Secrets & Insider Tips on Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are known for their beauty & durability. They are favored by many for the utility people get from it. They are very tough & hard. But, there is a possibility of destruction.

The following are the tips & clues to prevent any damage:

•    Heavy weights should not be placed on them. The countertops can be chipped & broken. Exercise more care.
•    One should not stand on them. Breaking or chipping may occur.
•    Cutting directly on them is to be avoided – if the granite has been treated with a sealer.
•    Hot pots or pans must be placed on a trivet or hot plate before keeping on granite countertops – but not directly.

They must be cleaned everyday to keep them neat. Here are some tips:

•    To be wiped daily. Using a soft cloth & mild cleanser/stone soap, dirt & dust will be kept away. If there is a stain, use a separate cleanser for it.
•    Buffing is compulsory. Often buffing has to be done to remove any streaking.
•    Polishing to be done at frequent intervals.
•    These counters are normally sealed when getting installed.

If care & attention is exercised regularly, the elegance & splendor can last long. Granite countertops are popular due to their inherent elegance & reliable durability. The raw charm & ingrained hardness make it for kitchen & bathrooms. Prices are not exorbitant. They are almost equal to the available patterns of the natural stone. The following tips will be useful to the prospective buyers:

•    Granite making is labor –intensive. Very tough labor is involved & expenses are abnormal. So, the prices will be relatively high.
•    Brazil, China, India & some other countries export granite to USA. Due to cheap labor in these countries, given after shipping costs, prices are comparatively affordable in USA.
•    The prices are subject to variations. Original stone itself is costly. After cutting & polishing, the price of the saleable material will be much higher. For a specific brand say blue metal, prices will go depending on the demands.
•    In the case of granite countertops, prices will be proportional to grading. Grading is done on the basis of appearance & consistency.
•    Personal visit to a granite yard or godown only can decide the exact utility & hence, the price. Fixing the deal through the Internet is a difficult notion.

Care & Attention:

Wiping & cleaning should be carried out on a daily basis. Substandard cleaners should not be used. Low grade chemicals will get into the pores of the sealant & cause discoloration. Choose a non-acidic cleaner such as Formula 409 Natural Stone Cleaner. Don’t use hydro-fluoric acid.

In the long run, twice in a year, a sealant should be applied. It will seal the pores in the granite & protect the surface. It is done by wiping the sealant on the top of the granite. Stone Tech Bullet Proof Stone Sealant is the best material available in the market. The inexpensive option will be old car wax.

By following these simple steps, the granite countertops will be glittering & shining. You may want to read more about log home interior designer.

Brian Gabriel is a licensed contractor, mechanical engineer & log home builder in the mountain ranges of Western-North Carolina. He is the author & designer of the website Log Cabin Connection which provides ideas, hints, clues, suggestion & recommendations connected to log cabinets.

At the time of installing granite tops & floors in your kitchen & bathroom, you should consult professionals to get it done. Get info about stone soap & stone sealer. So, having granite tops at your home is a pleasant experience. Keeping it clean & neat is much more pleasant.

<p>John is an expert author for <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.graniterocktops.com/houston.html">Granite Countertops</a>, He has written many articles like <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.graniterocktops.com">Marble Countertops, Granite Texas, Granite New Orleans</a> and <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.graniterocktops.com/new_orleans.html"> Granite Countertops,</a>. For more information visit our site http://www.graniterocktops.com. Contact me at brayan.peter@gmail.com.</p>