When you are seeking new kitchen countertops that will provide your home with the ultimate in luxury and style, you may want to plan a new granite countertop installation. As one of the top kitchen materials available, granite countertops are a durable and attractive choice for your home design. After your countertop installation in Baltimore is complete, it will be up to you to perform proper care and maintenance for your granite countertops. By taking the steps needed to maintain your granite slabs, you can help them remain in beautiful condition. Here is a quick look at some of the essentials of granite counter maintenance.

Seal Your Countertops

One of the most important steps of granite counter maintenance is to seal your countertops on a regular basis. When your granite countertops are first installed, your technicians will take the time to apply a protective seal to the surface of your granite. This sealant will cover the natural porous surface of the stone. To help make sure that your countertop remains intact, you should take the time to seal your granite counters at least once a year.

Use Approved Cleaning Solutions

Along with sealing your counters at least once a year, you will want to clean your granite countertops using an approved cleaning solution on a daily basis. Cleaners that are too harsh or abrasive can cause scratches, stains, and other unsightly issues on the surface of your countertops. A gentle cleanser, such as a mixture of water and dish soap, is all that you will need to keep your countertops clean and looking great.

Clean Stains Immediately

A final step of countertop maintenance is to clean up stains as soon as they occur. If you leave spilled substances to sit on the surface of your countertops for too long, you can create a permanent stain on the surface of your granite. To clean up staining substances, you can use a paste that is made of baking soda and water to soak up the spill.

Updating your kitchen countertop or bathroom countertop in Baltimore with marble is a great way to improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. However, you may be wondering if marble or another type of natural stone countertop is the right choice for your home. This video offers some guidance to help you make the right decision.

For some families, such as those with active, young children, marble may not be the right choice. While it is very durable, it is more susceptible to stains and other types of damage than granite countertops or quartz countertops. If you are ready to replace the countertops or vanity tops in your home, talk to your countertop fabricator about which option will be best for your home and lifestyle.

Are you thinking of replacing your kitchen countertop near Baltimore ? When you choose to remodel your bathroom or kitchen, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is your new countertop material. Today, you can have a countertop designed from copper, stainless steel, tile, cement, zinc, recycled glass, or plastic laminate to name just a few of your options. Here, we’ll discuss three of this year’s most popular bathroom and kitchen countertop materials: soapstone, granite, and quartz.

Soapstone

A natural stone made mostly of mineral talc, soapstone gets its name from its smooth, soap-like texture. This stone is usually seen in hues of gray which darken over time and sometimes have quartz graining. Soapstone is durable and resistant to heat, stains, chemicals, and bacteria, making it ideal for kitchen countertops. This material is softer than other stones, making it vulnerable to scratches and nicks, but soapstone is also chemically neutral which protects it against damage from acidic foods like lemons and tomatoes.

Granite

Known for its unique grains and variety of colors, granite is a stone riddled with character and natural beauty. With so much variety, the price range for granite can be broad. Granite is commonly seen in browns and creams, but more exotic colors include blues, greens, reds, pinks, and blacks. Costs increase depending on how rare a stone’s color or type is, and how difficult it is to work with and cut. Granite is also favored for its durability, being scratch resistant and nearly invulnerable to wear when properly sealed. Once you find a slab that you would love for your granite kitchen countertop, buy it and secure it as yours because it’s one of a kind.

Engineered Quartz

Among the most customizable options for countertops, engineered quartz can be found in almost any color or shade, and can be made with a variety of patterns and finishes. The material is composed mostly of natural quartz and is mixed with resins and pigments. Because of its high quartz content, engineered quartz is similar in durability to granite, and is also non-allergenic, non-toxic, and easy to maintain.

When you are doing a kitchen renovation, one of the best ways to improve your space is to add a granite countertop to it. Granite is a natural stone that is very durable, and it will make your kitchen look brand new again. However, when it comes to choosing a granite countertop in Baltimore , you may struggle to pick which color you want since there are a variety of choices. Here are just a few of the many colors that might look great in your renovated kitchen.

White

One of the first things you will notice when you look at a granite countertop is that it is never one solid color, so a “white” granite countertop will not actually be pure white. Instead, it will be white and feature flecks of stone throughout the surface of it. This will really help it pop when you pair it with cherry wood cabinets. Natural stone countertops in white will also make smaller spaces appear larger than they really are.

Black or Gray

Are you looking to make your kitchen look more contemporary? If so, a black or even gray granite countertop is probably the best way for you to go. If you decide to go with a black countertop, you should consider making your kitchen cabinets a lighter color to provide some contrast to the room.

Brown or Beige

If you don’t like the look of dark countertops but still want the contemporary appearance that they provide, a brown or beige granite countertop will likely do the trick for you . You can pair either color with slightly darker cabinets and achieve a very modern and elegant look.

Red or Blue

If you plan on moving within the next few years, you might not want to go with a bold granite countertop that is red or blue. It could scare some potential homebuyers away. When you pair one of these colors with light cabinets and a neutral paint color, though, it will be very dramatic. You will definitely make a statement with your kitchen’s new countertops.

Before you purchase a new kitchen countertop , you should carefully consider what kind of stone you want it to be made out of and what color will complement the rest of the room. But you should also think about what kind of edge your natural stone countertops in Baltimore will have, because different edges can give off completely different looks. Check out some of the edges that will be available when you look at new kitchen countertops.

Squared

Do you want your kitchen countertop to look modern and clean? A standard squared edge might be best for you. There’s nothing fancy about a squared edge as it’s easily the most basic of the countertop edges, but it will allow you to make a strong statement with your natural stone countertops. It’s also the most affordable option, which is why it’s one of the most popular edges .

Eased

While a squared edge creates very distinct lines in a kitchen, an eased edge rounds those lines off and softens everything just a bit. It’s a very small and subtle change, but it can make a space feel much more warm and inviting. It also eliminates sharp corners throughout the kitchen, which could be a big benefit for many parents.

Bullnose

An eased edge may round off the top edges of your kitchen countertop, but it will not get rid of the lines in your kitchen completely since the bottom of your countertops will still feature straight lines. The bullnose edge takes things a step further by rounding off the entire edge of the countertop. It’s a terrific idea to install this kind of edge in a more traditional kitchen.

Ogee

Some people might not immediately notice the difference between a squared edge and an eased edge, but there’s no mistaking the ogee edge when you see it. It has a curved edge that adds a great design element to the mix. Like the bullnose edge, it looks best in a traditional kitchen and works especially well on kitchen islands.

If you love showing off your granite countertop in Baltimore , it is wise to do what you can to keep it in top condition. Regular maintenance can extend your granite kitchen countertop’s working life and allow you to enjoy it for as long as possible. One simple form of countertop maintenance is routine cleaning. Here is a brief overview of some of the steps you can take if you are concerned with keeping your granite countertops clean.

Accidents happen, and you will probably spill something on your granite countertop at some point over the course of its working life. This is not the end of the world, especially if your countertop is sealed. Be sure to clean up spills and food scraps as soon as possible, however, so that they do not have time to soak into your countertop. Mix a mild dish soap with warm water and apply the solution to your countertop with a washcloth. It is imperative that you stay away from harsh cleaners, as more abrasive and acidic cleaners will more readily break down your seal. Although it is not necessarily crucial, you can also disinfect your granite countertop using a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol.

You may have seen a few beautiful examples of granite countertops in Baltimore , but you are probably unfamiliar with the processes they have gone through before becoming finished products. From granite slabs to dazzling kitchen fixtures, watch this video to find out how granite countertops are made.

Granite countertops start out as massive slabs that weigh one thousand pounds or more. Workers start the transformation by putting the slabs on cutting tables with the help of a few specialized tools. They can then use a computer guided saw with a diamond blade to form the slab into a rough shape. Next, workers use highly pressurized water jets to cut the granite into the desired shape. Once the proper shape has been achieved, the countertop is ready for finishing. This involves several different types of grinder and sander pads. The granite countertop can then be polished and prepared for shipment.

Natural stone countertops can be great additions to the home, and they may be featured in your bathroom or your kitchen. If you are torn between a granite countertop and a quartz countertop near Baltimore, it helps to do some research and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each. Both of these countertop styles can enhance the appearance of your kitchen, but they come with different levels of durability and maintenance requirements. It is also important to consider the ease of installation. Read on for an up close look at both granite and quartz countertops.

Granite

In terms of aesthetic appeal, granite and quartz may be equally attractive options. It should be noted, however, that granite countertops typically offer a more limited range of patterns as compared to quartz. If you are going to purchase a granite countertop, you should also have it sealed. Sealing your granite countertop every year or so will protect it from stains. Although granite is a durable material, you might accidentally scratch your granite countertop or drop an appliance and create a small crack; you can typically fix these blemishes with resin that matches its color. In the event of a larger, more substantial dent or crack, always seek the help of an experienced professional.

Quartz

If you are looking for a durable and beautiful countertop that does not require much maintenance, quartz may be your ideal option. Quartz countertops are even harder than granite countertops , and they do not need to be sealed in order to resist scratches, stains, and blemishes. You will also enjoy an array of options when it comes to colors and designs. If your quartz countertop does end up becoming damaged in some way, you should contact a professional countertop service for assistance.

Verdict

Granite and quartz are both excellent choices of material for countertops. Quartz tends to be slightly more durable and easier to maintain than granite, but on the other hand it is typically more expensive. Granite does not offer as wide of an array of design options, but the aesthetic choice is up to your personal taste.

Your granite countertop in Baltimore may be the center of attraction and main focal point of your kitchen. If you want to keep your granite kitchen countertops looking like they do today, it is important to clean them on a regular basis. Fortunately this is a relatively simple process and can be done in just a few minutes. Watch this video for tips on cleaning grease off of granite countertops.

There are few easier home maintenance projects than cleaning grease off of your granite countertops. Fill your sink with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Since your goal is to clean grease, it helps to use warmer water. Saturate a rag with this mixture and wipe the grease off of your countertops. You can then use a dry rag or paper towels to dry off your counter and enjoy a clean and cosmetically pleasing kitchen.

If you’re going for an ultra-luxurious look in your home, you can’t go wrong with granite countertops in your kitchen and bathroom. Not only are granite countertops breathtakingly beautiful, but they are incredibly durable and able to withstand decades of abuse with very minimal upkeep. Before you go out shopping for granite countertops in Baltimore , take a look at this brief guide for advice on everything from choosing the right granite countertops for your home to maintaining your granite countertops for years to come.

Choosing Granite Countertops

Granite slabs are available in a variety of different shades, including blacks, whites, greens, corals, and beiges. The right color for your home depends on the design and décor of your kitchen and/or bathroom. And because no two pieces of granite are the same, you need to take your time when shopping for granite countertops. It’s also important to shop for granite countertops in person so you can discern the minute differences that make each slab unique.

Maintaining Granite Countertops

One of the reasons homeowners prefer granite countertops is that they are incredibly easy to maintain. Hot water and a sponge or dish rag is all you need to keep your countertops clean and tidy throughout the day. You can use granite cleaners weekly or monthly to condition the stone and maintain its overall luster. In order to protect your granite countertops in the long run, you may need to re-seal the countertops at least once a year. You’ll know that it’s time to re-seal when you notice that water around the sink is darkening the stone, as this means the granite is absorbing moisture.

Repairing Granite Countertops

Major cracks should be looked at by a granite repair specialist. Small chips, dings, and cracks can be repaired easily by filling with an acrylic or using a color-matched epoxy to glue the pieces back together. Larger damage will need to be polished in order to blend the stone with the surrounding surface shine.