Get ideas for your granite kitchen countertops by viewing samples of projects we have completed. For more than 15 years Onis Stone has combined knowledge, personal service, and creative design to create custom kitchen areas using travertine, granite, marble and limestone.
When it comes to decorating a kitchen, one of the more significant things that you will want to consider is the countertops. For years, the work surfaces have been the most functional and useful parts of the kitchen. Given their very utilitarian purposes, these countertops were often devoid of anything remotely fashionable or aesthetically pleasing. Today, thanks to technology and keen decorative eyes, many people are now enjoying the use of granite as a countertop. Not only does this particular form of countertop look beautiful and stunning, the overall visual appeal is only one of the many benefits.
While granite countertops are normally a more expensive option for your kitchen, this natural stone will likely last you a lifetime, if not longer. This is perhaps one of the greatest benefits of granite countertops because, if you take care of them, you will never need new countertops. In addition, if your granite countertop is damaged (very unlikely), most damage can be repaired.
Another of the many benefits of granite countertops is that they are truly unique. Much like a snowflake, there are no two pieces of granite that are alike. Even if more than one countertop is created from the same stone, there will be subtle differences.
Another thing that granite has going for it is that this stone comes in literally hundreds of different colors, so whatever your color scheme may be in a kitchen design, you will be able to find a granite countertop to match.
Lastly, when it comes to safety, a granite countertop far exceeds that of other types of countertops. The long lasting polish that is applied to a standard granite countertop eliminates any sort of porous surface. This means that it is virtually impossible for this surface to harbor the harmful types of bacteria that can be found on a standard kitchen work surface.
The reality is that when it comes to the benefits of granite countertops, the list could go on and on. As stated earlier, these countertops are certainly not cheap. However, given the quality, durability, and beauty of these countertops, the price you pay is an incredible value. If you take care of your granite countertops, they will look as good in twenty years as they do when you first have them installed.
Installing granite countertops is not an easy process. We recommend that a home owner hire a professional for this task. The reason for this is that mistakes involving granite countertops can be very expensive. You don’t want to purchase the counter of your dreams only to damage it and have to do without. As you know, granite is not cheap. Replacing a countertop will set you back quite a bit. Don’t lose this investment due to improper installation. The money you spend to hire a professional will be well worth it in both the short and long run.
Improper measuring is one of the biggest mistakes installing granite countertops. Granite slabs will be cut and fit based on your kitchen. Sink holes and other permanent fixtures may need to be cut from the material. One wrong cut and the slab can be ruined. It’s just not worth the expense. Measure, measure and measure again. Once a cut has been made it is difficult, if not impossible, to undo.
Care must be taken when handling granite slabs. Improper handling can lead to chips, scratches and other damage. When carrying a granite countertop, it must be laid on a flat surface. This is another of the mistakes installing granite countertops frequently seen when home owners try to do the work themselves. Imagine your granite countertop in the landfill as the result of improper handling. Your money will be wasted. Take care when handling this material. Granite countertops are made to last forever so you definitely do not want them damaged.
Installing a granite countertop is not like any job you have undertaken before. Removing a damaged slab is even more difficult. Once a granite countertop is in place, you want it to stay there. Granite will last forever and only requires sealing every few years. If you want this type of fixture in your kitchen, it is best to call a professional. Mistakes installing granite countertops are made every day. Imagine the waste this creates. You will see why it may be best to let trained workers undertake this project for you.
