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Granite countertops are very desirable for new kitchens and remodels. They can really dress up a space, make a statement, and almost become an art piece for the room. It is no surprise that nearly everyone thinks of granite when they think of their dream kitchen. It used to be that granite was a luxury product for a kitchen, reserved for high-end homes and hotels. For many, it was a real splurge to get them. That may have been true a decade ago, however, granite is becoming more and more available on various budget levels. In fact, it often comes standard in many new construction homes or is available as a negotiable upgrade. If you are in the market for granite kitchen countertops in Brookhaven, then here is some good information to help guide you as you make decisions for your kitchen. Granite is a natural stone material that is cut from quarries all over the world. Depending on the region, you will find different colors and patterns that come in a wide variety. This means that you can have locally sourced granite or pieces imported from anywhere around the globe, and each slab will be totally unique. This is one of the best features of granite. The available choices can be overwhelming, but there is definitely something to fit nearly every style and preference. Once a color and pattern have been selected, you can choose the thickness of the countertops. Generally, granite thickness is available in 2 or 3 centimeters. There are also several edge options such as rounded, bullnosed, flat, chiseled, or beveled. These choices can be discussed with your contractor or designer to see what fits your personal taste and needs. You also have a choice in the finish of the actual granite piece itself. A polished finish will give a smooth, glossy look. A honed finish is smooth without being shiny. There are three main alternatives when you consider purchasing granite countertops—slab, tile, or prefabricated. The one that is right for your project will largely depend on the area you need to cover in your kitchen, your budget, and your style choices. Slab granite is usually the most expensive and is needed when you have a large area to cover such as an island, or if there are curves or special shapes and angles to accomodate. Granite tiles are more budget friendly and can be installed similar to any tile; however, you will not achieve the same seamless look you would get with a slab. Prefabricated granite, or prefab, can also be very cost-effective if you have standard sized kitchen counters with straight lines. Prefab granite has been pre-cut in standard sized rectangular and square pieces with pre-finished edging. These pieces can then have minor adjustments or cuts made to fit your kitchen. Granite is very durable and scratch resistant, but like any natural stone product, it is also porous. It can handle day-to-day use well enough and still be easy to clean. Warm, soapy water and a dishcloth will get the job done just fine. They will simply need to be maintained with a yearly sealant to help them resist staining and normal wear. So if you are designing the kitchen in a new build or upgrading the countertops in your current kitchen, you can feel confident that you have all the facts about granite kitchen countertops in Brookhaven that you need to move forward with your plans. Be sure to contact a professional for installation since granite can be very heavy and fragile during transport and is not something easily tackled by a do-it-yourselfer.
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