3 Vital Tips on Granite Countertop Maintenance

Granite countertops are indeed a grandiose addition to any home as each specimen is like an inimitable piece of artwork. Granite is available in so many varied colors that homeowners have a wide array of options to choose from. Granite material is something that would fit and compliment any decor or design scheme. Granites are durable and they don’t need that much looking after for it to last a very long time. You don’t need to be too much vigilant when it comes to its looking after instead you just have to avoid some bad habits and focus on the maintenance when needed. If you have got new granite countertops installed in your kitchen, you can keep them in a good condition and as new as a pin by following the below-mentioned maintenance tips:

Sealing of Countertops

After the granite countertop installation, make sure to use a quality sealant in order to protect your granite from spillages and the regular wear and tear. You will find many effective sealants in the market but do ask for your supplier’s advice on the right product to use for your countertop. Invest in sealants that last longer (requires minimal maintenance or reapplications) than the cheaper ones.

Avoid Bad Habits

Just because granite material is durable doesn’t mean you have to treat it differently than any other type of material. Remember to attend to the spills on an immediate basis; always make sure that you use coasters, hot pads, trivets for placing hot vessels so that you don’t harm the stone, cutting boards while working on granite countertops. Yes, they can handle a bit of wear and tear, but a little care and maintenance will only add to the shelf-life of the countertop.

Routine cleanup

Avoid using strong chemicals when cleaning your granite countertops. Only use a granite cleaning spray instead of using vinegar, bleach, ammonia, citrus cleaners, powder cleanser or bathroom cleaners and even the regular dishwashing liquid. To clean the surface daily use a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth instead of using coarse sponges that could abrade the surface. One more thing you can do after every few weeks is pour few drops of water on the space that is used the most and check whether it soaks it up or the water beads up on the surface. If the water gets soaked up, it indicates that your granite countertop needs a sealant reapplication. When your countertop requires a more thorough cleaning, you should consult professionals to do the work instead of going DIY.

Benefits Of Black Granite Kitchen Countertop

Are you looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom? Have you decided the countertop material that you want to use? Surely there are many materials that can be used for countertops, but the material that has gained prominence as the elegant choice for a bathroom countertop is black granite. The black granite is not granite in actual terms. They are different lumps of materials such as diabase, gabbro, basalt and others that share the strength and durability of granite. The manufacturing industries just put together those lumps and make slabs out of it.

Although black granite is not natural like granite, these stones are just are just as strong and durable as natural granite that makes it an edible choice for the bathroom countertop. Black granite is trending in the US market and they sell the slabs of it under the category of granite because of its rich design and strength. Here are some of the advantages of black granite for bathroom countertops/ platforms that will make you consider black granite for your home renovation.

Aesthetics: Aesthetics of your home is an important factor to boost your home value. Good aesthetics can help you at the time of the sale. And honestly, who doesn’t like to live in a home that oozes luxury and the black granite can guarantee you just that.

Strength and durability: The name black granite was given to it because of its parallel strength and durability just like granite. And granite being one of the strongest materials for countertops proves the robustness of the black granite.

Scratch and stain proof: The black granite is kind of an engineered stone so that the surface of the black granite is smooth and that prevents any serious scratch and staining. This gives black granite a long-term advantage of sustainability.

Easy maintenance: The maintenance of the black granite countertop is easy and can be done with ease. Regular cleaning can help you maintain your countertop and give it a new look for a long time. Regular maintenance can give the countertop a shiny look and will preserve its natural beauty for a long time.

The black granite countertops are surely useful as a great countertop material. Especially in bathroom countertops the stone in constant contact with water, but black granite is susceptible to water contact making Black Granite Bathroom Countertops perfect for your house.

There are many types of black granite countertop that the users use and are in trend currently. Given below are some of the black granite countertops that can be used in your bathroom.

1. Galaxy – This type of black granite is actually made from gabbro lumps and is popularly sold in the market under the name of “Star Galaxy”. This type of stone is mined from the quarries of south India making it an exotic material for your bathroom countertop.
2. Absolute – Absolute black granite also referred as “Nero Absolute” or “Jet Black” is the total perfect black colored stone that you can get in the market. It looks extremely elegant and uniform for your style.
3. Cosmic – The background of this stone with white wavy lines give it an outer space star wars vibe making it extremely popular amongst a massive audience. And as the stone is scratch and stain resistant it is an elegant choice for your bathroom.
4. Impala – Like Galaxy, Impala is also a gabbro stone black granite also referred as Eagle Black. These stones are found in the quarries of South Africa which also makes it an exotic material just as the galaxy. Hence it is an elegant choice for the bathroom countertop.
5. Pearl – Pearl black granite also referred as “Silver Pearl” or “Black Labrador” is also quarried out of India. Although this stone is black in color, the shimmering effect of the stone gives it a beautiful look.

Granite countertops are the primary material for the kitchen and bathroom countertops. And the black granite countertops are the ones that add the aesthetic value to your home like no other. Visit A Granite M.D. who provide the best granite installation service in Las Vegas and select the appropriate black granite for your bathroom countertops.

Granite Countertop V/S Quartz Countertop

The two competitors are really great material for countertops and are really good in the matter of durability, aesthetics, and budget. Granite and ColorQuartz are a popular choice for countertops in the market. Below given are the advantages of Granite and ColorQuartz.

Granite

Granite is widely heard as the best stone for countertops, flooring, etc. It is an ingenious rock that is available naturally from the mines that are phaneritic and granular in texture. People are using granite stones from thousands of years to build structures that are monuments now. Granite is definitely a durable stone that is a great option for countertops. Here are some advantages of granite when used as a countertop.

Granite adds value to your home: Granite is available in the market in different colors and designs that can suit with any of your interior design themes that can add value to your home.

Granite is a durable material: As Granite is a natural stone it is durable and strong in its natural form but it doesn’t mean that you treat it in a rough way.

Granite is scratch and stain proof: Granite is resistant to scratch and stains because of its artificial sealant that covers the porous surface and makes the surface smooth.

Granite is easy to maintain: Because of its durable nature, the granite countertops can last for a long time therefore with regular cleaning granite can last for a long time.

ColorQuartz

The ColorQuartz is not so prominent in household use but it is an elegant choice if you use it. Colorquartz is gaining popularity day by day in the US market. The reason that colorquartz is getting popular because of the color and design choice that it offers. Today factory is producing colorquartz is focused on providing a quartz surface that meets the demands of the customers.

Colorquartz is all natural: As it is derived from natural quartz it is strong and durable that makes it stain and scratch proof that requires a low maintenance.

Colorquartz is stylish and classic: Colorquartz is available in the market in versatile and expressive colors making it an elegant choice for countertops.

Colorquartz offers creative patterns: It offers a great lineup of beautiful designs that gives fascinating patterns and designs. These designs look like they have been made naturally that boosts value to your home.

Colorquartz is a quality material: The surface of colorquartz is cleaner and smooth because of the advanced technology that is responsible for its fabrication. This also gives us a stronger material that is used for countertops.

Cost comparison

Where the Granite Installation can be $40 to $150 per square foot, the cost of colorquartz installation can range from $50 to 90$ per square foot. The cost difference is minimal that can also be differed if you choose different installation companies. A Granite M.D. is a countertops installation company based in Las Vegas that provides inexpensive countertop installation service.

5 Tips To Choose The Perfect Tile For Your Backsplash

The stains and splashes on the kitchen walls is a frequent problem of clients. The wall behind the counter in the kitchen gets ruined during some cooking. The water stains and oil stains on the wall can ruin the posture of your kitchen. So it is extremely important that the wall behind your kitchen doesn’t leave a stain.

Backsplash tiles are an ideal option for this issue. Backsplash tiles protect your walls from oil stains and water splashes. Along with the protection, it also gives the kitchen an aesthetic look that will catch the eye of your guests. The aesthetic looks of your kitchen can also be useful to boost your house value when you sell it. And the backsplashes are really low maintenance and easy to clean. Adding backsplash in your kitchen is very easy and cost-effective.

But just adding a backsplash in your kitchen isn’t enough. There are few things that you should consider such as the color scheme of the countertop, the style of your kitchen, the material of the backsplash, etc. There are few tips given below that help you decide the perfect backsplash for your kitchen.

Use unique designs

The selection of the backsplash design is very important for an attractive kitchen. There are many designs to select from, but you can select a design that goes with the style of your home. For example, if you have an old classic home, you can add wooden design tiles that will go with the style of your house.

Add some style

The backsplash can add style and character to your home. It is crucial to select the perfect design that will add some style to your home. A little glass or accent can really tune your kitchen up in the matters of style.

Stay on a budget

In the heat of shopping, don’t spend all your funds only on the backsplash. You have to be very careful about spending on the backsplash. Instead of spending on high-end trendy tiles, you can choose to select ceramic tiles that are a cost-effective material as well as a good backsplash material.

Fix the backsplash height

As well as taking care of the budget, it is also important to fix an appropriate height for the backsplash. You can limit the height up to the cabinets and you can also backsplash the complete wall. This depends on the use of your kitchen. If you have to cook every day, then adding tiles to the complete wall is appropriate and vice versa.

Material of the backsplash

You can add pizzazz to the backsplash on the kitchen wall. It will reduce the cost when you are redoing the backsplash in the future. As far as the material of the backsplash goes, you can add glass, accent, ceramic, etc. The choice should be based on the budget that you have for your kitchen.

Backsplash installation in the kitchen can help your kitchen walls from permanent damage. It will also add aesthetic value to your kitchen and your home. If you are looking for Kitchen Backsplash Installation In Las Vegas then you can contact A Granite MD who has a wide variety of msaterial and color schemes that will match your kitchen.

Granite Countertops: Add Imposing Value To Your Home

The real estate prices are fluctuating and in these times, so it is really important to see that your house value remains good. There are many factors that affect your house value. There is the location of your property, neighborhood, the market value of your home based on the neighborhood, the age of the house, condition of the house, etc. Yes, even the condition of different rooms in the house defines the value of your house. The reason behind this is because the real estate is a long-term investment, so low-quality material used in the house is not appreciated when you sell your house. And one of such rooms that are important for a good home value is the kitchen.

The kitchen is a room that has the most vital furniture in the house such as cabinets, furniture pieces, dining table, chairs, etc. One of such vital furniture that is used in the kitchen is the countertop. Better quality materials that you use in the kitchen can give you better house value. The material that you use for countertop is also essential to determine your house value. Granite is the most popular and recommended stone for countertops that can help you increase your house value. Here are some factors that will justify the reason of why granites are good to boost your house value.

It is durable and strong

As you saw earlier, that real-estate is a long-term investment. And so using a strong and durable material is extremely important for a kitchen countertop. And one of the material that is strong and durable enough that can help you in increasing your house value is granite. It is scratch resistant and also heat resistant that defines its strong and durable nature. Granites are natural stones so the molecular bond in them makes it durable and strong. It can stay in good condition for a long time if properly taken care of.

Aesthetic look

Granite is commended for its great looks and it can stay the same way for a long time because of its strong and durable nature. Each slab of granite has a unique shade and bizarre streaks and flecks that give out an aesthetic vibe and impressive view. Its splendid and unique design to the kitchen décor can really boost your house value.

Complementary nature

Granite surfaces are very adaptable in nature, so it works with all kinds of interior design and the owner can easily find shades that can match with existing kitchen decor. A granite countertop can easily be included in any future renovation plans of your kitchen. Granite Installation is also cost effective as well as adds a lot of aesthetic and practical value to your home.

These factors show how granite countertops are influencing your house value. If you are looking to modernize your kitchen and add value to your home both aesthetically and financially, then it is recommended to seek help from the expert handymen at A Granite M.D. who provides the best services of Granite Installation In Las Vegas. Get the design that suits the class and aesthetics of your home and boost your house value.

Quartz Countertops – What To Consider and How To Choose

Are you looking for a countertop installation at your new place? Or just looking to renovate your old kitchen? There are several options for countertop installation like granite, marble, quartz, etc. But you need to make sure that the stone you select is ideal for you regarding cost, strength, and the color scheme of your house.

Quartz fits the category of ideal countertop selection for many proud house owners. Although they are synthetic stones, Quartzes are really beautiful stones. Not only beautiful but quartzes are also durable. Quartz can give your kitchen an aesthetic look along with great sustainability. Quartzes are available in various colors like shades of red, earthy brown, green, black, or any shade of your choice. And because they are engineered stone, they can be custom made according to your color preference.

Here are few more reasons that will help you understand why Quartz is an ideal material for countertops…

Cost

If you are looking to renovate or construct your whole house from scratch you will have an allocated budget for your kitchen. Quartz gives you the best option for the money you spend as it is very less expensive than granite. It also gives the same exotic look like granite does and has all features that you look in a stone that would go as your countertop.

Maintenance worries

Unlike granite, quartzes are “engineered stones”, therefore they are non-porous and don’t need to be sealed. Any minor damage like stains and spills are not a problem for quartz. You can slice and dice vegetables directly on the countertop without any worries. Quartz is easy to clean and any household cleaners can be used to clean quartz, and you don’t have to worry about getting a special cleaner just for your quartz countertop.

Durability

Quartz stone is made using 94% of natural quartz stone. This gives the stone exceptional durability and strength compared to marble and granite. This makes quartz durable against stains and scratch. The quartz is manufactured with the same thickness of any other stone and is later cut to fit according to the size and shape of your choice.

Finding the right color

There is nothing wrong with bringing a sample home before you make up your mind about the purchase. You can also take a picture of your kitchen to the store and see if the stone will match your kitchen’s color scheme. Once you have saturated your choice you can bring few samples home to check if it goes with the kitchen scheme.

Quartz will be an elegant choice for countertops in your kitchen. It won’t only bring character to your kitchen but will also offer you a performance advantage. You can browse through different types of colors for your quartz countertop and even compare prices of different countertop materials. A Granite MD gives the best services regarding Kitchen Countertop Installation In Las Vegas.

Tips For Maintaining The Exquisite Look Of Your Granite Countertop

The kitchen decor has been revolutionized lately and a survey conducted in 2017 suggests that house owners invest more money in the kitchen than any other rooms in the house. With the new designs for cabinets and countertops in the market, everybody wants it. But the material that has remained during this revolution is “granite”. Granite is a material that is been popular with countertops for over a decade.

The reason that granite has been popular is that it is durable and honestly it doesn’t take much effort to keep it in great shape for a long time. Granites are not so fragile that you have to treat it with silk gloves but still it is recommended to maintain it appropriately.

Regular cleaning

Cleaning is important and should be done regularly. But you should avoid harsh chemical cleaners when you clean it. Appropriate granite cleaners should be used to clean and later a soft cloth to dry the countertop. Avoid using cleaners that have ammonia, vinegar, citrus cleaners and powder cleansers, etc.

Treat it gently

Treating your granite countertop gently is important. Although granite is really durable and can handle a bit of rough use, if you avoid rough habits then your countertop can be maintained for a long time. You can wipe spills off the countertop, use cutting board, coasters, and hot pads to save your countertops from damages. Thus it’s better to be careful than ignorant.

Maintenance

Granites are naturally non-pours material and many manufacturers seal the granite slab before they ship it. But applying sealant regularly is recommended. Here is what you can do – Every now and then spill some drops of water on the part of the granite countertop that you use the most. If the water beads up then it is alright and if it doesn’t then it is time to reapply the granite sealant. This is hardly needed actually because the initial sealant that is applied is practically impenetrable.

Conclusion

Having an attractive kitchen decor adds value to your home. And maintaining your kitchen countertop will add an elegant look to your kitchen. There will be many good Granite Countertop Installation services where you live. You can buy and install the best quality stones from them.

Dark granite countertop Vs Light granite countertop

So you are building a brand new kitchen or just renovating the older one, well, there are decisions that you need to take – Light or bold colors on the wall? Marble or granite countertop? White or rich colored cabinets? See, some decisions are easy…. but for others the possibilities are endless.

One of the most important decisions that you need to make is choosing the type of material for your kitchen countertops. And given that you have decided to go with granite countertops then you must have got stuck with choosing between light or dark colored granite.

Granites are generally a popular choice because of its beauty, durability and easy maintenance and the fact that it adds greater value to your home. Using the right type of granite is important as it’s a long-term investment. Well, let’s see the difference between light and dark colored granites and which granite kitchen countertop would be best for your kitchen:

Difference between dark and light granite

Apart from colors, the main difference between these two is that dark granite is denser than light granite. The extra density of dark granite makes it more immune to staining, chipping and other damages. Generally, all varieties of granites are durable, but dark granites hold up against excessive wear and tear.

Consider your kitchen’s color scheme

Before you even start looking for countertop options, think about the color scheme that you want to maintain in your kitchen. See that your countertop color blends in with the rest of the color schemes of your kitchen. For example, if you have darker tones in the kitchen then you can use a light colored countertop to lighten up your kitchen space.

Consider the interiors of your home

During kitchen remodeling, you also have to think about the other elements of your home. If you have a modern looking home you may have to lean towards high contrast colors for your kitchen remodeling. If you have a country-style home, you may have to select the appropriate cabinets and countertop that falls in line with the aesthetics of the entire house. You can even get neutral countertops for your kitchen as that would fit in with the general appearance of your home. See that you choose the right colored granite for your kitchen countertop as out of tune color can downplay the whole aesthetic game of your house.

Granites are a better choice for kitchen countertops. But the decision of choosing between dark and light colored granite totally depends upon you. Both the granites are beautiful in their own unique way and you can choose them keeping in mind the rest of the elements of your kitchen as well as home.

6 reasons to choose Granite Countertops for Kitchen

So you have been planning a kitchen renovation? You are planning to add new cabinets, new backsplash and even a new countertop. You will find plenty of material options when it comes to countertops but the material that outshines the rest is the “granite” stone. Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials among the homeowners where it is available in so many colors and patterns that you can easily match it with the rest of the kitchen elements. Whether you are considering to give your kitchen a traditional or a modern contemporary look, you can never go wrong with “granite” as your kitchen countertop. Read on below to find some more benefits of granite installation for kitchen countertops in Las Vegas.

Kitchen Value & Aesthetics: Granite material is something that would last for years (if properly maintained & care) thereby adding more value to the kitchen. And when it comes to aesthetics, granite countertops will give your kitchen an elegant and natural look where the natural swirls and variations on the granite will make your countertop a stand out element in your kitchen.

Durability: The kitchen countertops are the most used surface in your kitchen and as granite is a durable stone you can certainly consider it for your kitchen countertop. Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth and comes second to diamonds in terms of hardness and durability. And hence, as your kitchen countertop goes through a lot of wear and tear granite becomes the perfect countertop choice.

Eco-Friendliness: Granite is excavated from the earth and is something that cannot be manufactured. This natural stone, when mined from the earth, is then polished and turned into slabs for different uses. Hence, this makes it one of the most eco-friendliest materials out there.

Dirt and Bacteria-Proof: As granite countertops are sealed (with a sealant) before being used for kitchen countertops you wouldn’t have to worry about dirt or bacteria being accumulated on your countertop’s surface. Even if you spill any oil or sauce on it you will be able to clean it easily.

Heat and Scratch Proof: Granites are resilient to heat and hence, you can place hot pans and pots on top of it without having to worry about any permanent stains or marks on it. Likewise, it is resilient to scratches and does not chip easily.

Easy Care & Maintenance: Granite does not need too much looking after. You can clean it on daily basis with some warm water and a mild cleaner and you are good to go. Well, it also depends on the color as well as the daily use of your countertop.

Yes, granite might seem a bit expensive as a kitchen countertop but if you consider its shelf life than it is certainly worth it. Hence, do consider granite countertop installation for your kitchen while looking out for countertop materials during a kitchen renovation.

Why Granite Is the Perfect Stone For Fireplaces?

So you have been thinking about renovating your fireplace and are confused about which material to go for. Well, no matter, if you are renovating or installing a new fireplace the material that would add value and elegance to your room, would be none other than “granite”. A fireplace in a room brings a classic feel to the decor where it not only adds to the ambiance but also lowers the utility bills. And who wouldn’t want to spend their winter afternoons near a fireplace all curled up in their favorite chair? Sounds wonderful right? Yes, so you are all set to install a fireplace in your living room and when it comes to choosing the material for it you will find many options out there but as said above granite tops the list. Let’s look at some reasons as for why Granite Installation is perfect for your fireplace and mantle:

Granite’s Durability:

Granite is popular for its durability where this natural stone is resilient to heat and abrasion (virtually) and will not dent or nick easily when compared to other stone materials. As it is highly resilient to heat you can consider it as a perfect choice for hearths as well as mantles.

And if you have a very busy lifestyle you will be glad to know that granite is super convenient and easy to maintain. Yes, you need to call professionals to clean the interiors but when it comes to cleaning the exteriors you do not have to worry too much. Warm water with some mild soap is enough for cleaning the stone and if there are tough stains you can add a little amount of water to the water + soap solution.

Plenty of options:

Granite is such material that is available in a plethora of patterns and colors. Some of the granite slabs have such swirls and variations that they truly are a beauty to behold. You will even find a color complementing your decor and hence you wouldn’t have to worry about it becoming the odd one out. However, remember to choose a color that functions as a focal piece and not one that matches along with other elements of the room.

Aesthetics:

Granite has this unique aesthetic appeal that makes it one of the top considerations when it comes to choosing a material for a fireplace. Not only that, it adds a feel of luxuriousness and elegance to the room and as its durability is high your fireplace will keep looking as good as new. And the cherry on the cake here is that granite is very easy to maintain which makes it an advantage when you have a big and busy family.

3 Major Benefits of Black Granite Countertop

Are you planning to renovate your kitchen, especially your kitchen countertop? If yes, then you must have considered the material for your kitchen countertop. Well, when it comes to remodeling a kitchen, choosing the countertop material is perhaps one of the most important and daunting decisions you have to make. You can choose from different stone materials such as marble, granite, quartz, and tiles as these are available in a wide range of colors and textures and will give your kitchen a unique appearance when it comes to aesthetics. One of the most popular and most preferred stone among the homeowners is granite as it very durable and is available in amazing colors and patterns (rich swirls and patterns). Among the many colors of granite, black granite is the color that can really transform your kitchen. Black is generally not considered appropriate by most homeowners, but black is the color that would give your kitchen space a bold splash which no other granite color can give. Let’s look at some reasons why you should be going to black Granite Countertop Installation for your kitchen:

Aesthetics:

There are many misconceptions that generally surrounds the color black and that too when it is being considered to be used in any area of the home. Well, putting aside all the superstitions and false impressions or considering it dark or cold, going for black granite material for your kitchen countertop can give your kitchen space a total makeover, making your kitchen an odd one out from the rest of the house.

Kitchen Furnishings:

When you are considering what color countertop to go for you also need to be considering other elements of your kitchen i.e. whether it would go with the rest of the elements of the kitchen or not. One of the major elements would be the kitchen furniture. When you choose black granite for your kitchen countertop you don’t have to think too much when it comes to cabinetry as black is such color that complements every color out there – be it pastels or vibrant colors. If you want to add some character to your kitchen then black granite is what you should really go for. Black granite will even go with your existing cabinets if you are limited on budget and are planning to skimp on renovating them. Black color granite countertop will not only accentuate the other colors in the kitchen but will also give your space a unique look and feel.

Cost-Effective:

As black granite is less popular possibilities are there that you might find great deals on it. The price of a black granite stone generally depends on where they are mined and its swirls and variations.

Moreover, when it comes to maintaining black granite stone even though they are low maintenance they should be properly maintained in order to maintain its appearance. Yes, you might be thinking that as the granite’s color is black it would require even less maintenance. Well, yes it does cover the stains and spills but would require the same maintenance that a granite with any color needs. Regular look after is kind of mandatory if you want to preserve the stone’s shine and add to its shelf life. Cleaning a granite countertop is pretty simple. You just have to use a mild, antibacterial soap with water for cleaning and have to seal the surface (after every year) to preserve its beauty and shine.