some basic questions answered!

What colour of granite is most popular for kitchen worktops?

As far as my own experience as a granite supplier goes, I have seen people liking granite worktops from all shades of white, pink to dark shades of green and black. The tastes of people have revolutionised with time and now people look for more trendy colours in granite that perfectly compliment their interiors. Granite comes in a variety of brilliant to subtle colours like ivory, green, blue, red etc. Thus if you are looking for granite worktops that can compliment or offset the cabinetry of your kitchen you just have to look out for a granite supplier in your town.

Why are there inconsistency of speckles and swirls in all of the granite stones?

Well needless to say that the inconsistency of patterns in the form of swirls and speckles is what makes the granite a remarkable and unique stone. This attribute of granite stones is formed as a result of the natural action of solidification and representation of various materials that are trapped during the process of cooling down of the molten mass. It is natural for a granite worktop to have these specks of quartz and other molten matter that add glimmer and depth to the granite worktop surface.

Can I replace my granite worktops once installed anytime after that?

Well, I would suggest replacing all your worktops at one time if you want to change out your existing granite worktops. The variability feature of granite gives a unique colour and hue to every block of granite that follows in pattern one after other. Thus if you replace only one worktop today and plan to change the others after a year, you will never match the two with the exact pattern and colour. If you are looking to have uniform granite blocks for your kitchen worktops, you should purchase the granite from only one supplier and remind them that you want the tops to come from the same cut. This would ensure a great match in granite colour and pattern.

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.

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.

Looking for a worktop color that matches your interiors? Here’s a brilliant option!

Many varieties of stones are available for a kitchen worktop surface – granite stone, marble, wood, concrete etc...Among all granite worktops are the most popular choice due to their hardness and natural attractiveness. But the nature may not always offer you the colour of your dreams that matches your decor perfectly. So what would be your second choice? I suggest it should be Quartz stone.

Quart stone is a man made stone that is formed from quartz and bonding resins and then coloured to suit the customer’s requirement. With the colour options ranging from black to white and almost every colour in between, Quartz stone makes a fantastic choice for kitchen worktops.

If you are looking for natural earthy patterns and natural veining, then granite kitchen worktops could be the best option. However, these natural effects can be applied to man made stones also. Although a man-made product can never be the same as the real thing, some of its pros do out-weigh the cons.

Why Invest In Granite Worktops?

Have you ever thought why granite is the most popular choice for kitchen worktops and countertops? Here are some reasons why!

No two pieces of granite are exactly same thus giving a unique look altogether and providing a unique design element to your kitchen. The richness and texture that granite can add to your kitchen is unparallel to any other surfaces found.

A granite worktop all in all adds a character to your kitchen worktops – a personality with brilliance and elegance that can only be found in nature.

Granite stones are available in hundreds of colours, in variety of shades and textures of black, white, browns, blues, reds, greens etc. The most popular colour choices are black and various shades of brown.

Granite worktops make an excellent surface for rolling out dough, chopping and other kitchen work. The polished surface of granite does not wear off easily and is resistant to heat, stains and other external forces.

The natural beauty of the granite stones makes them capable of complimenting any tone of wood and the interior ambience of the house.

With granite worktops as an affordable option with you, remodeling an existing kitchen will for sure add to the value of your home

Looking out for a cheap and best granite deals? - Consider these tips

Check out the thickness of the granite slabs offered in the bid - 1-1/4" is usually considered to be the standard granite thickness in construction industry. The thinner granite types are usually used in bathrooms and laundry rooms. Thinner varieties are no good to be used as kitchen worktops or counter tops. So make sure that the thickness of the granite is included on the bid offered to you.

Granite slab pattern viewing - One variable that should not be ignored is to check the quality and pattern of the granite in the cost of completing granite. Not all of the standard granite slabs are the same. There are shops that use every square inch of the granite available regardless of the pattern. However you will never appreciate to have such parts on your kitchen island. If you can get the view of the slab you are purchasing and layout your project on the slab, you can see how the granite flows before it gets fabricated and installed.

Edge detail also needs to be taken into consideration as different edges take different amounts of time to fabricate. To get the most accurate bid, pick up the edge detail you wish to have and have it priced with that edge.

Granite cut-outs and Granite Sealer – Many companies charge per cut-out needed in the granite. Study your cut-out requirements (cut-outs for sink, faucets etc) and ask for it to be priced accordingly. Also make sure that you choose the bid that provides you with at least 15 year sealer to keep your granite sealed and protected.

Granite Delivery and Installation – The last and important thing to look out for is the installation and sales tax. Make sure that your granite worktops bid includes the deliver charges, installation charges and the sales tax.

Polishing Granite worktop to keep it shiny for long time?

Firstly, the handy tips to do it by preparing polishing solutions from things available in your kitchen.

1. Take a mixture of half cup baking soda and three cups of warm water and apply it on the surface of your worktop. Wipe off the excess liquid and buff with a soft sponge. This will help remove any stains and deposits on your worktop’s surface.

2. Prepare a mixture of 1/4 cup of isopropyl rubbing alcohol, water and a few drops of any mild detergent or liquid dishwasher soap. Fill the solution in a spray bottle and squirt it over the worktop surface. Rub the surface in slight rubbing motion to bring back the shine on your granite worktop.

Ready made kits available in market to polish granite surfaces.

3. Buy a commercial non-abrasive granite polish and sealant from a hardware store. Clean you granite worktop to make sure no residues or any liquid is on the surface. Apply polish to the area and buff with a soft clean cloth. After applying polish on the surface, proceed by using sealant on the granite as an added protection. There are also ready made granite maintenance kits available in the market to guide you how to polish the worktops.

Why granite stones make excellent worktops and countertops?

1. Granite stones can hold too much pressure and is fire resistant, heat resistant, abrasion or scratch resistant, frost and slip resistant.
2. Granite stones are highly rigid and stable in character for constructing household walls, floors and especially kitchen worktops and countertops.
3. Natural stones make you feel very close to the environment providing a natural look to your surroundings.
4. It is available in earthy colours and varying patterns providing versatility to the natural stone that best fits the elegance and simplicity of every home.
5. Granite stones are timeless in terms of uniqueness and durability.