What To Know Before Installing A Granite Countertop?
Despite the fact that they used to be seen only with expensive and luxurious homes, granite countertops have grown to be a popular option among many residential properties. It act as a symbol that the owner of that property is style conscious. To make sure that you are shopping responsibly, you have to be aware of all your options when it comes to granite as not all countertops are created equally.
Hand versus machine fabrication – machine or hand fabrication are the two ways of fabricating stones. If you want something that can provide you high quality and not bothered about the price, go for handcrafted finish. Machine fabrication however is more ideal for mass production but the machine fails at times to polish the edges. Some companies are compensating for rougher edges by means of waxing them but eventually, the wax wears off.
Inquire about installation – some bigger warehouse style suppliers do not fabricate their stones or even install the finished products. Instead, they only supply for some other contractors, stores or wholesale buyers. If you’re in search for such company that is installing granite countertops, then you better inquire for it before you start shopping.
Seams – these are the lines wherein the piece of stones meets together. Granite countertops may be fabricated individually and assembled or vice versa. Edges look better if it’s assembled first but, this is going to require steady hands and exceptional craftsmanship. What this mean is, the process can cost you a high price. It is vital that you ask if the craftsperson is using a suction automated machine in installing the seams.
Thickness – most of the time, counters are approximately 2 or 3 cm thick. For kitchen application, you must insist on having 3cm granite installed as 2cm thick stone has 70 percent likelihood to break sooner or later. With regards to bathroom applications, there is a chance that it is smaller and for this reason, the thinner the better.
Overhang – the amount of stone hanging on your kitchen countertop’s edge is called the overhang. Overhang is very popular most especially for the purpose of kitchen island because it easily creates additional space. You might want to brace underneath to avoid breaking if you opt for a thinner slab of granite.
It happened so fast when granite countertops amassed the attention of the general public as being the ideal option for bathroom and kitchens. Even though they seem to be the same, the differences affect the durability, appearance and the cost of the slab of stone that you wish to install. Yes it is true that most of the stones look the same but mind you as the differences they have to each is enough to affect their durability, pricing and appearance.