When choosing your kitchen countertop you want to be sure you’re making the right choice, especially as it’s not something you will be looking to change again anytime soon. Marble is an excellent choice and although some people have their reservations, there are some great benefits to it. Read the rest of this entry »
Why You Should Invest in Stone Worktops
February 19th, 2013
Redecorating your kitchen is a major project that takes careful planning. In order to achieve the look you love without breaking the bank, you may need to make a few important decisions about which features to prioritise in your budget.
One thing that is worthy of investment is the quality of your surfaces. Your worktops have a big impact on the look of your kitchen, so they need to be able to withstand daily use without beginning to look untidy or worn.
Solid granite and marble worktops provide a beautiful surface that simply cannot be rivalled by cheaper vinyl alternatives. The ideal finish for your worktop depends on the way that you use it. An open plan kitchen that is used for entertaining might suit a high impact gloss finish, but a matt surface helps to hide minor scrapes and scuffs, so this could be a better option for a kitchen that is heavily used.
With a little on-going maintenance your stone will retain its look for years to come and can even add to the value of your property. Since granite and marble worktops are so popular among prospective buyers, they also help to make a lasting impression that can improve the overall saleability of your home.
Here at London Granite we believe that natural stone work surfaces are worthy of a place near the top of your priorities list, and make a great investment for your home. To find out more about the full range of products that we offer, take a look around our website and contact us today.
A Brief History of Mosaics
January 31st, 2013
The technique of using small tiles of different colours and materials to create patterns and images is a familiar concept that we tend to associate with ancient Roman and Greek societies. In fact, they go back even further than that and the earliest known examples of a mosaic patterns was found in Mesopatamia in the second half of the 3rd millennium BC.
The tradition of creating elaborate images and replicas of paintings in the floors and walls came through Greece and was enthusiastically adopted by the people of the Roman Empire. As a result, examples of the craftsmanship of this era can be seen across the length and breadth of the most widespread civilization in human history.
Over the centuries, local cultures have crept into the art of mosaics in different parts of the world and influenced the designs in subtle but identifiable ways. The style of decoration was also adopted by a number of religious institutions and often used in Basilicas, churches and temples to depict religious figures and scenes.
Mosaics have never gone out of fashion and remain popular to this day as a form of art and interior or exterior decoration. From a simple geometric pattern in a bathroom to an elaborate image laid into a table top, mosaic is a versatile form of embellishment that be designed to suit any style.
Here at London Granite we can create custom mosaics using the design and colours of your choice. We will work with you to create the perfect mosaic from beautiful natural stones, giving you long lasting luxury at an affordable price.
To find out more about the design and installation process that we can offer you, take a look around our website or get in touch to speak to one of our friendly advisors.
How Marble and Granite Can Be Used in the Bathroom
December 20th, 2012
If we think of marble and granite in the home, the kitchen springs to mind. The London Granite website includes images of glittering marble and granite worktops that would improve the look of any kitchen. Marble and granite, however, do not have to be limited to the kitchen area and can be used to enhance the features of other parts of the home – especially bathrooms.
Tiling
Granite or marble tiles are an elegant addition to a bathroom. As a hard stone with dense graining, granite is hard-wearing. Granite can be polished to a high degree, meaning that bathroom tiles made of granite will look great. A key advantage of marble tiles is that for a relatively modest sum of money, it’s possible to increase the value of a home by many thousands more because marble looks so sophisticated. Another benefit of marble is that it is so easy to clean.
Bath Surrounds
Another place where granite and marble will enhance bathroom features is in bath surrounds.
Granite is available in a wide number of colours, so the options are plentiful. No two marble tiles are exactly the same because the coloured veins that run through them vary slightly from tile to tile, therefore marble tiling, whether in a bathroom or elsewhere in a house, gives the room a sense of character. For those who are interested in the environment, marble is a natural material and therefore green householders will know that they are not using a synthetic product to enhance the features of their home.
Granite and marble do not, of course, have to be limited to the bathroom or kitchen, and they will improve the look of floors and walls throughout the home. For anyone who is looking to improve the features of their home in 2013, we would recommend using granite or marble. Here at London Granite we provide granite and marble products of high quality, with an equally high level of customer care.
Tips to Creating the Contemporary Look in Your Kitchen
November 30th, 2012
If you aren’t currently blessed with the nicest of kitchens, maybe the decoration is slightly dated, space isn’t used most effectively or you have to put up with old appliances, perhaps it’s time to take the plunge, put a bit of money aside and bring your kitchen into the 21st Century? The contemporary look with its clean sharp lines is bang on trend at present, so if you are looking for a few ideas as to how you can create this in your home, read on;
High Tech Appliances
One of the most effective ways of creating the contemporary look can be achieved through the introduction of high tech appliances. Everything from cookers and fridge freezers right through to kettles and toasters have as much effort put into their design as they do their function by manufacturers today so can easily become features of a room.
Built in cookers, in-drawer dishwashers and chrome sinks and taps are just a few of the ways appliances can be used to help consolidate the overall design.
Granite Worktops
Alongside the appliances, the design of worktop you go for also plays a huge role in the end result in terms of appearance. A dark granite finish is a popular choice for those attempting to develop the contemporary feel within the room as it exudes elegance and luxury as well as being easy to clean and maintain so never drops it stunning level of appearance.
Combined with the right appliances and units that reflect its design, a granite worktop is almost a must have for the homeowner looking to modernise a kitchen space.
Stylish Units
A further feature of the modern day kitchen is a collection of stylish, innovatively designed units. If you have the space available, an island unit is great both practically and aesthetically as is it can contain a hob, sink, oven and fridge whilst also offering additional storage space and seating so can become a stand-alone mini-kitchen.
With regards to cupboards and drawers, handleless units are becoming increasingly popular and really reflect the modern design ideals of today. High gloss black and grey units enhance the contemporary feel whilst wide drawers and tall cupboards make access much easier at the same time as looking great in the space that is available.
By taking into consideration one or two, or all of these tips, we at London Granite believe you will be well on the way to updating your kitchen, creating the contemporary feel and ultimately developing a space that you will be proud to show off within your home!
Cheap Granite Worktops Prices
October 8th, 2012
Granite Worktops At Great Prices
There is something special about granite. Granite worktops add a level of quality to your kitchen that no other material can as easily provide. Cool to the touch and pleasing to the eye, they are an excellent addition to your home or business.
It may be the versatility of granite in design that has done so much for the popularity of the material. The range of uses and possibilities is endless and kitchen designers often get creative with the vast color selection and design freedom allowed by modern cutting machines.
Not Just For Worktops
Granite is not only used for tops, it is also used for floor and wall coverings in a very beautiful way. One popular modern look is to match the granite worktops with the adjacent floor tiles to create a clean and sleek design. Since the material is a natural stone, the color goes through and any custom shape can be created. This allows for custom components to be designed, such as an accent in tumbled marble wall tile.
Common thicknesses of granite are 2cm and 3cm, which offer distinctly different looks around edges and sink cutouts. Another thickness option can be had by laminating two slabs of granite together to create even more thickness to the stone. Coupled with a wide range of available edge profiles, the creative and practical design options are quite impressive.
Ease Of Use and Maintenance
Granite worktops are among the simplest to keep clean. The glossy finish obtained by the polishing process is, on its own, very durable and beautiful. Many products are also available now that seal the stone surface to further enhance the natural resistance to moisture. Usually a quick wipe-down will result in worktops with a brand-new shine.
For the busy cook, granite has a very real advantage that no other material can match. It is generally impervious to heat, at least within the normal ranges of hot cooking appliances. This can greatly improve the efficiency of a kitchen in terms of workable space and allow more than one cook to work simultaneously.
Better Pricing Available Now
The pleasing thing is, granite worktops don’t cost what they used to.
Significant improvements in the processes of measuring, cutting, and installing granite have allowed for much more competitive pricing than in years past. This opens up the use of natural granite to a much wider range of consumers and builders.
Modern technology plays a large role in the lower costs available to those seeking to improve the kitchen with granite. Templates can be made digitally which allow for perfectly accurate prefabrication in the shop with all of the cutouts for sinks, faucets, or appliances done prior to arrival.
This improvement in efficiency also allows for a much simpler experience at time of installation. No longer is there as much need for cutting the material on-site which not only makes a tremendous noise, but creates a cloud of dust that is always ready to travel to the nearest, and least understanding, neighbor.
Great Feel, Great Practicality, Great Price
Thanks to the natural beauty of stone that was once reserved for the most elite and well-heeled of society, combined with the modern efficiencies of computerized cutting machines and manufacturing, the best material for worktops is now available to a wide audience.
This may be your year for granite. Take some time to browse the colors, edge details, and other features. Consider how it might work in your kitchen! There has never been a better time for this perfect worktop material.
Supply Kitchen Granite Worktops for Greater London Area
October 8th, 2012
Supply Kitchen Granite Worktops for Greater London Area
The kitchen is the perfect place for a granite worktop, thanks to the properties that make granite so strong and durable. It is heat and stain resistant, and it can be completely sealed so that it is totally waterproof. It does not easily scratch or chip and it does not take much to keep it in perfect condition. If you have decided that you would like to use granite in your kitchen, then you will quickly become aware of all the choices that are available to you, and the many companies that can supply kitchen granite worktops.
There are a number of things you should consider when narrowing down your choice of worktop and supplier. The appearance of the worktops will be a major influence, but you should also consider the prices and the quality of the services offered by businesses that supply kitchen granite worktops.
Granite has traditionally been seen as a luxury material, and it has usually been priced accordingly. It is still an expensive material, but many companies can now supply kitchen granite worktops at affordable prices. They are not cheap, but they will last for a long time. There will be no need to replace them, as with cheaper alternatives, so this is a one-off cost and not one in a long series of purchases. It is a good idea to shop around until you find a good company selling granite counters at a reasonable price.
A good company will offer you all the help and advice you need, and they will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. They will provide plenty of information about the worktops they have for sale, and they will give accurate descriptions of the appearance of the granite you will receive. This reliability and attention to detail is particularly important if you are buying granite online, as it is a natural stone that varies in color and pattern, so each piece is unique. You need to be sure that the stone you receive will look as close to that which was advertised as possible.
In terms of the granite itself, there are a number of choices for you to make. You should think about what you are looking for before you start shopping seriously. Looking through what is on offer online or in a shop may help you to make your mind up, even if you end up buying elsewhere.
The first element that most people consider is the color. Granite countertops are available in a range of colors, and each piece also has its own unique pattern, ranging from closely packed speckles to spreading veins in different shades of color. . Black granite is very popular, and it is particularly suited to modern style kitchens. White, grey, yellow, green, blue and red slabs are available, with a whole range of subtle variations in between.
The second choice you have to make is the type of finish. Granite worktops can be polished or left rough and matte. This is mainly an aesthetic choice, but polished granite also behaves differently than the un-finished stone. Polishing completely seals the stone, making it waterproof. It will have to be periodically re-sealed, however.
The third feature you will need to consider is how you want the stone to be cut. The edges can be curved and angled in various ways, from a basic straight cut to a beveled edge. The more elaborate the edge profile, the more it is likely to cost. Many companies can also supply kitchen granite worktops to fit flat around an undercut sink.
Affordable Granite Worktops Supplier
September 26th, 2012
Cheap Granite Supplier
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or building a custom home, it is important to find a cheap granite supplier who won’t do a bad job or rip you off in the process. Sometimes people skimp on quality and choose the cheapest supplier but this isn’t the best idea. Purchasing poorly made granite can give homeowners the opposite effect from when they first decided to decorate with this beautiful stone. Granite gives homes a more luxurious feel and it has been proven to increase home equity with proper installation. While granite typically makes homes, especially kitchens, look better, if it is installed wrong it can make the house look cheap and not well put together. Learning how to find the cheapest prices on granite suppliers is essential if you want the job done right and on the budget you have.
The first step to finding a cheap granite supplier is to do your research. The internet is typically the best place to start because it gives the homeowner a huge selection of businesses to look into and even read past customers reviews on them. This gives the buyer the chance to understand what they are really paying for, so they don’t end up being disappointed in the poor job or unprofessionalism of the company. Once you have read through several reviews, you can begin to narrow the businesses down to a small number. After a list has been created, you can begin calling the company or checking their websites to see if they fit into your budget. Narrowing down companies which are cheap is important so make sure that you don’t keep any expensive businesses on the list, even if they are reviewed well. Renovating your kitchen is all about giving it a fresh new look and if you spend all the money on granite slabs, you may not have enough money to give the extra attention elsewhere.
There are several things in common with quality suppliers. An extreme attention to detail is an important feature with granite suppliers. Purchasing cheap granite doesn’t always mean that you are getting the best pieces. Finding granite slabs which are in excellent condition and look just as good as the more expensive slabs is essential if you want to make a significant improvement in your house. Skimping on quality can often lead to an actual downgrade in your house.
When you spend the time to research different companies, you will be more confident that you have purchased granite which will give your home a new look instead of making it look cheap. Reading reviews and ensuring that they have an excellent reputation is important when finding any company to purchase from. Along with that, you must be sure that their prices fit into your budget. If you can’t afford a business’s granite, then it is a waste of time to even look and do the research. A cheap granite supplier should be able to provide the homeowner with excellent prices on top of the line granite.
Granite has always been recognized as one of the most attractive countertops seen in kitchens. Granite is a huge improvement from tile and can increase a home’s equity dramatically. Finding a cheap granite supplier rather than a more expensive one doesn’t mean that you are giving up on good quality. It simply means that you are on a tighter budget and need to find the same materials for less. Luckily with research and plenty of calling around, you can find several businesses which can supply your house with beautiful granite at a fraction of what you would find at home improvement shops.
How to Care For your Granite Worktop
September 19th, 2012
Granite was once seen as something that could only be in the homes of the rich and famous, however it’s a highly affordable material that is preferred by many homeowners in the kitchen. This is because it exudes true style and sophistication and is durable and long lasting; you needn’t worry about having to replace your kitchen worktop once you’ve invested in granite. However, to ensure it always looks its best you need to take proper care of it and we here at London Granite have devised these handy guidelines to assist you with this.
Do’s
Firstly if you spill anything on your granite worktop always wipe it away instantly; never leave anything to soak into this material. The most risky liquids include alkaline and acidic things such as vinegar or lemon juice, oil based substances like butter; or maybe cooking oil that has splattered from the cooker onto your worktop and alcohol,
Ever four months or so it’s advisable to re-seal your granite worktop, this will help to keep it durable and will reduce the natural absorbency of this material.
Don’ts
Whilst cleaning your granite worktop is the right thing to do, what you shouldn’t do is rub it with an abrasive material, so ditch the scrubbing pad and instead clean it with just warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
Treat your worktop as you would your loved one, with a little tender care! Always use a chopping board when you’re cutting anything on your worktop, heavy and blunt objects don’t go well with granite they can easily damage and crack your worktop, leaving it open to all sorts of further problems.
By following this handy guide you’ll have a true investment in your worktop as it’ll stay with you and your home for many years to come. Contact one of our team if you want to find out more on 0845 600 9994.
Cheap Kitchen Granite Worktops
September 8th, 2012
The beauty of natural granite lies not just in its dark speckles and swirling bands of cream. It is the solidity, the intrinsic heft and weight of the rock, that makes granite such an attractive addition to any workspace or domestic environment. Granite does not chisel easily in the presence of heavy tools and machinery, nor does it overpower the stately lines of a cleanly designed kitchen, or hinder the parabolic dip of an inset sink. Granite is, above all things, functional; and in this functionality, it possesses grace.
Acquiring the perfect granite for your particular needs is, of course, a matter of finding the right supplier. Many granite suppliers pad their prices with marketing costs and other overhead, resulting in inflated prices. When initially shopping for granite worktops, identifying a supplier who will provide you with top quality granite without gauging your wallet is of the utmost importance. There’s very little sense in paying more for something that can be priced very cheaply, especially when that price does not reflect the actual cost of the material, but extraneous costs that have very little to do with the quality of the granite.
Our supply of granite is priced the way it should be, without unnecessary inflation or confusing pricing structures. Our extensive supply allows our customers to browse a variety of colors and thicknesses of granite, while mentally enabling them to assemble their ideal design without having to worry excessively about cost. As any contractor or building professional will testify, being able to compare and contrast different types of granite without being hindered by ridiculous economic constraints will produce the best looking, and best designed, work spaces.
Granite has a variety of different types, according to color and texture. From deep maroon hues to a mint chocolate chip texture, we offer granite in every style and type, and can place special orders if a customer has a particular style in mind. We pride ourselves on keeping current with the best deals and newest cuts on the market, allowing us to offer our clients virtually anything they would like. Additionally, our granite can be custom beveled and polished. We will also provide smaller cut sizes for custom designs that require individual lengths of granite. Whether lining the interior work surfaces of a vast warehouse, the family kitchen, or even a nook in the garage, our material is adaptable to the needs of our clients.
Flexibility is a key component to any construction project, and we are able to provide our clients with the expert service and fast turnaround times they deserve. By virtue of having spent years developing excellent relationships with our vendors, we are now able to offer our customers shipments within very specific time frames. Instead of spending weeks waiting for the material to arrive, our customers know exactly when they will be receiving their shipments, allowing them to more effectively coordinate complex projects.
Our service center provides our clients with up to the minute information on their orders, along with expert opinions on the best kinds of granite to use with different décor and fixtures. Each space is different, and requires time and thought to choose exactly the right materials to create the right feeling. Our staff has gained knowledge through years of hands-on experience. We offer clients a thorough and professional knowledge of what works best in what scenarios, based on previous installations. Our extensive photographic archives allow our clients to see how our materials look in a variety of different settings.
For years, we have provided our clients with excellent materials, backed by our desire to keep our clients happy. History acts as our guide; we find that our best business comes from those clients who recommend us to their friends and colleagues. Our goal in every transaction is to satisfy the needs of our clients by providing them with the kind of quality materials that will allow them to create the look they want at the price they like. If there is a problem with the delivery, or our client decides that the material does not fit their scheme, we work with our clients to determine the best and most efficient way to remedy the situation. We don’t want to simply sell product; we want to create a working relationship. Our reward is in our continued and thriving business.
Granite worktops offer a reliable, unbreakable surface that stands up well to the demands of daily living and working, without requiring a fortune to either purchase or maintain. Granite can often startle the unsuspecting interior decorator with its innate beauty, and pleasantly surprise hard charging kitchen dwellers with its resistance to chips and scratches. Adaptable, resistant, and easily polished to a fine, smooth sheen, granite is the perfect way to finish a kitchen without extinguishing a bank account.