Three Of The Most Common Mistakes When Choosing Granite Countertops
Granite countertops can be a beautiful addition to any home, and it's one of the most common kitchen upgrades. But if you've ever shopped for granite, you know it can be overwhelming. With so many colors, patters, and styles, how do you know what's right? Unfortunately, it's easy to make a mistake if you're not informed. Here's a look at some of the most common mistakes when choosing granite countertops.
Mistake #1: Choosing without using samples
Whether you're purchasing paint, carpet, curtains or cabinets, it's always a good idea to bring a sample into your home to see how it really looks. Granite countertops are no different. Before choosing your granite, purchase a sample and see how it looks with the lighting and design of your kitchen. Keep in mind that granite is a natural stone, so the pattern and color will vary slightly from piece to piece. But you should still be able to get a good idea of what you're working with.
Mistake #2: Expecting a seamless countertop
Some people think of a stone countertop, and expect to end up with a smooth, seamless finish. But unless you have a very small countertop, you'll have seams. It's just a part of having a granite countertop. The important thing is to make sure that these seams are installed correctly the first time. Several different types of adhesives can be used, but silicone is the most common and most reliable. Any adhesive you use will be visible, but they'll look nice as long as installation is right. But if you've got your heart set on seamless though, you're not entirely out of luck. With the right stone, perfect pattern matching, and the right adhesive, it is possible to create a seamless look.
Mistake #3: Picking the wrong porosity
In short, porosity is how much open space there is in a rock. If you're using granite in your kitchen, you'll probably want to choose a style with low porosity. This will keep kitchen spills from seeping into your stone. Generally, lighter colors of stone are more porous, and darker color stones less so. If you do have granite in your kitchen, you should never prepare food directly on the stone surface. Not only will the liquids from the food slowly seep into your counter, but since granite is so hard, direct contact could actually damage your kitchen utensils!
Of course, the easiest way to make sure you find the perfect granite for you is to trust the professionals! They likely have years of experience, and have seen plenty of situations just like yours. They know how to find exactly what's going to work best for you. Talk to experts like State Stone Corporation Inc. for more information.