There are mistakes that can be made with granite counter tops and in order to steer clear of them, awareness of the pitfalls with granite are important. Mistakes can be avoided and four of the more common mistakes with granite countertops include:
1. Think Wholesale
If you are planning on purchasing granite for countertops, there is the option of utilizing wholesale sources as opposed to paying full retail. Granite countertops offered at wholesale prices are of similar quality as retail, but they can be considerably less expensive.
2. Choosing a Color/Design/Edging and Thickness
Once you have found a granite slab at wholesale or retail, make sure both the color and pattern design are going to coordinate with your kitchen and surrounding spaces before any installation occurs. You don’t want your choice to create a color clash with kitchen cabinetry, fixtures, appliances and any other items in a kitchen area.
Another consideration that goes along with color choice and design is edging. Choosing the appropriate type of edging should be decided on before any countertops are installed. Once both a granite slab and edging are in place, no changes can be made to either one without removing the granite slab itself and reinstalling the whole works.
You also need to think about granite thickness or width as granite is usually available in different widths of 3/4 inches and 1-1/4 inches. The only way to gain greater thickness is gluing slabs together, and that is not a solution for thickness that works out well.
3. Utilize a Professional Installer
After you have made a granite choice and require installation, you want to ensure that the persons (or person) completing your installation are experts and have the credentials and experience to follow through with all phases of the job. An installation improperly executed can affect the look of your countertops as well as their lasting ability.
4. Sealing and Maintenance
Another important issue with granite is to not take its durability for granted. Though granite is extremely hard-wearing, it is vulnerable to heat damage as well as harm from chemicals, wine, sharp instruments, and various oils.
Sealing is important as granite is a porous material and can be stained or damaged. Without a coat of sealant applied intermittently, granite countertops are subject to the wear and tear of everyday use that can quickly expose granite to different mishaps, such as the spilling of acidic fruit juices and other foods that can wear down the sealants on granite.
Granite’s maintenance hinges on using wooden cutting boards to prevent countertop surface nicks. Trivets or potholders should also be used to shield the countertops from high heat produced through cookware, other utensils, and small appliances. Oil spills should also be avoided as they can stain granite counter tops. The key to maintaining spills is to take care of them quickly before they are absorbed. As far as cleaning granite is concerned, avoid glass cleaners, chemical, and solvent-based cleaners, and acidic cleaners (vinegar and lemon). Daily cleaning can be accomplished with mild dish detergent and a moistened cloth. There are also cleaners specifically designed for granite that can be used.
Simply following through with the solutions given here to alleviate common granite counter top mistakes will help in the prevention of any number of problems. Whether you are purchasing, installing or maintaining granite countertops there are simple solutions. If you have any questions or concerns with granite counter tops and mistakes that can occur, fill out the contact form and a granite expert will get back to you as soon as possible with the answers you need.
