Outdoor Granite Kitchen Countertop Tips

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Ron Galel

Outdoor kitchens are a wonderful bonus to any home. Whether you like to entertain family or just enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, an outdoor kitchen not only extends your family’s living space, but it also adds value to your home. Cooking is both easier and healthier in an outdoor kitchen as well as smoke and other odors don’t linger.

When it comes to building an outdoor kitchen, some items are a given, for example a stainless steel barbecue grill, a stone fire pit, and teak patio furniture. Using items made from natural elements, like stone and wood, complement the patio feeling of an outdoor kitchen. These items are also earth-friendly, which is always a bonus.

Another item to consider in your outdoor kitchen is the countertop space. You need something that will provide enough area to prepare and serve meals while holding up to harsh weather and extreme temperatures. This is why granite countertops are the first choice for homeowners with outdoor kitchens. Granite is an eco-friendly material that is built to last.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Granite Countertops

Your new granite countertops installed by Best Granite For Less will look fabulous. But how do you keep them looking that way? Talk to us about using a sealer on your countertops. Sunshine and rain will naturally wash away stains from food, but if the surface is absorbent then you will want to apply some kind of sealer to prevent spills from things like wine or mustard from leaving behind a long-term mark.

Otherwise for general cleaning, you should be able to hose off your granite countertops and then use a non-abrasive detergent to remove surface dust and dirt that builds up from pollen, food spills, and other bits of general outdoor grime. A good way to slow down the buildup of gunk on your counters is to leave them covered when not in use if your outdoor kitchen is not covered by any kind of a roof or awning.

Sun, rain, hail, and natural debris (sticks and leaves) will take a toll on your countertops. Just like natural stone that wears down over time from exposure to the elements, granite countertops in an outdoor kitchen will wear down over time, as well. Keeping them covered and having them re-surfaced on an as-necessary basis will go a long way toward extending their longevity.

Not All Granite Counters Offer the Same Performance

Geologically speaking, there are so many types of stones that are commercially sold as “granite” that you want to do your homework before handing over your credit card or writing out a check. Ask your countertop installer if you can test a sample of the slab you like to make sure that it will not be too absorbent or, which is very rare, react to foods or liquids with acidic properties. Best Granite For Less can provide free samples for testing purposes.

Some granite countertops weather faster than others. This means that the shiny polish that makes the countertop look so attractive might wear away at varying lengths of time. This polishing is what brings out the intense colors within the natural granite. Contrary to popular belief the sealing only affects the absorbency, not the appearance.

As mentioned above, if this happens then there is typically no need to replace your entire countertop. There is still hope for your existing granite countertops in your outdoor kitchen or patio. Just arrange to us resurface it and then, depending on its level of absorbency, resealed by the professionals at Best Granite For Less. A lot of installers recommend leaving outdoor granite unsealed, especially if the stone is in a humid or damp environment and frequently exposed to moisture. Not sealing your countertops allows the stone to breathe and keeps moisture from becoming trapped within it.

Summer Heat and Outdoor Granite Countertops

Just because granite can hold up to extreme temperatures does not mean that it is a good idea to leave countertops in an outdoor kitchen exposed to the sun. By mid-afternoon on a hot summer day, the surface of your granite countertop will be hot to the touch. Use some kind of pergola, awning, umbrella, or some other form of shade that will cover as much as the countertop as possible. This makes it more comfortable for standing or sitting near the counter as well.

Lucky for our clients, we live in a location without snow or freezing weather in the winter. This allows us to maintain the quality of the outdoor kitchen and provided use all year long. Depending on your kitchen location (East or West facing) we can provide you with tips for low maintenance ways to prolong the life of your granite countertops.

Call today to schedule your custom installation. To get your Free sink use Promo Code: GETMYSINK when calling.
954-420-3134

Getting The Edge On Granite

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Ron Galel

Its well know that granite remains one of the most popular premium surfaces selected for kitchen countertops. The natural stone offers durability and beauty, and because it’s natural, creates a one-of-a-kind look, you probably will spend hours of time picking the perfect slab. However, what many don’t realize is that choosing the right countertop edge can be just as important as the color or pattern in your granite countertop. This detail is not something that should be thought of last minute or even during the installation process since it is a feature you will see and feel and live with for years to come.

Whether your space is simple or elaborate, the edge you choose can fit in with your style like a missing puzzle piece or look completely out of place. There are many edging options available beyond the familiar Bullnose, so something besides the rounded edge may bring out your stone’s beauty even more and also function better for your lifestyle. Best Granite For Less can be a valuable asset from our years of experience, when selecting the right countertop edge. Here are some things to consider about countertop edges for your beautiful granite slab.

Consider Your Budget

With remodeling, it can be very easy to go over budget. To help keep you in your targeted range, you should factor in the edging price with the total cost of your granite. Different edge options have different prices, and it varies depending on the intricacy and complexity of the countertop edge. The more detail desired, the higher the cost. However, Best Granite For Less offers a few simple edges for free, so be sure to discuss this while choosing from the many granite colors we offer. Call us today for a free estimate 954-420-3134 and every countertop order receives a FREE Sink!

Compliment Your Style

For some, it may be easy to quickly identify which profiles correlate with your style of kitchen cabinets. Straight or Quarter Beveled Edges are perfect for modern and contemporary cooking spaces because of their clean lines. More intricate edges like Cove Bullnose, Cove Ogee, or Cove DuPont will complement traditional or classic design styles. Or, you can go against the rules and choose a style that’s opposite of your overall kitchen style. For instance, a classic kitchen might include a Straight Edge profile instead of something more ornate.

Choose The Finish Wisely

One of the decisions you probably already made is the finish for your granite countertop. Whether you picked polished, brushed, honed, or leathered, the selected surface finish also affects the finished look of your Granite. The treatment and edge should complement the traditional to modern style you are planning. For instance, popular picks for contemporary spaces include dark granite in a leathered finish, so you probably would want something simpler like a Square Edge instead of the very formal and regal-looking DuPont Edge with its sharp, straight drop that moves into a curve similar to the Bullnose.

Countertop Thickness

Most countertops are 3-cm thick, but there is a way to get a thicker look without needing a thicker slab and requiring a significantly higher price. A laminated edge goes through a process where the second layer of stone is cemented to the granite counter to appear 6-cm thick, and it opens up the possibilities for combining different edges and details. It is also another way to achieve a very modern, chunky look with a Laminated Flat Edge while saving money on your budget.

Functionality For Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle needs are an important factor in the countertop buying process. Some granite countertop edges have sharp edges and corners, while others, including Quarter Round, Half Bullnose, and Full Bullnose have simple, rounded edges and corners. The latter may be better suited for families with small children since anything sharp can quickly become a safety issue. Another benefit of rounded profiles is that they tend to last longer. Kids around sharp edges may not be your only worry though. Before you make any decisions, check your kitchen area to make sure furniture, such as bar stools, for example, will not lean up against the counter since sharp edges might scratch them.

Also, certain edge profiles provide more than just serving their decorative purposes. They can be functional in terms of catching spills and directing how they will flow. Spills may slide right off a counter with straight lines and directly onto the floor. However, a Marine Edge is designed more for work surfaces, but its raised edge means spills have nowhere to go. Also, the Ogee Edge with its dramatic curve may also help keep liquids from overflowing. But, keep in mind that any edge with more intricate details will take more work come clean up time, and overall maintenance will increase since dirt and dust can collect in the complex edge profiles.

Thinking Outside The Box

The Waterfall Edge is a popular kitchen countertop edge that goes beyond the work surface. The countertop falls over the top onto one or both sides and is commonly used with thick countertop slabs. But, unlike the expected pattern of quartz, granite will probably show more seams since the stone is unique in pattern and will be more difficult to match the pieces. Although, at Best Granite For Less we have a full line of Quartzite to choose from as well and can be edged accordingly.

Edge treatments can also extend beyond the countertop with the backsplash. The standard 4-inch backsplash can also get a makeover with the addition of a detailed edge that will tie everything together.

Mix and Match

If you find yourself falling for more than one countertop edge, then try mixing and matching your favorites instead of fretting about your decision. This works especially well with kitchens with center islands. Another cost saving option we offer at Best Granite For Less. Often, you can feature a more decorative or dramatic edge on the kitchen island and add a simpler edge to the surrounding counters (saves money) to help bring balance to the design and keep the focus on the center showcase.

Remember that choosing your countertop edge is as important as which granite slabs you pick to give your kitchen the update it needs. You can stick with the same style or break the rules and feature something different. But, be sure to keep important factors like budget, lifestyle, and maintenance in mind, and you will decide on the countertop edge that suits your needs and design aesthetic best.

Call today to schedule your custom installation. To get your Free sink use Promo Code: GETMYSINK when calling.
954-420-3134

Quartzite versus Granite

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Ron Galel

Granite and quartzite have very similar performance statistics. Quartzite is generally harder and denser and the pattern is more like marble which is appealing to many homeowners. Supply and demand has driven the price of quartzite up, so expect to pay a little more and have fewer color options than with granite. Don’t confuse quartzite with manufactured Quartz Surfacing.

Quartzite is NOT manufactured Quartz.

Quartz and quartzite are two popular choices for countertops, but they are not the same material. They offer differences in looks, durability, care and price that you should know about before making your selection. Quartz countertops are often called engineered countertops because they are fabricated from natural silicon dioxide and synthetic materials. Loose quartz makes up about 93 percent of the material. It is blended with a binder and pigment and formed into countertops.

Hardness and Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, so it is quite durable. It withstands heat very well. Quartz is hard too, but not quite as hard as quartzite. The resin used in manufacturing quartz countertops is a plastic, so it is prone to melting in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where quartz has an advantage over quartzite is that it is less prone to denting and chipping because it is more flexible. Both countertop materials can be scratched by sharp objects, and a cutting board should be used.

QUARTZITE SLABS & COUNTERTOPS

Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone. Through a process of high heating and pressurization sandstone is transformed into Quartzite, an extremely strong and durable natural stone. When heated, individual quartz pieces recrystallize giving it a beautiful and decorative sparkling pattern. Quartzite is ideal for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition. Consider quartzite countertops for its strength, beauty, and overall durability.

QUARTZITE COUNTERTOP DESIGNERS CHOICE

Designers are gushing over quartzite, and we aren’t the least surprised. Quartzite is heat resistant, doesn’t scratch or etch like some surfaces can, and being a natural product each slab offers exquisite one-of-a-kind looks to give your countertop a personal signature. In an impressive array of colors, and veining that runs soft and subtle to bold and beautiful, one of Mother Earth’s richest treasures. We are not just Granite at Best Granite for Less, we provide the highest quality Quartzite countertop materials available. Contact us today and get a free estimate for your next remodel or new construction.

Call today to schedule your custom installation. To get your Free sink use Promo Code: GETMYSINK when calling.
954-420-3134