How To Choose The Perfect Granite Work Surface

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.

http://www.marblemasteruk.com

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


How About a Jungle Mural to Put Some Swing Into Your Child?s Room?

If your child loves all different types of animals, a... Read More

What to Look For in a Drill Press

A drill press, also known as a pillar drill, is... Read More

Bathroom Remodel - The Plan

Planning a bathroom remodel? Each home project of this nature... Read More

Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone

Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More

A Beginner?s Guide to Buying House Plans

Learn How to Select a House Plan That Will Result... Read More

Air Sanders: Forget Electric, Go Air!

An air sander is a common air tool often overlooked... Read More

With A Stylish Bathroom Vanity You Can Take Pride In Your Bathroom?s Appearance!

An easy way to instantly improve your bathroom's image is... Read More

Candle Making 101

If you'd like to try your hand at candle making,... Read More

How to Troubleshoot Video Problems

Few things can be as frustrating as picture problems. You... Read More

Home Automation Enhances Your Lifestyle and Saves Money - Exciting Home Automation Applications

Wouldn't it be nice to have your home take care... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Pre-application Enquiries to the Council - Is the Delay Worthwhile?

The holiday season is now in full swing & for... Read More

Remodeling Your Kitchen Cabinets

While remodeling your kitchen, install only the essential cabinets, so... Read More

Asphalt Paving Driveway Maintenance Tips

Asphalt paving or Hot Mix Asphalt is typically what one... Read More

Skip Troweling Method for Textured Ceilings

There are several ceiling texture choices to choose from when... Read More

Portable Air Conditioners Ensure Economy And Convenience

Small is beautiful and convenient and so is the portable... Read More

What Are Circuit Breakers?

Circuit Breakers are devices that stop the electrical current of... Read More

Draught Proofing Your Home

This article takes a look at a number of ways... Read More

Heres How To Know Which Kitchen Design Is Right For You

Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential.... Read More

Improving Your Bottom Line Through Vastu

The design of your office and home has a great... Read More

New Construction Windows Or Replacement Windows? Which Is Right For You?

Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the... Read More

Flooring: Installing Ceramic Tile

Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a... Read More

Contractor Referral

"As a contractor with 16 years of experience and speaking... Read More

How to Replace the Rollers on Your Patio Sliding Glass Glass Door

Hiring a professional to replace your rollers could cost you... Read More

Do You Know How Important Your Air Conditioner Filter Is?

When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it... Read More

Home Office: Identifying Your Needs

Not many years ago, the thought of working from home... Read More

Why You Might Need a Waterproofing Consultant

Waterproof consultants perform a wide variety of functions. Why should... Read More

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

A kitchen can make or ruin a family life. A... Read More

Log Homes - Is a Log Home In Your Future?

Many people dream about a log home in their future... Read More

How To Buy Double Glazing In The UK

Double glazing reduces heat loss through your windows. You can... Read More

Pool Supplies Should Also Contain Safety

A swimming pool with attached spa has just been installed... Read More

Do You Know How To Use Window Coverings?

Window coverings serve an important role in your home, giving... Read More

Buying House Plans Online

The Benefits of Self BuildingInvesting in property had always been... Read More

Basement Waterproofing Advice

Basements need to be waterproofed for many reasons. Cracks in... Read More