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Stephen Alberts

The Dos and Don’ts of Looking at Granite Samples Online

There’s much to be said for online shopping – it’s convenient, quick, and, let’s face it, a click of a button instantly throws up a world of options. What’s not to love about it, right? Well, not quite. Most homeowners shopping for granite countertops for their homes feel that shopping for granite samples online has led them down a rabbit hole of fantastic options, many of which they would never have been able to get from the few stores that exist in their locality. Online, they find, there is more of everything – more colors, more textures, more patterns, more variations, more options of costs, and, of course, the option of having your countertop shipped to just about anywhere in the world. Yet, buying granite slabs online without due diligence is a mistake many homeowners tend to make, which, as it turns out, costs them more than buying locally. 

We tell you the ins and outs you need to know when browsing the abundance of online options. Keep these tips in mind to avoid being disappointed.

Finding the Best Granite Option for Your Home

Let’s delve into the dos and don’ts of looking at granite samples online:

Being overwhelmed by the options

Yes, the perk of searching for granite samples online is the variety of options you get, but this can also be a disadvantage. It can get overwhelming and confusing when you see too many variations, and you’re left picking something that might not be the best fit for your home. The more significant issue is natural stone variation. Some will vary more than others, but some, even with the same name, can be unrecognizable due to considerable changes in natural variation.

Look and feel

Touch is one of the most underrated aspects when shopping for granite countertops; how the material feels plays a significant role in its suitability for your home. In terms of looks, too, there’s a big difference in how the slab will display under the store’s lights compared to how it will look at home. This variation gets even more complicated when you buy it online, as you have virtually no reference point. So, keep lighting and texture in mind.

Additionally, you want to see the polish, patterns, and veining for yourself, as the slab you see online might differ from the one shipped to you. Granite has natural flecks, unique swirls, and depths that vary from slab to slab because it is a natural stone. To get more uniformity, you generally need to look for stones from the same quarry and lot, which could get hard to monitor online. Be sure to ask for details and get in writing what you’re buying, along with the warranties and certifications available.

Reputed brands

If you still opt to buy online, you want to buy from a reputed, validated, accredited, and certified company renowned for its quality and certifications.

Educational aspect

When you visit a granite warehouse in person, you glean so much helpful information you cannot get when shopping online. You’ll learn about the different grades of granite, how to pick the most suitable grade, how the various options feel, and the color and variations they come in, which can look very different in a photograph, among other things. You could take printouts of the online options and see if your local stores have or can source this for you.

Measurements

Get not just your accurate space measurements but also the measurement of the slab or tiles you buy, and ensure it’s the right fit to avoid any issues once the seller ships the stone to you.

Handling

Check that your contractor is on-board to handle the slab once delivered. Generally, when you buy it from local stores, they take care of the handling, storing, and installation aspects. These heavy-duty slabs can be dangerous when left lying around, apart from the fact that finding storage space for them can be practically impossible.

Contact Us Today

When your heart sets on granite, we know how disappointing it is to make the investment and then have it go wrong. As functional and aesthetic as it looks, one quality makes even more of a difference – the emotional pull that granite has, whether you want it to use on your countertops or floors. We understand its sway more than anybody, and when it comes to getting you the best slab that feels right, we at GranitePro are the experts who can do the job. Contact us today to see how we do everything, from the heavy lifting (literally) to seeing that the finished piece is just how you want it.

What to Look for When Searching for a Maryland Quartz and Granite Company

When searching for a countertop, many local homeowners have one regret: the final result looks nothing like they envisioned. And this typically boils down to breezing past due diligence on your choice of Maryland quartz and granite company before signing the bottom line.

How to Find the Right Granite Countertop Company

The right countertop can be a focal point of your home, but installing it is a substantial task. It starts by picking a suitable granite or quartz company to do the job.

List your needs:

Start by making an in-depth list of your requirements. And when we say in-depth, we mean going into detail, and nothing should be too small or insignificant to note down. Consider the material of your countertop and how you will use it, how many you will install, the material you prefer, and so on.

Make your budget

Once your list is ready, you can create a realistic budget that will cover your requirements. Remember, when researching granite, the type and grade of granite come into play.

Start the search

Now that you have your list and budget, the critical part is searching for the best granite and quartz company. You want to spend adequate time and effort on your research because your contractor selection can make or break your project. You want to avoid companies that bid low only to get the contract and do not have the work ethic that’s the right match for you. These pitfalls are why doing your research is so important.

Go local

This recommendation is one of the essential factors. A local company will not only be easier to check out thoroughly, but they will also have access to local subcontractors and be able to source materials easily. Going local will also reduce the cost of shipping, which is not insignificant for dense materials like quartz and granite. So while doing your research, focus on finding a Maryland quartz and granite company.

Research well

We cannot stress the importance of being thorough. This recommendation means going online, checking the official websites, checking public forums, and checking with family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else who might have used the services of these companies. A first-hand account is always valuable.

Meet in person

As far as possible, set up a time to visit the business in person. Meeting face-to-face will help you better gauge how the company works and its employees’ rapport with you. After all, the team you select will work on one of your most prized investments – your home. They may also interact with family members while installing the countertop. Don’t hesitate to ask all your questions and see how much time and consideration they give them.

Check the countertop you want in person

Have a detailed conversation about what will fit your home well and how to take care of it post-installation. Ask the company to take you around, show you the options available, and also see how they consider your design and layout before giving you their opinion. They need to tell you how the countertop material you see in the store will look when placed in your home.

Contact Us Today

Undoubtedly, a stunning countertop can make a style statement apart from being functional. Still, to do this, you need the right experts to ensure that everything from the quality of materials used to the safety aspects of installation proceeds smoothly. At GranitePro, we seamlessly guide your project from start to finish. So before you drop your dream look or settle on a countertop that doesn’t match your needs, contact us today to see how we can take your countertop project from fixer-upper to modern marvel.

How to Choose the Best Granite Countertop for My Kitchen

Suppose you want to add a dash of richness, warmth, and sophistication to your kitchen. In that case, you cannot go wrong with granite countertops. Besides their aesthetic value, granite countertops give you a substantial presence with durability and permanence—and they are a breeze to clean and upkeep. However, you want to look at all angles to ensure that granite is the right fit for your room. We spill handy design tips to help you choose the best granite countertop for your kitchen.

17 Design Tips When Reviewing Granite Countertop Options

Use these design tips to find a countertop that ticks all the right “functionality boxes” and acts as a focal design point in your room. Before installing the countertop of choice in your kitchen, consider the following to narrow down your options:

General Aesthetic Tips

Do you want granite that makes a statement with a lot of movement and a heavily patterned stone that will be a showstopper? Or a quieter option that won’t limit your décor too much?

  • Don’t just pick the first one you like in terms of appearance. Before you go to the showroom to see it, review your home and kitchen’s existing design qualities. Keep a list of key features in mind. Look at your room’s layout, spaciousness, flooring and décor, ambiance, and existing design. You either want something that perfectly complements this or one that provides a quirky contrast. Consult your contractor before finalizing your countertop, as professional input can help here.
  • See the stone in person rather than from an online image or a picture that will not do it justice. When it comes to granite countertops, the texture and how it feels are as crucial as how it looks.
  • Be mindful of your home lighting. Before picking your countertop, remember that what looks good under the specially curated store lights might look very different at home.
  • Also, consider how your current paint job measures against various countertop options. Or, even if you’re open to changing the room color, ensure the new one works well with your countertop.
  • You can pick between solid, speckled, and marbled options as far as design goes. Granite is a natural stone, and all granite slabs have variations that lend a unique character. Opt for stones from the same quarry to increase your chances of achieving a consistent look, but expect that there will still be variations between the slabs. Solid granite options are the most consistent and have fewer variations than speckled or marbled options. Solid granite is perfect for smaller kitchens, where the busier the surface, the smaller the room can look.
  • Are you looking for a conversation starter? Add drama to your kitchen by selecting marbled granite, which comes in exotic colors with veins and swirls that make a style statement.
  • If you want granite that perfectly sets off your solid cabinetry and one that has texture and color options, look for speckled granite countertops.
  • If you want to reduce the sparkle and keep things classy but subdued, look at honed granite countertops with a matte finish.
  • A glossy finish is the most popular granite countertop because it is one of the most affordable and low maintenance requiring very little upkeep over the years. The other advantage is that it can lend your kitchen a sense of spaciousness and airiness as its glossy surface reflects light beautifully.

Light Countertops

  • Light-colored granite can make a space look larger and is especially good in rooms where there isn’t too much natural light.
  • It’s hard to go wrong with just about any shade of white granite. Look for options with depth to avoid giving your kitchen a one-dimensional, lifeless feel, which can happen when white isn’t well thought out.

Dark Countertops

  • If you’re opting for bold, vibrant hues, tone the rest of the look down with neutral cabinetry and floors.
  • Be careful with dark shades in smaller rooms. For example, you might love the elegance a black granite countertop gives your kitchen, but if it’s a small room, it will serve to make it look even smaller. But there are ways to make it work; you can pair black granite with an all-white room to give it a classic sophistication.
  • Ask yourself how much you will use your countertop. If you select a dark shade like black, thinking it will be perfect for hiding spills, marks, and stains, you may be surprised to learn that black shows as much damage and mess as a lighter color.

Countertop Details

  • Slabs are perfect if you want to avoid prominent grout lines or seams, but you can also swap them for tiles, which can work beautifully.
  • Pay attention to your edges and pick the one that offers the feel you want your kitchen to reflect. Do you want a classic beveled edge or an intricate triple waterfall? There are multiple options, so consider what works best for your room.

Contact Us Today

Picking the best granite countertops is almost like picking a classic pair of jeans, albeit it’s a far more extravagant investment. But just like jeans, you need to find one that’s the perfect fit for you and your home. It doesn’t matter if it appeals to others or how that countertop would look in another house. And just like your fave pair of jeans, it’s something that will last, and the older it gets, the more beautifully it ages and becomes an integral part of your kitchen. But picking out the right design is not an easy task, as you’ve seen. So put yourself in the best position you can be in by getting the right expertise on your side. GranitePro is here to help you take on this project from start to finish to give your kitchen that luxe and long-tasting touch the right countertop can provide. Contact us today to see how we can install a dependable, permanent, and stunning granite countertop.

Here’s How to Achieve Affordable Granite Countertops Without Sacrificing Quality

Granite makes a stunning addition to any home – there’s no argument here. Surveys show that when asked to choose between a granite countertop and a roof, the majority of homeowners actually opt for granite. If that’s not a testament to its popularity and appeal, we don’t know what is. There is one thing that deters people from picking granite, though – the price. But while there’s no denying that granite is an investment, it’s also not true that it will add a massive, irreparable dent to your wallet. Well, not if you know the insider tips and tricks to pick a granite that checks all the quality boxes. We tell you just how to do this.

Consider These Factors to Remain In Budget

When it comes to deciding whether your granite countertop will be a big investment or a very big investment, there are certain factors that come into play. Some of the key ones to consider are:

Location of the company. Granite slabs are extremely heavy, so it stands to reason that from a logistic perspective, the cost will tend to go up as the distance increases. So, to bring down your cost, try and look for a local supplier. Large, national companies or exotic, distant suppliers might have tempting offers, but you also have to factor in the shipping cost, which can tend to be steep. By buying from a local supplier, you can bring down your cost to a big extent, plus they will factor in a more affordable price for installation if they are in the same area as you. But here, don’t just go with the first local firm you find. Just because they are in your area, doesn’t mean they are the right fit for you. Instead, pick more than one option and then do your research, ask around to find people who have used them, check out their website, meet them to review their credentials, and only after all of this, go ahead and finalize the one that seems the most suitable.

Wholesale options. If you are looking at adding more than just one countertop and have multiple properties that need granite slabs, try to see if getting them wholesale is an option. This will reduce the cost, as they will most likely come to you directly from the quarry.

Quality of the stone. Granite comes in different qualities and thicknesses. Thinner and more affordable stones are typically 2cm (¾”), and a higher quality granite is going to be 3cm thick (1 ¼”). It is important to only purchase 3cm materials as it is far less prone to cracking or other forms of damage down the road. An essential aspect that can affect the quality of a slab of granite is the type of resins embedded into the stone. This can be difficult to determine by looking at it. If you look at the slab and there are hard yellow patches that appear to be cracking this could be a sign of a lower quality resin or of slabs that were left out in the sun for long periods of time. Working with a trusted vendor that only sells 3cm premium materials with high-quality resins will ensure you are purchasing a quality product.

Size of the slab. Oversized pieces such as very large islands or complex shapes which require additional laborers may increase the cost of your project as they are difficult to move. Shapes such as batwings or very large pieces with no seams will cause lower yield during the fabrication process and may require additional slabs to complete the project, which will increase the overall cost of your new countertops.

Color of the slab. This quarried stone comes in a breathtaking array of natural colors that each have its own unique swirls, flecks, depths, and patterns. On the whole, more consistent materials tend to be more affordable, as this type of granite is found more abundantly all across the globe and is typically easier to quarry. A good rule of thumb is the more movement and unique looking the material is, the more expensive as it tends to be more time-consuming to fabricate, harder to quarry, and higher in demand.

The finish. As with colors, you get a variety of finishes with granite, and the cost can either go up or come down depending on what you choose. By far, the most popular and affordable option is a polished finish that is also the most low-maintenance in terms of upkeep over the years. If you want to go more upscale, look at something like leather or a honed finish, but remember that this will sometimes cost you more.

The design complexity. Countertops that are customized as much as possible can go a long way in elevating the look of the room, but different customizations come at different price points. If you are looking for complex designs or are looking at adding in your own quirks, extra seams, and an edge style that’s unique, it may increase the cost of your granite.

Contact Us Today

When you want only the best for your home, it makes sense to go to the professionals who can deliver just this. Not only do you get the right expertise you need, but it can also be a more economically viable option for your home. A granite expert will be able to do everything from helping you choose the slab that is the perfect fit for your home to installing the finished product in much less time and at the best possible rate that matches your budget. That’s what we do at GranitePro. Contact us today to see how we can help you add unique countertops to really elevate your home.

Quality Granite Countertops vs. Cheap Granite Countertops

We know that you cannot go wrong with stunning granite countertops when it comes to adding a dash of glam to your home. Apart from looking spectacular, granite comes in a range of colors, each with depth, flecks, and swirls that give it a unique character and make it the focal point of any room. In addition, this natural stone is quarried straight from the earth, is highly durable, long-lasting, and resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture, making it a homeowner’s dream material. But with all these fantastic advantages the stone has, one thing you do need to remember is that not all granite slabs are created equal. And to get all the benefits this stone offers, you need to pay close attention to the quality of the stone you pick.

Granite isn’t a cheap option, so the allure of cutting corners while still showcasing this countertop in your home is tempting, but in the long run, cheap granite countertop slabs will set you back more in terms of cost and function. So, how do you pick a high-quality slab? We tell you how to do just this.

Understanding Different Grades of Granite

Granite comes in multiple grades, which makes it easier to differentiate between the slabs. These range from cheap granite countertops slabs to higher-end options.

When shopping for granite you may find vendors supply different “grades” of granite. It may be levels 1,2,3 or A, B, C. Long story short, these are simply categories that the fabricator creates to simplify pricing. Technically, they should have no indication of the overall quality of the granite.

Factors that typically affect the “grade” of the material are consistency (slab yield), abundance, where it is quarried from, and overall cost of purchase. What you’re looking for as the differentiating factors are veins, the pitting you can see, colors, porosity, thickness, how it appears visually, and other similar markers. For instance, if you talk about thickness, the stones are naturally very thick when quarried from the earth. But manufacturers often cut them to make them easier to handle. However, they can lose much of their durability if cut too thin. You also want to watch out for slabs that are too porous, which means they will absorb more water and stain faster, which means higher upkeep in the long run.

Importing slabs can add to the cost, and it’s important to see where a slab originates. You can look at the different granite stones as though you are looking at wood. Oak is very hard, whereas pine is a little softer. Different granite materials have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, steel gray granite is an incredibly dense and highly durable stone. It does not require any sealer, as the sealer would not absorb, instead sitting on the surface and getting sticky. However, ivory fantasy is a very porous stone that requires extensive sealing and is more prone to staining.

Another example would be fissures, pits, and other natural imperfections. With some materials, fissures should be expected and can be seen and felt, whereas others should be free of any stone fissures. Once installed properly, these natural imperfections should not affect your countertops’ durability or longevity; they should be simply cosmetic details. A good countertop fabricator will review these details to ensure you understand the product you are purchasing. It is important to find a granite countertop fabricator near you that you can trust. A good granite fabricator will advise you on which stone best suits your lifestyle and taste.

What Is a High-Quality Granite Countertop?

High-Quality Resin: Most granite countertops have a resin that brings more consistency to the finish, stain resistance, and overall structural integrity. Often when materials are cheaper, lower quality resins are used, which can deteriorate over time.

Thicker Material: High-quality granite countertops are typically 3 centimeters (1 ¼”) thick. 2-centimeter materials are thinner, thus more prone to breaking as the home settles. All though there are times when a 2-centimeter material can be beneficial for specific custom-built-up designs, this is rare.

Precision Fabrication: The fabrication process is a large part of the overall “quality” of the granite countertop. Fabrication machines, seam locations, slab layout, glues that are used, and setting techniques for sinks and other anchoring systems will all determine the longevity of your countertops. The best results will come from a completely digital facility where lasers do all the templates, which format into a digital file and plug into a CNC machine for precision manufacturing your granite countertops. Another aspect is the installation phase. For example, pure silicone should be used around the perimeter of the countertop, sink connections, and between the countertop and stone backsplash. Often companies use regular caulk to cut costs which will not provide the support or water sealing required for professional results.

High-Quality Sealer: There are many sealers for granite countertops on the market. Water-based, oil-based, silicone-based, and so on. Silicone-based impregnating sealer is typically the best product to be used for granite countertops as it absorbs into the stone as opposed to sitting on the surface.

Contact Us Today

Adding granite countertops to your home is an investment, and like all investments, you need to put a lot of care, thought, and research into the decision. At GranitePro, we know our slabs and how to match the right kind of countertops to the right homes while keeping in mind everything from the use of the countertops to the design and layout of your home. Contact us today to see how we can help you install the highest quality countertops in your home to ensure you get both aesthetics with functionality and, above all, safety.

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