Remodeling or building the countertops in your kitchen or bathroom can be an overwhelming task for a homeowner. In fact, just selecting which material to use for your countertops can be difficult. The modern home goods marketplace provides homeowners with endless material options. This decision should not be rushed. After all, once installed, these countertops will act as the central piece for your kitchen for many years to come. Not to mention, it will factor into the overall value of your home. An Elegant Appearance A popular choice for many homeowners, especially if they are looking for a more regal feel to their kitchens, is granite countertops. This material, in its natural state, is a rough and textured stone. It contains many different minerals, which contribute to the many variations in the stone's appearance. For example, granite that contains a high amount of the mineral quartz will give the stone a pink, black, or white hue. If you want a similar coloring to be present throughout your kitchen's countertops, then it is best to select slabs that are from the same stone. Once the stone has undergone the rigorous manufacturing process, including grounding and polishing, the stone will resonate with an unmatched smoothness and luster. Proper Care and Cleaning Some caution should be exercised if you want your new counters to remain in good condition. Granite by nature is porous, meaning there is a ton of tiny holes on the surface that liquid can seep into. Therefore, dark liquids, such as grape juice, can seep into those tiny pores and cause discoloration on the surface of the countertop. The best way to avoid this issue is to clean up spills immediately. Stay away from generic cleaning products when wiping up spills or dirt. Instead, opt to use cleaning agents specifically designed for granite surfaces. Another way to help prevent staining is to have your counters properly sealed when installed; this seal acts as a protective outer coat in order to prevent liquid from seeping into the stone. Routine sealing should be scheduled with your installer as seals are prone to deteriorate over time due to scratches and chip damage. It is crucial to apply a seal around areas where water tends to accumulate, typically the kitchen faucet. Benefits and Durability There are several long-term benefits of having this material installed in your home. Granite is an excellent choice for those of us who want to have a more eco-friendly home since the stone is made up of natural material. Also, it is not prone to common damages such as chips and scratches. The stone was formed from magma and other minerals and, therefore, it can handle the heat from cooking pots or hot hair tools with ease. Though the greatest award of installing this stone to some would be its durability, to others it might very well be the fact that this naturally beautiful material can give your kitchen an elegant appearance. When considering countertops, Medford residents visit EleMar Oregan. Learn more at http://elemaroregon.com/stone-guide.html.
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