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.
In an effort to help consumers in the Atlanta area... Read More
"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."That line from the theme... Read More
In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be... Read More
You've finally found the home of your dreams, 3 bedrooms,... Read More
You don't want to keep your useless tools in your... Read More
Ceramic tile can be beautiful and elegant. But it can... Read More
Power tools are one of the greatest conveniences for getting... Read More
Here are five important things to remember.1. Use a steel... Read More
One of the many tools that home owners use regularly... Read More
Isn't it a shame that for most folk, taking a... Read More
A well-decorated room can still lack personality. To give your... Read More
If you are dedicated to improving the indoor air quality... Read More
According to the National Candle Association (NCA), most US-manufactured candle... Read More
An air compressor is used to power air tools such... Read More
A major US corporation recently launched a new line of... Read More
Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the... Read More
Do you need a patio awning for your lovely patio... Read More
Jack Frost is nipping at our nose and Santa Clause... Read More
This story was told to me by a plumber I... Read More
One of the most important principles to understand when designing... Read More
Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and... Read More
Nothing soothes the brain like Mother Nature, whose intrinsic scenery... Read More
If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More
After years of use, your floor will need to be... Read More
While most buyers of double glazing are looking for replacement... Read More
The starting current of motor can become 3 to 6... Read More
The secret to your home's interior design is Love.If you... Read More
Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells... Read More
If you are looking for unique seating inside or out,... Read More
As I sit on a plane in route from Chicago... Read More
Tax season is over...The spring holidays have passed... Hopefully by... Read More
Have you ever thought about fixing a broken window in... Read More
From a riot of color in bold chintzes to the... Read More
Colors contain underlying psychological meanings and evoke particular feelings when... Read More
One of the best solvents you can use to remove... Read More
A Jacuzzi has been popular since the 40's. We stopped... Read More
Research & Development I began designing audio and video interconnect... Read More
Installing Drywall, or hanging drywall as the professionals usually refer... Read More
Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through... Read More
If you don't have at least one piece of fine... Read More
For some people, a fireplace might as well be a... Read More
Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For... Read More
Decorating boys bedrooms with licensed characters and themes is an... Read More
Ladies, we spend a lot of time in the morning... Read More
It's hard to damage and easy to care for laminate... Read More
Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? If you are... Read More
Window coverings are one of the most important focal points... Read More
Thinking about installing a home theater system? You're not alone.... Read More
What exactly is wire electrical discharge machining, also referred to... Read More
There are many styles of picnic tables on the market,... Read More
Beginning interior design is a challenging, exciting adventure that one... Read More
Need for home remodelingThe need for home remodeling is on... Read More
Is it time to give that tired kitchen floor a... Read More
Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add... Read More
They're affordable and come in a wide variety of styles... Read More
Babies, babies, babies-yes the topic of this article is based... Read More
As a Managing Partner of www.exquisiterugs.com, the question... Read More
In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be... Read More
If the weather is turning chilly it must time for... Read More
Last week I told you how to measure your wood... Read More
Barbequing outdoors is a pleasure that anyone can partake in... Read More
Why does big business have all the fun? We fix... Read More
The last thing you would think about when you are... Read More
Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the... Read More
An air compressor is used to power air tools such... Read More
When a family decides to finish a basement space, there... Read More
Home Improvement |