Choosing Granite for Your Kitchen Remodel
More and more homeowners are choosing granite countertops during their kitchen remodel. The reasons are plenty, but perhaps you are researching countertop options and are wondering what the big deal with granite is. After all, it can be quite expensive to install. There are many great reasons why new homebuilders and remodeling homeowners are choosing granite over traditional tile or laminate.
While you can find some fairly reasonably priced granite slabs, the more unique of a pattern you choose, the more expensive it will be. Granite is a natural stone that is unearthed all over the world, shaped and polished into slabs and tiles. You can find colors and designs as informal or ornate as you desire, from a single shade of a color to an array that resembles the galaxies in space.
If you are putting together the kitchen of your dreams, and want the most for your money, here are a few reasons why granite is a great choice:
Beauty that Lasts
Granite is extremely tough. In fact, on the hardness scale, it comes in second to diamonds. It can withstand the heat from pans and withstands spills fairly well. While some stones can be stained, they can also be sealed for extra protection. Because granite is a natural stone, it is available in an unimaginable array of colors, designs and patterns. Each slab is so unique that it truly gives kitchens a beauty that traditional tiles just cannot.
Slab, Tile or Overlay
The great thing about granite is that there are several installation options. Most commonly, granite is installed in a standard sized slab. If you find a slab in a design you love that is a little too big, it can be cut to size. You can also get granite in tiles if you prefer that look and want to deal with the grout. Tiles or an overlay of granite above an existing countertop may be used as a cost factor, or due to limitations in your kitchen’s design and layout.
A Baker’s Delight
Granite countertops are a dream for cooks and bakers. Because they withstand heat, pots and pans can be placed directly on the surface for each access. In addition, the large flat uniform surface allows for simple, convenient and easy prep and clean-up. The smooth surface also allows bakers to roll out dough or form shapes without worrying about bumps an notches in the surface underneath.
A few things to also consider: granite can dull knives if a cutting board is not used, and it can also crack if you have a habit of beating your countertops with a cleaver or other heavy object. For most homeowners and cooks though, granite is the perfect option for a luxurious and unique look that lasts for years with little maintenance.
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Help answer the question about kitchen remodeling
does anyone know of a good website with helpful information on kitchen remodeling at an affordable price?i am remolding my small [very small] kitchen but i am having a hard time finding appliances that work in my kitchen. i love to cook, bake and entertain but because my appliances are so small its difficult to do so. i need help. so any websites would help.
Try:
http://www.kitchen-bath.com/kbb/index.jsp
http://www.searshomeimprovements.com/ProductOffer2.aspx?o=4&t=103
http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/kitchen/kitchen_1.htm
http://www.hometime.com/Howto/projects/kitchen/kitchen_1.htm
Try searching using: kitchen remodeling, kitchen remodeling ideas, kitchen remodeling pictures
Have fun, it a great project!!!!!
I don't exactly how much it costs, but I can't say it's cheap. Going over budget is a common situation also. Depending on the region you're in, the wiring/lighting additions you'll need, the company you hire, and the materials you choose to use, this could add up to a large investment. The cost can range from sensible prices to outrageously expensive prices all depending on the choices you make.
Just think about what you would like to do to your kitchen and call some companies and ask them for an estimate.
Is this the house you really want? If so, enjoy your house!
Good Luck!!
wow ,, awesome work i love every thing even the music
Lady Gaga sexy performance, Live in U.K – NakedLady Gaga. c0O0M – Just Awesome
It took 3 months….. we did it ourselves and it cost 27,000$ Canadian….
Unexpected expenses: wiring that was no longer any good, having to buy more tiles, redoing the floor base to make it smooth for the new tiles (because pulling up the old ones ruined the floor underneath) and having to make a new countertop instead of just being able to relaminate the old one (the wood underneath the old laminate was rotting).
Yes… very happy with the outcome! We have just sold the house… paid it 133 500.00$ just over 5 years ago…. just sold it for 279 500.00$… I'd say that definitely covers the cost of the kitchen renovation!
This is awesome.
there is this girl at my school that is OBSESSED with johnny depp, i bet she’d go nuts if she saw this XD
youre my fav artist
no doubt
oh my god it looks like a photo
good to see real talent
We are a well established full service from design to construction to installation kitchen and closet company, 15 years. Our contracts are 50% deposit (covers Material cost), 40% on first day of installation (when materials are all in the building) and 10% upon completion of job and customers sign off on all punch list and walk through.
The final moneys are basically our profit, so that are incentive to complete in a timely matter. Our contracts are non negotiable, except for our clients that are builders and designers that are repeat business. Usually customers get un easy about the deposit, but we do provide a packet, that includes how long we have been around, our BBB report and our licensing with years licensed shown.
That is our policy and is almost standard with some exceptions.
Most electrical contractors charge a minimum of $350-$600 per job. If the electrical breaker box is near the kitchen then the minimum charge may cover the whole job. If wires need to be run a long way to get to the kitchen, then the charge could be much more.
Mmm sexy even as a painting!
Awesome job!!
If the ceiling above is insulated, you cannot use non-IC rated cans. Other than that, most light fixtures are allowed. Hope this helps.
u must draw yourself sometome xD
Actually there are several types of sinks available these days. The design and layouts of the sinks can come in a wide range of patterns to meet anyone's needs. Deep and wide, to shallow and oblong, you can find just about anything.
What the sinks are made of is almost a design question. Obviously most people want something durable, while others simply want something new and plan on selling soon. Either way, here are some examples of the type of sinks commonly available to the public.
Solid surface material sinks, ones that are made of the same material as the countertops, are good durable sinks and look nice as part of the overall countertop. There are also acrylic sinks available. Both are good choices when a specific color is wanted, say in a retro theme, unfortunately, they both scratch and fade from cleaning over time, because they are, after all, basically plastic. If you're careful and try not to use abrasive cleaners, they can last a lot longer.
Stainless steel sinks are also available in many patterns and sheens. Some of them are quite nice and very durable and probably the best option from a strictly utilitarian perspective. I am not sure about them because they fade over time and that "new" shine never truly comes back like it did in the store. They tend to be noisy too because they are relatively thin compared to some other types of sinks.
Another type of sink that is available is the enamel on steel. These sinks are basically a steel bowl with hard enamel baked onto it. They are good sinks, but like one writer stated, they can be prone to chipping quite easily. They too have a very long life if well cared for.
In my humble opinion, the best sink to consider for the kitchen is the cast iron. These sinks are cast iron and are coated with an enamel type surface and although they can be heavy, they are durable, make no noise, don’t chip or scratch and take a beating and come out shiny and clean with ANY cleaner. For my money, my tastes and my needs, these are the best sinks. For the bathrooms, I would stick to the vitreous china sinks because they are just as durable and nice as the cast kitchen sinks.
If you want ideas on kitchen cabinets, go to http://www.kraftmaid.com. If you click on Help and Information, then you can click on Order Literature at the left. Kitchen counters, try http://www.corian.com – you can get a free catalog in the mail if you fill out the form on the contact us page and uncheck the section that says send me info by e-mail. Otherwise, they'll just e-mail it to you. As far as decorating schemes, I find a lot of good information on http://www.HGTV.com. Good luck. I'm in the planning stages of a kitchen remodel myself.
I agree, the pale yellow sounds nice. But if the color concerns you, try a pale yellow with a bit more earthy brown tones in it. When you look at your paint samples, you will see the pure yellows that are crisp in color and you will see the more muted yellows. Try out a couple of the more muted yellows.
Also, go ahead and collect samples of what you want to eventually do in your home, like the granite color. This will help to cordinate everything as you go.
Also the paint stores sell small quart and smaller samples of paint that you can test out colors to see if you like them. I love these. You can buy several colors, paint them side, by side and then make a final decision.