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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

From the many types of granite countertops suitable for your home, you are spoiled for choice with the options available. And while granite ticks all the right boxes regarding its advantages, which include being stain resistant and highly durable, the fact that this natural stone comes in so many variations and colors can make picking just one countertop overwhelming.

So how do you know what types of granite countertops will work best for your home? To make a good choice, you need to consider a lot. For one, pay close attention to the existing layout, design, and space of not just the room where you will install the granite countertop but your whole home to ensure it looks seamless. Then check the ambiance of your home or the vibe you want that room to portray. For example, adding a sleek black granite countertop that looks stunning in the store with its shimmering flecks and sparkles might not be the best fit for a room with a cozy, country vibe. So, keep this aspect in mind while picking your granite countertop. The other element you need to consider is how much you will use your countertop and for what purpose. For instance, choosing a light white hue might look elegant and classy, but in a busy kitchen where spills are the norm rather than the exception, it might not work as well as a darker shade.

Consider These Options When Choosing Kitchen Countertops

Once you have your list of requirements in place, it’s much easier to narrow down the types of granite countertops that will be the best fit for your home. After all, investing in granite is a long-lasting choice, given that your countertops are not changed regularly once installed. So, you want to ensure you get the best for your home. Here are some exciting options to choose from:

1. Keep it classy with white. You cannot go wrong with white countertops if you want a timeless, classic look that never goes out of style. Pick from a polished, solid Andino White to a lighter, more versatile Moon White, depending on what you like. You can also pick a countertop with contrasting veins to add some edge. Flecks of black and grey can add a nice bit of contrast to your white countertop, while you can get one with rose flecks to add a dash of unbeatable old-school charm. An option for this is the pretty Bianco Antico variety.
2. Steel grey can add glam. When you want to go dark but do not have the space to opt for a black countertop, it’s a great idea to pick the Steel Grey variant. It looks fabulous when paired with white or cream cabinets as well.
3. Up the drama with black. Sensual, dramatic, sophisticated, or sleek—nothing increases that luxe, glamorous vibe like black granite countertops. If you want to add a conversation piece, this is the one you need. Keep in mind that it requires a larger area to pull off the shade well. Even with black, many variations are available, from dense, solid black to a sparkly surface that looks like the night sky has fallen into your kitchen or bathroom. Options like Absolute Black or Black Galaxy are genuinely spectacular. Irrespective of the one you pick, you can be sure it will make an impact.
4. A lighter gray can lighten the mood. If steel gray is not your vibe, but you still want a shade that is softer than black, opt for a softer grey tone with flecks of pink, blue, green, or even gold to lighten and brighten your space. Azul Platino, which is a light grey granite with subtle hues of green, blue, black and white flecks, looks great in any room, whether a bathroom or kitchen.
5. Pick a pearl. This option works beautifully for bathrooms, especially to give them that dreamy look with its shimmer and sheen. It can simultaneously be exciting and enticing, particularly if you complement it with the proper lighting. We particularly love the Black Pearl option with its flecks of gold, silver, brown, and green, among other hues. An alternative is the equally stunning Luna Pearl granite.
6. A greenish-grey can make a statement. Options like Costa Esmeralda, a green-colored granite with white and grey veining, can add serenity and a soothing yet fashionable vibe.
7. You can’t go wrong with brown. Brown granite countertops are your best choice for spaces where you want to add warmth or complement an existing cozy vibe. With its yellow and gold flecks, St. Cecilia is a great option to pick, as is the even more elegant Venetian gold with its beige-gold tones and red, grey, and brown veins.
8. Go bold with red. Not for the faint-hearted; nothing makes a room pop quite like a solidly bold red. Options like the Imperial Red granite add a lively, vibrant touch that makes it impossible to ignore.
9. Add charm with a deep green. If you don’t want to go as bold as picking a red, why not choose a more subtle but equally outstanding green instead? Pick an option like Peacock Green, a vivacious deep hue with swirls of gold, blues, and grays, or even the beautiful Green Pearl variety for a touch of class.
10. Bring home the sky with blue. This incredibly versatile shade can be at once sophisticated or subtle. If you want to go elegant, look at Blue Bahia with its gold flecks as an option.
11. Go with a rainbow of flecks. When you want to make your countertop your focal point yet keep the color interesting enough to match just about any change to the décor you make, look for a stone with multi-hued flecks like Uba Tuba. While the base is a deep green, its flecks range from gold to green, brown, grey, and black, making this one a sight to behold.
12. Try metallic flecks. Try a mix of these universally flattering shades when you cannot pick one predominant color. An excellent option to consider is the super versatile New Caledonia. Its base of grey with flecks of black, grey, white, and silver and gold flecks make it a genuinely attractive option for a countertop.

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There are so many options, variations, shades, and designs to pick from when it comes to types of granite countertops, and the list is certainly not restricted to the ones mentioned above. If that gives you a sampling of what’s on offer, you can appreciate being confronted by even more options and choices. At GranitePro, we are experts in not just installing your final choice but helping you pick the best one for your space, keeping all parameters in mind. And, of course, we pay close attention to what you want the final result to resemble. Contact us today to let us help you get the granite countertop that makes the right statement in your home.

When it comes to the world of interiors, there are two materials that stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to countertops. Granite and quartz. And with these materials comes the age-old debate of which stone is better – the natural one, i.e., granite or the engineered one, i.e., quartz?

This debate is a classic one, and that’s because both offer so many benefits that make it difficult to choose between one or the other. Because at the end of the day, your countertop is more than just a slab you install in your kitchen or bathroom.

From helping you prep, prepare, and serve your meals in your kitchen, to housing your sink and storing your toiletries in your bathroom, this slab turns out to be quite a defining feature of the room and needs to be both aesthetic and functional. And, of course, they also need to be extremely durable.

So how do you go about choosing the one that suits your home best? We tell you what to look for.

Granite Or Quartz: Which One Should You Choose?

To help you pick, it’s always good to weigh the pros and cons of each and see which one fits your lifestyle better. Remember that your countertop is a hardworking zone, and it needs to be up to the mark to do its job well.

Granite: An evergreen option for countertops, granite is quarried straight from the earth and is hard to beat when it comes to durability. Add the fact that this natural stone looks stunning with the vast range of colors it comes in, and you have a winner.

From delicate swirls to interesting flecks, there’s no doubt that granite can make a good-looking addition to your room. But remember that it’s quarried, and every slab can look different. So, if a precise, uniform look is what you’re after, granite might not be your best choice.

When it comes to slabs being as uniform as possible, it is important to select the actual “lot” of granite you will be using rather than selecting from a generic sample. On the other hand, if you like your slabs with a bit of character, then you cannot go wrong with granite. It’s also resistant to stains, scratches, or spills.

However, it does need to be resealed periodically, making this an option that does require some maintenance on your part. Specially made cleaners and sealers can help take care of your granite slabs properly.

Quartz: Crushed quartzite, coloring pigments, and polymer resins combine to create this synthetic stone material. This fact also gives it the advantage of looking uniform, which is a plus point for those who prefer consistency in their design. If you are looking for a uniform look or a low maintenance marble looking option, quartz is the perfect solution!

However, the advantage a natural stone like granite has over quartz is that it is more heat resistant. That’s not to say it doesn’t come with its own share of advantages. For one, it doesn’t need to be sealed as it is a non-porous surface. It is also durable and pretty low maintenance with a surface that offers antimicrobial protection.

In addition, it is very easy to clean. But though it’s pretty easy to maintain and clean-ups are a breeze, as far as possible, stay away from harsh, abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which can dull its surface. Instead, opt for one made especially for this material or even simply use warm water and a mild detergent.

Don’t set hot pans and pots directly on its surface, as it can damage the resin. Bleach, nail polish remover, and other alkaline materials should be avoided as well.

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Picking a countertop is an investment. From embodying your preference of design to being able to fulfil the requirements you need it for, it involves money, time, and effort to put together.

At GranitePro, this is our area of expertise, and we go into detail to see which material works well for your home, keeping in mind your layout, space, design preferences, and uses of your countertop. Contact us today to see how we can help install a countertop that’s the right fit for your home.

There’s a reason why granite is by far the most popular choice when it comes to countertops. It’s extremely durable, scratch, stain, and spill-resistant, and can withstand heat, allowing you to place hot pans straight onto its surface. It’s got one added advantage – the fact that it looks stunning and imparts a luxe vibe to any home.

Quarried straight from the earth, this natural stone comes in an array of colors that make it a conversation starter in any home. Did you know that by just putting some thought into the aesthetics of your countertop, you can bring about a wonderful change and add a touch of glamour to any home? We show you how.

Color Options for Granite Countertops

With granite, the one thing you have to keep in mind is that since this is a quarried stone, while the range of colors it naturally comes in is breath taking, they won’t all be exactly alike. This is, in fact, much of the appeal of granite – the character and uniqueness it brings to the table, or in this case, to your countertops.

The best way to ensure maximum consistency is to get stones from the same quarry. However, you should still be prepared for each slab to have its own appeal and quirks.

This doesn’t take away from the spectacular range of colors the stone naturally comes in; studded with swirls, flecks, and delicate veining that sparkle and catch the light, making your countertops look magnificent. The variety of colors will leave you spoiled for choice.

Ranging from reds to golds, blacks, dark browns, midnight tones like deep blues and greens, or even jewel tones that have enough depth and shimmer to grab eyeballs, each with its own movement and variations, the spectrum of colors is each more elegant than the last.

Whether you’re looking at soft shades, bolder hues, or contrasting accents, the nuance in every slab is astonishing, and irrespective of the ambience of the space, whether it is classic or warm, sophisticated or cozy, quirky or rustic, there’s a shade and slab to suit every home.

When picking your granite countertops, it’s important to see the design and layout of your home and the rest of the décor to ensure it either blends in or contrasts beautifully, depending on the look you’re going in for. Apart from the look, see what feel you want your place to give off. And, of course, the size of the room is a factor to contend with as well.

So, for instance, even if you prefer a dark, sophisticated palette but your rooms are small, your countertop in a deep hue could make the space look even smaller. But play around to see what works.

A white room, for example, could be much enhanced by a dramatic flair that black granite countertops can provide, and in this case, since the black is only restricted to the countertop, the white hue of the rest of the room will ensure the space looks larger even with the dark slab.

Luckily, since granite is stain-resistant, you don’t have to avoid picking a light hue even if your kitchen is busy. Just wipe up spills and messes as they happen, and you’re good to go. Make sure, though, that you take care of any oil spills immediately, as this is one liquid that can stain granite, especially a lighter-hued slab.

So keep this point in mind while picking your color as well. Also, don’t feel you have to be restricted to just one shade, but go ahead and mix it up. You can choose a subtle shade for your perimeter but opt for a bold one for your island.

The other aspect you need to pay attention to is your lighting, as the slab can look different under different lights. So, remember that what looks good under the shop lights might not be the same under artificial or warm lighting, so pay attention to this while picking your countertop color too.

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When it comes to choosing the right color for your countertop, it’s not a decision you can make in isolation as everything from the design to the size and layout of the room as well as the installation of the countertop should to be considered before you finalize your choice.

To do this, you need professionals with the right expertise and the perfect design aesthetic to make the result look just how you envision.

At GranitePro, this is exactly what we excel at. Contact us today to see how we can help you pick countertops in shades that bring out not just the beauty of the stone but also show off your décor to create a vibrant area you will love using and will beautifully enhance the chic, high-end vibe of your home.