The same material used in The Great Pyramid of Giza is available to homeowners who appreciate elegance and durability in their surroundings. These Egyptian wonders, still standing from the 26th century BCE, are a testament to the beauty and strength of granite. Now the discriminating homeowner can utilize this amazing stone for surfacing countertops. Each slab is unique in color with individualized veining for a one-of-a-kind design component in the home. The natural color choices are multiple hues of pink, various shades of gray, and even a rich black according to the stones that are chosen. There are also polished and natural luster countertop finishes to add a customized impact in the home.
In order to preserve your initial investment, begin granite countertop care by ensuring the correct specifications for accurate and sturdy installation. You will also want to schedule a visit in your home with the professionals for measurements and cabinetry inspection. Granite countertops are very heavy, which may call for extra reinforcement support. When choosing the color and design for your granite countertop, you should visit the location of the materials and handpick your stones. There are great variations in the granite, and you will want to choose the complete set that will coordinate with your room.
The ease of granite countertop care is facilitated by the nature of the stone. The hardness of granite is ranked second only to diamonds in the world of natural substances. It is very difficult to scratch, chip or break, and can actually dull your kitchen knives with its incredible resistance! As with any surface though, it is not impervious to damage. Should you accidentally drop a very heavy pot, the individual tiles might crack or chip. If this were to happen, the professionals who installed your countertop can replace the damaged areas. This is not something that should be attempted by the do-it-yourself crowd. There are special skills and training required for installation and repair work in the ancient craft of stone masonry.
Granite countertop care and cleaning require the homeowner to reseal the surface twice a year to guarantee preservation of the attractiveness and longevity of the surface. By its very nature, granite is porous. This process of granite countertop care will prevent the deterioration of quality and protect the area from stains. If the homeowner follows this important procedure, the countertop will require very little maintenance throughout its life. All that will be needed is light granite countertop cleaning when there is a spill. As with other countertop materials, allowing food, liquids and other materials to sit on the granite surface for long periods of time will negatively affect the area.
The most important point to remember in granite countertop cleaning is to never use abrasive materials of any sort. The process can be effectively completed simply with warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. With granite countertop cleaning there is no scrubbing! With the ease of maintenance, granite countertops will add value and dimension to your living space. With professional installation and biannual resealing, your initial investment in this ancient stonework will provide elegance and durability for the life of your home.