Things to Consider When Choosing Granite Benchtops

15 December 2022

Granite has to be the most attractive option for kitchen benchtops. Granite is available in several hues, ranging from browns to greys, pinks and purples, and everything in between. Because of its grainy and mottled texture, it exudes a sense of warmth and friendliness. It is not only stylish but also affordable, as it is resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and damage. And these are the reasons that certain fabricators may get away with tricking their clients. Granite countertops of inferior quality might be offered to customers without their knowledge at any point in the transaction.

To spare you some hassle, here is a quick tip on how to avoid being taken advantage of when shopping for granite benchtops:

Ceramic or Stone Slabs

Your first consideration should be whether you would rather purchase granite tiles or slabs. A granite slab is a solid granite. It has the same pattern and colour throughout the slab since it was cut from a single huge granite block. It has a higher initial cost than tiles but requires far less maintenance. On the other hand, tiles made of granite are assembled from several fragments discarded during production. They are more affordable but require additional cleaning, particularly the grout between the tiles.

Direction of Granite

After being familiar with the distinction between tiles and slabs, there is one more significant aspect regarding which you need to exercise caution while purchasing slabs. Granite benchtops feature distinct patterns. Some have a design that is wavelike or flowing in appearance. When you buy them, check to see that the flow of all the benchtops is in the same direction. It not only protects your kitchen from taking on an unsightly appearance, but it also safeguards you against being fooled. Some fabricators will employ scraps or leftovers from an earlier project. It will save them money, but it will be an eyesore for you. Be wary, and require that everyone follow the same routine.

Polish

A surface receives its final appearance after being polished. It makes an immediate improvement to the object’s overall look. Additionally, granite countertops need to be polished. They take on the appearance of a mirror as a result. Nevertheless, some fabricators polish the surface but do not include the edges. The edges are wrapped with wax, which will be removed in around one year. Run your hand over the countertop you’re considering purchasing so you can evaluate its polish level. It shouldn’t have any stains or fingerprints, and the surface should feel smooth to the touch. Move your hand around the perimeter. Do you come across something rough? If that’s the case, it can signify that the craftsmanship isn’t very good.

Sealing

The sealing process protects against scratches, stains, and spills. Even if something were spilled on the surface, your granite countertops would still appear as good as new. With a damp sponge, you can easily remove the stain. A good sealant can offer a watertight seal for over ten years. Granites with a lighter colour may require sealing at an earlier stage. It is important to keep this in mind when shopping for granite benchtops.

Before deciding on a fabricator, it is a good idea to do a market assessment. Make sure that you compare the prices offered by the various firms and the services and guarantees they provide by requesting quotations from various businesses. Since granite is a natural stone, it does not chip readily. Make it a requirement to examine the stone before spending money on it. It will assist you in identifying possible problems before installation when you cannot take corrective action.

Optimized by: Netwizard SEO