How To Choose The Perfect Granite Work Surface
|
My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is good and nothing good is cheap". This ring true when dealing with the purchase especially on the internet of Granite Work Surfaces. In fact of all stone so read carefully.
Natural stone is graded as to it's suitability for a given task. It is also graded regarding the region of the world it originated from. This is a grade for general use but more for stone professionals to advise architects, surveyors etc which products to use for maximum efficiency in the building or home.
When buying on the internet you are usually shown samples of the very best, Granite, Marble, Limestone etc. You must be aware that this stone is probably not what you will receive. Firstly, the stone is batched. You need batched stone to get the consistent pattern throughout the surface. If you were to buy stone today and return for stone a month later to complete your project you will invariably get a mismatch that can look horrendous especially with the larger crystals such as blue pearl granite.
Always make sure you are receiving the same batch and have it itemised on your order. Also if the installer chips a corner or scratches the surface you will generally need a replacement piece. If the batch isn't available you may have a problem.
I have received numerous calls lately concerning the fading of black granite counter tops. Black granite should not fade. Black granite imported from Asia is sometimes doctored with dyes and oils to darken the surface. The fading is nothing more than the dyes and oils being removed. Unfortunately, the only fix is to re-polish the top. This can be costly.
Before purchasing a granite top perform the following test to find out if it has been doctored.
Get a clean white cloth and apply some acetone (nail varnish remover) to the surface of the granite. If any residue or black color is observed on the top, do not accept it, it has been dyed.
Take a piece of the "granite" you want to test and spill a few drops of lemon juice onto it. If you see that under the drops of lemon it develops very quickly dark spots, it means that it's a very absorbent stone and I would advise you against it. If it takes, say, a minute or so to be absorbed, then you're dealing with a level of absorbency that's easily controllable with the application of a good quality impregnating sealer.
Edward Green owns and operates the highly successful Marble Master Ltd Company. Marble Master specializes in Restoration and Refinishing of all types of natural stone and consultancy services to Architects, Restoration Companies and Interior Designers.
|
|
|
Laminate Flooring Advantages
DurabilityBecause it's designed with a tough and durable wear layer, laminate flooring is much stronger than most installed solid hardwood flooring, carpets and vinyls, it's more resistant to scratches than softer surfaces (solid hardwood floors for eg.) and is one of the best choices for households with heavy foot traffic, kids, or pets. But, best of all, laminates will look like new for years.ResistanceLaminates are highly resistant to stains, fading and moisture and many laminate flooring manufacturers offer warranty protection against them for a long period of time (usually from 10 to 25 years).Ease of installationThe top brands of laminate flooring have developed a glueless floating floor installation process. They just need to be cut, clicked together and are rea...(related: Home Improvement)
Planning Kitchen Remodeling
Planning kitchen remodelingIf you are planning to remodel your kitchen then various aspects need to be considered before you begin. Given below is a series of steps and guides you can keep in mind to make kitchen remodeling a fun-filled, constructive event.A basic planA well thought-out detailed plan is a must before you begin remodeling your kitchen. This plan should be designed keeping in view the current good and bad aspects in your kitchen. Next you need to decide whether you plan to design the kitchen yourself, use a kitchen or interior designer or work with a cabinet distributor or home center. Also modern usage trends and optimum usage of space should be kept in mind.FlooringSheet vinyl has been a popular choice for kitchen floors because it is available in a variety of designs...(related: Home Improvement)
Installing Vinyl Siding - Making It Simple
Installing vinyl siding can be a very rewarding process that could dramatically change the appearance of your home. For the most part, if you plan your job well and adhere to some simple guide lines, anyone could learn how to install siding to there home.The first thing to consider when installing vinyl siding is what tools will be needed for the job. Basically with some common carpenter tools, like a, hammer, level, chalk line, screw driver set, tin snips and a good circular saw you can pretty much achieve what it is yo...(related: Home Improvement)
Bathroom Magic
Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the most magickal rooms in your house; Your make up box and medicine chest can be treasure chest of tools , the bathtub and shower are wonderful place to conduct cleansing and attraction rituals, and the toilet can be a handy mechanism for flushing away negativity.Here are some examples of positive magick that can be performed in your powder room. First of all, thoug...(related: Home Improvement)
Outdoor Bars - Essential For Summer Entertaining
The trend for enhancing your patio is to create an outdoor kitchen area. Cooking and eating aren't the only things favored by these new ideas in outdoor living. Outdoor bars can be an essential part of your summer enjoyment creating the sense that you really have more of an outdoor room. When planning bars outdoors; consider the functionality of these newly created outdoor rooms. One consideration would be for it to be a conversation area. Low seating arrangements should be higher than a cocktail table, but lower than a dining table. This is ideal for serving beverages and appetizers, playing cards, or talking with your friends. You could also use typical high barstools if your outdoor bar is located on more of a balcony, deck, or if t...(related: Home Improvement)
Do You Know How Important Your Air Conditioner Filter Is?
When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it is in terms of how efficient they are and how much dust they will stop. These are important things and should be considered when replacing or upgrading your air conditioner filter.There is another very important job that your air conditioner filter does. It helps to keep dust from collecting on the evaporator coil of your air conditioning system. The evaporator is located inside the air handler and is one of the four main components of any air conditioning system. The air filter is usually located somewhere just before the evaporator coil.Everyone knows that any dust that passes through the filter ends up back in your living space and can be very irritating to allergy sufferers and anyone else who is sensitive to dust and airborne contaminants.What most people...(related: Home Improvement)
Dual Pane Window Glass Repair
For the past few weeks, I have been explaining how to repair a broken window pane in your home. But, what if you have dual pane windows? Is the process the same? Well, pretty much, except for a couple of variations. So, let's review the single pane repair process, and I will point out the differences regarding dual pane windows.When we start talking about dual pane windows, one of the first things that comes to mind is vinyl window frames instead of aluminum. When dealing with dual pane window...(related: Home Improvement)
Beautiful, Elegant Bathtubs That Spruce Up Any Bathroom
Bathtubs have become an important necessity of our daily life for many reasons. Who hasn't enjoyed the comfort of soaking in a nice, hot tub at the end of a particularly hard day. They give washrooms a bathrooms a complete look; after all without them they look vacant. Bathtubs come in different sizes, color, shapes and material.Bathtubs are of different types and have different names according to their shape and appearance. Clawfoot, pedestal, slipper and whirlpool bathtub are some of the names of different types. Clawfoot bathtubs are designed in such a way that a person can almost sleep inside it while...(related: Home Improvement)
The Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid When Shopping For A Mattress
Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few relish. The range of prices, features, and stores can make your head spin. It doesn't have to be this difficult. Bearing a few things in mind while you try and find that perfect place to sleep can ease that big purchase tension.1. Don't limit your mattr...(related: Home Improvement)
What Are The Benefits Of Radiant Heating: How Do They Compare With Other Heating Applications
Some of the benefits of radiant heatComfort: Let your bare feet soak up the warmth of soothing heat without the dust and noise associated with other heating sources. Enjoy evenly distributed heat throughout your home kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and basement.Custom Designed: Whether for supplemental floor warming, or total space heating, every system is custom designed to fit all rooms independent of their shape or size. These systems will heat under any surface including marble, slate, carpet, hardwood and tile. The compact Control Box will hang on the wall of your garage or in a utility room. No heating vents or ducts will be seen, and no furnace or boiler is required.Perfect for Remodeling and Additions: The simp...(related: Home Improvement)
Add Value To Your House - Interior Remodelling
Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look and value of a house. I would definitely recommend getting professionals to do the job for you unless your good at renovation yourself. Here is some advice on how the get the most bang for your buck when remodeling.Replace the carpets:One of the best things you can do for your house to impr...(related: Home Improvement)
Laminate Flooring Basics
Laminate flooring resembles the look of hardwoods but offers easier installation and stronger durability. You can use...(related: Home Improvement)
Beautiful, Elegant Bathtubs That Spruce Up Any Bathroom
Bathtubs have become an important necessity of our daily life for many reasons. Who hasn't enjoyed the comfort of soaking in a nice, hot tub at the end of a particularly hard day. They give washrooms a bathrooms a complete look; after all without them they look vacant. Bathtubs come in different sizes, color, shapes and material.Bathtubs are of different types and have different names according to their shape and appearance. Clawfoot, pedestal, slipper and whirlpool bathtub are some of the names of different types. Clawfoot bathtubs are designed in such a way that a person can almost sleep inside it while...(related: Home Improvement)
site-map - Copyright © 2006 | Contact Webmaster | All Rights Reserved. | Home Improvement