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Granite Worktops Quality and Functionality

Bookmark and Share Monday, August 9th, 2010

Granite Worktops: Durable, Beautiful and Functional

Quality granite worktops can be very useful and they can make your home look good. Worktops can be used in many parts of your home not only your kitchen and your bathroom. The right worktop can add style and value to your home. You can try using inexpensive materials or have your cheap worktops resurfaced; but if you want real quality in look as well as function you must choose high quality granite worktops.

There are lots of reasons to choose granite worktops. They are easy to maintain, hard to scratch and are able to resist burns from pots and pans. Granite is also available in a wide range of colors and with numerous different natural designs. The stone tends to be able to gain a beautiful patina.

Granite is an igneous rock that is formed by the cooling and hardening of lava under the earth’s surface. The rock is made up of a number of minerals. The primary minerals found in granite include mica, feldspar, quartz and plagioclase feldspar. The amount and type of minerals in the specific area of the world where granite is formed creates the differences in colour, design and texture of the granite.

Granite is the hardest stone after diamond. It also has a very dense grain which makes it very hard to stain. The durability of granite is very well documented. It can last for centuries and can withstand chopping and other knife work associated with food preparation. Once the rock is treated with a protective coating to counteract its natural porousness, its smooth dense structure means there is no place for bacteria to hide. It can easily be wiped clean making it great for kitchens and bathrooms.

Granite has been used in palaces and all manner of upscale homes for centuries because of its texture and luster. Quality granite worktops have colors that are naturally graded in the rock with some areas of the stone having a slightly different color and design. This adds to the beauty of granite worktops and helps them to match with any decor. Quality granite worktops can be used in commercial or residential buildings. It can be made into tiles, flooring, splash-backs, bartops, fireplaces, gravestones, headstones, bathroom surfaces and water-features including fountains, ponds and pools

Quality granite worktops come in an astounding array of colours. The most common colours granite comes in are black, pearl, tan, brown, steel grey, gold, brown, green, white, mahogany, tortoiseshell, salt and pepper. It is also available in several different naturally occurring designs. Several countries specialize in specific colours of granite. Black is mined in Australia, India, South Africa and Sweden. Grey is mined in the state of Georgia in the U.S. Red granite is mined in Brazil and China. Blue granite is found in coastal Africa and Brazil. Green is found in Norway and India. Brazil and South America is the primary source of gold granite. White granite is found in Brazil, China and Italy

Taking care of your quality granite worktops is not difficult. All you need is mild soap and water. Dry the worktop with a soft cloth. Other maintenance supplies include waterproofing oils, cleaning fluid and wax. Do not use abrasive cleaning materials like metal pads and scouring detergents. Also avoid alkaline and chlorine based cleaners and do not use bleach. Citrus liquids, fizzy drinks, wine, vinegars, beetroot, curry saffron, red wine, black currant spills must be washed up immediately to prevent staining. Kitchens take a lot of abuse from grease and heat. If you use a topical sealant your quality granite worktops will remain fresh looking for many years.

Granite Kitchen Worktops

Bookmark and Share Friday, April 9th, 2010
granite kitchen worktops

granite kitchen worktops

There are several different types of kitchen worktops. When people are shopping for a top they must choose between several textures, colours, and styles. The choice is not always as easy as it may first appear. The truth is that there is so much to consider before adding a fixture or worktop to the home.

Among these different types are granite kitchen worktops. There are many things to consider when choosing a worktop, but the granite kitchen worktops seem to remain at the top of the shoppers’ list. There are several reasons that this is true. Among the many reasons these seem to be at the top of the list: price, beauty, and style.

The Price

One thing that will catch the attention of shoppers everywhere is the price. At the end of the day what they want to know is how much it will cost to get what they want. This should not be a shock to the masses because we all have a tendency to look at a product, and then immediately ask the price of it.

Granite kitchen worktops are reasonable priced. This is one defining mechanism when it comes to popularity. The fact that it is relatively cheap is not the only thing that makes it cost effective. The price is great, and the product does not look as if it is cheap. This is an added benefit.

The Beauty

The sleek coloured granite kitchen worktops are sure to catch the eye of those who enter a kitchen in which it is showcased. There are granite tops that fancy an elegant display, and there are those who display a more casual atmosphere. However, regardless of the scale the beauty cannot be denied.

The beauty of the worktop is what catches the eyes of the shoppers first. Granite is a good quality and therefore the shoppers are left with an impacting impression. This impression is something that they want to give to every guest who comes into their homes.

The Style

Lastly, the style is quite versatile. People from various walks of life choose a granite worktop. This is because there are so many different styles, colours, and textures that there seems to be a solution for almost every individual style. That fact alone keeps granite kitchen worktops at the top of the shoppers’ list.

granite kitchen worktop

granite kitchen worktop

The granite worktop is a beautiful and practical worktop choice. There are so many different styles that an individual is sure to find one that will meet his or her purposes quite nicely. It has been said that when things are too good to be true that it probably is. However, the great price and extravagant beauty of granite kitchen worktops are an exception to the rule. They are both too good and true.

Don’t allow this opportunity pass you by. You are a granite kitchen worktop away from being a satisfied shopper. The cost is just right. The top is beautiful and stylish. What have you got to lose? The answer is absolutely nothing.

Natural Stone Worktops

Bookmark and Share Monday, March 22nd, 2010
natural stone worktops

natural stone worktops

When selecting the various construction materials for a home building project, or home remodelling project, don’t forget to consider natural stone worktops. Have you ever wondered why marble, or granite, or slate became such desired building and furniture materials? Take marble, for instance. It has been used in buildings and homes for many, many thousands of years. It has been popular in Asia and Europe for literally centuries. Back in the days of the Roman Empire heyday, it was used for sculptures and paving materials in the homes of the wealthy. The reason for such enduring popularity can only be ascribed to its beautiful elegance. For instance, a marble or granite topped table, as in natural stone worktops, polished to perfection, can add class, and awe inspiring admiration to your home. The timeless beauty, found in many varieties of stone, such as granite and marble is not, one that will ever diminish, nor will it cease to be coveted by designers for personal use products in homes. The number of counter-tops, vanities, sinks, tables, building columns and kitchen counters, which are constructed using these materials, is staggering but, not surprising. The ultra rich have been known to spare no expense in decorating with marble, as in luxurious fountains and garden settings with marble topped tables. Many have attempted to duplicate the look and feel of granite or marble, but sadly, it cannot be counterfeited.

natural stone worktop

natural stone worktop

The natural stone worktops favoured by cooks is, marble and a close second to that is granite. The durability of natural stone worktops is of primary importance. You can work it over for years, and it will retain its beauty. It will always convey the feeling of wealth. When you see pillars of ancient buildings still standing in older European and Asian cities, you can appreciate its classiness. Now, a piece of that same granite in your walkway or private sinks can really amp up the value of your home. In China, a whole industry is committed to marble and granite and they are greatly desired as both imported and exported commodities. One should seek out experienced masons who are secure with their supplier and are able to complete the job. When making plans to install such materials in your kitchen, don’t forget that you and your decorator, can create some very lovely borders for your kitchen counters and in the bathrooms you can dream up some very luxuriously well placed, and stunning designs in the tile work upon the floor, and working up to the wainscoting. Its natural composition creates a very homey and comfortable ambiance in whichever room it’s used, and in any natural stone worktops it is attached to.

natural stone vanity tops

natural stone vanity tops

Many are also unaware of the temperature keeping properties of marble and granite. In addition to that, most are also appreciative of the low maintenance of marble and granite. It is very easy to keep clean, and sanitary, too. The floors stay cool in the heat of day. Did you ever notice that hospitals have marble floors? Most also have natural stone tabletops, because they can be kept clean and sanitary, although, the cleaners are specialized, but worth the expense Perhaps at one time, there was a concern about radon emissions. Those fears have been put to rest, there are studies which can be researched, which show that any emissions are so tiny, they are far from risky.

Manufacturers and factories work on the huge slabs of granite and marble which is retrieved from quarries all over the world. This means that you will have some really varied types of stone designs to choose from. The large blocks of granite can be sliced down to 2 cm or 3cm thick. Some of these are then glued and all are polished prior to installation. Natural stone worktops can be configured to utilize, the many different natural designs of marble your interior decorator can recommend skilled tradesmen who specialize in custom fabrication of counter tops, sinks, tiles, steps, rails.

Whether you’re selecting granite or marble for your residential or commercial building, you will be very happy with the results. Nothing adds classy style like a stone top.

Star Galaxy Granite Worktops

Bookmark and Share Friday, March 19th, 2010

Star Galaxy Granite

When you are renovating your home, one of the best places to start in is the kitchen. There are many changes that can be made in the room that will change the overall look: cabinets, sinks, appliances, wall tiling, floor tiling and more. But the one thing that could have the biggest effect on the look of your kitchen would be changing your counter tops from what you currently have to something new and different. Having new countertops to correspond with the rest of the kitchen or the rest of the house will completely change the way you feel when you walk into the room.

Granite is one of the best and most clean-looking materials you can use for countertops. It will last for a very long time because of how hard and tough it is. Having granite counters will also increase the value of your home, because the stone appeals so much to many people. There are so many different types of granite to choose from that you may have trouble picking just one, but one of the very best is star galaxy granite.

One of the best features of granite is that is so low maintenance and durable. This is no different with star galaxy granite. Like most types of granite stone, star galaxy is highly resistant to heat and scratches. Because is it such a hard stone, it is non-porous and can handle lots of moisture without absorbing it, so you can spill to your heart’s content on your new counters without having to worry about damaging them. Unlike with wood countertops, which quickly absorb liquids and can be very difficult to clean up, star galaxy granite only requires a quick wipe and any spills are taken care of.

star galaxy granite worktop

star galaxy granite worktop

No two slabs of granite are ever the same, but star galaxy granite is especially unique. The sleek black stone is covered with gorgeous golden and silver-coloured flecks, making it shine and sparkle like few other stones do. This granite earned its name for its resemblance to a view of outer space; stars and planets sparkling in the night. Using it will give your room an almost ethereal quality, adding beauty and mystery in a place where you would not normally find it.

Star galaxy granite comes in various forms for your home décor needs, including slabs and tiles in many shapes and sizes. A great way to use slabs and tiles in your kitchen would be having the countertops made from the slabs and use the tiling on parts of your walls. This will give the kitten a sleek, modern look just by changing a few things. In this case, the addition of stainless steel appliances would add to the space-age look of the granite.

If you want to continue the “star” theme throughout your home, you can easily find other places to use this gorgeous granite stone. You can use it as shower tiling, counters in other rooms, and even as floor tiling. Granite is more than durable enough to be up to the job. Due to its mostly black colouring, you will be able to use nearly any other colors in your home that you might want, and the black granite will emphasis the colours even more without clashing at all.

Using any kind of granite in your home is a great way to dress up your house. Star galaxy granite will give you the perfect mix of modern style and mysterious atmosphere. The style, durability, and low maintenance nature of this beautiful stone makes it a lovely choice for any part of your home.

Granite Worktop Colours

Bookmark and Share Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

There is no other stone so luxurious and prestigious for surfaces in the home, office or commercial establishments as granite. It is as durable as it is beautiful. It won’t burn from hot pans, scratch from the sharpest knives, is stain resistant and cleans up like the first day it was installed even after years of use. Surprisingly, there are many different shades and textures of granite so it is suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, hotel lobbies, side tables as well as coffee tables and vanity units. The possibility for different granite colour has expanded because of the availability of granite from mines all over the world. The colour depends on where it is quarried and what chemicals are in the earth where is formed. Granite is a texture of different crystals packed tightly or loosely together and when machine polished has a depth and clarity that is unmatched in any other living stone.

Dark coloured granite is generally less porous than light coloured granite. If you choose a light color you may need to have it heavily sealed. You can test the how porous the granite colour you like is with a few drops of lemon juice. Squeeze a few drops on a sample of your granite and see how long it takes to turn darker under the juice. If it darkens quickly, the granite is porous and will need a strong sealant.

Some of the softer granites are from Spain, Italy, Brazil and India. From Italy there is Bianco Sardo white with grey and black markings and Rosa Beta white with gray, black and pink/peach features. From Spain there is Rosa Porrino pink granite with black and white markings and Azul Platino, a light blue with white and black markings. Brazil has Giallo Imperial which is gold with black markings and red spots, Giallo Veneziano, gold with black markings and Giallo St. Cecilla, light gold with black markings and red spots. From India there are many soft granites of gold, red, green, light brown, dark brown, ivory, pink all with white and black markings. Even from the same quarry, granite colour can differ but there is a large selection.

Gold granite from Brazil has an especially luxurious look and contrasts well with dark wood or painted cabinets. Green granite varies a lot. From Norway it has blue tints while from India it has gray and rose tints. Red granites are the rarest granite colour available. It is highly prized in China and is quarried there as well as coastal Africa and Brazil. Burgundy is a darker form of the red with brown, grey and black as secondary colours and brown is very popular for worktops because it is strong, easy to find and elegant with light wood or painted cabinets. Because granite is a natural stone, colours may vary from different quarries and countries. If you are looking for a particular granite colour it is good to find as many samples as you can before you make a decision.

Black is the most dense and strongest granite colour. It is quarried in countries all over the world including Italy, China, India, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola among others. Any black granite may be called Nero Absolute no matter where it is quarried, so if you want something specific you need to know. The top quality is very expensive and comes from India, Africa and China. Black granite is the most elegant and becomes the focus of any room. It suits any décor from minimalist to Mediterranean and will look elegant in a hotel lobby or a side table in a foyer. All granite has texture because it is tightly packed crystals but some black granite looks solid. Some has amazing silver chips that shine like the night sky.

Depending on how much use the granite worktop gets, it will need care and cleaning over time. Especially light porous granite colours will need resealing. This can be done by a professional to keep the luxurious look of your natural stone surfaces. The cost of granite has come down considerably over the years because of its availability. There will be a colour that you love in a price range that will fit your budget. Please view our extensive selection of granite colours.

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