21

Nov

Helpful Things About Granite Countertops

You have probably walked on granite, cooked on it, and everything else. Granite is a strong igneous rock that easily adapts to a couple of applications – regardless if it is used in its purest form or in the kitchen. Even if you are already familiar with the benefits and features related to its different forms, you are less in the know if you understand where the tough substance is coming from.

If you are looking into having granite countertops installed, you will find this post useful because it is worth knowing the kind of material it is. Aside from being worth it, granite is one of the most popular rocks used in kitchen surfaces today. Read on to know more:

Granite is Radioactive

In this case, there are other kinds of natural materials, and granite has traces of uranium. But other natural substances, like granite bodies, can have up to 20 times the normal size of uranium.

Before you think twice about using granite, you should know that the uranium emitted by granite is less than the soil you use. Therefore, it is safe to use it in your home so you have nothing to worry about.

Famous Buildings Use Granite

Granite is used in constructing famous buildings in the world. During the time of ancient Egypt, they were already using natural stone to build. The buildings that were made of granite include the Statue of Liberty and also Mount Rushmore.

There are a lot of examples of natural granite – from China to Brazil and a lot of other countries; granite queries are in the USA and all over the world.

The Rarest Granite Colors are Blue and Red

The assortment of different rocks and minerals gives each slab a unique color. The color difference in each slab is related to the quantities of specific minerals in every batch. For instance, if there is more quartz in the composition, the milkier it will appear.

By having this in mind, granite slabs with a blue or red hue through them are considered the rarest kind of granite experts, which reflects the cost of granite worktops being sold on the market.

Granite can Easily Handle Heat

Similar to how you can cut on the surface, you can also place pots and hot pots on a granite countertop without having to worry about damage. However, like the cutting board, a hot pad and tripod should be used as precautions. Among the most heat-resistant countertop materials available is granite. This natural stone requires high temperatures and high pressure for it to form. You can also place pans right from the stove or oven on a granite countertop, and you will not see any stains or marks on the surface.

Granite Can Damage Knives

The biggest reason you should use a cutting pad when you prepare food on granite is to prevent knife damage.

Caring for Granite is Easy

Granite is not a complicated natural stone to care for. The proper maintenance you have to worry about is to re-seal and clean it, and both of them are elementary processes. You should remember to use cleaners that are suitable for natural stone and granite. With most kinds of granite, you only have to re-seal once a year.

Granite is Preset in the World’s Tallest Cliffs

Granite has formed in the Great Tango Tower and it forms the tallest mountain in the world which is Mount Kanchenjunga located behind Everest.

You can call granite installers Potomac anytime if you want to improve your kitchen countertop and add value to your home.

14

Nov

Interesting Facts About Quartz Countertops

Quartz kitchen countertops are becoming more popular in the industry of home remodeling and show no possibility of abating. Some experts are saying that its popularity is more than granite countertops. A lot of homeowners do not have the vaguest idea when it comes to quartz countertops.

If you see it everywhere, a standard kitchen countertop with black granite is not the only option you have. Designers opt for durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing countertop options. There are mind-boggling options available and you can easily be forgiven if you find it hard to make a decision.

In case you want to discover more about quartz countertops, you should read this article until the end.

Not 100% Natural Stone

Quartz countertops are made of ground quartz – a natural stone. However, the countertops are not 100% natural stone. It combines resins and pigments in order to create a finished product.

You should not allow that to fool you. Even if this natural stone is not pure, quartz countertops are still durable and the style is what most homeowners want.

Quartz Can be Bought in Different Colors

Quartz counters are made of 97% ground quartz and 3% colors, resin by weight, and polymer.

While these countertops are made of resin and stone blend, the manufacturer makes almost any texture, color, and pattern you desire.

Quartz countertops can appear like granite or marble or nothing else. A lot of manufacturers are offering great contemporary color schemes.

While manufacturing, recycled materials can also be added to expand the available color choices. You will find a countertop that will resemble natural stone, but you will not find the hues in nature.

They are not Heat-Resistant

Quartz countertops are not resistant to heat. The resin pigments are mixed into the material and they can react to high heat presence. Such as heat from a hot pan, which leaves behind color damage. The countertop is intact but is not going to look pretty.

Quartz is Environmentally Friendly

Quartz is sustainable that does not require a lot of energy to produce. Since it is durable, it will last a long time without having to replace it.

In addition, since quartz does not require sealing like other natural stone countertops, it does not need toxic materials to maintain it. Therefore, you will be able to feel good about the countertop you choose without sacrificing function or style.

Quartz Needs Minimal Maintenance

Quartz is a product that has been engineered, and it is not natural stone. Since resin is used in making it, it is non-porous and does not require sealing. You just have to wipe it down every day.

You can remove surface stains easily using a cleaning agent. However, keep in mind that you should not use harsh cleaning products and scouring pads since they can damage the quartz and resin bond.

Quartz has a Lot of Style Options

Quartz comes in different styles and colors, so you will be able to find an option that can fit into the design of your home. Regardless if you want something bold or classic, a quartz countertop is perfect for your bathroom or kitchen.

Lately, there are quartz countertops that resemble different materials, like granite or marble. Therefore, if you like the natural look of natural stone but want the durability of quartz and easy maintenance, quartz countertops are ideal.

Quartz is Extremely Hard

It rates 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is why quartz is favored when it comes to engineered stone countertops.

You can contact quartz countertops dealer Rockville anytime to have it installed.

 

 

 

 

29

Oct

How Granite Countertops are Timeless

Some elements of home design are always in style. For instance, porcelain bathtubs have always been linked with comfort and elegance. Large picture windows have attracted bright and natural light, plus the positivity into homes for hundreds of years. In addition, granite has always been a prime material since they were first incorporated in a kitchen or bathroom. Aside from that, granite companies are not hard to find and they will happily install the best countertops for you.

There are a lot of reasons why granite is timeless and its popularity never fades. There are also more reasons why granite will always be popular. Here are the top reasons why granite countertops are still the top choice today:

Its Equity is Forever

When you observe people who are trying to improve their homes for reselling in the future, it would be good to be acquainted with what prospective buyers want. Similar to what you see on TV, people are going to walk away from home because it lacks granite countertops. You should know what homeowners want, and you can tell that there is a higher demand for natural stone right now. If you want to invest money in your home, but cannot install something that will be outdated soon, choose granite.

Possesses Natural Beauty

Granite is naturally beautiful. A kind of igneous rock that is found deep underground, granite is because of quartz and other natural minerals such as phosphorus that undergoes intense heat, pressure, and underground. It will take many years before granite forms. Every piece of natural granite stone will represent something real that comes naturally from the earth with a unique characteristic. The unique phenomenon behind every granite slab makes it timeless.

Composition

A lot of granites have semiprecious stones. They provide different flecks of color that will add interest and appeal to the stone, however they make it more expensive because those slabs are not as common.

Visual Appeal

Even if there are different types of flooring that is available in the market, granite tiles are likely the most sophisticated ones. They are going to highlight neutral themes that are eye-catching. Architects that use granite tiles choose to do so because of their outstanding looks.

Durability

Why does granite continue to be among the best options for a bathroom or kitchen countertop? The reason is that granite resists moisture damage, which can withstand both heat and cold, and is hard to scratch or scruff. It does not lose the natural coloring or patterns over time. Even if granite can stain if you are not cleaning it well, or if you expose it too caustic substances like bleach, regular re-sealing ensures the stone maintains its original beauty. A few materials have the same lifespan as granite. Even marble is another popular natural stone.

Ancient

When people are masking themselves if granite is only a trend, maybe they should look farther back than just the last fifty or a hundred years. Granite has definitely stood the test of time. If you have a granite countertop, what you have in your home is something that has been part of architecture for thousands of years.

A way to determine if something is only part of a trend is whether or not it can look dated after a couple of years. For instance, huge bellbottoms might have been in fashion, but not anymore. But you know what you might have worn in the 1970s, a pair of jeans in 2015, or out in the west like a leather jacket? Granite is the same thing.

You can talk to granite installers Potomac anytime.

 

 

21

Oct

How to Protect Your Countertops Over the Holidays

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, especially when you celebrate it with friends and family. However, if the holidays are approaching quickly, you might forget about the care and maintenance of the countertops.

If you want to protect your granite or quartz countertops, you should take note of what the experts say because they can provide the best tips.

During the holiday season, the need for cooking and baking increases, which will definitely land on the countertops. Therefore, you should put measures to protect countertops each time there are festivities. Even if the stone is able to withstand the holiday season, you might have to go the extra mile. Learn more by reading further.

Clean the Countertops Right Away

You should not wait to clean your countertops until the end and clean up messes that happen. The acidic ingredients, hot food, and drinks are going to leave dull spots on the stone if you do not take care of it right away. Remember that the most dangerous messes are those that have different acids. They will only leave dull spots, which is also called etching, but they leave difficult stains. You should give counters thorough cleaning using dish soap after you bake and cook.

Wipe up the Spills

Your kitchen will have a lot of activity over the holidays. With a lot of kitchen traffic, you can forget to care for the counters.

The majority of surfaces can easily get stained. Unfortunately, family gatherings and parties normally do not end with no spills. If you invite family members and loved ones for Christmas or Thanksgiving, make sure you immediately wipe up spills.

Failure can give the liquid enough time to penetrate the stone. If you are wiping up spills right away, you will also prevent the formation of stains.

Avoid Any Damage

There are a lot of things you can do in order to protect stone countertops and it helps prevent damage. Ask your guests to use coasters to avoid spilled liquids and drink rings. They should be placed out to make them accessible to anyone. This will also encourage your guests to use coasters without you having to prompt them.

One way to avoid damage is to use heat-resistant pads. These kitchen essentials are excellent for pots and pans, together with casserole dishes, crockpots, and others.

Even if this is given, it should be said that you must always a cutting board when you prepare food. Sharp knives could leave etches on stone countertops, which cannot be repaired most of the time.

Seal Your Countertops

Since granite is a natural stone, it should be resealed. The primary way you can protect granite countertops is to have them resealed regularly. If your granite countertops are sealed within the past years, then you might want to make this a top priority. A sealed countertop will be resistant to stains, spills, and heat, taking the stress off your shoulders and worrying about any damage. Aside from that, resealing is a good habit. In case you have more questions about resealing your countertops, you should take them to your countertop installers.

Only Use Mild Household Cleaners

Quartz or granite countertops are tougher and resistant to stains, scorches, and scratches. Even if the finishing enables them to be stain-resistant, they use cleaners to protect counters from stains despite the kind of stone.

Using mild household products because they help clean counters while protecting them from any permanent damage. Avoid using harsh cleaners to get rid of stubborn spills and stains.

You can talk to countertop replacement services Potomac anytime if you want them to check your countertops before the holidays.

 

12

Oct

Why You Should Stay Away from Chinese Quartz Countertops

In everyday life, people can pay more attention to the concept of environmental protection. This is especially under the widespread of “low carbon”, which is a popular new proposition. This is primarily for going “green” and protecting the environment. The stone is more particular with circular economy and conservation of energy and has become the product’s mainstream trend in product development.

Every day, the company normally has some questions from clients. For instance, how do Chinese quartz slabs perform? You can compare Chinese vs. American quartz kitchen countertops, but there are major reasons why you should not choose the Chinese ones. Read this article until the end to learn more.

The Tariff

Among the biggest issues when it comes to Chinese quartz countertops and general pricing cost because of new regulations from China. Chinese Quartz recently had a steep tariff of more than 300% that has been put in place. For instance, if you paid $1,000 for a Chinese quartz slab, you would end up paying $4,000. This can also lead to a decline in the availability of Chinese quartz in the USA.

Resin Pooling

Quartz countertops imply that they are made using 100% natural stone, but the beauty in this product comes from engineered stone. Actually, quartz countertops are made of 93% quartz, mixed with dyes and resin. This will render durable, non-porous, and consistent color in such a way that natural stone is.

One issue that comes from overseas quartz countertops and mainly in the Chinese variety is resin pooling. This is because of countertop inconsistency that could lead to large colored resin pools that are marring in the counter surface.

Slab Thickness is Inconsistent

You will not always get what you see with Chinese quartz countertops. A lot of people already reported issues with the different or incorrect thicknesses of Chinese quartz countertops. There have been rising issues because of the material being sold and advertised while certain thicknesses and countertops being delivered do not have the accurate thickness. Since the material is thinner, it could make countertops less durable and it creates an issue when it comes to countertop installation. In case the material is too thick, this causes misalignment from the right template and they might not correctly fit in your kitchen.

Material Quantities are Inconsistent

Even if every quartz manufacturer follows a strict quartz o resin ratio, a lot of Chinese products have less consistency. Some can use higher percentages of resin that has less quartz stone.

This contributes to resin pooling, and it also provides a more flexible countertop that can be bent while being transported. The inconsistencies in ratio mean that the countertop’s quality is inconsistent. You will not know the material’s quality you are buying because you might not be able to visually detect the problem.

Chemical Standards

The USA is among the strictest countries when it comes to stands of health and safety. Therefore, products being produced in the USA go through the rigorous product and quality checks, which ensures that the production method follows the law. The Chinese standards are different from the USA, and, the chemicals used in the production might not be safe. For instance, Chinese quartz countertops could emit a smell during the first year or more in your home because of excess chemicals used in China’s production. This is an important consideration because the USA has specific regulations on what chemicals can be used in the surface product that comes in contact with food.

You can contact quartz countertop dealer Montgomery County MD to have the best ones installed in your kitchen.

29

Sep

Best Places to Use Granite Countertops at Home

When it comes to granite, people automatically think of countertops. Even if it is true granite is an excellent countertop, there are popular places where it can be installed. Granite is very attractive and strong, making it a top choice for all homeowners. Granite contractors would gladly install them for you, and because of their great properties, it is important that prospective homeowners should know that there are additional ways that you can use granite as a countertop.

Granite has been used for thousands of years and it is regarded as a status symbol, of durability, and strength. The igneous rock is made of quartz, feldspar, and mica, which gives the stone a unique collection of colors.

Read on to learn more.

Use Granite as a Kitchen Island

The kitchen is the best place that homeowners can choose to install granite. The popularity of granite comes from it being strong, and resistant to heat and water, and very easy to clean. With a lot of color options available. Granite will look good in any traditional or modern kitchen, which is why a lot of homeowners want to use it in their kitchen.

Overmount Sinks

Since granite is non-porous, it is hygienic for sinks because grime or other bacteria can seep in and make it a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Since it is a natural stone, all granite slabs are unique from each other, and this gives a unique finish to any small sink space. Based on the granite weight, brackets can be used as overmount sink support.

Any rock should contain about 20% quartz so that it qualifies as granite. For instance, a lot of blue granite is larvikite or anorthosite.

Bathrooms

The second place where you will think of putting granite countertops is your bathroom. Since granite is best for wet spaces, it is a top choice for any spot where you can wash your hands and brush your teeth daily. In addition, granite is beautiful and it will surely get compliments from guests.

Vanity Top

Like the reasons for kitchen popularity, granite is a common material for bathrooms. The bathroom is also an abused room in the house, which is why having a strong and water-resistant countertop is ideal. It will also not develop mold.

Drop-ins

Drop-in sinks that are made from granite are very smooth and it prevents food and debris from getting stuck in the crevices. Even if it is a heat-resistant material, the hot utensils cause less damage when you put them straight into the sink.

Sinks are made with more seams because multiple granite pieces should be properly lined up and joined together with epoxy. This can get trickier with patterns or veining. In order to reduce costs, you need to work out the seam designs before installation.

Laundry Room

When it comes to wet spaces, it is more common to find granite countertops in laundry rooms. Granite can make a granite surface for spot cleaning stains before clothes can go inside the washer. You are going to have a convenient area where you can fold laundry when your clothes come out of the dryer.

Backsplash

The water-resistant and durable granite works great for backsplashes. It can contrast with the texture and color of the countertop. In case you have enough granite, left after you have installed the countertop, then you can save on your budget and use the same one to make the backsplash as well.

You can talk to granite countertop installers Potomac if you need them to work in different parts of your house to install granite.

21

Sep

Why the Best Countertops for Baking are Quartz

Kitchen workspaces for pastries are important for individuals who are passionate about baking. Quartz countertops give you an appropriate space when it comes to pursuing your home baking as a career or hobby. Quartz countertops are very versatile and attractive, but they are economical and low-risk.

The countertop, flooring, fixtures, lighting, fittings, and finishes are among the top factors that can contribute to memories created in the kitchen. Kitchen countertops are an important and exceptional component while it functions at the center of kitchen activities. Quartz is an excellent material that is resistant and strong to heat, which makes it ideal for chopping, mixing, baking, and frying. You will learn more about it now.

It is Not Porous

Quartz countertops are now more popular in recent years and it is not surprising. They are durable and beautiful, and taking care of them is easy. However, one of the best features of quartz is that it is not porous. That means it will not absorb any spills or stains like other kinds of countertops, which makes it easy to maintain cleanliness.

If you love to bake, it is ideal to use quartz. It is cool and smooth, so it is the perfect surface for rolling dough in your bakery kitchen. Since it does not absorb liquids or food particles, it is easy to keep it clean. Regardless if you are a professional baker or you only enjoy making, go for quartz.

Acid-Resistant

Lemon bars and using acidic materials is a common baking recipes, therefore using a quartz countertop prevents damage in case there are spills. Baking ingredients are safe whenever you use an acid-resistant quartz countertop. Nevertheless, your countertop should always be regularly cleaned no matter what type of baking ingredients you are using.

Low-maintenance

At the same time, since they are poreless, routine maintenance and cleanup have become simpler. You can wipe down the countertops using a damp cloth and then you are done.

With quartz countertops, they are never a seal you can see. Unlike the more porous countertops such as marble, quartz countertops do not need harsh chemical seals. Your countertops can live and breathe without a yearly checkup that drains your bank account and time.

Durable

Quartz countertops are among the most durable surfaces that you can have for your kitchen. They are made using the hardest minerals you will find, which means they are resistant to stains and scratches. Durability is crucial for any layout in the kitchen baking, but it is mainly important for people who love to bake.

If you are always rolling the dough or working with chocolate and sugar, you will require a countertop that is able to stand up to wear and tear. The truth is, that quartz is durable that it is normally used in commercial kitchens. In case it can stand up to professional kitchen demands, it can definitely stand up to baking projects you love to do.

It Can Keep its Temperature

A consistent and dependable temperature is important when you bake. Quartz countertops have a consistent temperature since they do not conform to temperature changes in the kitchen. When you bake, you do not have to worry about the dough sticking after a rollout due to cold temperatures. Your cookies are going to cool right away, and the butter will not melt before the time you need it to. This is very helpful and any baker will love this about having quartz countertops.

You can contact quartz countertop contractors Potomac anytime once you are ready to have them installed and make your kitchen ready for a lot of baking.

 

 

13

Sep

Choosing the Right Countertop Backsplash

With a modern kitchen design inspiration, most of the time the backsplash is an oversight. You will most likely plan your appliances, countertops, and kitchen cabinets in advance, but a lot of homeowners forget the backsplash.

Even if a kitchen backsplash is mostly a practical tool that is used for stopping walls from becoming dirty, it also serves as an aesthetic backdrop and focal point in the kitchen. It depends on the design, but you should know which one to choose. You can ask the advice on countertop replacement services, but it would also be good to have your own ideas.

The nice thing about choosing a beautiful backsplash is that you do not have to be a professional interior designer to choose one that matches your style.

Tile or Stone Backsplash

There are many kinds of kitchen backsplashes to pick from, but the majority of homeowners choose a stone or tile. If you have granite or quartz countertops, you can get a matching backsplash that goes along the walls. This option is not for all applications, it can be expensive to install. The stone is heavy and it needs sturdy bracing to secure the walls. It is hard to cut around the cabinet layout.

For the majority of kitchen designs, tile is the best way to go. You can have it customized, installation is easy, and it is more cost-effective as time goes by.

Calculate How much You Need

If you want to calculate how much backsplash you will need, you should take the length of the area where the tile is going to be placed and multiplied by the area height. You can complete this calculation for each tile area. You can then add each amount together and multiply it by 1.1. This allows a 10% overage if there is a broken tile or odd tile cut.

Design Accent

In a lot of kitchens, the area on top of the stove is the best place for an added feature. This is normally a rectangle or square tile that looks a little different compared to the rest of the backsplash. If your backsplash is fake, the accent can be a herringbone pattern of brick that has a square border. These small changes help in making your kitchen look personalized and thought out.

Glass Tile

You would not think it will be a nice backsplash for your kitchen, but glass is 100% waterproof, so it is a great backsplash option if your kitchen has a lot of moisture, steam, and splashes.

And it will not easily shatter, so do not worry.

Glass tile has a lot of colors and the natural translucency can create a dazzling shiny effect unlike anything else. Usually, the glass will be reinforced and scratch-resistant as well.

However, since glass is translucent, you will see grouting that is poorly done beneath it, so a professional installation is required. No one wants to look at their glass style and see adhesive or grout staring at them.

Do Not Break Your Budget

If you are currently remodeling your kitchen, the costs add up, which is why it is important to balance your budget. Even if there are areas where you can splurge and save on some, you can be more conservative if you choose tiles.

With a lot of tile options available at great prices, it is not sensible to dedicate a huge part of the budget to your backsplash. Therefore, you do not have to pay too much.

You can contact granite companies Rockville once you have chosen a backsplash so they can install them already.

30

Aug

Fun Facts About Quartz Kitchen Countertops

If you have not undergone a kitchen remodel before, or you considered even just one, you are aware that it is important to choose the right countertop material. This can be the hardest decision you will ever make in the process. Every homeowner is different, which means there is not one material that is the best for any situation.

Therefore, to make maintenance easier and achieve versatility, you can do a lot better if you go for quartz kitchen countertops. Quartz is popular because it is customizable and it can be made into almost all shapes and patterns. Most of the time, they are the most expensive luxury countertop materials. Read on to know more facts about quartz countertops.

Durable and Damage Resistant

Quartz is among the hardest materials you will find, and it is the compound stone that is used for countertops that maintains a lot of that toughness. This makes it the most durable material for countertops. When you are using quartz, you do not have to worry about the wear and tear so much, like the scratches, and heat resistance. Aside from that, since it is non-porous and resistant to germs, mildew, and bacteria, it helps alleviate worries when it comes to sanitation.

Even if it is a hard material, it is flexible as well, so it can be shaped into almost anything and have the counter you want. Therefore, if you do not use an uninterrupted slab, that is fine, because it cuts cleanly. That means there are barely perceptible seams.

It is More Than Meets the Eye

A lot of people might be shocked to hear that many quartz countertops are not made of quartz. Some of them do, but naming quartz countertops is only requiring that they follow a certain manufacturing process known as the Bretonstone process. It does not mandate that quartz stone should be used in the manufacturing process. Therefore, a lot of companies began to use materials to achieve the same result and the polished look that quartz owners love. Therefore, those quartz countertops you have eyeballed might be comprised of a combination of marble granite and other types of stone. They are mostly made using crushed quartz. It is available and extremely durable, so it is an excellent choice for the Bretonstone process of production.

Wider Color Range

Since quartz countertops are made out of ground-up minerals and are not cut from one piece of material, they need a manufactured finish. Even if about 90% of a quartz countertop is made using ground-up quartz, the other 10% is comprised of polymers, resins, and pigments. Using pigments at this stage lets manufacturers create an endless variety of color options. Even if natural stone countertops are confined to the colors in stone around the world, engineered stone can be engineered in its appearance and structure. Quartz countertops are made to look like other kinds of stone or concrete.

There are More People Embracing Quartz Today

Many years ago, quartz became a way for people to achieve the look of granite and marble without paying a high price. Companies are doing their best to go with the trends every year in terms of a specific pattern or popular countertop shades. Since quartz has been there so long, it has helped bring it out from the shadows. People are now more confident with their self-expression as well. One benefit of quartz and other engineered stone is that they are customizable.

You can contact countertop replacement services Potomac anytime once you are ready to have your quartz countertop installed.

22

Aug

What You Did Not Know About Kitchen Countertops

Among the countertop materials available are granite countertops, and granite is normally the most sought-after. It is beautiful, elegant, and lasts a lifetime if you compare it to other countertop materials. Most of the time, it offers numerous benefits. Being a homeowner who considers granite as an option for kitchen remodeling. It is important for you to know what you can about it. This knowledge is helpful when it comes to ensuring that you make the right choice for your lifestyle and family, and it helps you in making an informed decision regarding your investment.

There are a lot of common and popular facts about granite, and an average person does not know all of them as well. Read on.

Granite is Among the Hardest Materials to Ever Exist on Earth

You for sure knew that granite is solid and hard, but are you aware that it is among the hardest materials you will ever encounter? Granite is so hard that it comes second to diamond, which is the hardest material. Granite cannot get chipped or cracked using any substance, but you need to be careful if you have a diamond ring and you are close to the countertop because that can chip it. Granite is the toughest and hardest material you can buy for a countertop. Granite installers are going to recommend you make a heavy and hard cabinet base in order to withstand the pressure and granite countertop weight.

Granite is Comprised of Many Materials

The granite mineral composition is mainly mica, feldspar, and quartz. Other materials also make up the granite composition, and these materials determine different stone colors. For example, red or pink granite comes with a high concentration of feldspar. Dark brown or black granite has plenty of amphibole and mica.

Granite is a Little Radioactive

This is a fun fact, but you should know this because, even if it is true, it gets reduced most of the time. Granite emits some radon, but that should not scare you. The amount granite emits is less than common compared to garden soil. Mostly, the fear that is aroused by radioactive countertop is because of fact. Granite is a safe substance for the home and where you will prepare food.

The Cost Depends on the Color

The granite countertop color depends on the granite slab’s mineral composition. The most common colors of granite kitchen countertops are beige, sand, and brown. The rarest colors are red, blues, dark brown, and maroon. The mineral content of feldspar is what makes it red while a higher mica quantity gives the dark and brown color. Blue and red colors are rare, and they are very expensive. In addition, increased crystal content in granite countertops costs more. A granite countertop is a colored sand with low crystal content.

Granite is Not Totally Smooth

When people look at granite, they think it is totally smooth, but that is not completely true. There are small pits and spaces between different crystals in stone. These pits are because of the mineral called biotite, and you should expect them when you buy a natural stone, which includes granite. Some people could believe that these pits make an undesirable granite slab, but this is not the case because all-natural stone slabs come with pits.

Granite Should be Sealed

While it is durable and scratch-resistant, granite is a bit permeable to moisture unless you seal it. ideally, you should do this once a year so it stays intact.

You can contact granite countertop installers Rockville anytime for the best outcome.