Granite Countertops in Allen, TX

Granite Countertops in Allen

Granite helps improve a kitchen by giving it an elegant focal point that will last many years. The only thing about having granite countertops is making sure the rest of your kitchen matches its sleek appearance. Furthermore, you might have to upgrade your entire kitchen if it’s dated; but it’ll be worth it. The best route to a modernized kitchen is having granite countertops installed.

Granite’s appearance varies

Granite has definitely gained popularity over the past few years; but, even with such popularity, it’s still unique.

How so?

Each slab of granite is different from another; no two are the same. Each slab of granite has different grains and veins that give it its unique character. You won’t find two slabs in the same color with the same grains.

Granite’s appeal is that it’s both simple and luxurious. You’ll find it a large variety of colors. The most common colors for granite countertops are white, black, gray and beige. These colors fit most kitchen color schemes and go well with natural light that can be found in most kitchen areas. That being said, granite can also be found in more unique colors, like blue, green and red. These can look amazing in some kitchens, but the trick is finding the combination of cabinetry and flooring to properly balance its boldness.

You’ll find the right design for your granite countertops in Allen, TX. There are many granite designs to choose from, so just make sure to narrow down your search. Decide on a color, then choose a design!

Granite will last many years

The combination of elegant appearance and extreme durability make granite an amazing choice for a countertop. Granite is an igneous rock and is formed naturally by the earth. Its composition makes it both strong and hard, more than capable of withstanding the daily use of a kitchen.

Granite is heat-resistant, scratch-resistant and bacteria-resistant. It can withstand very high temperatures, so moving a hot pan from the stove top onto a granite countertop won’t do any damage. But even so, you should avoid making this a habit. Consistent exposure to extreme heat can lead to the color of granite to fade. We recommend using trivets as much as possible.

You won’t have to worry much about scratching the surface either. Granite’s hardness makes it quite hard to scratch. Even if you purposely run a sharp knife over it, the granite will remain undamaged. On the contrary, your granite might actually damage the knives by dulling them.

When it comes to bacteria, granite’s pores are so minuscule that there’s barely any room for bacteria to trap itself. The surface is smooth and really easy to clean (something we’ll expand on in a bit); so bacteria shouldn’t be a problem as long as you clean your countertop as needed.

Very easy to maintain

All you need to clean your granite countertops is some mild dish soap and water. Additionally, running a damp sponge over it once every few days or after a major cooking session will help keep it clean and as good as new. Don’t pour water directly onto your countertop to wet it; after all, granite is a porous stone. Wetting a sponge will be fine, but just be sure to dry the surface soon after.

Be careful when selecting cleaning solutions and equipment. Bristles on cleaning brushes are usually soft, but they can eventually begin to scratch and fray the surface if used consistently to clean it. Additionally, certain chemical cleaners can discolor, or stain, the surface. Check with your granite countertop’s manufacturer to find out which cleaning solutions are safe to use on it.

Frankly, there really isn’t a need to look beyond the dish soap/water combination. The mix will effectively clean your granite countertops Allen.

Granite installation requires expertise

When it comes to installation, granite isn’t exactly an installation project that you can or should do on your own or with friends. You’ll definitely need the help of a professional granite countertop installation company in Allen.

First of all, granite is extremely heavy. Not to the point that it can only be lifted by a machine, but you’ll most definitely experience some muscle strain if you try to carry it all on your own from the store to your car and from your car into your home. With professional installation services, you won’t even have to lift a finger!

Secondly, granite installation is an extremely precise process. It needs to be cut to perfection and placed properly so that it will stay in place. Cutting the actual slab is hard enough as is, but cutting holes in granite for the sink, faucets, outlets and whatever else that might need to be considered…that’s a tedious task that will need expertise and experience.

Also, shaping particular granite edges is extremely difficult and should only be left to the pros. We’ll go into a bit of detail about the different types of granite edges soon, but you should know that quite a bit of effort goes into creating their chic and elegant appearances.

The tools needed to cut and install granite countertops may be ones that you’ve never used and maybe never even heard of. The time to learn how to use them is NOT when you are trying to remodel your kitchen or bathroom.

Different types of granite edges

Granite slabs are usually either ¾ inch thick or 1 ¼ inches thick. The edges offer another opportunity for creativity, as they can be designed in a number of unique ways. You’ll have plenty of edge types to choose from, here are a few of the most popular ones…

Straight Edge

Straight edge is the classic granite look. The countertops breaks into right angles at the ends to create a squared edge. It sounds simple, but the end result is a bold one. However, you should be careful if you have children running around the house, as they can get hurt if their heads hit the edge.

Bullnose

Bullnose edge granite is another popular choice, as it’s basically a rounded edge. You can also choose the half-bullnose edge, which is a semi-circle met combined with a straight edge at the halfway point. Half-bullnose edges are pointed at the bottom. Choosing between the straight edged and bullnose edged granite is really just a matter of preference. Both looks are subtle, but they certainly have the capability of gaining a guest’s attention.

Beveled

Beveled granite edges have a more contemporary design. Your granite countertop will slant off at the edge, perhaps 1/5 of an inch (for a 1 ¼ inch thick slab), and then angle straight down from there. Beveled granite adds unique character to an already elegant surface. If you have the preference and budget to have a beveled edge installed, we highly recommend it!

Ogee

Speaking of adding character, ogee-edged granite adds tons of it. Basically, the edges are layered at an angle, so the edge will expand as each layer is set. Some homeowners may think that this design is too busy for their preferences. It ends up stretching the granite slab out a few inches and you may feel that it’s not necessary for your kitchen. The design is undeniably nice, but, as we said before, it’s really a matter of preference and taste. The ogee-edged granite may be nicer for a modern bathroom.

Waterfall

Waterfall edged granite is a cool and unique design. Chances are, you haven’t been in too many kitchens with such a countertop edge, if any at all. With a waterfall edge, the countertop takes a right angle at the edge and goes all the way down to the floor. Two sides are covered by the granite and the other two sides are left open. The open sides usually contain cabinets or some sort of breakfast bar. This design is best for kitchen islands, particularly more narrow ones. Your kitchen would have to be spacious in order to have an island. If your kitchen design meets the requirements, you should definitely consider the waterfall edge for your granite. All of your guests will be amazed!

The key to protecting granite

Granite doesn’t have many weaknesses. It’s heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, bacteria-resistant, easy to clean, visually appealing…what’s not to like about granite countertops?

Well, it does have one vulnerability…

As we briefly mentioned earlier, granite is porous. Porous means that a surface has tiny pores through which water can penetrate. Once water gets into the pores, it can settle at the core of the material and cause staining at the surface. In most cases, water reaching the core of granite do any significant damage, but it will probably ruin its elegant look. That’s why it’s always recommended to keep the countertops as dry as possible.

Also, you should get your granite countertops sealed. A sealant will protect the surface from water damage. It will last for around a year or two, so you’ll have to get it resealed whenever the seal fades.

You might be wondering how you’re supposed to know that you need to have your granite resealed.

There is an easy test you can conduct to find out. Just sprinkle a few drops of water onto the countertop’s surface. If the drops bead together, your sealant is still in place. If the drops wander away, it’s time to have it resealed.

Sealing your granite is extremely important. If you want to maximize its lifetime, you should have it sealed. Sealing a granite countertop shouldn’t taken more than 10 minutes!

How much will granite cost?

We wish we could give you an exact number, but it all depends. How much granite do you want? What slab thickness are you looking for? What design? What type of edge?

The answer to each question factors into the price of granite. Generally speaking, granite is a bit less expensive than quartz and much less expensive than marble. It’s uncommon for any homeowner to choose a countertop material that’s not a natural stone material. Therefore, granite countertops can easily be considered one of the most affordable natural stone material. Factor in its durability and appearance and you really can’t go wrong!

Floors Blvd

For answers to your countertop-related questions, to see granite samples and to set up professional installation, give Floors Blvd a call! We have a vast selection of granite designs to choose from and our staff will certainly help you find the best granite for your kitchen or bathroom. Well, we’ll at least help you narrow it down, because it’s ultimately your decision. We want what’s best for your home just as you do!

Floors Blvd also offers various backsplashes to compliment your brand-new granite countertops. We have everything you’ll need to transform your kitchen from dated to modern.

Please visit our website—https://www.floorsblvd.com—to learn more about our products and services. Also, check out our blog for more helpful tips in your quest for an improved living space!

Advance your kitchen today by calling (469) 535-9246!