16

Oct

Expert Tips To Tell Real From Fake Granite Countertops

Since the 1990s, granite has been the number one choice for luxury countertops. Due to their popularity, granite countertops attract plenty of unscrupulous people in business that make fake countertops. Don’t think that you can easily tell fake from real countertops. Today’s business people pay attention to every detail such that the countertops look very realistic that you will buy them thinking they are real.

Fake granite basics

There are all types of counterfeit granite slabs in the market. There are fakes such as vinyl films that you can roll out to cover countertops. There are also cheap laminates that are printed to resemble granite. There are even fake materials designed for commercial kitchens and bathrooms that have a “granite” finish that can be hard to tell, especially if you are new.

Regardless of how they resemble granite, none of these fake materials are close to the beauty and durability of granite. When you drop a hot pan or grass on the surfaces, the fake materials easily get damaged.

For you to avoid the fake granite, you need to be cautious of where you buy from. Most of the homeowners end up buying counterfeit granite when they are trying to save money. Before you settle on a given stone, take time to visit a few stores and get the average price of the slabs.

If the price is too low than average, the slab is most likely fake, and you should stay away from it. You can also avoid buying fake slabs by working with a reputable granite contractor. A good contractor will not only properly install the countertops, but also help you pick the best ones for your home.

For the countertops to look great and last for long, you need to buy the genuine ones. To help you out, here are things you should look out for to tell whether the countertops are real or fake:

Check the color and pattern

Pay attention to the color and pattern of the granite slab. If the slab has the same color and even throughout without any variation, it’s most likely human-made.

Since granite is natural, every slab is unique in its way. Not two tiles have exactly similar veins, color, and texture.

Consider the cost

This might seem like a no brainer, but you will be surprised how many homeowners will buy fake, cheap granite thinking they have got a great deal. When you visit some of the stores, they will tell you that they have a special offer and yet they want to sell you the fake countertops.

Regardless of the store you visit, if the price is too low than most of the other stores, the chances are you are on the verge of buying fake, low quality granite.

Try the water test

Pour water on the slab. If the granite is real, water should be absorbed rather than run off the slab. Manmade granite is made of epoxy resins that are completely nonporous; therefore, they don’t absorb liquids. Natural stone, on the other hand, absorbs water as is porous.

You can tell when absorption is happening by the darkening of the stone as the pores fill with water. While this method will help you to pick out at least 90% of fake slabs, it has its flaws as the fake slabs can absorb water due to their differing densities and construction materials.

Tap on the slabs

When you are in the stores, tap on the slabs, and listen. Real granite produces a ringing sound when you tap it, while fake granite doesn’t. The reason for this is because granite is made from quartz crystals and resins. Since the slabs are nonporous, the sound is muted or dull hence, you can’t hear it.

Check the joints

This is a method you can use to confirm after buying the pieces and installing them. If the granite is humanmade, you won’t notice any shift of the pattern at the seams. With real granite, you will see a pattern change at the time of installation.

You should note that experienced granite installers Rockville try to reduce the pattern changes as much as they can, which can make it hard for you to see them. For you to easily identify the difference, you should be present at the time of installation.

09

Oct

5 Factors To Consider When Buying Quartz Kitchen Countertops And Other Kitchen Countertop Materials

Whether you are looking to install quartz kitchen countertops or any other types of countertops, you need to consider several factors that include:

Your budget

This is the first thing to think about. How much money are you planning to spend on the project? If this is the first time installing the units, sit down with an experienced contractor who will help you in making the calculations. When making the budget, think about the hidden costs such as the cost of transportation, the cost of the contractors, and other costs.

The worst thing you can do is to start a project and end up stopping in the middle or be required to take a second loan. Don’t rush to the stores and buy the countertop materials without fully understanding the amount of money you need.

Countertop materials

There are plenty of countertop materials in the market to choose from. The most common ones are:

Granite: A natural stone with plenty of colors to choose from, granite is preferred by many homeowners due to its ease of maintenance and durability. Granite countertops hold up excellently to regular kitchen use, and when you install them, you don’t have to worry about the surfaces getting burnt or scratched.

Marble: Marble is known for its soft and elegant look. Unlike granite, marble is high maintenance, stains, and etches easily. Despite these drawbacks, the stone has a unique veining and beautiful look. Due to the way they interact excellently with dough, Marble countertops are an excellent choice for bakers and pastry chefs.

Laminate: Laminate is the go-to countertop material for people operating on a tight budget. In addition to being affordable, it also comes in a wide range of patterns to choose from.

Wood: Made from wood strips, wood butcher block countertops give any kitchen homey warmth. While the countertops are susceptible to water damage, they are easy to refinish; therefore, you can easily maintain the new look for long. When they scratch or develop gouges, you only need to sand them.

Solid surface: These materials are ideal when you are looking for a seamless countertop surface. Made from a combination of polyester, acrylic, and pigments, solid surface countertops feature grooves that easily fit together, giving the surfaces a smooth look. To eliminate the seams, you only need to sand and buff them.

The look of the countertops

How do the countertops look in your kitchen? You need to think about it before you make the purchase. Many homeowners make the mistake of buying the countertops after seeing them in the stores. Remember how the pieces look in your kitchen depends on plenty of factors such as the design of the kitchen, the color of the tiles, among many other things.

Regardless of how beautiful the countertops look in the stores, don’t rush to place a large order. First, take a few slabs and go with them to your home. Place them on the counters and observe how well they blend with the kitchen. Only buy those that accentuate the look of the kitchen.

Durability

No one wants pieces that will come apart after a few uses. Your new kitchen countertops should last for a long time. They should hold up to spills and knife marks. Concrete countertops are quickly gaining popularity as they are durable and stylish. They are also resistant to cracking and chipping.

Natural stones such as quartz and granite are also durable. Unfortunately, they are prone to staining.

Cheaper materials such as laminate are stain-resistant, but they are easily damaged when exposed to kitchen knives and high heat.

When buying the pieces for the first time, consult an experienced contractor who will guide you on the right pieces that are not only durable but also will give your home a stylish and elegant look.

Ease of maintenance

The last thing to think about when making the purchase is how easy it is to own the countertops. The more the care you need to give to the countertops, the more expensive they are going to be in the long run. To ensure you know what you are getting yourself into, research thoroughly, and even consult granite companies Rockville and other professionals on the amount of care you have to give the various countertop materials.