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

Granite Not Just For Countertops Anymore!

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Ron Galel

Granite is a naturally beautiful and incredibly durable stone. While it’s most commonly used for countertops, flooring, and showers, granite can be used in many areas of the home and garden to create statement pieces and completely unique design elements, and granite care is fairly simple if performed properly.

Granite is such a versatile material to work with designers are finding new ways of using the material to enhance your home or office. One of the biggest trends in home design is a Granite entryway either used as a door frame or the entryway floors both inside and outside of the home. This simple application makes a big impact and increases the overall value of your home.

Beautiful to look at and extremely durable, many estate home designers are incorporating granite framing into room entryways with in the home itself. If you have an idea of a unique application of a granite product contact Best Granite For Less and we can help you realize your dreams.

Not only are entryways being adorned with the beauty of granite but also window sills, tabletops, shelves, tabletop decorations, garden edging, walkways, sink, fireplaces and more. Here are 7 useful way to incorporate granite in your new home or remodeling projects.

1. SHELVES
Granite remnants are easy to install for very little cost. Choose long, thin pieces of beautiful granite and mount them to the wall for instant sophisticated storage space that coordinates with your bathroom or living room.

2. TABLETOP
Whether you’re breathing fresh life into outdated or damaged furniture or you want to add a pop of color to your favorite coffee table or end table, granite is the way to do it. Choose a piece of granite that matches the size of the surface of your table for an updated look and conversation piece.

3. TABLETOP DECORATION
Fill your favorite tray, bowl, or vase with small granite chips for an incredibly beautiful tabletop decoration or centerpiece. Granite is great for setting off candles in a display, but it can also be used as a serving tray with appetizers. Make sure you lay down felt underneath your tray or bowl first so the hard granite doesn’t scratch the glass or wood.

4. GARDEN EDGING
There is no better way to set off the beauty of your garden than by using natural materials like wood and stone. Instead of buying boring stone pavers, use granite remnants to edge your garden or driveway. The striking color and veining of the stone will set off the brilliant blooms and foliage of your garden and keep it tidy.

5. GRANITE WALKWAY
Cobblestone walkways and driveways have been popular for centuries, but they can be costly. If you have access to a large amount of scrap granite it’s possible to cut it into uniform pavers for a completely unique cobblestone-styled walkway, patio, or even a driveway.

6. SINKS
Forget about porcelain, stainless steel, and glass. The trendiest new material for sinks is granite. Granite sinks are made from granite dust and resin molded into a sink for an eye-catching sink design that’s heat resistant, scratch resistant, and durable. They come in many colors and styles, including traditional drop-in kitchen and bathroom sinks and even apron-front farmhouse sinks.

7. FIREPLACES
Natural stone is a clear winner for a fireplace, especially if your existing fireplace is outdated or plain. Granite tile or slabs can be installed over the existing face and mantel of your fireplace for an instant facelift. Black granite in particular is a good choice for reflecting the light of a fire. Accents are being used all around the property to bring the style, quality and overall design look and feel to the home or office. So when you are looking for the most reasonable granite fabricator without sacrificing quality of material and installation you can’t go wrong with Best Granite For Less.

And remember with every countertop purchase you get a FREE sink. Once more Best Granite For Less is located in Deerfield Beach Florida, Call us at 954-420-3134 for a free consultation.

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

Now you can visualize your Kitchen Countertops virtually.

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Ron Galel

Frustrated with countertop design choosing the right color

We have come up with a solution.

One of the most frustrating things about countertop design is the ability to choose the right countertop granite color that accents your kitchen design. With the multitude of colors and styles it is a difficult decision without actually seeing it in your home. We understand the frustration and at Best Granite For Less we have come up with a solution. We have developed a unique way for home owners to see our products as they would virtually look in their homes. By visiting our kitchen design visualization center on our web site you can pick any color and apply it to a kitchen similar to your design. This is an online digital design generator that you can access on the Best Granite For Less website.

Simply click here and start designing your new kitchen.

And then once you have the perfect choices made you can contact our team and we will bring samples of your choices to your home for you to make the final decision. You can also email yourself the designs you have selected and we will be able to view those as well to help you with the countertop samples you selected. We are located in Deerfield Beach Florida, Call us at 954-420-3134 for a free consultation.

Take a look at our product selection here.

Here you will see a dazzling assortment of the natural, vivid and warm colors made possible by natural granite. As you browse through these photos, just try and imagine having these natural beauties in your home kitchen, bar or bathroom. The best part about granite countertops is their inherent durability: Your granite kitchen countertop will remain bright and vibrant years after installation, which will help add to the value of your home.

Granite samples — Best Granite For Less Granite color samples.

It’s easy and fun to see how your kitchen will look even before the actual installation is completed. If you need help using our tool you can always give our technical advisors a call and get personal guidance every step of the way. Please do visit our website and we hope you find it educational and interesting. We look forward to hearing from you all soon.

And remember with every countertop purchase you get a FREE sink. Once more Best Granite For Less is located in Deerfield Beach Florida, Call us at 954-420-3134 for a free consultation.

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

Accessible kitchen design for wheelchair users

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Ron Galel

Top 3 things we consider when designing an accessible kitchen for wheelchair users.

2 million people use wheelchairs in the United States.

Many people find themselves needing accessible homes for themselves or family members. There are approximately 2 million people in the United States that use wheelchairs and the number of people who need accessible homes will continue to increase as disabled and aging people are finding more ways to remain living in their homes. One important way to increase independent living is making a home accessible to an individual’s personal needs. Home modifications can increase safety, accessibility, and independence for people who want to live independently.

Lower Counters aid in accessibility to sinks and appliances.

For an accessible kitchen, it’s ideal to have several work areas…

With all the advances in accessible design, a beautiful and efficient kitchen can be designed to be accessible for everyone that lives in a home whether or not they are disabled. When designing a kitchen for people who use a wheelchair there are several things to consider for easy access. Kitchens require meticulous planning because every inch counts and appliances and cabinets come in fixed sizes and there may be limited usable space that limit what can be remodeled. Kitchen design has typically been based on the “work triangle” layout where the sink, fridge and stove have a short walking distance between them. For an accessible kitchen, it’s ideal to have several work areas that can be accessed from a single position. When space is limited choosing options may require a trade-off of the most important accommodations.

Designing or remodeling a kitchen requires balancing the requirements for storage (cabinets), workspace (counters) and appliances. When making a kitchen accessible you have to consider all of these things and put everything within reach.

Best Granite For Less has vast experience working with select Architects in South Florida who specialize in accessible design features. Working with the latest technologies and materials allows Best Granite For Less to offer the most beautiful countertops without sacrifice. Our team of specialists will provide all of the alternatives available to meet the most stringent requirements a homeowner could expect.

At Best Granite For Less we pride ourselves on integrity and transparency of the fabrication and materials use processes. Our policy is to only charge for the square foot of materials being used. If there are any remnants available after the fabrication we offer these as cutting boards or cheese boards at no additional charge. If you would like to have the remnants we are happy to supply them at the end of the project for your personal use. By doing business this way we have your best interests at heart. We save you money by not charging you for materials not used in your countertop installation. This is how we maintain the highest level of customer service in the industry and have repeat business with past customers for years to come as well as a strong referral business through word-of-mouth.

3 Main things to consider when designing an accessible kitchen for wheelchair users, work surfaces, Kitchen sinks, and cabinets.

1. Work Surface (Kitchen Counters)

Typical countertops are positioned at a height of 36”. To make countertops accessible the work surface should be installed at a 34” height.
Accessible counter workspace is 30” wide and countertops should be 28”-34” above the floor.
Adjustable counters should have a range of 28” to 36” in height.
Make sure countertop is not obstructed by base cabinets to allow for knee and toe clearance.
If you are able to set the countertop height, this should be determined early in the design. The countertop will dictate location of storage cabinets and appliances.
Ideally you would measure individual comfort ranges for working in the kitchen for whom the kitchen is being accommodated.
Adjustable tables can be used before install or remodel to determine the ideal height to find dimensions that work for each member of the family. Often you need to use the space to see how it will best meet your needs prior to committing to a permanent design.
Pull-out shelves coming out of the countertop is another good way to create easily accessible working space to prepare food.
Granite is an ideal material due to beauty, durability and manufacture of unique configurations.

2. Kitchen Sinks

Sinks that have open space beneath the sink that provides wheelchair or walker accessibility will allow users to access the sink. Knee clearance for a sink needs to be at least 27” high, 8” deep at the knees or 11” deep for children.
The drain should be placed in the rear of the sink so the piping underneath will not prevent a person in a wheelchair from rolling underneath. Pipes should be insulated or enclosed to protect legs from hot pipes.
Set water heater to a maximum heat low enough that will prevent burning.
Using a single lever faucet is a lower cost option to making the faucet accessible. There are also touch control faucets that allow the user to turn on and off the faucet with one touch. Also, installing the faucet to the side of the sink may make it more accessible for some people.
Installing sliding drawers on both sides of the sink can provide easy storage of cleaning products or long rather than wide items.

3. Kitchen wall cabinets

For lower cost option, cabinets can be lowered to meet individual user’s needs.
Although more costly, electric powered adjustable cabinets, which lower and raise the cabinet height with a touch of a button allows the cabinets to become accessible to all users.
Place often used items within reach such as spice rack and cutting boards.
Use cabinet accessories that make the cabinets more accessible such as pull down shelves, adjustable shelves, drawer dividers, lazy Suzan cabinet, et cetera.
Use looped cabinet pulls instead of knobs that are operable with a closed fist. With these you do not have to twist, grasp or use pinching motions.
Put most used items in low drawers such as the dishes, pots/pans, glassware, et cetera.
Other useful cabinet hardware may be: full extension drawers, touch-release drawers and doors, swing-up hardware that allow cabinet doors to hinge at top and stay open, et cetera.

Remember Best Granite For Less when remodeling a home for accessible living spaces. We also specialize in bathroom modifications as well. Make sure you take advantage of a free kitchen sink with every Granite Countertop order from Best Granite For Less. Learn more here.

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

Countertop Material – What do I get?

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Ron Galel

Be aware when contracting for your kitchen remodel.

A few things to consider…

A few things to consider when you select your Granite or Quartz Countertop slab material and the Fabricator under contract. In the industry there are a few ways to purchase your granite slab countertop, by the square foot, by purchasing the entire slab or using a remnant from a previous job. All of these purchase option have consequences.

Some fabricators will charge you the entire slab and you pay for the whole piece regardless of whether or not you use it all. Most of the granite material will be used in the fabrication process but some may be left over and kept by the fabricator after the project is completed. If you ask them for it they should provide you the remnants from the slab. These remnants are sometimes retained by the contractor to be resold. Why would you want to retain the remnants? Maybe to help you match material for future expansion purposes. Maybe you would like a cutting board or a lazy Suzan made out of it? If they do not provide you with the remnants they will retain them and resell them for another project. Be aware, the retention of the remnants needs to be disclosed at the beginning of the project by the fabricator. If you want to retain them the contractor may require you to ask for them at the beginning before contracting for the project. Always ask questions and get all of the installation information prior to contracting.

Jimmy B.
Boca Raton, Florida

“My fabricator told me the CNC machine cuts holes into the slab where the sink is installed so what is left over is pretty much like Swiss cheese …not really cutting board material. That being said… they were sketchy enough in the end that made me think this was a bit of a falsehood…”

Granite Countertop Cut To Your Specification

Best Granite For Less only charges for square foot of materials being used.

Jennifer M.
West Palm Beach Florida

“The team at Best Granite For Less helped us pick out our slab and match it to our kitchen design before we paid for anything. Then after our remodel was completed they presented us with a beautiful cutting board made from the sink cutout as a gift. They also offered the rest of the leftover remnants. I did not take them but thanks for asking! Great job!” So when you are looking for the most reasonable countertop fabricator without sacrificing quality of material and installation you can’t go wrong with Best Granite For Less. And remember, every new countertop order in 2020 comes with a FREE kitchen sink.

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

Safe Remodeling 2020

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Ron Galel

2020 Granite Kitchen Countertops and Bathroom installations during the pandemic

What to do?

The Coronavirus pandemic is devastating the building and construction industry. It’s got us all in a tailspin. Now South Florida has gotten hit hard. We understand the shutdown here and sympathize with all affected by this pandemic. Here at Best Granite For Less, we are doing our due diligence when it comes to servicing our clients. We take every precaution to ensure our valued customers and employees are safe. When installing kitchen and bathroom countertops we maintain the highest level of cleanliness and make sure to disinfect all surfaces and installations before, during and after. We also are concerned about the safety of our employees so we all maintain social distancing and wear protective face masks at all times during production, installation and working with clients.

Calcutta Classic 2 — Granite Countertop Completed Installation during Coronavirus

How does this affect the Granite construction and installation industry?

The granite production quarries have also been hit hard by the slowdown of the world economy. But be rest assured that we have stock available in our warehouse to service all accounts for months. So you will be able to get that exact design and color combination of granite you desire. We also maintain close relationships with our granite suppliers, architects, engineers and production teams. This allows us to forecast supply and demand and continue to offer the best granite solutions at the most reasonable prices available.

There has been a definite slowdown in the local construction industry. People are afraid to order countertops even though they will not be scheduled for installation for 6-8 weeks when it’s much warmer and hopefully our state will be coming back to life. This reaction is expected but surprisingly we are seeing a small growth of another type of customer springing up! Homeowners who have had to cancel a trip or now plan to stay longer in their Florida homes to avoid getting sick when they usually move north for the summer. Many of those people are thinking about remodeling, sprucing up their biggest investment with a new kitchen or bathroom! It’s been a great time for remodeling projects since homeowners can take advantage of the additional time to focus on quality Granite installation services provided by Best Granite For Less. This is also important because fixing up our homes is a great stress reliever. Our team of experts work directly with your architect or engineers when planning and designing your new Granite Countertop installations.

In response to COVID-19, we have implemented wide-reaching safety measures to proactively keep our employees, their teams, their families, our business partners, our customers and our communities safe while navigating through the evolution of the Coronavirus. We have an amazing safety culture, in fact it is one of our core values. As a leading granite countertop manufacturer for over 20 years, safety has been deeply ingrained in our DNA. Wearing PPE (personal protective equipment), adhering to strict safety protocols, and actively keeping ourselves and others safe is what we do. COVID-19 brings new complexity to our work environment, and our safety culture drives us to continue delivering essential infrastructure for our customers safely. So please be assured that we can safely install your new Granite outdoor or indoor kitchen and bath counters without any risk to you or your family members.

Ron at Best Granite For Less in Deerfield Beach Florida is committed to providing the best customer service in the industry and is offering customers who order Granite Countertops a brand new sink at no additional cost. It’s the least we can do to help out those homeowners forging ahead while remodeling their kitchens or baths at this time. We will continue that offer a new sink with every Granite Countertop order until June when we believe there may be extreme growth in our industry and it will be back to being busy with business as usual. We hope that you all are healthy and safe and are caring for those most in need. Be rest assured Best Granite For Less is dedicated to providing the highest quality products and services during these challenging times.

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