My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is good and nothing good is cheap". This ring true when dealing with the purchase especially on the internet of Granite Work Surfaces. In fact of all stone so read carefully.
Natural stone is graded as to it's suitability for a given task. It is also graded regarding the region of the world it originated from. This is a grade for general use but more for stone professionals to advise architects, surveyors etc which products to use for maximum efficiency in the building or home.
When buying on the internet you are usually shown samples of the very best, Granite, Marble, Limestone etc. You must be aware that this stone is probably not what you will receive. Firstly, the stone is batched. You need batched stone to get the consistent pattern throughout the surface. If you were to buy stone today and return for stone a month later to complete your project you will invariably get a mismatch that can look horrendous especially with the larger crystals such as blue pearl granite.
Always make sure you are receiving the same batch and have it itemised on your order. Also if the installer chips a corner or scratches the surface you will generally need a replacement piece. If the batch isn't available you may have a problem.
I have received numerous calls lately concerning the fading of black granite counter tops. Black granite should not fade. Black granite imported from Asia is sometimes doctored with dyes and oils to darken the surface. The fading is nothing more than the dyes and oils being removed. Unfortunately, the only fix is to re-polish the top. This can be costly.
Before purchasing a granite top perform the following test to find out if it has been doctored.
Get a clean white cloth and apply some acetone (nail varnish remover) to the surface of the granite. If any residue or black color is observed on the top, do not accept it, it has been dyed.
Take a piece of the "granite" you want to test and spill a few drops of lemon juice onto it. If you see that under the drops of lemon it develops very quickly dark spots, it means that it's a very absorbent stone and I would advise you against it. If it takes, say, a minute or so to be absorbed, then you're dealing with a level of absorbency that's easily controllable with the application of a good quality impregnating sealer.
Edward Green owns and operates the highly successful Marble Master Ltd Company. Marble Master specializes in Restoration and Refinishing of all types of natural stone and consultancy services to Architects, Restoration Companies and Interior Designers.
There are some things to consider when creating plans for... Read More
When you have reached the decision to purchase new windows... Read More
Traditional interior design encompasses a great variety of elements in... Read More
We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from... Read More
Since it's one of the places people spend the most... Read More
If you've ever had carpets or vinyl flooring you've probably... Read More
When you add up all the money that you can... Read More
In recent years there has been many stories about dryers... Read More
I broke my promise to myself and stripped wallpaper again.... Read More
When you are choosing a new ceiling fan there are... Read More
Jacuzzi's are a great recreational and health benefit for a... Read More
Research & Development I began designing audio and video interconnect... Read More
A table saw is one of the most popular pieces... Read More
What is behind the popularity of roller blinds. Is it... Read More
Purchasing a home spa is a great expense; which can... Read More
Some of the benefits of radiant heatComfort: Let your bare... Read More
Are you ready to starting building your dream home. House... Read More
One of the biggest advantages of laminate floors is that... Read More
With all the lighting choices out there, you may want... Read More
A chair is one of the best inventions ever made.... Read More
As a Managing Partner of www.exquisiterugs.com, the question... Read More
Not all bathrooms can be lavish spaces with whirlpool tubs... Read More
Steel building kits are a comprehensive set of all the... Read More
It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate... Read More
Here are five important things to remember.1. Use a steel... Read More
Rights of light - What a minefield this topic is... Read More
Would you like to make your house feel more like... Read More
As we become more of a home-based society, many more... Read More
Start out by measuring and cutting all your stock according... Read More
Do you have embarrassing gas problems? Do you find this... Read More
"Company's coming and my place doesn't look right?"You know how... Read More
Are you frustrated with the high prices you've been quoted... Read More
If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More
Your choice of bathroom cabinet can affect the look and... Read More
Buying a carport to protect your investment can be a... Read More
As we become more of a home-based society, many more... Read More
Unfinished furniture has started to become extremely popular in the... Read More
One of the simplest ways to start planning your bathroom... Read More
It is inevitable, almost everyone no matter how long they... Read More
Can you remember when people used to install slatted louvre... Read More
The first question is, what is a conservatory?There is no... Read More
This story was told to me by a plumber I... Read More
Refinishing your hardwood floors yourself can be time consuming and... Read More
You're told to take vitamins, drink plenty of water, get... Read More
Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of... Read More
Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells... Read More
Common knowledge states that hardwood floors are a great investment... Read More
Many of us know that solar energy is a good... Read More
Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the... Read More
Thread count is the most widely referred to term when... Read More
Purchasing an air purifier can be confusing, and you do... Read More
Conservatories remain a popular accoutrement and attachment to homes throughout... Read More
The Deck Building Ledger holds all the secrets to successful... Read More
Start out by measuring and cutting all your stock according... Read More
It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture... Read More
While you are cleaning leaves out of your home's gutters,... Read More
Look no further for long lasting perfumes. House of Rose... Read More
Would you like to add a personal touch to your... Read More
If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More
You can add a personal touch to your home or... Read More
It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the... Read More
You have found an apartment you like and you are... Read More
The quest for more living space these days means making... Read More
Every one lives in a house but every house is... Read More
Prior to hanging sheetrock to ceiling joists it is important... Read More
With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you... Read More
Home Improvement |