Granite countertops
Granite has always been the premiere product used in various bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects. This is because the stone is not only functional but provides an aesthetic appeal to the place where it is installed. It is liked because of its natural beauty, which mesmerizes. Whether it is the bathroom or the kitchen, granite countertops add to the décor blending well with the rest of the furnishings of the house. For this reason, great amount of interior decorators and architects prefer using this stone for their remodeling projects.
Granite Countertops Cost
There are very few people who would disagree with the idea that granite countertops make a beautiful addition to the kitchen or bathroom of almost any home. Naturally beautiful they come in a huge variety of colors and patterns, each one slightly unique. However the cost of granite countertops often makes homeowners dismiss them as an option for their home, however much they like the idea.
Calculating Cost of Granite Countertops
It is true that granite is one of the costlier countertop options available today, but they may not be as expensive as you think, especially if you shop around carefully. The cost of a granite countertop is usually calculated by the square foot but the price can differ significantly depending upon the color and quality of the granite used as well as from dealer to dealer.
To calculate how much granite countertops would cost in your home measure your current countertops to get a rough idea of the square footage you need to cover. you should however allow for some wastage, especially if you have a kitchen with curvier angles.
Saving Money on granite Countertop Costs
There are a few ways that you can save money on the cost of installing granite countertops in you home. these include:
Opting for a Less Popular Color - Darker granite colors - especially black - tend to be the most popular choices among homeowners so if you are willing to consider a lighter, less popular (but still very beautiful) shade then you will often find that the per square foot costs are less.
Use Granite Sparingly - Some people opt to only use granite as an accent. Say you have three different counter top areas in your kitchen. In order to save money you could opt to use granite for just one of them and then opt for a complementary yet less expensive option for the others.
Shop for Offcuts and Seconds - Many granite countertop manufacturers and sellers have a supply of second quality granite countertop off cuts on hand. This may mean that they have a few chips or scratches, usually not very serious but noticeable enough that they could not be sold as first quality. Such granite countertops are often heavily discounted and if you are willing to live with a few imperfections this can be a great way to get the granite counters for your home that you want but did not think you could afford.
Maintenance and care for granite countertops
Users must ensure to take the proper care of their granite kitchen counters, as they are the most vulnerable. The food spills on the granite or vanity tops can be removed by first removing, the excess food by scooping them and then spraying a daily sealer for maintaining the seal of the counter. If there is has been a liquid spill, you can dry the surface with a dry cloth and then use neutral stone cleaner spray to clean the surface. Oil stains may be removed by using poultice, which absorbs the oil from the surface leaving it clean and dry. Being natural stone granite is prone to be damaged due to the abrasions by way of dirt, mud or grit. Therefore, it is best to use a dry dust mop to clean the surfaces. Constant usage of water around the sink may leave watermarks on the granite counters and vanity tops. Therefore, you must go for regular cleaning and occasional sealing of these tops. Read more about cleaning granite countertops.
Getting online quotes for installation
If you have made
up your mind on putting granite countertops and tile for your kitchen and
bathroom respectively, it is a good idea to start with taking quotes online. There
are several premier stores dealing in benchtop of all materials and with the
plethora of choices that these stores provide you are going to simply, love the
granite counters with varied and exquisite designs, patterns and colors.
Getting a quote for your remodeling project has never been easier as you can
now use the instant online estimate tool provided by many online stores to get
the exact pricing in just a minute. If you are unsure of how to start, you can
give the color of the stone and order one piece of 78x26 / 3 cm. This way you
can make sure that you get what you are looking. However, if you are not
satisfied you can change your mind and look for another pattern, color or
design.
High variety of counter's worksurfaces
You are sure to be amazed to see the large variety of granite countertops and vanity tops at many of the online stores. These stores have aslo counter tops in other natural stones as well. Some of the exquisite tops include onyx limestone, travertine marble, quartz gemstone, glass, marble, soapstone slate, limestone travertine soapstone and marble quartz. Any of these may be used for a kitchen-remodeling project, in a bathroom, as bar tops or in other areas.