Tag Archives: granite countertop installers

Can You Replace Just The Countertop?

When undertaking countertop replacement, most homeowners replace both the countertops and cabinets. While this is the way it’s supposed to be, not everyone has the budget to replace both simultaneously.

Can you replace just the countertop? Yes, you can do it, but according to granite contractors, you should be cautious of the risks that it comes with. Some of these risks include:

You can invalidate your warranty.

When you install expensive countertops such as granite and quartz, you are given a warranty which gives you peace of mind that you are protected against any damage and countertop problems that might come up.

While this is the case, you should know that if the countertops develop problems during the warranty period and the countertop company realizes that you installed them on old cabinets, the chances are that they will invalidate the warranty even if the problem has nothing to do with the old cabinets.

You can damage the old cabinets.

If you have had your cabinets for more than ten years, the chances are that the cabinets have seriously worn out, and you will be putting them at great risk by placing heavy countertop materials such as quartz, granite, or marble.

To avoid this, if you don’t have the money to replace the cabinets, opt for lighter countertop materials that are easy to move. This way, in the future, when you have money to make the changes, you will have an easy time changing the cabinets.

One of the best countertop materials to go with is laminate. Besides laminate being light, it’s also cheap, so even if it gets damaged during replacement, you won’t incur huge losses. You can also easily replace it even at a tight budget.

When it comes to maintenance, the laminate surface is easy to clean and wipe down, so you have an easy time keeping it clean. The only thing you should keep an eye on is the hot pans and pots that can easily scald the surfaces. As a rule of thumb, never place hot items directly on the countertops.

You don’t give your kitchen a new look you were looking for

The chances are high that you are replacing the countertops because you have had the same kitchen design for a long time, and you want a different look.

When you replace the countertops, you might change the kitchen’s look, but this isn’t satisfactory as you haven’t changed the kitchen design.

To make meaningful change, you may have to add a kitchen island, a new sink, a butcher block, a peninsula, or any other unit, all of which require you to tamper with cabinets.

If you were looking to give your kitchen a new breath of life, you might find changing only the countertops being unmeaningful, which might leave you feeling like you didn’t make the right investment.

Your new countertops might not look the part.

If your cabinets are old, your new modern countertops might not look the part, and as you can guess, this might create a disconnect that gives your kitchen a confused look.

To eliminate the disconnect, ensure that the countertops you are installing blend properly with the cabinets.

Valuable tips when replacing the countertops

Besides ensuring that there isn’t a large disparity between the new countertops and old cabinets, you need to consider plenty of other tips for your new countertop installation to be flawless. Some of these tips include:

Ensure the cabinets are level: It’s normal for cabinets and houses to settle over time, and as you can guess, this causes the cabinets to be unleveled. Before installing the new countertops, check the cabinets and ensure they are level.

Work with an experienced professional: The worst thing you can do is work with an inexperienced contractor to save money. It’s even worse trying to do the project yourself.

Even if you might think that the project is small as you aren’t changing the cabinets, it can be complex, especially because you are dealing with old cabinets.

For your new countertops to be properly installed, let experienced granite countertop installers Durham handle the project.

How Can You Tell The Quality Of Granite?

fabricated granite countertops

You have decided to install granite countertops in your home. You visit different stores and identify a few slabs you like but you aren’t satisfied with just any slab—you want the best of the best. How can you tell the quality of granite? You wonder.

To help you out, here are some of the things you should look out for to tell the granite quality:

Appearance

How does the slab look like? Like you can tell a quality piece of clothing, you can tell a quality granite slab.

On first look, how does the stone come across? Are there cracks, scratches, chips, dings, or discolorations on the stone? If they are present, the stone is most likely poor quality, and you should stay away from it.

You also should pay attention to is the size of the slab. A good quality slab should not exceed 1 mm in length and breadth. The thickness tolerance shouldn’t exceed 15% of the actual thickness. If buying the stone for construction work, ensure the slab is at least 15-20 mm thick.

The next thing to look out for is the color of the stone. It should be uniform and the slab should have a homogenous crystalline texture.

You can check the color by rubbing the stone with a cloth dipped in petrol or kerosene. If the cloth brings color, artificial color must have been used, so stay from that slab.

On tapping the stone, it should give a clear ringing sound. The slab should also be hard, sound, and dense. You can check how hard the stone is by pressing it with a hard object. If chips split from the slab, get a new slab.

Polishing

The polishing and cutting quality will help you know the quality of the stone. A quality granite slab should have one face properly polished and the edges straight and perfectly at a right angle.

Scrape the surface with a coin and if the coin leaves scratches, the polishing is poor quality so stay away from the stone.

Check for porosity

Granite is a natural stone and is naturally porous, but manufacturers work hard at reducing the porosity of the stone so most high-quality slabs will have shiny and less absorbent surfaces.

You can test the porosity of the stone by dropping 3-4 droplets of lemon juice on the granite surface. If the slab absorbs lemon juice quickly, granite has high porosity and not well maintained by the manufacturer.

If lemon juice leaves a white stain on top of the granite surface, it means it has a high calcite level, which is a sign of a poor quality stone.

A good quality slab shouldn’t have high porosity. It also shouldn’t stain easily.

You have found a quality slab, what next?

Once you have done your due diligence and ensured the stone you have is high quality, the next step is to take the piece of slab home and see how it looks in your house.

Plenty of homeowners have reported installing countertops, then regretted it as they didn’t like how they looked after installation. Don’t be one of these homeowners.

You might like how a slab looks at the store but when you get it home not like the look. This is because the kitchen has different design, lighting, and other factors.

To be proud of your installation, take the slab you like to your home and see how it looks there. If you don’t like the look return it to the store and get another.

When it comes to installation, don’t hire any contractor you come across. Research and find experienced and certified granite countertop installers Raleigh. The professionals will expertly install your countertops and seal them to prevent stains from developing in the future.

Installing the countertops isn’t enough—you need to take good care of them. At least once a year, ask the contractor to reseal the surfaces so they are stain proof. You also should clean the surfaces regularly to keep off dirt and other debris that might stain the surfaces and give them an off-putting look.

Finally, don’t sit or stand on the countertops as the countertops are known to crack under the extra weight. After all, they aren’t a sofa, are they?

6 Questions To Ask Granite Countertop Installers

Granite countertops installation isn’t cheap, so you want to ensure the project is handled by the right granite countertop installers. The best way to ascertain you are working with the right professional is to ask the right questions. Some of the questions to ask include:

What professional credentials do you have?

You want to work with a professional that is a member of a professional body. The reason for this is because most companies that put effort into being members of professionals bodies strive to provide their clients with the best services.

The companies are also often knowledgeable on the latest and best practices, so you can be sure they will install your countertops as per the latest technology.

During the interview, ensure the contractor doesn’t merely pay their dues as a member of the organization but rarely participates in the organization activities. You want a professional who is active in the relevant organization activities.

How long will you take to complete the project?

While the duration of the project will depend on the expansiveness of the project, you should be wary of a company that projects the installation to last a few days as it might not provide you with good services.

At the same time, you should be cautious of a company that says it will complete the project in months. Such a company might not be having other engagements, and there must be a reason for this.

In a strong economy, good contractors are booked out 6-8 weeks, so when you come across a company that simply isn’t in a hurry to complete the project, it might be providing poor services hence the lack of clients.

Take time to find a company that is busy and gives you a realistic completion date. The contractors shouldn’t complete the project too fast, and at the same time, they shouldn’t be too slow.

Does your company offer a warranty?

As mentioned, installing kitchen countertops isn’t a cheap project, so you want to be sure your materials won’t get damaged, or when they are, you will be compensated. For peace of mind, you should work with a contractor offering a warranty.

Are you using modern equipment?

You might have the impression the type of equipment the contractors use in their work is none of your business, but this isn’t the case. When a company uses old, worn-out tools, it not only spends a lot of time on your project but also increases the risk of damaging your countertop materials.

You want to work with a reputable company using modern, properly maintained equipment. As a homeowner, you might not be conversant with the right equipment the contractors should use, but you can do your research.

You can also ask other contractors about the best equipment to use, and when you are interviewing, ask whether the company is using them.

You want to work with contractors using the latest countertop installation equipment. This way, they will not only properly and quickly install the countertops, but they also will install them with little risk of damage.

Do you sell countertop materials?

Most installation companies also sell countertop materials, and these are the best companies to work with. This is because you won’t have to deal with many companies to complete your project.

You also stand a better chance of cracking a good deal with the company as you will not only be hiring their services but also buying their products.

If the company is selling the slabs, ensure that it has a wide selection of countertop materials. It should have quartz, soapstone, marble, granite, and many others.

If the contractor doesn’t sell the stones, they should be willing to accompany you to the relevant countertop stores and help you choose the right material for your project.

What is your during-and-post job clean up protocol?

Some companies have the impression that it’s the work of the homeowner to keep their homes clean, but this shouldn’t be the case. Good granite contractors Raleigh shouldn’t leave a mess or create undue obstructions.

Before the work begins, the contractor should cover the furniture and other belongings with a tarp to protect them from dust and other forms of damage. For multiple-day jobs, the contractor should store the tools out of the way and secure the property.

After completing the installation, the contractor should clear away the debris and dust, leaving the property spotless.

Is It Time To Undertake Countertop Replacement?

countertop replacement

Regardless of the type of countertops you have installed in your home, it will come a time when you will have to replace them. Do you know the right time to undertake countertop replacement? Here are signs it’s time to pull the trigger:

The countertops have serious cracks on them

Although, all types of countertops wear out, the situation is worse for low-end countertops. When you install cheap countertops, it’s only a few months or years, and you will start seeing clear signs of wear.

In some cases, the countertops are too worn out that you start seeing pressboard, wood, fiberglass, and other materials underneath.

When the countertops show clear signs of aging, repairing them won’t make things better—you have to replace them.

When installing the new countertops, don’t replace them with the same low-quality pieces—up your game and go for better, attractive, and long-lasting material.

These will not only look better, but they also will last for long; hence you won’t have to keep on replacing them.

The countertops have structural damage

Stone countertops are tough and can withstand a lot of abuse. Unfortunately, when you put a lot of pressure on them than they can handle, they are bound to get damaged.

For example, when you hit granite countertops with a meat mallet, they will get damaged.

In most cases, the countertops develop extremely unsightly damage. The damage can also be a cause of hazard to cooks, especially young children.

Other materials such as limestone scratch and break away into little particles that can get into your food.

To avoid all the hazards that come with damaged countertops, you should remove the damaged ones and replace them with new ones.

You are looking to sell the house

Do you know two of the most vital rooms in the house? The kitchen and bathroom. If your home is older, the countertops are most likely dated, damaged, or out of style; hence, these vital two rooms are in a horrible condition.

So trying to sell the house in this condition will be a tough call.

Luckily, you can quickly improve their look by replacing the countertops.

Many homeowners have the impression that they should install expensive countertops such as granite and marble. You don’t have to do this. When you install costly countertop materials, the chances are that you won’t recoup your money.

So what should you do instead?

Find an experienced countertop installer who will help you find a moderately priced countertop material that will give your house an elegant look. For the perfect look, ensure that an expert installs the countertops.

You feel the countertops are too old

If you have lived in your house for more than a decade without making major renovations, your countertops are most likely in a horrid state. If you aren’t as proud of your home as you used to be, it’s time to think about replacing the countertops.

Unlike when renovating to resell the house, you can go all out when renovating the house for your living. So there is no harm in going for the most expensive countertop material you can afford.

You shouldn’t buy expensive materials, then go ahead and hire a cheap, inexperienced contractor to install them as he/she will destroy them. So when you decide to go premium with the materials, also go premium with the contractor. Don’t hire a noob down the street.

Although, the contractor doesn’t have to be the most expensive in the city, they should show concrete evidence of experience.

There are ugly stains on the countertops

From coffee to wine, there are plenty of kitchen liquids that can cause stains on your countertops. Stained countertops look cheap and ugly, and if you have tried getting rid of the stains from the countertops without success, there is no way out, other than to replace them.

You can install any countertops in your home as long as it matches the theme of the house and doesn’t bore a hole in your pocket.

As mentioned above, work only with experienced granite countertop installers Raleigh. You don’t want people that will cause more problems than were originally there. Do you?

7 Mistakes To Avoid With Granite Countertops

granite countertops

Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertop materials you can install in your home. They are elegant, practical to use in the kitchen and bathroom, and extremely easy to clean.

Unfortunately, many people make plenty of mistakes that lead to them ending up with countertops they aren’t proud of. The mistakes also make homeowners waste a lot of money. These mistakes include:

Failing to take the countertop samples to their homes

Countertops will look great in the showroom, but when you install them in your home, they will be the ugliest pieces you have ever seen.

Before you buy the pieces, take a few pieces to your home and see how they look in your kitchen or bathroom. If you like the look, purchase them but if you don’t like them, don’t buy them.

Being obsessed over the thickness of the countertops

When researching about countertops, you might have heard that the thicker the pieces, the better they are. When many homeowners hear this, they want to go for the thickest pieces they can afford.

Extremely thick slabs are usually two granite slabs that have been glued together, and often they aren’t the best to install at home.

While you should go for strong pieces that will last for a long time, you shouldn’t pay too much attention to the thickness as doing so will lead to you buying the wrong materials.

Work with an experienced contractor who will guide you on buying the right thickness for your home.

Putting more importance to color than quality

The color of the countertops is crucial as it determines how the room will look like, but it shouldn’t be the determining factor whether you should buy the countertops.

While color might be beautiful to look at, it might easily stain and be difficult to maintain hence making your work too difficult.

In addition to considering how the countertops will look like in your kitchen, you also should pay attention to the quality of the slab you are installing. The countertop material should be of high quality and look great in your home.

Failing to buy from wholesale stores

As you might guess, wholesale stores sell countertop materials at lower prices. Regardless of how pleasing the retail stores are, avoid buying from them as they will cost you a lot of money.

Even if you live in an area without wholesale stores, travel out of your city and find stores selling high-quality products at the least cost.

Hiring the wrong granite installer

After buying the countertops, you are onto the next stage of your journey—installing the countertops. The installer you hire is vital as he/she determines how the countertops look and how long they retain their look.

For you to get the most, hire an experienced contractor who has been in the industry for a long time. The contractor should also be an expert at countertop installations, not fabrications.

Some homeowners hire their friends. While the friends might be experienced, you should avoid working with them as they often don’t give the best results. This is because they bring friendship in the project which spoils everything.

If you have a large house, the chances are that you are going to spend a lot of time with the contractor, so work with a contractor with a great personality. You don’t want to work with a boring contractor, do you?

Choosing the edges at random

While you can select the type of edge you want on your countertops, it’s not wise to make an arbitrary choice. This is because you most often end up choosing the wrong one. You should go through all the options and select the ones that give your countertops and surfaces the best look.

Making the wrong measurements

When you make the incorrect measurements, you end up with too little or too much granite. In most cases, you end up wasting a lot of money and throwing your plan out of proportion. While even experienced contractors make this mistake, it’s often common with new installers.

For you to minimize the chances of making a mistake, work with experienced granite countertop installers Raleigh. If taking the measurements by yourself, always double-check the dimensions before placing your order.

Beyond Granite Countertops: Other Ways You Can Use Granite

Many people use granite countertops exclusively on kitchen and bathroom counters. What most of them don’t realize is that granite is a highly versatile material and you can use it on a wide range of areas. Are you ready to go against the grain and use granite in innovative ways? Here are unique ways you can use granite:

Place granite on the basin or sink

A granite basin is not only elegant to look at, it’s also durable as granite is tough. Thanks to the many designs and options available, you can have basins of any design.

Have a chat with your contractor to install the countertop in your desired design depending on the size of the sinks and look you want to create.

Dining table

How many times have you visited a home and found a granite table? I bet rarely. The tough nature of granite makes it possible to design a sophisticated and low-maintenance dining area. You can make the table completely from granite or with just a granite slab counter.

Since granite comes in many colors, you can have a dining table with tuba or Santa Cecelia colors. It’s up to you to choose the one that is ideal for you.

Floor

A granite floor creates a beautiful, seamless look. You can install the floor with tiles of the same shade and pattern or one with contrasting colors to create a pattern. If you have an open floor plan, use stripes of a complementary color to mark the boundaries.

Since the floor is an integral part of the house, ensure that the installation is done by an expert who is highly experienced at it.

For you to maintain a great look, keep the floor clean. Sweep or vacuum the floor then follow up with a cleaner or hot water. Then mop the floor with a mop or towel. When the water gets soiled, change it.

Granite mosaic

Do you have small pieces of granite lying around? They are perfect for creating a mosaic. You can place the mosaic on the wall or floor. For quick and easy installation, glue it to a larger tile.

Desktop

A desktop made from stone creates a feeling of stability and wealth. In addition to the surface giving your house a high-end look, it’s also highly resistant to wear; therefore, you are guaranteed it will retain its color and look for years.

You can install the desk in the sitting room, bedroom, office, sitting room, or any other area you work on.

Accent shelves

If you have granite remnants that are large to make a mosaic, you can use them to make shelves that you can use to hold toiletries in the bathroom, add more storage space in the kitchen, or serve as mail station at the door.

For a great look, carefully cut the remnants and polish the edges. You should then work with a granite contractor to help you with the installation.

Create a lazy Susan

You can still use the granite remnants to create a matching countertop lazy Susan. A properly installed natural stone combines function with beauty where it improves the look of your house and at the same time makes it easy to access the important kitchen items. You can even use it as a serving station when having a party.

For you to create a perfect lazy Susan, ask a fabricator to cut the remnant into a circle then attach it to your desired area. The unit is easy to attach even with minimal skills, but for a perfect installation, have it attached by an expert.

Make kitchen accessories

Not everyone likes having a lazy Susan in their homes. If you are one of these people, you can use the remnants to make a wide range of kitchen accessories. One of the accessories you can go with is a granite trivet.

In addition to the trivet protecting the kitchen countertops from damage, it’s also beautiful to look at hence improving the look of the house.

Granite countertop installers Durham also advise that you consider making a cheese or cutting board with the remnants. When hiring the installers, ensure they have handled plenty of similar projects in the past.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning a Kitchen Remodel

best quartz countertop

A kitchen will give your house a whole new look. Although it may look like a daunting task with the right team and proper planning you can give your house a face light, it’s important to ensure that you come up with a stunning design and that can only be achieved by proper planning. It’s imperative that you work with the right team. Whether it’s the cabinet or granite countertop installers make sure you hire an experienced team that will recreate your kitchen into the design you want. In this article, we tell you questions you should before you carry out the remodel. Asking these questions will help you plan and budget accordingly.

Questions to As You Plan a Kitchen Remodel

What is the function of the Kitchen?

It’s important to establish the reason why you are remodeling. If you have a huge family, there are various aspects you need to consider. One of the most important aspects of any kitchen is the countertop. It’s important to decide which countertop will work for you. Speak to the quartz or granite countertop dealer on which countertop is the best for your kitchen

Determining the function of the kitchen will help you decide what you want and the design of your kitchen. Work with the experts on various sections of the kitchen to bring out the style and design that will give your kitchen and home a new look.

What is the budget and what features do you want to add to your home?

Once you have established the functionality of your kitchen, you need to come up with the appliances and features you hope to add to your kitchen. It’s important that you first establish how much you want to spend during the remodeling. Do you want a granite countertop, quartz or a marble countertop? Visit the granite company and get a quotation on the installation of the countertop. Most shops that sell countertop are likely to have cabinets. Consult on how much it will cost to install new cabinets. Get a quotation for the kitchen appliances that you want to change. If you settle on a marble or granite countertop make sure you understand the maintenance requirements

Are there areas where you can compromise?

It’s now time to review the quotations you have picked against the budget you have. If your figures are above the budget, decide on what you want to compromise. Expert advice is that you can use a granite countertop and use matching tiles for flooring. Compare the cost of different kitchen countertop and choose one that fits in your budget.While price is an important factor, don’t compromise on quality.

How do I get the best layout?

Work with the various contractors and come up with the best layout for the kitchen. Allocate each feature and appliance their space. Make sure the kitchen island doesn’t occupy a huge space and make the kitchen look crowded. The quartz contractor will be able to advise you on the best size of the island for the available space. It’s crucial that you work top-rated contractors because they can give you excellent design for your kitchen. When coming up with the layout take consideration of where to place the lights.

What is your overall style?

Research and speak to the contractors on what you want to bring out. You can get a photo of what you hope to bring out and show the contractor.

Do you need a building permit?

Depending on the kind of job you need to be done you may require a building permit. Consult an architect on whether you need a permit. If you choose to do small-scale renovations, you may not need a permit.

How do you hire the contractor?

The cabinet, flooring and granite contractors will play a huge role in how your kitchen will turn out. You need to ensure that you have the right team. You don’t want your granite countertop to be installed badly. Speak to family and friends and get referrals of the contractors you need. Make sure you work with the best team.

The planning process is crucial because it will determine the success of the remodeling project. Follow the laid-out plan and ensure you work with the best contractors. If you need to install a new granite countertop Durham, make sure the installation is done by the best quartz-granite installers Rockville.

Signs Your Kitchen Counter top Requires Replacement

kitchen countertop replacement

Kitchen countertops are meant to last a lifetime but that is not always the case. There are certain circumstances that necessitate countertop replacement. A new kitchen countertop will not only make your kitchen more functional but will also add charm and increase the value of the home. In this article, we tell you signs that your kitchen countertop needs replacement. During the replacement, it’s best to work with a professional granite countertop installer to ensure the best outcome.

Signs that You Need to Replace Your Old Countertops

Cracked or Eroded Countertop

If your countertop is cracked and there is no way of sealing the crack, then it’s time for a countertop replacement. Too much weight on the countertop will cause it to crack and that may leave you with replacement option. Granite countertop or quartz countertop are good options for replacement. Make sure you let the granite installers do the installation. Avoid putting too much weight on the countertop to prevent cracking. Poor installation process may also cause your countertop to crack and its therefore important to work with an expert who knows how to install a kitchen countertop well.

Stain or Burn Marks that you Can’t remove

If your countertop has stains and burns marks that you can’t remove, then it might be time for a new countertop. A counter with burn and stain marks will make your kitchen look old and unkempt. Visit the granite company and choose the countertop that can withstand stains and stains. Avoid placing hot pans on the countertop.

When Selling your home

Before listing your home for sale, consider replacing the kitchen countertop because that will perk up the value of the countertop. A new granite countertop will give your kitchen and home a new appearance. A new kitchen countertop will increase the value of you of your home and you sell your home at a higher value.The improved home appearance will also make it easier for you to make the sale quickly.

To Update Your Kitchen Without Spending too much

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your kitchen is to change your countertop. A kitchen countertop will give your kitchen a new look. Replacing kitchen countertop is easy and that will give your kitchen a trendy look. If your kitchen has an old countertop replacing the countertop will give your kitchen a trendy and modern look.

An outdated countertop

If your countertop is outdated and out of style considers changing the countertop. An out of date countertop will make the kitchen look old. Granite countertop doesn’t go out of style and no matter your style you will find a countertop that will fit your kitchen.

Structural Damage

A kitchen fire can cause structural damage to your countertop and that will require a replacement. When doing the countertop replacement make sure its done by the quartz dealer.

Increasing the size of your Kitchen

If you are expanding your kitchen, you may need to get rid of the old countertop and install a new one. You may want to change the countertop to match the rest of the kitchen.

Make your Kitchen more comfortable

If one of the family members has a special need you may need to change the kitchen countertop to accommodate a wheelchair.

Signs that your Granite Needs to Be sealed Afresh

Granite countertop is one of the most durable countertops. If your countertop begins to show signs of wear and tear, then you will need to reseal the countertop. Granite countertops are one of the most durable countertops. Below are signs that you need to seal your granite

More than two years have lapsed since the last time it was sealed. Sealing will keep your countertop in top condition
If you notice etch marks, then you need to invite the granite installers to seal your granite.
In case you notice fissure, you need to repair the fissures before applying the sealant. It’s important to consult the granite dealers before applying the sealant.
If you notice moisture rings, then it’s time to add a new layer of sealant.

It’s important to choose the right countertop for your kitchen. Consider the traffic in your kitchen and choose a counter that will last. While replacing your countertop make sure it’s done by the granite-quartz installers for best results. Proper care and maintenance of the granite countertop Durham or the marble countertop will ensure that it last longer.

How to Make Your Kitchen Re modelling Successful

granite kitchen countertops

Kitchen renovations are one of the most common home improvements projects. Revamping your kitchen will give your house a new look and perk up the value of the home. It will cost you money and it’s therefore important that you ensure it’s success. Whether it’s the kitchen countertop, cabinets, flooring makes they give your kitchen the ultimate look. In this article, we tell you how to make sure your remodeling is successful and what you can do to ensure that.

How to Make Your Remodelling Successful

Research on how you want your kitchen to look like

It’s important that you find inspiration for your kitchen. When it comes to flooring make sure that you get the right tiles for your floor. The local granite countertop installers will give your ideas on the design and the countertop material to use. It’s important that you precisely know what you want.

Budget

Determine how much you want to spend on the remodeling. Divide the various sections of the kitchen you want to renovate and draw up a budget for each. Make sure the total of the various fits in the original budget. Once you have the budget you can get quotations for flooring, kitchen countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Make sure the materials you choose are quality and fit in your budget.

Get a contractor

Get a licensed contractor to do the renovations. Visit the granite company and work with a contractor who is experienced and has the required expertise. If you are remodeling your cabinets make sure that you choose a contractor who has previous experience. You can get references for good contractors from friends and family Make sure you choose the best contractors to bring out the best.

Design the layout

Once you have identified the contractors to work with, design the layout of your granite countertop, floor, and the cabinets. The contractors will give your ideas on how to bring out the best kitchen design. Work with the contractors and make sure that you choose the various elements you require.

Cabinet Changes

If you chose to replace your cabinets, it’s important to ensure that you have included all the aspect of the change in your budget. Changing your cabinets can be expensive and its therefore important you budget appropriately. You may need to take down the old ones and fix new ones. If you have a new design, you may need to change wiring and the plumbing system. It’s critical that you review the design of your cabinets before you settle for one.

Select the Kitchen countertops

Speak to the experts at the granite countertop and get advise on which countertop will suit your kitchen. Below are the countertops you can choose from;

Granite countertops

Marble countertops

Silestone countertops

Quartz Kitchen countertops

Solid surface countertops

The granite countertop installers will help you choose the best material for your countertop. Choose the countertop material that will last longer, and will bring out your style.

Flooring

Choose the flooring that will complement your cabinets and the kitchen countertop. Tiles are the most common kitchen floor solution. If you choose other floor materials to make sure they can withstand the moisture in the kitchen.

Choose the right appliances

Choose the appliances that are stylish and functional. Appliances will enhance the look of your home and it’s therefore important that you choose the best.

Lighting

Proper lighting will give your kitchen a new look. You can hang pendant lights over the countertop. Lighting will illuminate the various features in your kitchen and make it beautiful.

The Do’s of a Kitchen Remodel

Work with the experts and they will advise you on what to consider during remodeling. Below a kitchen remodel do’s.

Decide how you will use the available space

Make sure that you don’t overcrowd your kitchen. Make sure that the kitchen countertop you install is not too huge. The kitchen cabinets you choose should not make your kitchen to appear small and overcrowded.

Do follow your budget

Make sure you consider all the aspect of the remodel and follow the laid-out budget. Spend the allocated money wisely

Do Pay Attention to the layout

Be keen on the layout to make sure all your appliances fit well in your kitchen.

Do remember to include kitchen storage

You will need a store to avoid overstuffing your kitchen. In your layout ensure there is space for the store

Your kitchen remodel is an investment and it’s therefore important that it’s successful. Use high-quality materials during the remodels that bring out your style. Granite countertops Raleigh are among the best materials for your kitchen countertops. Work with the contractors to ensure that you get the best out of your remodel.

The Granite Countertop Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

best kitchen countertop contractor

Your kitchen countertop is an investment and it’s therefore important that you take care of it. Simple cleaning tips will keep your granite countertop looking good and ensure it last long. Correct cleaning methods and proper maintenance practices will ensure the durability of your countertop and give your house and kitchen a regal effect. It’s important that you understand your countertop and that keeps your countertop looking fabulous for years. In this article, we tell you do’s and don’ts when using granite countertop Durham and simple cleaning practices that will ensure the longevity of your countertop.

Sealing Your Granite Countertop

It’s imperative that you seal your granite before using it. If you already have the granite countertop installed to make sure it sealed often. The number of times you seal your granite countertop will depend on how often you use the countertop. Talk to the granite countertop dealer and get advice on how often you should seal your countertop and the kind of sealant you should use.

Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning the Granite Countertop

It’s crucial that you follow the right cleaning procedure to prevent your countertop from being damaged. The right care and maintenance procedure will ensure your countertop last long. Below some tips on how to take care of the granite countertops and what you should avoid;

Granite Countertop DO’s

Blot out spills immediately

Coffee, fruit juices tomato sauces may contain an acidic element which may etch the countertop. To minimize the chances of damaging the countertop make sure you blot out any spill immediately.

Clean the Surface with a Soft Sponge and Cloth

To clean the countertop, use a soft sponge and a mild detergent. Don’t use an acidic detergent because that may ruin the sealant. Using the wrong soap may also cause the countertop to become dull. Regular dishwashing soap will cause the countertop to become dull.

Use hot Pads and Trivets when using Hot Pans

Don’t take a hot pan and place it directly on the granite kitchen countertop. Hot pans may give your countertop a thermal shock and because small cracks Make sure you place hot pads and use trivets before placing hot pans on the countertop.

Use Cutting Boards

Avoid cutting directly on the countertop, instead, use a cutting board to protect your countertop. Cutting directly on the granite will make countertop to have scratches and become dull.

Granite countertop Don’ts’s

Avoid using bleach and other acidic cleaners

Any product that is acidic or contains harsh chemicals will destroy your countertop by downgrading the sealant. That will make your countertop more prone to staining. Use mild detergents to clean the countertop.

Avoid Placing Heavy Objects on Your Countertop

Avoid sitting on the countertop or placing heavy materials because that will cause it to crack.

Don’t Store liquids that can Stain the countertop on it

Liquids such as perfume, colognes and nail products may spill and cause your countertop to stain. If such liquids remain on the countertop for long periods that may stain the top.

Granite Countertop Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

Make sure you wipe any spills immediately using a sponge and a mild detergent. Keep your countertop clean throughout the day. The granite countertop dealer will advise you on the best granite cleaner that you can use on a daily basis.

Weekly Maintenance

Remove all the items on the countertop and clean the whole surface. Clean the edges and remove any dust that has collected around.

Monthly

You can apply a granite polish monthly to make the surface of the countertop look more natural and enhance the shine.

Yearly Maintenance

You can carry out the water and lemon test on your granite to see whether you need to seal your granite. The frequency will, however, depend on how often the countertop is used. Seal the granite if you notice that the countertop is absorbing water drops left on it. The contractor from the granite company will advise you on when you have your countertop sealed.

Its imperative that you ensure that you follow the care and maintenance practices above to keep your granite looking good for long. Simple maintenance practices will ensure that kitchen countertop looks good and you can enjoy preparing meals on it for years. The granite countertop installers will advise you on how often you should seal your countertop depending on how often you use the countertop.