Kitchen Granite Countertops Are Available In Dozens Of Rich And Elegant Textures And Colors
April 22, 2008
Granite is an igneous rock, once molten and formed and cooled deep inside the earth. Some types of granite can look very similar to marble.
Granite is believed to be second only to diamonds in its hardness. Kitchen granite countertops are becoming increasingly popular because of this unbeatable toughness. Granite is a durable stone that requires little maintenance and can be highly polished or finished in a variety of ways.
Since granite is a natural material, it is surprising just how many colors are available for kitchen granite countertops. Because granite is quarried from so many parts of the world, the quantity of colors is remarkable. Each kitchen granite countertop can have its own unique pattern of colors, with speckles, splotches and veins.
There is nothing more beautiful than granite for its natural beauty and refinement. Kitchen granite countertops are available in dozens of rich and elegant textures and colors ranging from light-colored accents to the more deeper and darker tones.
Kitchen granite countertops can make a very impressive design statement. Granite kitchen countertops have certainly become the countertop of choice for most kitchen designers because with granite countertops can add to the value of your home. Granite is attractive, easy to maintain, and durable.
Kitchen granite countertops are a beautiful, and affordable natural stone which will add warmth and character to any kitchen. The colors and patterns vary from stone to stone. A kitchen granite countertop is unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore no two countertops are alike. It also brings a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other material.
Granite is an igneous rock-originating deep in the earth from magma, then cooled slowly with considerable pressure. It makes up about 60% of the Earth’s upper crust. Although it has been around for centuries, granite has been a viable material for kitchen granite countertops just in the past 30 to 40 years.
Granite can be found all over the world. Granite is extremely durable and is the hardest of natural stones for kitchen granite countertops. Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar. It has a very dense grain, which makes it virtually impervious to stains, because it has very little porosity. It takes a highly polished finish and once polished it is completely resistant to liquids.
Other benefits of kitchen granite countertops are the mirror-like finish. Granite countertops can resist extreme heat from frying pans.
A granite kitchen countertop is very easy to maintain and care for. For daily cleaning you just wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel with water.
Some other advantages to having a kitchen granite countertop are that they are affordable, beautiful, the stone changes appearance in different light during the day. One thing you have to watch for is than each granite stone is unique. This can mean that the color in the granite can look different from one day to the next depending on the lighting situation. Lighting can cause a reflection in the granite making one color more dominant. So in picking a color it is a good idea to choose from actual slabs not samples
There can be some other design factors in addition to color that you may need to consider. One is selecting an edge profile. An edge profile is the exposed edge of the countertop. You might also want to consider an undermount sink for your kitchen granite countertop. An undermounted sink would sit under the granite therefore there would be no lip to hit when cleaning around the sink.
To sum up; whether you are remodeling or designing a new kitchen choosing kitchen granite countertops for your home you increase its re-sale value with this important addition to your kitchen and it is one of the best ways to stay green.
Natural Stone Protection Plan | Newsflash
April 16, 2008
We are sure you have heard of companies that offer warranties on natural stone, but when you read the find print they warranty absolutely noting.
We would like to introduce The Opps Factor Plan; finally a plan offered by stone restoration specialists that can accommodate a customers needs. No more struggling to find a stone restoration service in the area. The peace of mind knowing that if the client has an issue, accident or just a basic maintenance plan to protect their investment. Our job is to restore natural stone. We are independent of the fabricators and installers. Our services specialize in post installation issues that might occur therefore representing a third party with the client. This relieves the designer, contractor, installer, and fabricator of any post installation issues as well as offering a unique customization plan for the client’s stone surface. The designer is able to offer a fully comprehensive plan to the client in order to enhance the sale. no more dealing withe that customer that ordered a hone finish and now claiming they order a polish finish.
Our members specialize in restoring, repairing, and refinishing a wide range of natural stone surfaces, including Granite, Natural Marble, Travertine and many other natural stone products from all over the world. The natural stone restoration specialists of the NSRA are highly trained and experienced. All work done by NSRA members is guaranteed.
NSRA members are kept up to date on the latest restoration techniques, the use state-of-the-art tools and use the finest materials for repairs.
We will follow up on service requests within 24 hours, provide a realistic estimate and schedule and make every effort to work quickly and efficiently. We make the extra effort to be timely and customer-friendly.
Our plan offers a percentage incentive to the designer for the presentation of the service. We provide all promotion materials as well as online or phone contact.
NSRA One Year Residential Natural Stone Protection Plan
Level One
A basic protection plan that covers the sealing of stone surface. This allows client unlimited service for sealing the stone along with one professional cleaning and evaluation of the stone.
Level Two
An enhanced plan that covers Level One as well as repairs of chips, scratches, etches and normal wear and tear. The plan also covers stain removal. The plan has certain restrictions relating to settling, intentional neglect or abuse or seam failure.
Level Three
Covers both Levels One and Two. This plan also includes customizing seams to make the seams less noticeable to match the surface as well as altering the surface ie: honed, polishing, satin, antiquing to the clients wishes. This plan covers all issues with the stone surface: settling, structural settling, seam failure, natural characteristics of the stone such as fissures water lines and color manipulations with the exception of intentional physical abuse or cracking the stone due to excessive weight.
These plans cost as little as $250 a year. To learn more abut these plans, contact your nearest stone suppler or log on to www.nsraweb.com to find your nearest participating NSRA member.
WHY Choose A NSRA Member For Your Project | Story
April 12, 2008
MAKE YOUR NATURAL STONE SURFACES LOOK AS GREAT AS INTENDED ONE THE DAY OF INSTALLATION.
Is your natural stone surface damaged or showing its age? Don’t replace it – repair it! For nearly a decade we have restored countertops, sinks, tub surrounds, service bars, and many other surfaces damaged by:
• Cracks / Breaks
• Chips / Holes
• Stains / Discolorations
• Gouges / Scratches
• Dullness from long term wear. WHY Choose A NSRA Member?
We understand that your kitchen, bath and work surfaces represent a significant investment in your home or business. We know that you want the repairs to be made quickly and professionally with minimal disruption or mess.
• Specially Trained Tech’s
Our members specialize in restoring, repairing, and refinishing a wide range of natural stone surfaces, including Granite, Marble, Travertine and many other natural stone products from all over the world. The natural stone restoration specialists of the NSRA are highly trained and experienced. All work done by NSRA members is guaranteed.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment
NSRA members are kept up to date on the latest restoration techniques, the use state-of-the-art tools and use the finest materials for repairs.
• Timely Response
We will follow up on your service requests within 72 hours, provide you with realistic estimates and schedules, and make every effort to work quickly and efficiently. We make the extra effort to be timely and customer-friendly.
When you choose NSRA members you can be confident that the technicians will be neat, courteous, professional, and fully qualified to do the job with the full support of the natural stone community. It is our mission to provide quality natural stone care, restoration and maintenance through a network of qualified natural stone professionals. We strive to ensure that you are so satisfied with our restoration work that you will recommend us to others for their natural stone repairs.
We also offer scheduled maintenance programs that keep your Natural stone surfaces looking like new.
For more information
please visit www.nsraweb.com